Alsace, a region in the North-East of France, has two départements: Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin

Alsace is the smallest of France's twenty-two régions, but legitimately claims the title of "heart of Europe", since the regional capital, Strasbourg, is home to the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Parliament, which sits in the ultramodern Palais de l'Europe building.

Mulhouse, another of the region's major cities, enjoys direct links to many of Europe's most important economic centres. It lies halfway between Frankfurt in Germany (340 kilometres) and Milan in Italy (350 kilometres). It is equidistant to Paris, Brussels and the Mediterranean. And it is just 100 kilometres from Zurich in Switzerland. The city is also very close to the intersection of the French, German and Swiss borders.

HISTORY

The Romans put Alsace on the historical map in 58 BC.

Circa 625-630, The name Alsace appeared; it was then a dukedom which split into two 740-750to become what is today’s counties (departments).

In the 12thC, the Imperial Power-base of Hohenstaufens was established as Alsace, and founded a number of towns there; Hagenau their capitals.

Following the Renaissance, Alsace grew rich again; and gave rise to the magnificent architecture of the public buildings and bourgeois mansions.

The Thirty Years War halted the rise in prosperity. The peace of 1648 resulted in the province’s steady incorporation into the Kingdom of France. Louis XIV captured Strasbourg in 1681; the Rhine became the frontier with Germany. The reconstruction and the reconversion by the Catholic Church improved prosperity.

Alsace became fully integrated into the the French Nation following the Revolution of 1789. Under Napoleon, Alsace supplied the armies and provisions. The defeat at Waterloo in 1815 led the region through a serious economic crisis. Middle class businessmen modernised and transformed the local economy, finally overcoming the recession.

Between 1871 and 1918 has been part of the German Empire and then back to France.

From 1940 to 1944-45 the region was held by Nazi Germany.

Today, the European Parliament holds its sessions and the European Court of Human Rights sits in Strasbourg.

The year 1968 marked a renaissance in Alsatian literature; is now flourishing in three languages: French, German and the local dialect, Elsasserditsch.

1979 The European Parliament, elected by universal suffrage, held its first session in Strasbourg. It was following in the footsteps of the European Court of Human Rights, the European Youth Centre, the ARTE TV channel, Eurocorps, and the Assembly of the Regions of Europe… Alsace became the heart of the new Europe.

THINGS TO DO & SEE

Castles

Alsace is the region of Europe with the greatest number of feudal castles, a sign of its tumultuous history. Traces of more than 400 of them have been discovered, mostly in ruins. Nevertheless, a hundred are relatively intact.

Museums

The Museums of Alsace tell of life in the region, of its inhabitants, and the people of the region.  From traditions to technology, paintings to fabrics, all are part of the past, present and future of this region.

Nature Reserves, Walks and Safari Parks

Alsace has preserved and protected its fascinating natural heritage, you can explore the reserves and unspoilt nature, with specially designed educational sites that delight visitors while providing a wide range of information.  There are also 10,000 miles of signposted footpaths, which take you through unspoilt nature at its best. 

A trip with the family discovering the world of wild animals, the Alsace safari parks are green and beautifully landscaped.

 

Vineyards

The vineyards cover thousands of acres, forming a magnificent panorama as they climb the sunny slopes of the Vosges, past medieval villages and ancient castles.  Alsace is the only region of France to continue the tradition of making varietal wines only. It has seven delicious grape varieties plus wines made with late harvested grapes that connoisseurs consider a rare pleasure.

In the beginning, Alsace was under the sea, so what could be more natural than to enjoy the water-sports it now offers, Canoeing, white-water rafting, wind surfing and fishing. From the sky Alsace offers sky diving, hang gliding, micro-lighting and parachuting.

Night Life