A WEEKEND IN STRASBOURG AND COLMAR
Strasbourg
Strasbourg
One of my best-loved past-times of living in France is of course travelling! After over four years of becoming a Parisian in the making, the itch to escape tears me away from Paris long enough to give into my wanderlust of Strasbourg and Colmar.Located in the Alsace region of France, famous for its white wine, beautiful blend of French and German influence and colourful and decorative facades of half-timbered houses, this region is as idyllic and quaint as the next.
Why should you visit Strasbourg?
Summer in Colmar
Strasbourg boasts both the big city vibe coupled with the small town feel. It's vibrant and rich in museums, bars, cafes and restaurants. As the official home of the European Parliament, it makes an attractive home for professionals. La Petite France is the city's most picturesque district and is definitely the place to head to first. This historical city centre splits into a number of canals weaving through narrow lanes, footbridges, circling the pastel-toned half-timbered houses lining its banks.
The Cathedral and its majestic beauty and Gothic aesthetics described by Victor Hugo as a "gigantic and delicate marvel", does not disappoint. I looked up in awe from the bottom, overwhelmingly standing tall over the city. The interior is just as impressive. Inside, stained glasses windows beam as the sun shines, an astronomical clock puts on a parade at 12:30 each day and if you have time to climb the 300 steps a panoramic view of Strasbourg awaits.
Whilst I loved my visit to Strasbourg, La Petite France just didn't have the "wow factor" for me. At the time I couldn't quite put my finger on it as I wanted so much just to be taken away by it. Had my expectations been built too high? Had I seen too many Instagram images? Perhaps, if I'm truthful, I had expected it to be a lot more like Colmar.
The fairytale magic of Colmar
Let's face it. Colmar was the real reason for coming. Known for its inspiration for Disney's classic Beauty and the Beast and undoubtedly the perfect place to experience fairytale magic. Colmar oozes with a charm that will take your breath away.
Colmar emanates beauty and with so many narrow cobbled streets and alleys to wander around the canal, its picturesque scenery and wonderful rainbow coated houses are a gem to photograph. The star of the show is La Petite Venise which is easily walkable in 20 minutes or you can also opt-in scenic boat trip. I visited during the warm summer months but my lovely Airbnb host, a native to the region, strongly advised to return during Christmas for the spectacular markets. Something to look forward to!
Where to stay in Colmar
Airbnb Colmar
Airbnb Colmar
This was the first time I chose to stay in a sharedAirbnb apartmentwhilst travelling solo. I've always been a little apprehensive to do this, however this time I opted to try something a little different. It was the best decision! Why? My Airbnb host was awesome, not only was his apartment located in the historical city centre where the city was born, he also had some great tips on where to eat and drink. Not to mention this was my morning view looking out of my bedroom window!If you get a chance, I'd really recommend the restaurant La Soi.
Les tartes flambées are homemade, the owner is wonderful and as someone who has dietary restrictions, I loved being able to customise mine!
Riquewihr to Hunawihr - the Alsatian wine route hike
Riquewihr summer
Riquewihr
Hike Alsace
If you try and say these Alsatian towns out loud, you will most likely butcher the names like I did. No matter how hard my Airbnb host tried, I was terribly versed in the Alsatian dialect, much to his amusement!As far as hiking trails go this is a relatively easier one and taking bus 106 from Colmar to Riquewihr where you start the hike is simple to do.
Bus timetables can change depending on the day so I'd advise going to the tourist office for up to date information.It was great to get out of the city and explore the wine country. I'll admit this wasn't actually on my itinerary until I heard about it through word of mouth. Maybe it was the lack of expectations and not knowing what to expect that gave it the "wow factor".
Hunawihr to Ribeauvillé - the Alsatian wine route hike
Hunawihr
Hunawihr
Ribeauvillé
The tourist office provided an easy guide to get to Hunawihr and Ribeauvillé and it was pretty much in one direction. In the distance, you can see the peaks of the Vosges mountains and if you're a fan of white wine then this is the place to be. En route through the vineyards, I arrived at Hunawihr after around 40 minutes.
Hunawihr is a very small and quaint village unknown to crowds of tourists. The town actually felt very empty, in fact, I felt like the only visitor there that day! There was one restaurant which I spotted and definitely no tourist shops. I walked around the town twice in 30 minutes before moving on.Ribeauvillé lays nestled between vineyards, mountains and three fortified castles. All three are accessible via hiking footpaths on the mountainside.
Upon arrival at the medieval Ribeauvillé my camera was ready and snapping! For a small town it was full of cafes and restaurants. It didn't quite have the same charm as Colmar but nonetheless had some great pâtisseries!
Riquewihr