Alsace: for a border-free stay in the heart of Europe

Ah, Alsace! It is usually known for the beauty of its half-timbered houses, its renowned gastronomy and its famous Christmas markets. However, it is also a cultural crossroads in the heart of Europe. It links France, Switzerland and Germany through an incredible diversity of landscapes where, flanked by mountains and the banks of the Rhine, open-air activities abound.

Strasbourg, the beating heart of Europe…

Like New York and Geneva, Strasbourg is the headquarters of international institutions (the European Parliament and Council of Europe, among others, are based there) despite the fact that it is not the state capital. A visit to the city centre, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must. Strasbourg is also an ideal starting point for excursions across the Rhine, to châteaux nestling in the heart of vineyards, villages perching on the mountainside between lakes and forests, and other delights. Visitors can then stay in one of the city’s two youth hostels: Strasbourg René Cassin Youth Hostel or Strasbourg Deux Rives Youth Hostel. On the agenda: peace and quiet, leafy surroundings and biculturalism!

Mulhouse: welcome to the city with three borders

Visitors will enjoy the convivial atmosphere in the capital of Southern Alsace, which is lively and colourful against the backdrop of its half-timbered facades. Take a trip to the centre of technical museums (the largest in Europe), including the automobile and railway museums and the museum of printed textiles. Visitors are ideally placed to discover all of the charms of Alsace, in addition to those of the Swiss Jura and the Black Forest, which is in the region of Freiburg in Germany.
For evening entertainment, the Mulhouse Youth Hostel has everything planned: located in a beautiful park only two kilometres from the historical centre (with the possibility of sporting activities nearby at the Olympic skating rink and the water sports centre), it has an outdoor terrace and numerous musical activities to be enjoyed. In addition, this hostel was awarded the official seal of approval for disabled tourism, enabling it to provide optimum accommodation for people with mental and motor disabilities. In order to facilitate the trip to Mulhouse and its surroundings, the hostel offers guests a three-day/two-night stay, including a museum pass enabling entry to 170 museums, sites, gardens, châteaux and fortresses from 60 € (for visitors under the age of 18) to 105 € (for visitors aged 18 years and over).

Saverne, at the foot of the Ballons des Vosges

Saverne, a historical city with a turbulent past, is also an ideal base for excursions into the heart of an exceptional natural environment. In particular, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, listed as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO, will satisfy all those wishing to get drunk on fresh air! As for the Saverne Youth Hostel, guess where it is: inside the Château des Rohan itself, with its monumental façade of pink sandstone towering proudly. This is a unique opportunity to live like kings in an unforgettable setting!

Christmas markets: visit the East of France in a magical setting!

Alsace is full of treasures but it is at Christmas time that it is decked out in all its finery. Take advantage of the Christmas holidays to visit the East of France and enjoy a magical experience. In December, towns and villages are decorated in red and white and glisten with thousands of lights. Colmar, Thann, Haguenau, Sélestat, Saint-Louis, Riquewihr, Obernai, Struth (the venue for the smallest Christmas market in Alsace) and Mulhouse in particular vie together with Strasbourg to dazzle visitors with their enchantments. In the capital of Alsace, the magic is at its peak. December in Strasbourg is above all a huge Christmas market, and this year marks the celebration of the 438th edition! There is a unique atmosphere, particularly towards the end of the afternoon. As night falls, the sun disappears, yet everything starts to shine. Shop windows are lit up, decorations embellish the facades of the buildings, the aromas of spices and cinnamon tickle the nostrils, and Christmas carols fill the church choirs. The Christmas market takes over several roads and squares in the city centre, in particular Place Broglie and Place de la Cathédrale. Shopkeepers and market sellers in their hundreds sell decorations for cribs and Christmas trees, as well as presents and sweetmeats, fritters, vin chaud, and so on. Now you know, if you want to experience the magic of Christmas in full, visit the East of France.

©CRT/B. Naegelen, CRTA/Hamm

Christmas markets in 2009:

Mulhouse: 24 November to 27 December
Strasbourg: 28 November to 31 December
In and around Saverne: small authentic and traditional Christmas markets will be trading in numerous villages between 22 November 2009 and 3 January 2010. Find out more…

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