Best Family Vacation Destinations on the Alsace Wine Route

Alsace's Route du Vin (Wine Route), spanning fromSchwede who lived during Maxmillian's time.
Marlenheim near Strasbourg to Mulhouse and boastingSituated in a historically strategic location, Kaysersberg
over 60 traditional wine-producing towns, is one of thetook on real importance in the middle Ages. The high
most charming regions in Western Europe. This 170 kmfortress that dominates the city serves as a reminder
strip, which runs along the Vosges Mountains, offersof its past. The name Kaysersberg (emperors mount)
visitors an authentic Alsace experience. Visitors arecomes from the fortress, acquired by the Roman
drawn to the area not only for the villages, gorgeousEmpire in 1227. The town developed around the
houses and numerous vineyards that offer freefortress and became an imperial city with walls and
degustations, but also for the host of outdoor activitiestowers. Today Kaysersberg seems more appropriate
on offer.as the perfect setting for an Alsatian festival with its
Situated in the heart of the Alsace vineyards,medieval atmosphere and charm.
Kaysersberg, in the Ribeauville-Riquewehr region ofAlthough over 50 varieties of "grand cru" wines are
the Route is a veritable feast for the eyes. The rusticproduced in the area, the Tokay wine is Kaysersberg
beauty of its lush green landscapes, its rolling hills andspecialty. The village is perfect for visiting any time but
endless vineyards captivate and delight the senses.is at its most attractive in September when the
Considered one of the most beautiful towns on theharvest is under way.
wine route, un-touristy Kaisersberg is picture perfect.Tucked between green mountains, the surrounding
It's half-timbered and stone buildings, magnificentarea of the Route du Vin offers a huge range of
churches, multi- colored roofs, bridges over smalloutdoor activities. This is the perfect base for hiking
streams and rivers, castle ruins, courtyards withbetween the villages which are situated only 2-3 km.
flowers, clean cobblestone streets and walls andfrom each other. Hiking routes and horse riding trails,
gates and fountains - it's all here and just can't be beat!marked out by the Club Vosgien are legion here. Ski
A former imperial town, Kaysersberg has succeededresorts offer a remarkable variety of winter sports
in retaining its medieval splendor and owes itsand airborne activities, such as paragliding and
distinctive identification to the double-gabled,parachuting are perfect in this area.
well-preserved Gothic houses and numerous buildingsWith more than 2000 km of greenways, biking routes,
dating from the 15th to 17th century.cycling paths and lanes, Alsace is France's
History has certainly left is mark here - from Dr. Albertbike-friendliest region. Young and old, fast and slow,
Schweitzer, who was born here, and the museum inriders and families share the extensive network that
his name which reminds us that the Nobel Peace prizelinks villages and vistas of amazing beauty, making
started in Kaysersberg, to the town's leading grapecycling the best way by far, to visit this very unique
variety, the Pinot Gris. Legend has it that the first vinesregion of France.
were brought here from Hungary by Lazare de