Don’t miss stops along the French/German Border
Apr 01 '00
Part one of two decribing one of the most enjoyable trips I took driving between France and Germany. Alone, speaking French and no German I embarked on an adventure that was never to be forgotten.
I love driving in Europe. For some reason they really figured out how to make a driving experience just that an experience. On a recent trip where I drove from a city near Lyon to Munich I fell in love once again with the countryside on the border. If you are planning a trip here and can rent a car, these are must see stops. Many are also conveient via train:
A very scenic castle albeit remote is in Sully which can be found near Autun and Beaune. To visit the grounds you need to pay 15ff. It is a quickie tour that is self-guided and I was the only person there at the time. But it was something new to see and I was impressed by its size. Still a private castle, a single family lives there and the interior is off limits. The most interesting site was the ancient church in ruins. Most likely bombed out in WW2, this site afforded lots of fantastic photographs. I would recommend this only is you are passing through. Do not make a special trip.
From there I headed to Colmar on a big "interstate". It cost 52ff (approx. $10) but it was worth it to drive over 100mph listening to great music and best of all it was legal! The roads are a lot of fun- clean and uncongested. Lazy curves from the mountains and flanked by vineyards or fields of sunflowers. I could see why the French and Germans fought for this land.
Colmar has always been one of my favorite cities. I headed to the old town and visited the main cathedral where the Madonna in Roses provided a lovely meditative work of art. I was surprised that the church charged an admission fee. Wandering around the cobblestone streets you can’t help but wonder about the centuries of men and women who lived on these narrow streets.
On the way to Strasbourg I decided to seek out two smaller villages: Ribeauville and Riquewihr. The first was a beautiful village which looked very Germanic with loads of Geraniums (did you know Geraniums are supposed to keep mosquitoes at bay which is likely where the tradition of window boxes filled with these plants began- remember that Europe tends to use screens). Surrounded by acres of vineyards, Ribeauville was a very romantic spot. The second city Riquewihr was by far the best place I had visited that day. Old ramparts and cobblestone streets were surrounded by huge hills made lush by the vibrant green of the vines cultivated. This village really took my breath away. I will return here.
Finally I hit Strasbourg. I was exhausted from all that sightseeing and driving. I found a great deal for a hotel off the expressway called Mister Bed þ great name and it only cost 149ff a night (about $130 to you and me). 9th century to modern architecture gives Strasbourg the personality it has earned as an important city in Europe. It may bit a bit small but as an economic powerhouse and political giant, this city is as influential as it is unassuming. This city is the seat for the ECU. Don’t miss the soaring medieval cathedral or the old city which lies around it on an island carved out by the river. La Petite France is the district that is most reminiscent of old Strasbourg. Its narrow streets offer a series of half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries with large inner courtyards and high sloping roofs. This is a must visit.
Please check out my second segment on the other side of the border.
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Mynameismir
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Member: Mireille
Location: Baltimore, MD
Reviews written: 66
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