Starting in picturesque Colmar was charming, with it's Hansel and Gretel style architecture. Dating back to 823AD and a city since the 1200's Colmar has much to explore and picturesque waterways flanked by timbered buildings with a profusion of window boxes overflowing with flowering geraniums. Bartholdi,designer of the Statue of Liberty, came from Colmar and his house is now a museum celebrating his life and works. On a more contemporary note and due to open soon the new Herzog & de Meuron designed extension to the Unterlinden Museum (housed originally in a Dominican convent) is just one of many good reasons to make a trip.
Part of 'La route du vin' or wine road, the Autumn harvest is a wonderful time of year to experience the region. A wealth of pretty medieval villages line the way, such as Eguisheim - voted 'the most preferred French village' in 2013 complete with storks' nests on the roof tops. Even in October the weather was warm enough to not need a jacket.
Wherever you go in the area you're sure to find wonderful Kougelhopf - a speciality enriched bread with variations including dried fruit, to a more savoury one with olives and walnuts, particularly good to enjoy with a chilled glass of excellent local wine.
In close proximity to Germany the pork culture is strong and traditional Choucroute / Sauerkraut is probably the most famous popular dish, but not for all tastes.
Pork aside I really enjoyed my taste of Alsace, which is such an easily accessible area. Definitely one to consider whether for work or pleasure.
