A toast to the architecture gems of Alsace

For many Paris is France, however Strasbourg and the Alsace wine region are no less impressive.

Flying to Zurich and driving with a rented car it’s a rather quick easy ride to this city of dream heritage architecture. Over the centuries, Strasbourg has forged an identity founded on the dual influences of both France and Germany. The first one that springs to mind here is the Petite France, with its world-famous different level canals that attract most visitors and the half-timbered houses.

An architectural tour to enjoy the Alsatian houses of Strasbourg is fascinating. The partly hard wood buildings are a symbol of the area’s resistance to German rule, as the town passed from Germany to France several times throughout history. The Alsatian houses of Strasbourg are therefore a reminder of the rich and complex history of the region. Those structures are highly recognizable by their pitched roofs, stepped ceilings and the wooden exterior fronts. The houses date back to the Middle Ages and are built in rows, creating a beautiful facade of the city. The bright colors of the residences are usually painted in pink, yellow or blue, which adds to the warm atmosphere and decorated with wood carvings, frescoes and floral motifs. We witnessed that some houses have names, which are often inscribed on ornamental ceramic plaques. Over the centuries, these houses became increasingly characterized with labyrinthine carvings, manufactured-iron decorations and wall paintings, reflecting the wealth and status of their owners. Remarkable Petite France is why sometimes it is called ‘Little Venice’. A leisurely stroll along the river delta while enjoying this medieval colorful architecture, drinking wine in a colorful cafe, is certainly a thrill.

The architectural joy of Alsacian houses in Strasbourg photo by Motti Verses)

Petite France, with its world-famous different level canals (photo by Motti Verses)

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg, an impressive landmark(photo by Motti Verses)

The iconic Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is an impressive landmark here. Positioned in an extremely urban surroundings it is a great surprise to suddenly see it in its full glory between the narrow streets. Although considerable parts of it are in Romanesque architecture, it is widely considered to be among the finest examples of refined style of Gothic French Architecture. Ironically it is a German architect, Erwin von Steinbach, to be credited for the major planning contributions in the 13th century. Certainly the icon of the city.

The European Parliament, located in Strasbourg, is designed as an oval-shaped building, a symbol of union, reflecting the essential notions of transparency, democracy and proximity. The classical circular shape of the central tower incorporates a baroque-type elliptical courtyard, implying the transition from Galileo’s circle to Kepler’s ellipse. Or from the symbol of centralism to a plurality of centers. From centralized power to a multi-polar European democracy. Genius thinking. Although remote from the old town – a must visit for every modern architecture lover. It’s important to remember – this French city attracts 10 million tourists per year and the reasons are endless.

An exciting voiage through my memory lane materialized, staying in the city’s Hilton. A veteran hotel built in the 1980s, reflecting the partly glass covered architecture of similar hospitality properties of the decade. Functionality for a hotel operation is the king planing here, offering a variety of banquet facilities for conventions and meetings. The hotel was my home 20 and 30 years ago during my trips with professional media writers. Embracing the past for emotional feelings was the reason I chose it to be our base in Alsace.

The European Parliament, a symbol of union (photo by Motti Verses)

A veteran hotel reflecting the glass covered architecture, Hilton Strasbourg (photo by Motti Verses)

Hilton Strasbourg, the lobby look (photo by Motti Verses)

The major reason to visit this breathtaking region is the Route des Vins d’Alsace. A road of 170 kilometers, passing through vines and picturesque villages and towns.

Ribeauvillé is an attractive town with 5000 inhabitants, which has combined its historical heritage with modernity. The convenient public parking is 100 meters from the entrance to this  major tourist hub, framed by fantastic views of vineyards and rolling hills. It is one of the most beautiful places in France with its wooden facade houses, flower-laden window sills, picturesque streets and Renaissance fountains. The gates and fortifications here are unique. The scenic Grand’rue, the Main street, is edged with the Alsatian style residences, dating back to the 15th- 18th centuries. Their colors also correspond to a fairly intriguing past code: blue for the carpenters, red for the blacksmiths, yellow for the bakers and pastry chefs, beige for the stone trades and green for the leather and fabric professions.

We leave this true wonder and amazement towards another breathtaking pearl – Riquewihr. We take a break on the road near a vineyard for coffee and to play Pétanque with the locals. This social traditional French game involves hollow metal balls thrown as close as possible to a small wooden ball. These type of games date back through the Middle Ages and beyond, but we learn that officially Pétanque was invented only 120 years ago. An hour later we are full of energy to explore our next hidden gem.

Ribeauvillé, middle ages houses with vines (photo by Motti Verses)

Ribeauvillé – one of the most beautiful places in France (photo by Motti Verses)

Ribeauvillé, Alsatian style residences, dating back to the 15th- 18th centuries (photo by Motti Verses)

Ribeauvillé, wooden facade houses, flower-laden window sills and wines shops (photo by Motti Verses)

Ribeauvillé, scenic edged Alsatian style with local wines (photo by Motti Verses)

Pétanque with the locals in Alsace (photo by Motti Verses)

Hidden in some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace, Riquewihr is another wonderful and romantic little medieval town. One just falls in love with its irresistible charm. Walking there is a jump into the world of fairy tales. The alluring ambiance of typically colorful Alsatian architecture and balconies lined with a wonderful assortment of flowers is heartwarming. It’s hard to decide if this town is more or less impressive than Ribeauvillé. One thing is certain – they both present Alsace classic architecture, share characteristics of a warm and welcoming accommodation and a decorative exterior often painted and decorated with medieval symbols

More attractions to come and the road calls. The highlight is yet awaits – Colmar. Home of Auguste Bartholdi, the father of the Statue of Liberty in the US. Bartholdi was a world-renowned French sculptor during the late 19th. His greatest achievement was designing the famous crowned  lady statue which was sent as a gift from France to commemorate the role of the French in the American Revolution. A smaller copy of the statue stands at the city entrance.

Colmar’s pedestrianized historical center is a conservation area featuring a rich heritage, spanning from the Middle Ages till today. The city is a mix of cultures with all of its history and architecture. A visible symbol of elements of art by the Rhine river. Despite the wars, Colmar remained virtually unscathed and today offers a stroll through the centuries. Many monuments dating from the Middle Ages to Renaissance have been finely restored and are on historical monuments list. The old town center is remarkable for its harmony and beauty. Delightfully charming and incredibly romantic. A postcard-perfect town.

Riquewihr, a wonderful and romantic little medieval town (photo by Motti Verses)

Carpe Diem slogan in Riquewihr – “one should enjoy life while one can” (photo by Motti Verses)

Riquewihr, falling in love with its irresistible charm
(photo by Motti Verses)

Located by some of the most famous vineyards in Alsace – Riquewihr (photo by Motti Verses)

Riquewihr, an alluring ambiance of typically colorful Alsatian architecture (photo by Motti Verses)

Colmar, remarkable for its harmony and beauty (photo by Motti Verses)

A postcard-perfect town – Colmar (photo by Motti Verses)

Alsace, beautiful hilly vineyards stretching along the Rhine river (photo by Motti Verses)

Route des Vins d’Alsace, a road of 170 km, passing vines and picturesque towns (photo by Motti Verses)

And the Alsace wines?

Receiving some of the lowest rainfall in France results in ripe grapes with complex aromatics. With seven primary grapes –  Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Noir, Sylvaner, and Muscat, this region is proud of its 51 vineyards. We tried to taste them all as part of the thrilling experience in this rewarding visit.

Boasting beautiful hilly vineyards stretching along the Rhine river, travelers enjoy both unique architecture and a variety of quality wines. This combination guarantees a journey for a lifetime.

Levons nos verres ! Let’s raise our glasses for your next journey – Alsace, France.