The ‘Haut-Rhin’ is the southern half of the region of Alsace in the north east of France. It’s a region that is very urbanised and densely populated, with a strong Germanic influence. Despite this, the heart of Alsace remains French and the region is very popular with tourists. Every one of our senses is satisfied; the diversity of the landscape is surprising for such a small region and there is some really beautiful scenery to take in; for those of us who enjoy ‘the good life’ there are numerous delicious dishes particular to the region; you can follow the wine route and discover some excellent wines; lots of historic monuments, a land of history and culture.
The ‘aires de service’ are still fairly rare in this region of France but they are out there and you’ll usually be able to find somewhere to park near to most of the main tourist attractions.
Travelling south from Ribeauville, take the ‘wine route’. This walled city with its ruined castles is full of history. Its ancient houses, elaborate fountains and the decorated ‘Hotel de Ville’ date from 1536.
A must is the old town of Colmar where you can visit ‘La Petite Venise’ by its waterways and admire the restored architecture of this ancient town which dates from as early as 1350. Take a step off the wine route to visit the Valley of Munster with its ancient ramparts and Abby. Sixteen villages full of history surrounded by their eternal guardians, the mountains of the Vosges. You can continue on the wine route passing through Rhiquewhir, Wettolsher, Guebwiller, Thann and Rangen, profiting all the way from the history, the architecture and the gastronomy of the Haut Rhin. There are also plenty of vineyards to visit and wine tasting to do!
Continuing south, take in the Doller Valley. Try out the tourist train from Cernay to Sentheim. Six stations in 15kms, a step back in time to 1869. On to Mulhouse which has become a flourishing and agreeable industrial town, having been an important commercial centre in medieval times.
Finish your trip in the calm and beauty of Le Sundgau. Known as ‘the land of hills’ or ‘the land of 200 ponds’, this area is a hiker’s heaven.
Ideal for anyone who enjoys the wide open space, medieval and religious history and a bit of the good life, the Haut Rhin is for you!
