Alsace, France Departments: Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin.

Alsace, France Main Towns: Altkirch, Ammerschwihr, Barr, Bergheim, Blienschwiller, Colmar, Dambach la ville, Eguisheim, Guebwiller, Haguenau, Kaysersberg, La Petite Pierre, Molsheim, Mulhouse, Neuf-Brisach, Niederbronn, Obernai, Ribeauville, Riquewihr, Rouffach, Saverne, Selestat, Strasbourg, Val de Ville, Vallee de Munster, Wissembourg.

Alsace is a narrow strip of land stretching from the Swiss border in the South up to the German border in the North of Strasbourg. Cradled by the Vosges mountains and the river Rhine and sheltered by the Vosges mountains, the province of Alsace enjoys a semi-continental climate with hot summers and long warm autumns, ideal for market gardeners, wine growers and visitors alike.

There are three main towns in Alsace, the cultural, intellectual and financial centre is Strasbourg, the industrial and business centre is Mulhouse, the agricultural and wine centre is Colmar. The gastronomy of Alsace combines the heartiness of German cooking with the sophistication of French. Restaurants range from typical Winstubs to elegant award winning restaurants. Alsace is also famous for its wine and beer, and a wide variety of each is available to supplement an excellent meal. There is a sign at the border of Alsace stating "The Crossroads of Europe."   Alsace neighbours both Germany and Switzerland, and The Council of Europe chose to locate its headquarters in Strasbourg in 1949, symbolising the political and cultural centre of Europe. The European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights followed suit and also meet in Strasbourg.

Alsace has had a stormy history and its borders have changed several times over the centuries. It has the greatest number of feudal castles in Europe, of which more than 400 have been discovered, and many are open to the public. The Vosges Mountains are ideal for hikers with over 16,500 kms of paths from simple trails to more difficult routes. The many activities on offer include horse riding, rock climbing, cross country and downhill skiing, cycling, walking and trekking, golf, ice sports, tobogganing and karting, as well as canoeing, rafting, rowing, swimming, diving, fishing, birdwatching and windsurfing. Vineyards line the slopes of the Vosges Mountains, and Ammerschwihr,  Colmar, Guebwilleer, Ribeauville and Turckheim all host wine fairs and festivals. Among the best known local wines are Cremant d'Alsace, Muscat, Riesling, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gewurtztraminer, Le Tokay Pinot Gris and Le Sylvaner.

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