No need to get on a plane to experience the French savoir-vivre: A short trip across the Rhine from Basel is all it takes to immerse yourself in magnificent vineyards, charming little towns and fascinating landscapes. Welcome to Alsace! In today's edition, HotelCard takes you on a journey across the most beautiful corners of Alsace along with the best hotels.

1. The Alsatian Wine Route



Alsace's most famous landmark is definitely the legendary Alsace Wine Route, stretching over 170 km : stroll through the vineyards wearing their golden hues in autumn. Stop for a wine tasting at one of the 300 vineyards. Enjoy traditional dishes such as sauerkraut platter or Baeckeoffe in a traditional tavern. Explore charming wine-growing villages full of flower-bedecked windows and cobbled streets.

All of this is just across the border from Switzerland or Germany. Mulhouse is a 35-minute drive from Basel and just 1.5 hours from Zurich.

2. Colmar, the "little Venice"
Colmar proudly bears the title "capital of Alsatian wines" and enchants its visitors with its excellent wines. But besides wine, water also plays an important role: in the Krutenau district, a dreamy scenery made of canals awaits you, resembling Venice and affectionately called "La Petite Venise". Colmar becomes an enchanting Christmas wonderland in winter. Its Christmas market was awarded the title of France's most beautiful in 2017, and for a good reason.



3. Strasbourg, the Romantic City of Europe
Strassburg's charming old town is located on an island, enclosed by the River Ille. It is linked to the rest of the city by 21 bridges and footbridges covered in flowers. The Old Town's cathedral square and "La Petite France" are great places to stroll around and take photos. By contrast, Strasbourg's New Town boasts wide avenues and impressive buildings.



4. Castles in Alsace
Alsace is one of Europe's regions featuring the highest number of castles and fortified towns. Perched upon a high hill, nestled in lush green landscapes, castles withstood time to reveal a breathtaking panorama over the Alsatian plain, the Black Forest and sometimes even the Alps. Among these impressive structures is the so-called Hohkönigsburg, towering over the Rhine valley at an altitude of about 750 metres.



5. Museums in Mulhouse
Should the weather not cooperate, numerous museums await you in Mulhouse. Take the "Musée National de l'Automobile", for example. Motorbike lovers will be in their element at "La Grange à Bécanes" where no less than 90 perfectly preserved vintage motorbikes from bygone days are on display. Alternatively, you could visit Europe's largest railway museum, the "Cité du Train".



Of course, these are only a few of the mesmerizing sights and towns in Alsace. A trip to Alsace is definitely worth it!

Hotel tips in Alsace
In the last few months, we have been able to further expand our hotel portfolio in Alsace and are pleased to present some of them to you:

Le Clos des Sources Hôtel & Spa***, Thannenkirch
Le Clos de Sources has been run with much passion and dedication for five generations. This family-run hotel is nestled in the charming village of Thannenkirch (30 minutes from Ribeauvillé) and is a fantastic choice for those seeking great value for money. It also scores highly when it comes to hearty hospitality, local cuisine and an intimate spa area that pampers you from head to toe across more than 1,000m2.




Best Western Plus Au Cheval Blanc****, Baldersheim
Only 10 minutes drive from the Alsatian Wine Route, the Best Western Plus Au Cheval Blanc welcomes you in Baldersheim. This traditional four-star hotel, which features a typical Alsatian half-timbered house, comes with a "Maître Restaurateur" and an indoor pool equipped with a sauna and steam bath.



Mont Champ du Feu****, Belmont
Away from the hustle and bustle and stress, the Hotel Mont Champ du Feu is located in an idyllic setting surrounded by the hiking area of the same name. Hikers, cyclists and mountain bikers will feel particularly at home here. A new spa and wellness area with indoor pool, sauna, hammam, adventure shower and ice fountain has been opened at the beginning of this year.



La Maison Hôtel*** Mulhouse Centre
If you travel from Switzerland to Alsace, you most certainly will pass by Mulhouse. La Maison Hôtel, a modern urban hotel, is centrally located just a few steps from the Place de la Réunion. It is the perfect starting point to explore the Alsace region or to visit the many museums in Mulhouse.



Kreuz-Post Hotel Spa***, Vogtsburg im Kaiserstuhl (DE)
The Kreuz-Post Hotel Spa is located next to the French-German border and therefore just a few minutes away from Alsace. It only takes a short drive to reach not only the Alsatian wine route, but also the Baden wine route. Indulge yourself from head to toe in the family-run 3-star hotel and enjoy everything from massages to relaxation in the sauna and swimming pool to sunbathing on the large sunbathing lawn.