As a child, the road from Nancy to Metz was a familiar journey for me. My maternal grandmother lived in Nancy, and my paternal grandmother in Metz. Between the two cities, it’s just about 50 km. The A31 motorway would swiftly carry us from one town to the other. But that wasn’t the most exciting part of the trip, especially in the 80s when traffic jams were less common than
Alsace Lorraine Guide
Explore the heart of Alsace-Lorraine through this blog, your gateway to its rich history, culinary delights, and scenic beauty. Dive into a tapestry of cultural heritage, from quaint villages to vine-laden hills, and embrace the unique allure of this storied region.
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Welcome to off-the-beaten-path Alsace! If you know me, you know that I am a great lover of this region. I’ve explored its nooks and crannies, from the streets of Strasbourg to the Christmas markets of Colmar. But today, I want to take you beyond the tourist sites. I love the major attractions, don’t get me wrong. But there is something thrilling about discovering those hidden spots, those picturesque villages, and
Many memories flood my mind when I reminisce about my years spent in the Sundgau, a region in the south of Alsace. Over a decade, I explored these lands steeped in history and charm, uncovering hidden treasures and secret corners of Alsace that shaped my perception of this picturesque region. Secret corners of Alsace – the view from the Landskron Castle Among these discoveries, seven sites, in particular, left a
Fancy discovering Alsace with kids? With its picturesque landscapes, rich heritage, and culinary traditions, this region is the ideal playground for memorable adventures. Whether you’re a fan of history, art, thrill-seekers, or just in search of peaceful outdoor moments, Alsace welcomes you with open arms. In this article, I offer 7 ideas to explore this magnificent region in all its facets, guaranteeing unforgettable memories for both young and old. So,
Picture this: the most exquisite beaches in France are actually found in the heart of Alsace! Yes, you read that right—beaches in Alsace are a hidden treasure that will shake up everything you thought you knew about French summer getaways. Intrigued? You should be. Beaches in Alsace: and what about Strasbourg Plages? 😂 It’s a revelation that might catch many by surprise and even spark a bit of scepticism. Who
If you’re pondering where your next adventure should take you, why not consider a trip across the pond to visit Alsace? Alsace is a region close to my heart. In fact, I’ve been living in this region for more than a decade and stayed there on vacation numerous times. Nestled in the northeastern corner of France, this enchanting region is where the French ‘joie de vivre’ meets German ‘Gemütlichkeit’, creating
When we think of the Romans, images of Mediterranean countries immediately spring to mind. But the Romans in Lorraine are often ignored. What traces did the Romans leave in today’s Lorraine? The cultivation of vines? Certainly. The red tiles of the villages of Lorraine which give them a ‘Provençal touch’? Definitely! Roman tiles in Boucq, Lorraine But there’s more to discover, especially for history and archaeology buffs, those with a
When one thinks of Lorraine, images of lush landscapes, historical battles, and architectural marvels come to mind. This region, nestled in the heart of Europe, is a tapestry of cultures, stories, and traditions waiting to be explored. Through the streets of its cities, from the majestic squares of Nancy to the poignant memorials of Verdun, Lorraine offers a journey through time and beauty. I’ve wandered these cities, each visit peeling
Nancy-Metz. Two towns in Lorraine that seem to have nothing in common. Two cities that, in the past, have each led their own destiny. One dates back to ancient times, and the other was founded more recently. When one claimed to belong to an independent duchy, the other was already breathing in the scent of the King of France’s fleurs-de-lys. One is famous for its 18th-century royal squares, while the
When we talk about “Alsace Cities”, images of quaint streets, vibrant markets, and architectural marvels instantly flood the mind. Having explored these magnificent cities numerous times and even calling some of them my workplace while living in Alsace, I’ve grown intimately familiar with their charms and secrets. In this article, we’ll journey through the heart of Alsace, focusing on its bustling cities rather than the equally enchanting villages and country
I remember this history lesson in 4th grade at the French Lycée & Collège in Landau, Germany. Our teacher had prepared a case study for us that was slightly outside the official syllabus. It dealt with an alliance of Alsatian towns in the Middle Ages, of which Landau was one. It was the first time I had discovered that there was such a thing as an ‘Alsace Decapolis’, and even
It was 2010 in Sydney. I was organising a literary club – a French book club – on the premises of my French language centre ‘French Moments’. I had come up with the idea of asking my English-speaking readers to read a book that wasn’t too complicated and that they could relate to. I chose L’Ami Fritz, which all Alsatians know… at least by name! Reading of L’Ami Fritz at
Many visitors wonder what souvenirs from Lorraine to bring home or for their family and friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice during your visit, from Longwy enamels to Meisenthal Christmas baubles. Not forgetting the region’s many local products (Munster cheese, mirabelle plum, bergamot, madeleines, Moselle wines…). To help you decide, I’ve compiled a shortlist of 15 souvenirs from Lorraine. If you have more ideas, please leave a comment below! Nancy
Fancy bringing a piece of Alsace back home? Known for its rich cultural and gastronomic heritage, this region has treasures waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a fan of fine wines, culinary delights, or traditional crafts, Alsace has something to satisfy all your souvenir desires. Many visitors wonder what souvenirs from Alsace to bring back for their family and friends. You’ll be spoilt for choice when you visit, from storks
Have you chosen Alsace as your holiday destination? Congratulations on selecting the North-East of France, and welcome to Alsace! If you stay in the region for a few weeks, here’s my list of the 10 must-see places in Alsace. Choosing the right place to stay Alsace is not a very large region. You can cross it in less than half a day. The distance between Wissembourg in the north and
Ah, Alsace! Land of sauerkraut, half-timbered houses and vineyards as far as the eye can see. But wait, there’s so much more to discover in this charming and slightly mysterious region! Forget the classic tourist guides. Today, we’re diving into the unusual, the extraordinary and the unusual – Uncharted Alsace! Thought you knew Alsace? Well, fasten your seatbelts (or your Alsatian braces) because I’m taking you on a journey of
About Pierre
Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of several Discovery Courses and books about France.
This blog is run by Pierre Guernier for French Moments Ltd, a company founded by Pierre and Rachel Guernier and based in the south coast of England.
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