Home >
France >
Alsace Holiday Cottages
Alsace holiday cottages lie in a region that is rich in history, consisting of miles of unspoilt awe inspiring countryside. Over 10,000 miles of carefully signposted trails provide visitors with great opportunities for experienceing the impressive landscape - this is French walking country at its best. Rent Alsace cottages through the link included below.
The history of this region is evident in a wide collection of castles and religious architecture. There are over 100 castles in Alsace dating from Feudal times and can be reached by picturesque castle discovery trails. Charming villages such as Kaysersberg, with its flower clad streets, offers an idyllic excursion and is one of Alsace's gastronomic centres.
The Alsace Plain consists of some beautiful scenery, punctuated by a selection of canals and waterways that cut through wooded, plush countryside. There are lots of Boat Hire companies found on the banks and River Cruises are also available. Other notable attractions include Safari Parks such as Les Naïades à Ottrott that offer some fine scenery as well as an impressive array of wildlife.
Alsace is also known for its fine wines and good food - It is the only region in France that makes wine from a single variety of grape and is harvested late for optimum taste. In addition, there are around thirty starred restaurants to help satisfy the taste buds even more. Book Alsace self catering holidays and holiday cottages online!
Alsace self-catering attractions
The Alsace, renowned as one of the friendliest regions in France cannot fail to delight cottage holiday makers, with its magnificent forests, rugged coastline, quaint villages and medieval towns, which offers much in the way of sight seeing and outdoor pursuits.
Outdoor activities
There is plenty to do in this beautiful region which will interest the whole family. Walking and hiking are both very popular activities and there are 16,000 km of clearly marked hiking paths. For the keen golfer, there are no less than eleven challenging course in lovely settings. There are two nature parks – the
Ballons des Vosges and the Vosges Regional which offer ballooning, cross country skiing, rock climbing, riding and fishing.
You can explore the Route du Vin, which stretched from Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg to Thanu near Mulhouse and there are plenty of opportunities along the route to taste the famous white wines. Great for kids is the
Lac Blanc Parc d’Aventures as well as Monkey Mountain Safari Park. The Bains Municipaux offers tennis, squash and badminton – free play or lessons.
Food and drink
Much of the attraction of holidaying in the Alsace is its famous cuisine. Quiche Lorraine, sauerkraut and white wines such as Riesling and Gewurtztraminer are renowned all over the world. Visitors can enjoy them in wine cellars, known as Winstubs. Try La Cloche a Fromage in Strasbourg which serves classic French cuisine and has an amazing selection of cheeses. For an extra special dining experience, eat at L’Auberge de l’Il in Illhausern - haute cuisine at its finest.
La maison des Tetes in Colmar is renowned for its good, reasonably priced menu and if you enjoy Belgian beer, try les Freres Berthom and also sample the bar food.
History and Culture
As Alsace shares a border with Germany, it has seen centuries of conflict which has left a plethora of military strongholds, castles and war cemeteries. But its most famous landmark is the
Cathedrale Notre Dame with its beautiful 13th century architecture and said to be one of the finest cathedrals in Europe. T
he octagonal feudal
Chateau du Hohlandsbourg at Eguisheim is also worth visiting. Open 11 April to 11 November 10.00 – 7.00. Opening dates can vary so it is best to check ahead. In the Rhine valley stands the majestic Haut Koenigsburg, situated on a ledge 755 metres high. Open daily 11April to 11 November. The guides are in medieval costume and there are stunning views of the Black Forest and the Alps. On a darker note, you can visit Le Struthof Concentration Camp, the only WW2 camp on French soil. Booking essential for group visits. Open March to April from 9.00 – 6.00 and September to December from 10.00 -5.00.