ALSACE (France)

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Alsace is situated in the far north-east corner of France and is one of the country's smallest régions. This beautiful and enchanting area nestles between the Vosges mountains to the west and the river Rhine, 275 miles from Paris and right in the heart of Europe. The region has much rich agricultural land, particularly between the River Rhine and the Vosges mountains. Vineyards dot the low-lying areas that rise up from the Rhine, and Alsace is noted for its white wines. The region also produces about half the beer consumed in France. Once part of the German Empire, Alsace only became French under the Louis XIV. Germany later re-annexed it twice, from 1870-1918 and from 1940-1945.

From a tourist's point of view, Alsace projects a fairy tale image of half-timbered houses adorned with flowers, gabled roofs, and chimneys - sometimes topped by stork nests. The upper Vosges, with majestic forests and peaceful lakes, presents inviting panoramas to the hiker and the intrepid mountain-bike rider.

Alsace has created one of Europe's great original dishes: choucroute. Regarded as the national dish, choucroute is fluffy sauerkraut served with smoked ham, sausages, and potatoes, enjoyed with wine or beer. The seven Alsace wines, six white and one rosé, are named after the grapes from which they are made: Gewurtztraminer, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, riesling, sylvaner and Tokay Pinot Gris. Marketed in the long slender bottles typical of the region, they are dry and crisp, and should be served cold.

The wine route wends its way for about 75 miles along the eastern side of the Vosges moutains. Famous among other theme-oriented itineraries in Alsace are Mountain Ridge Road, Romanesque Road, Rhine Road, and Fried Carp Road.