Alsace

Bordered by the mighty Rhine to the east, Alsace is an expanse of thickly wooded greenery criss-crossed by streams and rivers. French with a touch of Teutonic tidyness, Germanic place names betray the region's dual identity and turbulent past. Follow the Route du Vin and do some wine tasting. Drink in the spectacular scenery on the Route des Cretes. Explore the medieval villages and ruined chateaux, or the rambling narrow streets of Strasbourg and Colmar. Go horse riding, hiking, cycling, or fishing. Try choucroute or tarte alsacienne, washed down with a glass of the local beer in a weinstube.