My first visit to Alsace happened when I visited Strasbourg a few years ago. This amazing town made me feel a strong desire to discover the beauty of this picturesque area. This is why in the last years I visited the area of Alsace again, but this time I chose to see Colmar and the surrounding villages. This part of France looks like a piece of paradise, with fairytale villages embellished with half-timbered houses and colorful flowers.

I really enjoyed my visits there and this is why I would like to recommend three places in case you ever get to this part of France:

1.Colmar is one of the most famous and beautiful towns in Alsace. Also called “The Little Venice of Alsace”, this town fascinated me with its interesting canal-side neighborhoods, cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses and amazing landscapes.

The Old Town of Colmar is a maze of narrow cobbled streets where you can admire a multitude of colorful half-timbered houses that are perfectly aligned. The lively atmosphere of the Old Town is animated by the multitude of restaurants and terraces, bakeries and ice cream shops. This well-preserved historic area lies between Rue des Têtes, Rue des Clefs and Rue des Marchands, very close to the Place de la Cathédrale. Also known as the heart of Colmar, the Place de la Cathedrale offers you the chance to admire the gorgeous Eglise Saint-Martin (Saint Martin’s Collegiate Church) which is an authentic example of Gothic architectural style.

L’Ancien Corps de Garde (The Former Guard House) is another important historic monument situated in La Place de la Cathédrale. Down the centuries this edifice was used as a marketplace building, a justice hall and as a military house. Walking down the narrow streets of Colmar you will have the chance to admire La Maison Adolph, which is the town’s oldest surviving private house. Another stop should be in the front of L’Eglise Saint-Matthieu, a 13th-century beautiful Protestant church.

When it comes to beautiful houses, La Maison Pfister is another great example. This house has a unique appearance that combines the medieval and the Renaissance architectural styles. You could also visit the Bartholdi Museum, which is situated in Rue des Merchands. This museum was built in honor of the French sculptor Auguste Bartholdi and it displays a lot of objects that belonged to him. If you want to admire some gorgeous picturesque half-timbered houses, Rue des Boulangers and Rue des Serruriers are the perfect choices. You should also take your time to enjoy the beauty of La Maison des Têtes, a Renaissance building with an interesting façade decorated with small busts and human figures.

In case you like museums, you could visit the Unterlinden Museum, where you can admire a collection of Romanesque and Gothic sculptures, medieval paintings, folk art exhibits and crafts. L’Eglise des Dominicains (the Dominican Church) is another excellent example of the gorgeous Gothic architecture which offers an insight into the lives of the Dominican preachers.

Le Quartier de la Krutenau (Little Venice) is my favorite part of Colmar. This neighborhood is blessed with canal-side restaurants, pedestrian bridges and colorful half-timbered houses. This lovely part of town is embellished by lush greenery and willow trees that border the canals and by a multitude of flower pots that decorate the small houses. Not to mention the small boats which float along the narrow canals.

Le Quartier des Tanneurs (the Tanners’ Quarter) is another beautiful neighborhood in Colmar with picturesque canals and wonderfully restored half-timbered houses. Besides admiring the beautiful houses, you can take a walk in the lively Market Hall and admire the architecture of the Palais de Justice (The Palace of Justice) and the unique architectural style of L’Hôtel des Chevaliers de St-Jean (House of St. John’s Knights). Between Le Quartier des Tanneurs and Le Quartier de la Krutenau, you can take a walk in another idyllic quarter where you can admire some of the most beautiful half-timbered houses.

As you have probably realized, there are a lot of places you can admire in Colmar and this small town is worth your attention.

2.Situated 10 kilometers away from Colmar, Riquewihr is one of the most famous and beautiful villages in France. Built in the shape of a square and surrounded by large vineyards, this small village seems to be cut out of a fairytale. Hidden between the peaks of the Vosges Mountains and the Plain of Alsace, the medieval village of Riquewihr fascinated me with its picturesque architecture and its famous wine specialties.

The Gem of the Alsace Vineyards, as it is called, gained its notoriety thanks to its world-famous varieties of wine. The lovely half-timbered houses, the friendly locals, the lively atmosphere, the tempting shops and the appetizing restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops are a real treat for tourists.

Walking down Rue du Général-de-Gaulle, which is the main street of the village, you will have the chance to admire some beautiful historic monuments. The Dolder Tower, which is a former defensive gateway that dates from the 13th century and houses a museum, deserves a few minutes of your time. The Winemaker’s House, which dates from the 16th century, is also an important tourist attraction in Riquewihr. The Thieves’ Tower, the former prison of the village, is another tourist attraction which will impress you.

I must confess that this small village was a real surprise for me. It was a delight to walk in its narrow cobblestone streets embellished with a multitude of flowers and admire the colorful buildings and the public squares adorned with fountains. The Flowering Village, the way Riquewihr is called, should be on your trip list in case you ever get to Alsace.

3. Eguisheim is a small and picturesque village which impressed me. Considered a French jewel, Eguisheim gained the title of the most beautiful village in France and for good reason. The beautiful narrow cobblestone streets, the rustic fountains and the brightly-painted half-timbered houses with balconies and windows full of flowers create the fairytale setting of this village.

Situated 5 kilometers away from Colmar and surrounded by large vineyards, Eguisheim is known as the birthplace of the Alsatian vineyards. The streets of Eguisheim look like three concentric circles situated around the central castle. La Grand-Rue, which is the main street in Eguisheim crosses the village from East to West.

Palace du Château Saint-Leon is the main square of the village which shelters St. Leon Fountain, an atypical octagonal fountain. Atop this fountain, you can admire the statue of Pope Leon IX. According to the legend, Pope Leon IX also known by the name of Bruno of Eguisheim-Dagsbourg is the former bishop of Toul who was born in Eguisheim. St. Leon Castle or the Château-Bas d’Eguisheim, whose ruins can still be visited, lies in the middle of the square. It is also very interesting to visit St. Leon Chapel, the place where the relics of Pope St. Leon IX are kept.

As I have already said, the entire village is built around this castle and it is practically impossible to miss it. St. Peter Church and St. Paul Church are other two religious edifices that are very important pieces in the history of Eguisheim. A walk in the picturesque streets of Eguisheim will offer you the chance to experience its real charm.

In case you want to visit the entire village, my advice is to start from Rue du Rempart-Sud and continue until you get to Rue du Rempart-Nord. Among the interesting courtyards that you will discover along this walk, you will be impressed by the yellowish facade of Unterlinden Court or Catharinenhof. Even though this village is considered an open-air museum, my favorite building remains a little house which lies at the intersection of two cobblestone narrow streets. I took a lot of pictures there and there is no doubt that it is one of the most photographed places in Eguisheim.

To sum up, make sure you add these three places to your trip itinerary in case you plan a visit to Alsace. They are really beautiful and visiting them won’t be a waste of time.

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However, I never miss the world’s most representative and famous museums. When I think about my recent trips, the image of the Louvre Museum comes to my mind. This is the largest history and art museum in France and one of the most important museums in the world.

Situated in Paris and hosted by the Palace of Louvre, this interesting museum displays an impressive collection of different works of art. There are over 35000 sculptures, paintings, jewelry, graphic art elements, decorative objects and antiquities.I discovered there a mixture of cultures and civilizations and an interesting blend between art and history.

There are a lot of beautiful exhibits in the Louvre Museum, but my favorite ones are the famous portrait of Mona Lisa and Pei’s glass pyramid.  I believe that both of them are symbols of this museum, along with other representative exhibits.

Even though the decision to visit the Louvre Museum belongs to you, I would like to invite you to take a look at the following pictures. They might play an important role in your decision.

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Besides its fame, Paris is indeed a city that deserves to be discovered piece by piece. The capital of France is annually visited by a huge number of tourists who are eager to discover its beauty. In spite of the lively atmosphere, Paris denotes a special type of intimacy. It might seem a strange paradox, but I am talking about the relaxing vibration that can be experienced in “the city of lights”. If you wonder why Paris is called “the city of lights”, you should know that even if there are a lot of explanations in this regard, things are actually very simple. Paris was the birthplace of the Age of Enlightenment and also the intellectual center during this period.In case you want to get an insight and understand what I mean, you should take your time to visit.

The few days that I spent in Paris offered me a time of incredible relaxation. To visit all those beautiful places and landscapes, interesting museums and galleries was a great experience. I can assure you that there are a lot of things you can do in Paris, but you don’t have to take my words for granted. In this regard, I made a list with some beautiful places you should definitely visit if you ever get to Paris. Take a look at my list and decide for yourself if they are worthwhile.

1. La Tour Eiffel (The Eiffel Tower) is definitely the iconic image of Paris. Situated on Le Champ de Mars, this interesting wrought iron tower is the tallest structure in Paris, with a height of 324 meters. Built for the World Exhibition in 1889, in order to commemorate the French Revolution of 1789, the Eiffel Tower became the symbol of the entire France. You cannot leave Paris without admiring one of the world’s most famous and visited monuments. You should know you can visit the three levels of the tower in case you want to enjoy some spectacular panoramic views.

2. L’ Arc de Triomphe (The Triumphal Arch) is the largest triumphal arch in the world.  Situated in the center of Charles de Gaulle Square, this monument seems to guard the western end of Champs-Elysées. Dedicated to Napoleon’s glorious armies, the Triumphal Arch is decorated with a lot of high relief carvings that display significant war scenes. You might not know but the names of the most important victories are engraved around the top of the arch and all generals’ names and less important victories are engraved on the inside. These facts give this monument a really special significance.

3. L’ Avenue des Champs-Elysees (Champs-Elysees Avenue) is a famous avenue in Paris which connects La Place de la Concorde and L’Arc de Triomphe. In my opinion there is nothing special about this place, but if you are a fashion lover or a shopaholic this place might be perfect for you, because you can find a lot of shops belonging to famous brands here. To my mind, the most beautiful monuments you can find in this area are the Old Egyptian Obelisk and the Triumphal Arch situated at each end of the avenue.

4. La Grande Roue de Paris (The Big Wheel) is a 70 meters tall transportable Ferris wheel. It was originally built for the Universal Exposition that took place in Paris, in 1900. A really interesting fact about this wheel is that it was moved to several cities in the world, on different occasions. This year La Grande Roue has returned to Paris and it will be there until September. You can admire the wheel in La Place de la Concorde, at the entrance to the Tuileries Gardens.

5.Le Pont Alexandre III (Alexander III Bridge) is a bridge over the Seine that connects the Champ-Elysees quarter with the Invalids quarter and the Eiffel Tower quarter. This bridge seems to be a deck arch and it is decorated with interesting golden statues situated on high granite pillars, sculptures of cherubs and nymphs and lovely lampposts. Le Pont Alexandre III is the most ornate and extravagant bridge in Paris. A really interesting thing about it is the fact that each of its beautiful ornaments was crafted by a different artist.

6.La Colonne de Juillet (July Column) is a 47 meters tall monument built on a white marble base. This column is embellished with a variety of high relief ornaments and a golden statue on top, called La Genie de la Liberte. Situated in the center of Bastille Square, the July Column was built to commemorate the Revolution of 1830, after the demolition of the Bastille Prison. The names of the people who lost their lives during this revolution are engraved on the surface of this column.

7.Le Palais Garnier (Garnier Palace) hosts the Parisian opera and also the ballet of the opera. Embellished with marble columns, friezes, sculptures and two large golden statues, this imposing building has a special charm.  It is considered the most famous opera house in the world. The entire quarter is interesting to visit because it hosts a lot of shops, offices, headquarters and galleries. For example you can find the famous Lafayette Galleries in this area.

8. La Sainte-Chapelle (the Holy Chapel) is a royal chapel built in a Gothic style, located on l’ Ile de la Cite. Even if its exterior seems to be pretty simple, this lovely church is famous for its impressive interior. Dedicated to Virgin Mary, the Holy Chapel is a wonderful example of French architecture: stained glass windows, painted stonework and a lovely blend of lights and colors.

9.Notre-Dame de Paris (Notre-Dame Cathedral) is a famous Gothic cathedral built on the ruins of two old churches.  Once you get in front of the cathedral, you will be impressed by two massive towers. Embellished with interesting carvings, royal figures, large stained glass windows and flying buttresses, the exterior of Notre-Dame Cathedral is really imposing. This is the reason why it is considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.

10.Le Musee du Louvre (The Louvre Museum) is the largest history and art museum in France and one of the most important museums in the world. Hosted by the Palace of Louvre, this interesting museum displays a collection of more than 35000 works of art: paintings, sculptures, decorative objects, graphic art elements, jewelry and antiquities. It is a really interesting experience to admire all those collections of objects that belong to different civilizations and cultures.  The symbol of this museum is Pei’s glass pyramid, situated in front of the museum. In my opinion this pyramid is the most photographed exhibit belonging to the Louvre Museum.

11. La Basilique du Sacre Coeur (The Sacre-Coeur Basilica) is a beautiful Roman Catholic church, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Located on Montmartre, the highest area in the city, in Saint Pierre Square, this church has an impressive exterior built in the shape of a Greek cross. Its interior is decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, statues and mosaics. The panoramic view that can be seen from its terrace is indeed spectacular.

12. Moulin Rouge is a famous cabaret situated close to Montmartre, in the lively Pigalle quarter. This place is well known for the modern rebirth of the can-can dance. This type of dance is an entertaining seductive dance that implies an extravagant choreography and costumes. Moulin Rouge is an important tourist attraction which still offers interesting dance performances.

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To sum up, the glorious cathedrals and churches are the places where we can find ourselves and we can feel closer to God. Beyond their profound significance, some cathedrals and churches are real examples of architectural masterpieces. In my opinion it is a real delight to admire all these places which are reminiscent of the divine creation.

As a passionate traveler, I must say that I saw a lot of beautiful churches and cathedrals, but only some of them really impressed me and convinced me to always keep them in my mind. If I had to think about my most recent travel experience, I would choose 3 magnificent cathedrals as my favorites. On this note, I will talk about three Notre-Dame Cathedrals: Notre-Dame de Paris, Notre-Dame de Strasbourg and Notre-Dame de Luxembourg.

1.Notre-Dame de Paris is the most famous Gothic cathedral of the Middle Ages. Built on the ruins of two earlier churches, Notre-Dame Cathedral has a beautiful exterior design with two massive towers and embellished with interesting carvings, royal figures, large stained glass windows and flying buttresses. The exterior seems to be perfectly symmetric due to its lovely two quadrilateral towers. This famous attraction in Paris is considered to be one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in the world.

2.Also built in a Gothic style, Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is another example of French architectural masterpiece. Considered the emblem of Strasbourg, this cathedral will charm you with its imposing allure. Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the few Gothic churches that have only one tower. This tower is 142 meters high and this is the reason why the cathedral was considered the highest building in the world between 1647- 1874. Nowadays it is the sixth highest church in the world. Built on the place where a Roman temple used to be, Notre-Dame Cathedral has an impressive exterior decorated with marvelous spires, red sandstone, stained glass windows and exquisite carvings and statues. From all these lovely cathedrals, Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is my favorite.

3.Originally a Jesuit church, Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is now a lovely Gothic cathedral. Also named the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin, Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is actually the only cathedral in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. A lot of Renaissance and Baroque elements and ornaments were used for this meticulous construction. Even if it seems to be simple at first sight, the exterior of this cathedral displays a blend of modern and classic sculptures and elements, embellished with lovely stained glass windows. Notre-Dame de Luxembourg is a really unique cathedral because each of its three spires displays a different architectural style.

To sum up, in case you visit France and Luxembourg make sure you add these lovely cathedrals on your list.

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The variety of beautiful buildings and monuments, lovely bridges and canals, imposing European institutions, interesting museums and wonderful landscapes makes Strasbourg a really fascinating city. There are a lot of things that you can experience in Strasbourg, but in my opinion just a few of them perfectly describe the essence of this city. I am talking about Barrage Vauban, Grande Ile and La Petite France. These are the wonderful places that really impressed me with their beauty and authenticity.

1.Barrage Vauban is a lovely atypical bridge situated very close to the center of the city. Unlike other bridges, Barrage Vauban looks like an enclosed corridor which hosts a collection of interesting statues. You can visit the interior of the bridge or you can choose to go for a walk on its roof.

This place is really appreciated by the tourists because it offers a beautiful view over the other medieval covered bridges in the area, called Ponts Couverts. I can assure you that this is indeed a breathtaking panorama.

2.Surrounded by the River Ill, Grande Ile is an area linked to the rest of the city by 20 beautiful bridges. The Big Island, as it is called, actually represents the historical center of Strasbourg. Once you get to this charming area you will be delighted by beautiful cobbled streets, lovely bridges, colorful half- timbered houses, ancient churches and monuments.

The beautiful Gutenberg Square, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the interesting Maison Kammerzell are among my favorite places there. Situated in the central part of the island, Gutenberg Square is a lively square from where you can admire the amazing Notre-Dame Cathedral in all its splendor.

This cathedral is built in a Gothic style and it has an impressive exterior design. Embellished with a lovely tower and marvelous spires, the facade of Notre-Dame Cathedral seems to be made of a fine lace. It is said that this cathedral is a symbol of beauty that inspired a lot of famous people.

In this regard, a perfect example could be Victor Hugo who considered Notre-Dame Cathedral “a gigantic and delicate marvel”.

Maison Kammerzell, another lovely attraction, is famous for its interesting exterior design with lovely ornaments and leaded windows.

3.Defined by a special Alsatian charm, La Petite France is a lovely neighborhood that seems to be cut out from a fairy tale. Situated at the western end of Grande Ile, between the canals of the River Ill, La Petite France displays narrow cobblestones streets with picturesque buildings and the famous “maisons a colombages’’or the half-timbered houses.

These are fascinating buildings built in an ingenious way, using the half-timbering method. The houses have a wooden structure with both internal and external walls built on timber frames which make them really special. This is the reason why La Petite France is considered to be Strasbourg’s main tourist attraction.

Strasbourg is definitely a captivating city and I am sure you will share my opinion in case you choose to visit it.

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I have recently discovered such a place and every time I think about it, I feel a special type of energy. This place is the city of Strasbourg, a real French jewel.

Strasbourg is more than a fascinating and charming city, it is actually a city with attitude. It might seem strange to use the word “attitude” to describe a city, but I really believe that this is the word that can perfectly describe Strasbourg. Situated in eastern France, very close to the border with Germany, Strasbourg is a city that combines both French and German influences.

As we all know, this city is famous when it comes to politics, because it hosts a number of important European institutions: the Council of Europe (the European Court of Human Rights, the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines or the European Audiovisual Observatory), the European Corps, the European Parliament, the European Ombudsman, the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine and the International Institute of Human Rights. Although these institutions make Strasbourg a very important political center, in my opinion its charm is given by its beauty.

From its political institutions and museums to its beautiful canals, bridges, buildings and monuments, this city has a lot to offer and it can be considered complete from many points of view. The largest city in the region of Alsace is a blend of sights, landscapes and tourist attractions.

No matter what you choose to do or visit in Strasbourg, there is in my opinion one thing you should not omit. In order to discover this city you should connect with its energy and attitude. This is the only way you will feel Strasbourg’s special vibration and lively atmosphere.

There are a few places that you should definitely visit in case you get there, places which perfectly describe what Strasbourg means. I am talking about the amazing Barrage Vauban with its breathtaking views, the lovely Ponts Couverts, La Petite France with its lovely Benjamin-Zix Square and Maison des Tanneurs, the impressive Grande Ile with its beautiful constructions, the lively Gutenberg Square, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the interesting Maison Kammerzell .

I could go on and write pages and pages about the beauty of these places, but I think it’s better to let the following pictures speak for themselves.

1.Barrage Vauban

2.Beautiful view seen from Barrage Vauban

3.Ponts Couverts seen from Barrage Vauban

4.La Petite France

5.La Petite France

6.La Petite France

7.Benjamin-Zix Square

8.La Petite France with its lovely Benjamin-Zix Square and Maison des Tanneurs

9.Maison des Tanneurs

10.Notre-Dame Cathedral seen from Gutenberg Square

11.Notre-Dame Cathedral

12.Notre-Dame Cathedral

13.Maison Kammerzell

14.Maison Kammerzell

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