Guide to France
Friday, May 18, 2007
Traveling to Alsace
Traveling to Alsace
by: Jennifer Marie Jordan
For those of you who are avid travelers, there are probably several places on your wish list that you want to see. You may be determined to pull the slots of Las Vegas, or you may desperately wish to journey into Graceland, glancing at the bed where Elvis once slept, the pillows where he once drooled. You may desire to camp in the Australian outback, under the stars and the wishful eyes of the hungry dingos, or you may, in a personal challenge, go to New York, knowing that if you can make it there, you will make it anywhere. No matter where it is you choose to travel, one place well worth seeing is Alsace, France.
Alsace is the smallest region in metropolitan France. Nearly four times longer than it is wide, it borders Germany, Switzerland, Franche-Comte, and Lorraine. Sunny, dry, and protectively shielded by the Vosges Mountains, Alsace maintains a very storybook quality. With white cottages and brown trim, flower boxes in windowsills, and people uttering cheery hellos while they sweep front porches, the only thing Alsace is missing is seven singing dwarfs. It is like a place manufactured purely for happiness, a place that will make you want to get up bright and early and yodel.
Alsace was heavily influenced by Germany, mainly because the Germans kept invading. While this probably got annoying among the citizens of Alsace - Dang it, the Germans are here again and I just opened a new bottle of wine - the German’s presence heavily influenced the cuisine and architecture that Alsace has since become famous for.
There are several places to go in this area; it is a region with the rare talent of offering perpetual entertainment. However, if you go to Alsace, there are certain places to which you must journey. Not doing so will leave you berating - or beret-ing - yourself all the way home.
A Boat Ride on the River III - The III is a river located in the eastern tributary of the Rhine. Starting in the mountain town of Winkel, this river runs northward, eventually meeting the Rhine in the city of Strasbourg, the main city in Alsace. Riding on a boat while the river flows through Strasbourg will allow you to see some of Alsace’s truly historic features, including walls and defenses built in the 17th century.
A Visit to Colmar - This old city is one of the most well-preserved in all of Europe. Home to buildings made in German gothic style, architecture of the early Renaissance, and several historic churches, Colmar is a place where tourists can go to bask in the sun. The driest city in all of France, the climate of this area is ideal for growing wine. Raising its glasses in a toast to Mother Nature, Colmar is the Capital of Alsatian Wine.
Claiming the Throne at Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg - The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is the biggest tourist attraction in all of Alsace; going to Alsace and not seeing this castle is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Located in the protective Vosges Mountains, this castle was routinely occupied by successive powers. During the Thirty Year’s War, however, the castle was abandoned, and lay deserted for several centuries. While unoccupied, it served as an inspiration for poets, writers, and artists. In 1900, Emperor Wihelm II had it restored, giving it the fairytale-esque feel that has made it so popular among visitors.
The Alsace Wine Tour - The Alsace Wine Tour is enjoyable for anyone. From those who don’t drink wine to those who named their first child, “Brandy,” the beauty this wine tour captures will leave you in awe. The entire route goes for more than 170 kilometers, running through hills, villages, churches, and houses made of timber. For those who wish to sample some of the goods, tasting cellars and accessible vineyards are located along the path.
The Museums of Strasbourg - The principal city in Alsace, Strasbourg serves as the backbone of the Alsace economy. Home to manufacturing, engineering, and road, river, and rail communications, Strasbourg also contains the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition to this, Strasbourg is home to a plethora of museums. From the Musee Zoologique, which is renown for its huge collection of birds, to the Musee Archeologique, which displays regional findings from the beginning of man through the 6th century, both the Dr. Doolittle and the Indiana Jones in you are sure to be appeased.
Right now, Alsace may be French to you. But, once you journey there you will find the customs, cultures, and atmosphere very appealing and welcoming. It’s like a place you’ve never experienced and you‘ll want to return; going there once will make you understand why the Germans kept on coming back for more.
About The Author
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for Mirage Limo. Having been to five continents and over 40 countries, her travel column can be found at the Mirage limo website.
by: Jennifer Marie Jordan
For those of you who are avid travelers, there are probably several places on your wish list that you want to see. You may be determined to pull the slots of Las Vegas, or you may desperately wish to journey into Graceland, glancing at the bed where Elvis once slept, the pillows where he once drooled. You may desire to camp in the Australian outback, under the stars and the wishful eyes of the hungry dingos, or you may, in a personal challenge, go to New York, knowing that if you can make it there, you will make it anywhere. No matter where it is you choose to travel, one place well worth seeing is Alsace, France.
Alsace is the smallest region in metropolitan France. Nearly four times longer than it is wide, it borders Germany, Switzerland, Franche-Comte, and Lorraine. Sunny, dry, and protectively shielded by the Vosges Mountains, Alsace maintains a very storybook quality. With white cottages and brown trim, flower boxes in windowsills, and people uttering cheery hellos while they sweep front porches, the only thing Alsace is missing is seven singing dwarfs. It is like a place manufactured purely for happiness, a place that will make you want to get up bright and early and yodel.
Alsace was heavily influenced by Germany, mainly because the Germans kept invading. While this probably got annoying among the citizens of Alsace - Dang it, the Germans are here again and I just opened a new bottle of wine - the German’s presence heavily influenced the cuisine and architecture that Alsace has since become famous for.
There are several places to go in this area; it is a region with the rare talent of offering perpetual entertainment. However, if you go to Alsace, there are certain places to which you must journey. Not doing so will leave you berating - or beret-ing - yourself all the way home.
A Boat Ride on the River III - The III is a river located in the eastern tributary of the Rhine. Starting in the mountain town of Winkel, this river runs northward, eventually meeting the Rhine in the city of Strasbourg, the main city in Alsace. Riding on a boat while the river flows through Strasbourg will allow you to see some of Alsace’s truly historic features, including walls and defenses built in the 17th century.
A Visit to Colmar - This old city is one of the most well-preserved in all of Europe. Home to buildings made in German gothic style, architecture of the early Renaissance, and several historic churches, Colmar is a place where tourists can go to bask in the sun. The driest city in all of France, the climate of this area is ideal for growing wine. Raising its glasses in a toast to Mother Nature, Colmar is the Capital of Alsatian Wine.
Claiming the Throne at Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg - The Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg is the biggest tourist attraction in all of Alsace; going to Alsace and not seeing this castle is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. Located in the protective Vosges Mountains, this castle was routinely occupied by successive powers. During the Thirty Year’s War, however, the castle was abandoned, and lay deserted for several centuries. While unoccupied, it served as an inspiration for poets, writers, and artists. In 1900, Emperor Wihelm II had it restored, giving it the fairytale-esque feel that has made it so popular among visitors.
The Alsace Wine Tour - The Alsace Wine Tour is enjoyable for anyone. From those who don’t drink wine to those who named their first child, “Brandy,” the beauty this wine tour captures will leave you in awe. The entire route goes for more than 170 kilometers, running through hills, villages, churches, and houses made of timber. For those who wish to sample some of the goods, tasting cellars and accessible vineyards are located along the path.
The Museums of Strasbourg - The principal city in Alsace, Strasbourg serves as the backbone of the Alsace economy. Home to manufacturing, engineering, and road, river, and rail communications, Strasbourg also contains the Council of Europe, the European Parliament, and the European Court of Human Rights. In addition to this, Strasbourg is home to a plethora of museums. From the Musee Zoologique, which is renown for its huge collection of birds, to the Musee Archeologique, which displays regional findings from the beginning of man through the 6th century, both the Dr. Doolittle and the Indiana Jones in you are sure to be appeased.
Right now, Alsace may be French to you. But, once you journey there you will find the customs, cultures, and atmosphere very appealing and welcoming. It’s like a place you’ve never experienced and you‘ll want to return; going there once will make you understand why the Germans kept on coming back for more.
About The Author
Jennifer Jordan is a senior editor for Mirage Limo. Having been to five continents and over 40 countries, her travel column can be found at the Mirage limo website.
Labels: Alsace
Tuesday, May 8, 2007
The Town of Chambéry
The Town of Chambéry
by: Jakob Jelling
Chambéry is located within the Alps, in France, and is one of the most famous and attractive towns of the region. From this town, visitors could have an amazing view of the Alps which is said to be unique due to the way in which the sight is clear towards almost every point a person might wish to look.
At the north area of Chambéry there is the main natural lake of France, the Lac du Bourget, famous due to its beauty and charm. Besides its lake and landscapes, Chambéry also offers visitors the chance to explore amazing buildings as well as relax at a local café or a restaurant.
Those visitors who enjoy sports would also be able to find something fun to do while being in Chambéry due to the fact that this town offers the chance to practice several different sports. Among the different sports available within the area of Chambéry there is, for example, skiing, sailing, and rock climbing among others.
Due to the fact that Chambéry is not a very big town and it is full of peculiar spots to meet, it is recommended to walk in order to explore it or rent a bicycle instead of translating from one point to another by car. This way, by walking around the city, visitors would be able to pay attention to any detail they might find attractive and explore the town as precisely as they might wish.
The Chambéry street called Rue Basse du Chateau is one of the most unique and charming spots within the town and it is highly recommended that visitors take their time to explore it in detail, although in 2001 a fire destroyed an important part of it. Another interesting place to visit in Chambéry is the Chateau of Chambéry, which was the main residence of the Ducs de Savoie and offers a very appealing architectural structure to observe.
There also are several other interesting places to visit within the town of Chambéry. Among these spots there is the Cathedral de Chambéry, the Place du Palais de Justice, the Place St. Leger, the Croix du Nivolet, the Elephants Fountain, the local Museum, and Mont Garnier among others.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit France if you're planning a trip to France.
by: Jakob Jelling
Chambéry is located within the Alps, in France, and is one of the most famous and attractive towns of the region. From this town, visitors could have an amazing view of the Alps which is said to be unique due to the way in which the sight is clear towards almost every point a person might wish to look.
At the north area of Chambéry there is the main natural lake of France, the Lac du Bourget, famous due to its beauty and charm. Besides its lake and landscapes, Chambéry also offers visitors the chance to explore amazing buildings as well as relax at a local café or a restaurant.
Those visitors who enjoy sports would also be able to find something fun to do while being in Chambéry due to the fact that this town offers the chance to practice several different sports. Among the different sports available within the area of Chambéry there is, for example, skiing, sailing, and rock climbing among others.
Due to the fact that Chambéry is not a very big town and it is full of peculiar spots to meet, it is recommended to walk in order to explore it or rent a bicycle instead of translating from one point to another by car. This way, by walking around the city, visitors would be able to pay attention to any detail they might find attractive and explore the town as precisely as they might wish.
The Chambéry street called Rue Basse du Chateau is one of the most unique and charming spots within the town and it is highly recommended that visitors take their time to explore it in detail, although in 2001 a fire destroyed an important part of it. Another interesting place to visit in Chambéry is the Chateau of Chambéry, which was the main residence of the Ducs de Savoie and offers a very appealing architectural structure to observe.
There also are several other interesting places to visit within the town of Chambéry. Among these spots there is the Cathedral de Chambéry, the Place du Palais de Justice, the Place St. Leger, the Croix du Nivolet, the Elephants Fountain, the local Museum, and Mont Garnier among others.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit France if you're planning a trip to France.
Labels: Alps
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
What To See In Loches
What To See In Loches
by: Jakob Jelling
Loches is a very interesting town located within the region of Loire Valley, in France. This town is very attractive due to the several different antique buildings it has and the richness of its historical past. By walking around the central area of the town as well as by its surrounding country lands, those tourists who enjoy historical constructions would be able to have a nice time while meeting several of them.
One of the most attractive ancient buildings visitors could meet within the region of Loches is its Fortress. This fortress shows a very unique and impressing appearance, due to its magnificence and incredible size which reaches heights of as much as 40 meters. Different kings, such as Louis XI and Louis XII used this feudal fortress as a prison for their enemies. This way, this building can be seen as one which had strong incidence within the history of France.
Another very important construction located within the area of Loches is the Royal Home. Most of the Royal Home was built during the XV century, although another part of it was not built until one century later. This construction shows a unique combination of architectural elements from the Renaissance mixed with elements from the medieval époque, and within its interior some Gothic ornaments can be observed as well.
Saint Bear Church is another interesting Loches' building. This church is located near the Fortress and both these buildings share one same rock foundations. The Saint Bear Church was originally built during the V century as an oratory. Later, the building was extended and became a monastery. This church’s architecture is very beautiful and shows an incredible mixture of different styles, mixing elements from many different époques between the V century and the XV century.
Besides the above mentioned important buildings, Loches and its surroundings have many other different historical constructions and beautiful buildings from several antique époques. Among these constructions there are many interesting monuments, such as, for example, the Cordeliers' Door. The Cordelier's Door is recognized as the city's Main Door and is one of the main spots visitors should make sure of meeting while being in Loches.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit France if you're planning a trip to France.
by: Jakob Jelling
Loches is a very interesting town located within the region of Loire Valley, in France. This town is very attractive due to the several different antique buildings it has and the richness of its historical past. By walking around the central area of the town as well as by its surrounding country lands, those tourists who enjoy historical constructions would be able to have a nice time while meeting several of them.
One of the most attractive ancient buildings visitors could meet within the region of Loches is its Fortress. This fortress shows a very unique and impressing appearance, due to its magnificence and incredible size which reaches heights of as much as 40 meters. Different kings, such as Louis XI and Louis XII used this feudal fortress as a prison for their enemies. This way, this building can be seen as one which had strong incidence within the history of France.
Another very important construction located within the area of Loches is the Royal Home. Most of the Royal Home was built during the XV century, although another part of it was not built until one century later. This construction shows a unique combination of architectural elements from the Renaissance mixed with elements from the medieval époque, and within its interior some Gothic ornaments can be observed as well.
Saint Bear Church is another interesting Loches' building. This church is located near the Fortress and both these buildings share one same rock foundations. The Saint Bear Church was originally built during the V century as an oratory. Later, the building was extended and became a monastery. This church’s architecture is very beautiful and shows an incredible mixture of different styles, mixing elements from many different époques between the V century and the XV century.
Besides the above mentioned important buildings, Loches and its surroundings have many other different historical constructions and beautiful buildings from several antique époques. Among these constructions there are many interesting monuments, such as, for example, the Cordeliers' Door. The Cordelier's Door is recognized as the city's Main Door and is one of the main spots visitors should make sure of meeting while being in Loches.
About The Author
Jakob Jelling is the founder of Eurotomic.com. Please visit France if you're planning a trip to France.
Labels: Loire Valley
