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You Shouldn't Have to Marry a Local to Have a Great Vacation in Alsace!
Ok, I hit the jackpot.
I married a French Alsatian man and moved to Alsace, so my friends, family and I got to see what most tourists visiting France never will...
...their own private tour of where the French prefer to go on vacation in France (and surprisingly enough, a lot of French people stay in France for their vacations!)
When I first moved here, I didn't think much of it.
Alsace?
It's that German part of France, right?
Weren't there some wars fought in there? I think I remember something like that from history classes.
Yeah, OK, why should I go to Alsace on vacation, or (in my case) live there?!?
But if you like....
history...
Alsace has over 150 villages full of:
centuries-old churches
medieval gates
medieval walls
restored and ruined castles
and a lot more...
I often feel like time is standing still in these ancient Alsatian villages and yet the locals live and thrive here like it's no big deal. They're so wonderfully down to earth.
It's really indescribable, and I always end up taking a million pictures trying to capture the magic in my photos!
I just can't help myself. It's so magical!
wine...
Alsace is a French wine region and has over 104 villages surrounded by vineyards with mostly family-run wineries...
And did I mention wine tastings?!?
But pace yourself!
If you do a wine tasting at every winery in even a really small Alsatian village in a single day, you may not make it to dinner!
culture...
Alsace is distinctly different from the rest of France.
The Alsatian people have their own language that sounds NOTHING like French or German. They have their own cuisine, music, traditional dress, architecture, art, and way of life.
They are a wonderful people and it's well worth experiencing the way they live life day in day out.
If you only sample their wine and take photos of their villages, you've missed something you may regret.
Take the time, if you can, to find out what it's like to live here...
Even if for a short time!
I live here and from experience I can say that it's completely unlike living anywhere in the US or even Paris.
war history...
Alsace has been fought over from Roman times to the 20th century.
Everybody wanted it (with good reason for strategic purposes):
Julius Caesar
Frederick Barbarossa
Louis XIV
Napoleon
the Hapsburgs
the Holy Roman Empire
and the Germans to name a few.
Because of all this, Alsace has tons of castles...some ruined, some in good shape.
Alsace also has quite a few Maginot Line forts. One of which was still shelling Germany after the French had surrendered to the Germans. Why? Nobody told them about the armistice!
Alsace also has the ONLY concentration camp in France (although it was technically part of Germany at the time).
And I won't even start talking about the World War One trenches in Alsace...that are still in good shape...
Gothic cathedrals and medieval monasteries...
Alsace has a magnificent cathedral in Strasbourg, but it's also full of monasteries and convents that are even older!
European Politics...
Alsace's capital, Strasbourg, is the seat of the European Parliment, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights.
and a lot more, but that is what the rest of the website is about!
We're here to help you plan your trip to Alsace...
- whether you will be visiting Alsace for a day or a week...
- whether you want to get off the beaten path or see the most popular sites here in Alsace...
- whether you're travelling alone or with friends or family...
- whether you're bringing small children, tweens, or teens with you on your trip to Alsace...
- whether you speak French or German or just English...
- whether you've been to a foreign country before or just got your first passport...
Hey, I know what it's like. Before I moved here, I had never visited a foreign country other than Canada. So a FOREIGN country on a DIFFERENT continent that speaks a DIFFERENT language can be a little intimidating.
BUT it doesn't have to be. I've thought of EVERYTHING (or at least everything I could think of!) for your trip to Alsace.
For those of you who are more seasoned travelers, there will be lots of lesser-known things to do and recommendations.
So whatever you are looking for in Alsace, you will be able to find it here!
So...
Willkommen im Elsass!
Bienvenue en Alsace!
Welcome to Alsace!
It's time..... to GET ALSACED!
What's New at GetAlsaced.com
Here's where you'll find out about what's new at www.GetAlsaced.com
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GetAlsaced Site Map
Use our GetAlsaced site map to find whatever you're looking for! Want to know about Flammakueche? Or medieval villages with train stations? Whatever you're looking for...it's here!
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All about GetAlsaced.com and Suzele
All about GetAlsaced.com and Suzele: why did I build this website anyway? Why am I in love with Alsace? and Who am I? You can find out more about us here.
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You Can Contact Suzele at GetAlsaced.com Here
Contact Suzele: So you've got a question about Alsace? I've got some answers. If I can help you, I will. Got a comment? I'd love to hear it!
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Need Some Help with Your Alsace Travel Plans?
If you're starting to look at making a trip to Alsace and you're just too busy to do a good job of it, maybe you'd like some help with your Alsace travel plans.
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Alsace Tours: Your Own Personal Local Alsace Guide
Alsace tours are the best way to make the most of your trip to Alsace with your very own personal guide to show you what only a local guide can...
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Help with Genealogy in French
Researching your genealogy in French could be difficult for you if you don't know where to look and don't speak French. Learn more about what you need to know before you begin researching...
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What Are You Looking for about Alsace?: Your Questions About Alsace Answered
Here's where I answer all of your questions about Alsace... Or you can just read everyone else's questions and my answers about what you're looking for about Alsace...
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Your Recommendations in Alsace: What Are Your Favorites?
Here you'll find everyone's recommendations in Alsace. It's where you can share your favorites...whatever they may be... Wines, restaurants, food, hotels, vacation rentals, or just helpful advice...
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Looking for Alsace Pictures?
If you're looking for Alsace pictures, you'll find lots of them here at GetAlsaced.com! You can even share your own photos from Alsace if you want...
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France and Genealogy
If you're looking for information about France and Genealogy, you'll find some useful and practical information here...particularly if your research leads you to Alsace...
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Your Alsace Trip
Tell me about your Alsace trip! GetAlsaced.com is here to help you plan your Alsace vacation, and I want to know what you need help with!
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Airline Tickets to France: What I Have Learned over the Years
If you're planning a trip to Alsace, you might need airline tickets to France or not...Here's what I've learned about saving money flying to France (and Alsace!)
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Train Travel in Alsace France : Take the Train and Save Money
Don't want to drive? Have you considered train travel in Alsace? Get out and see some of Alsace by train and save some money too! It's a lot easier than driving.
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Want to Make a Hotel Reservation in Alsace?
Want to make a hotel reservation in Alsace? Finding hotels in Strasbourg isn't so difficult, but what about those adorable wine road village hotels.You can find what you're looking for here!
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Alsace Map: Where Are All Those Charming Alsatian Villages Anyway?
Here is an Alsace map to give you an idea of where everything is. From there you can go to more detailed maps of Alsace.
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Family Fun in Alsace: Fun Trips the Kids Will Like
Looking for family fun in Alsace? So you're bringing the kids to Alsace and you need to find something fun for them? No problem. These are the things our kids love to do here in Alsace.
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Everything about Strasbourg France: Churches Clocks and Alsatian Cooking
Are you looking for information about Strasbourg France? Planning a trip to Alsace? If you're looking for a hotel or ideas for day trips, you'll find them here at GetAlsaced.com.
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Haguenau Hotels: Pottery Studios, Traditional Alsatian Architecture and Culture
Are you looking for Haguenau hotels? What about fun and interesting things to do in Alsace nearby? There are castles, military history, wine, and much more!
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Obernai Alsace: Beautiful Alsatian Architecture, Wine Villages and Vineyards
Obernai in Alsace is the perfect small town on the wine road. Bigger than most villages with some really beautiful buildings but it's still a wine road village so you're always close to the vineyards
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Selestat Hotels: Medieval Books, Canoeing and Christmas Trees
You'll be very close to quite a few of Alsace's most famous attractions staying in one of the Selestat hotels, perfect for those who don't want to rent a car!
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Accommodation in Munster: Cheese, Scenic Mountain Views and Winter Sports
Accommodation in Munster is perfect if you're looking to save some money on your hotel room and you'll have beautiful mountain views...not to mention a train station...
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Basel City Map with Places to Visit in Basel
You'll find a Basel city map here and some of the more interesting places to visit in Basel. Most everything you would want to do is within walking distance of the main train station.
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Wissembourg France: Medieval Castles, Tiny Wine Villages and the Maginot Line
Wissembourg France is a great place to stay if you love military history...particularly World War Two history, but there are plenty of castles and wine too!
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Cleebourg France: Tiny Wine Villages, Castles and the Maginot Line
If you like wine, scenic mountain views, castles and history, Cleebourg might be for you! You'll also find ideas for Alsace day trips nearby plus hotel choices for Cleebourg France
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Niederbronn les Bains France: Natural Springs, Spas and Medieval Castles
You'll find natural springs, relaxing spas and short hikes to medieval castles in Niederbronn les Bains. This adorable little village in Alsace also has a casino and a train station...
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La Petite Pierre Hotels: Castles, Scenic Mountain Views and Spas
If you like mountains, nature, medieval villages, castles, wine and good food, you might want to check out the La Petite Pierre hotels. You also won't be far away from the Maginot Line and more!
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Saverne Hotels: Palaces, Medieval Castles and Scenic Mountain Views
Are you looking for Saverne hotels? What about fun and interesting Alsace day trips from Saverne? If you like castles, hiking, history, and of course fantastic Alsatian cooking, you'll love Saverne!
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Marlenheim France: Wine Villages, Horseback Riding and Spas
Marlenheim has a lot to offer anyone looking to see the Alsatian Wine Road. Wine tasting, horseback riding, natural springs and spas...all conveniently located half an hour from Strasbourg.
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Molsheim Hotels: Wine Villages, Fast Cars and Military History
Staying in Molsheim hotels means being close to wine road villages, fast cars and military history. Of course Molsheim is known as the home of Bugatti and as a part of the Alsace wine Road, but the
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Mutzig France: Beer, Wine Villages and Military Forts
Mutzig is a tiny little wine village in Alsace that is more famous for its beer (although the wine is great too) and if you're interested in World War One and World War Two...
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Rosheim Hotels: Medieval Architecture, Wine Villages and Ancient History
Rosheim hotels might be worth checking out if you want to stay in a little Alsatian wine road village with a train station. Rosheim is great for anyone fascinated by medieval architecture or wine.
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Looking for a Hotel in Schirmeck: World War Two, Hiking and Scenic Mountain View
If you're fascinated by World War Two, you'll want to find a hotel in Schirmeck! You can see the only concentration camp in France as well as a fantastic museum about World War Two...
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Looking for a Hotel in Ottrott: Red Wine, Luxurious Spas and a Medieval Convent
A hotel in Ottrott may be for you if the idea of rolling hills of vineyards, medieval castles and luxurious spas sounds like a lot of fun to you. Plus a mountain top medieval convent, great food...
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Hotels in Barr: Romantic Getaways, Biking through Vineyards and Wine
Barr isn't one of the most famous wine road villages in Alsace, but you'll find some very romantic hotels in Barr. You'll also find discount hotels and more. Barr is a great base for travel in Alsace
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Mittelbergheim: Sylvaner Wine, Medieval Villages and Biking through Vineyards
If you're looking for something as beautiful as Riquewihr with less people, you might want to consider Mittelbergheim. It's considered to be one the most beautiful villages in all of France.
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Heiligenstein: Klevener Wine, Biking through Vineyards and Wine Makers' Hotels
Heiligenstein is famous for its Klevener wine which you can only find in the area around the village. They've been making Klevener for over 400 years now so you might want to try it...
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Looking for an Andlau hotel: Medieval Castles, Hiking and Beautiful Architecture
Staying in an Andlau hotel means short hikes to medieval castles, wandering through a beautiful Alsatian village and of course wine tastings!
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Hotels in Dambach la Ville: Beautiful Architecture, Hiking and Wine Tasting
If you're not looking for hotels in Dambach la ville, you should be. Here's a village that is just as beautiful as Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé but it has a train stop!
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Scherwiller: Riesling, History and Medieval Castles
Scherwiller is a fascinating little village with two medieval castles and an interesting history that a lot of people overlook when visiting Alsace.
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Kintzheim: Monkeys, Eagles, Storks and Wine!
Kintzheim is a great place to visit or stay in Alsace if you are travelling with children. You'll be close to some very family friendly attractions and still be on the wine road in a quiet village.
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Hotels in Bergheim: Medieval City Walls, Beautiful Historic Buildings and Wine
Hotels in Bergheim is a great choice if you're looking for a quiet beautiful wine village in Alsace close to the most famous tourist attractions. Peace and quiet with great wine and restaurants too
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Want a Hotel in Ribeauvillé?: Tourists, Shops and Wine
Ribeauvillé is a well known village on the wine road in Alsace, so you will not likely be alone while visiting or staying at a hotel in this pretty little village.
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Hunawihr: Butterflies, Storks and Wine
Not as many people have heard of Hunawihr. It's a very pretty village on the Wine Road in Alsace and it's very close to Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, so it could be a convenient location for you.
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Looking for a Riquewihr Hotel: Tourists, Beautiful Medieval Buildings and Shops
Staying at a Riquewihr hotel means dealing with bus loads of tourists, but it is a very beautiful village in Alsace. Find out what you need to know before you make a decision...
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Mittelwihr: Wine, Scenic Hilltop Vineyard Views and Almonds
Mittelwihr is a lesser known wine road village in Alsace less than 10 miles from over 10 very well known destinations in Alsace, so it's a great base location and with over 15 wine makers of its own!
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A Kientzheim Hotel: Medieval City Walls, Vineyard Paths and a Wine Museum
A Kientzheim hotel is worth considering if you want to stay in a beautiful, quiet village just a short walk from some of the busier villages. And you'll have alot of wine producers to choose from too!
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Hotels in Kaysersberg: Incredible Views, Castle Ruins and Albert Schweizer
Hotels in Kaysersberg might be for you if you want to stay in a beautiful wine road village in Alsace with shops and restaurants but not quite as crowded as the more touristy villages in Alsace...
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Hotels in Ammerschwihr: Great Restaurants, Incredible Wine and Golf
Hotels in Ammerschwihr are worth checking out because you'll have around 50 wine makers to choose from in this tiny village, not to mention the golf course and great restaurants.
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Looking for a Hotel in Turckheim?
A hotel in Turckheim is perfect for anyone who wants to see the less touristy version of the Alsace Wine Road and there's a train station for those of you not renting a car!
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A Condensed History of Alsace
A lot happened in Alsace. Most of it, unfortunately, is written in French. That's not a problem for me, but I thought you might like to read it too, so I've created a condensed history of Alsace.
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Alsace France in World War One: 1914 to 1918
Alsace France in World War One was the border between France and Germany at the time which means that there are a number of war memorials and trenches to see in Alsace...
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Learning French: My Secrets to Enjoying the French Language
I ought to know...I've been learning French since I was nine years old... And now that I live in France, I've probably tried everything out there!
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The Alsatian Language
The Alsatian language is actually a number of different dialects spoken in the Alsace region. You can find out more about who speaks it and what it looks like here.
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Alsace and Food: All about Food in Alsace
There's Alsace and Food. And then there's Alsatian food. There's also French food. If you want to know more about all this, you've come to the right place.
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The French Wine Region of Alsace
Do you want to learn more about the French wine region of Alsace? Like what sort of wine do they make there? Or maybe you just want to know more about the Wine Road!
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Alsace Wineries: What Are Your Favorites?
There are SO many Alsace wineries. In Eguisheim alone there are 30!! And when you consider that there are over 100 wine producing villages on the Wine Road in Alsace...
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