Alsace and Lorraine holiday cottages
Discover ancient sights nestled in magnificent mountains
Hansel and Gretel-like houses and ruined castles are just some of the unique jewels you'll discover on your gite holiday in this historic French region.
Situated at France's meeting point with Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium, the linked regions of Alsace and Lorraine offer a unique heritage, stunning scenery and a fascinating blend of cultures to explore outside your luxury country gite.
Majestic mountains and lush valleys form the backdrop to the sophisticated city of Strasbourg, while postcard-like villages nestle among the wooded hills of the Vosges.
Things to see and do in Alsace and Lorraine
Step out of your French holiday cottage to travel through time…
- History: The ancient, awe-inspiring geography of the Massif des Vosges between Alsace and Lorraine marks millions of years of history, while the battlefield memorials of Verdun are a poignant reminder of a more recent past.
- Trails: So much to explore, so much to do. Whether on skis in winter, or on-foot all year round, more than a thousand kilometres of trails open up vast new landscapes.
- Art: Art-lovers can unravel the centuries, discovering the regions' Gothic, Renaissance and Art Nouveau treasures.
- Towns and villages: Is Strasbourg one of France's most beautiful cities? We think so. Meander through the squares and narrow streets of the Grande Ile and criss-cross the canals in the delightful Petite France quarter.
- Architecture: Admire the regions' fairytale half-timbered houses, characteristically bright with geraniums and often crowned with a stork's nest.
Tastes of the Alsace and Lorraine
- Local dishes: Try a warming baeckoffe stew, smoked meats and sausages, tarte a l'oignon, pastries filled with fruit, or sweet kougelhopf cakes.
- Wine: Running through the heart of Alsace, the Route du Vin Touristique weaves through the vineyards all the way from Strasbourg to the medieval capital of Colmar. Here, you can sample crisp Riesling, Gewurztraminer and the excellent Pinot Gris.
Don't miss...
- French might be the day-to-day language here, but listen out for locals chatting in Elsässisch. You might even spot some words of this old dialect on signs too.
Our regional team recommends
- The Cathédrale Saint Etienne in Metz provides a fascinating window to the past, boasting some of the finest stained glass in France, including sections by Marc Chagall.
- The town of Colmar, which holds the record for being the driest town in France, is well worth visiting. Its sunny microclimate is what makes the wine taste so good.
Did you know...?
Alsace has more Michelin restaurant stars than any other region in France.
Cottages to rent in France
Nearest Airports
Paris Charles de Gaulle and Strasbourg.
Travel Tip
Rent a boat and cruise along one of the seven main canal routes to explore the lesser-known parts of the region.
