Let yourself be guided… tourism-alsace.com Contents Introduction 4 to 7 Strasbourg Colmar and Mulhouse Escape into a natural paradise 8 to 17 Discover nature Parks and gardens Well-being and health resorts Wildlife parks and theme parks Hiking Cycle touring, mountain biking, high wire adventure parks, climbing Horseback packing Golf and mini-golf courses Waterborne tourism Water sports, swimming Airborne sports Fishing Winter sports Multi-activity holidays Taste unique local specialities! 18 to 25 Gastronomy, wine seminar, cookery classes Visit the markets Museums of arts and traditions Towns and villages “in bloom”, handicraft Half-timbered houses, traditional Alsatian costume Festivals and traditions Lay siege to history! 26 to 35 Museums Land of fortified castles Memorial sites Religious heritage Practical information about Alsace 36 to 45 Access Accommodation Disabled access Alsace without the car Family holidays in Alsace Weekend and mini-breaks French lessons Festivals, shows and events Tourist Information Offices Tourist trails and routes Map of Alsace The guide to your stay in Alsace Nestling between the Vosges and the Rhine, Alsace is a charming little region with a big reputation. At the crossroads of the Germanic and Latin worlds, it is passionate about its History, yet firmly anchored in modern Europe and open to the world. Rated as among the most beautiful in France, the Alsatian towns and cities win the “Grand prix national de fleurissement”, “Towns in Bloom” prices every year. Through their festivals and their traditions, they have managed to preserve a strong identity based on a particular way of living. World famous cuisine, a remarkably rich history, welcoming and friendly people: in this jewel of a region there really is something for everyone. To discover Alsace at your own pace, you simply have let yourself be inspired: surprises await you at every turn of the page. Jacques Dreyfuss Head of Alsace Tourism Joseph Ostermann Head of the Bas-Rhin Tourism Development Agency Eric Straumann Head of the Haut-Rhin Departmental Tourism Association Strasbourg ith its extraordinarily rich culture and lively joie de vivre, Strasbourg is without a doubt one of the most exceptional European cities; a city that is just crying out to be explored. The capital of both Europe and Alsace, Strasbourg is a young and dynamic city. Historic monuments, good food and culture: who could fail to fall in love with Strasbourg! Like many large cities, its districts have their own distinct identity which is intrinsically linked to their history and their inhabitants. Encircled by the Ill, the city centre, classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contains the main locations and monuments that give Strasbourg its reputation: the Cathedral, the Maison Kammerzell, the Petite France district or the covered bridges, etc. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain The Petite France district MF = Museum of France (Museum of Modern and Contemporary The most picturesque part of Old Notre-Dame Cathedral (C) Art) (MF) Strasbourg. In olden days, fishermen, See p. 35. See p. 31. millers and tanners lived and worked in Astronomical Clock +33 (0)3 88 23 31 31 this district, built at the water’s edge. www.musees-strasbourg.org +33 (0)3 88 32 75 78 +33 (0)3 88 52 28 28 www.otstrasbourg.fr Cathedral platform The Vaisseau +33 (0)3 88 43 60 40 See p. 31. The European Institutions +33 (0)3 88 44 44 00 Official seat of the European Parliament, Alsatian Museum (MF) www.levaisseau.com Council of Europe and the European See p. 23. The Maison Kammerzell Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg +33 (0)3 88 52 50 01 Journey back through time and visit throws itself into international affairs. www.musees-strasbourg.org one of Strasbourg’s most charming +33 (0)3 88 52 28 28 buildings; a gem that has made many www.otstrasbourg.fr generations of merchants wealthy. +33 (0)3 88 52 28 28 www.otstrasbourg.fr 4 MAIN EVENTS Street performance festival Musica 2009 Festival “Artefacts” In August Festival of modern music. Modern music www.strasbourg.eu End of September - beginning 2nd fortnight of April Ososphère of October www.artefact.org Electronic nights. www.festival-musica.org Strasbourg Music Festival End of September “JAZZDOR” Jazz Festival In June www.ososphere.org Mid-November www.festival-strasbourg.com The “Mondial de la Bière” www.jazzdor.com Festival of European cultures Annual Beer festival ST-ART - Contemporary art fair and flavours October End of November In July www.festivalmondialbiere.qc.ca www.st-art.com www.culture-food.eu All events can be found at: www.tourism-alsace.com STRASBOURG PASS Wonderful little passes that are your key to the city for 3 days (numerous reductions). To buy a pass or find out more, visit Strasbourg Tourist Information Office. +33 (0)3 88 52 28 28 www.otstrasbourg.fr PRACTICAL INFORMATION Eco’Pouss city tour Strasbourg by panoramic boat (electric tricycle) on the river Ill +33 (0)6 29 08 28 41 BATORAMA www.ecopouss.com +33 (0)3 88 84 13 13 Historical treasure hunt www.batorama.fr around the town Strasbourg by floating restaurant “Il était une fois la ville” Croisières de l’Ill +33 (0)3 88 31 05 25 www.iletaitunefoislaville.com +33 (0)3 88 84 10 01 www.bateaux-strasbourg.fr Contact the Strasbourg Tour and commentary in mini-tram Tourist Information Office C.T.S. +33 (0)3 88 52 28 28 www.otstrasbourg.fr +33 (0)3 88 77 70 03 www.cts-strasbourg.fr Segway tour (innovative self-balancing transportation device) Segway City Tour +33 (0)6 37 04 71 70 www.segwaytour.fr 5 Colmar t is impossible to resist the charms of Colmar, with its half-timbered houses, canals, flowers… and those who do are missing out on a delightful town. Encapsulating the idyll of Alsace, it protects a way of life that is just waiting to be discovered. The capital of Alsatian wines, it combines the intimacy of a medium-sized town with a remarkably rich heritage. The must-see attraction is of course “Little Venice”. If your thirst for culture is not quenched by a visit to Unterlinden Museum, then the Bartholdi Museum which tells the story of the creator of the Statue of Liberty born in Colmar, will be a perfect end to thee dday.ay. av MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS Unterlinden Museum (MF) Jazz Festival PRACTICAL INFORMATION MF = Museum of France +33 (0)3 89 20 15 50 Beginning of September Guided tours for groups www.musee-unterlinden.com +33 (0)3 89 20 68 68 or individuals Maison Pfister www.ville-colmar.fr Bartholdi Museum (MF) +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92 One of the symbols of old See p. 30. Cinema Festival www.ot-colmar.fr Colmar, the maison Pfister, ème “7 jours pour le 7 Art” Tours of Colmar in a little is named after one of its (“7 days for the 7th art”) 19th century owners. tourist train with commentary In October Sarl TRAIN’S +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92 +33 (0)3 89 20 68 68 www.ville-colmar.fr +33 (0)3 89 24 19 82 www.ville-colmar.fr www.artifrance.fr/petit-train The Koïfhaus Night time illumination of the Sarl SAAT The former customs house. heritage of the old city Built in 1480 at a time when +33 (0)3 89 73 74 24 Every Friday and Saturday as www.petit-train.com Colmar and the Upper Rhine +33 (0)3 89 41 90 60 well as every evening during Boat trips on flat bottomed were heavily influenced by www.musee-bartholdi.com major events. boats on the river Lauch the extraordinary talent of the +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92 painter and engraver Martin Dominican Church www.ot-colmar.fr - Sweet Narcisse Schongauer. See p. 34. +33 (0)3 89 41 01 94 The Foire aux Vins d’Alsace +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92 +33 (0)3 89 24 46 57 www.sweetnarcisse.com (Alsace Wine Fair) www.ot-colmar.fr - Barques La Krutenau Exceptional showcase of the St Martin collegiate church MAIN EVENTS wines of Alsace. Wine tasting +33 (0)3 89 41 18 80 th th [email protected] Gothic style (13 and 14 International Music Festival of and selling. Excellent pro- century). Built on the site of a Colmar gramme of concerts. Contact the Colmar Tourist former Romanesque church. 1st fortnight of July +33 (0)3 90 50 50 50 Information Office Felsberg organ, Silbermann +33 (0)3 89 20 68 97 www.foire-colmar.fr +33 (0)3 89 20 68 92 sideboard and choir organ. www.ot-colmar.fr www.festival-colmar.com All events can be found at: +33 (0) 89 41 27 20 6 www.tourism-alsace.com Mulhouse ulhouse has skilfully and intelligently transformed its industrial past into a wonderful source of knowledge and wonder: its technical museums are renowned far and wide and the National Automobile Museum is one of the most fascinating in the world. The old town is the perfect place to go for a stroll and immerse yourself in a very cosmopolitan atmosphere in this former industrial town, discovering historic monuments such as the Hôtel de Ville or the Saint-Étienne temple. The dynamism of the town’s cultural structures means it is home to many museums and holds the title “Town of Art and History”. MUST-SEE ATTRACTIONS EDF Electropolis Museum - MAIN EVENTS The adventure of electricity (MF) MF = Museum of France International Carnival Cité de l’Automobile - End of February - beginning of National Automobile Museum - March Schlumpf Collection (MF) www.tourisme-mulhouse.com Automobile Festival July See p.