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Strasbourg

This breathtaking city is also the capital of beautiful Alsace and geographically we are in the north-east of France, very close to the border with Germany. In fact, Strasbourg is considered the capital of Europe, as it is also home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The city was founded by the Roman Emperor Augustus and was then known as Argentoratum.

A must is the famous cathedral, Cathédrale Nôtre-Dame, which is considered the centre of the city and also the centre of the old town. Between 1647 and 1874, it was the tallest building in the world with its 142-metre tower, until that record was surpassed in 1874 by the tower of St. Mary's Cathedral. Nikolajs kirche in Hamburg. It's not hard to be impressed that 1000 years ago it was possible to build such a magnificent cathedral. Although parts of the church are still built in the Romanesque style, the cathedral is considered to be one of the finest examples of late Gothic architecture in the area.

Also visit "Petite France", a picturesque neighbourhood in the old town, located between the rivers and south of Grande Ile. Here you'll find the city's most beautiful buildings, cobbled streets, romantic little bridges and canals that criss-cross the pretty quarter. Grande Ile is an island created by the flow of the rivers and is located in the middle of Strasbourg.

Christmas market in Strasbourg

Open 26th November to 24th December - You can visit the Christmas market's own website with current information

For many, the Christmas markets in Strasbourg are one of the greatest experiences of the festive season. There is a real magic in the air when Strasbourg's Christmas markets with Christmas trees, lights, wooden huts and traditional mulled wine open every year from the end of November.

In Strasbourg, the Christmas markets help to link the festive season with spiritual faith and culture, and it's not for nothing that the Christmas markets were voted the best Christmas destination in Europe in 2013.

It is almost 450 years since the first Christmas market called "Christkindelsmärik" became a tradition in Strasbourg, making it one of the oldest in Europe. Since then, the city has continued the tradition, providing visitors with a hospitable and authentic experience of a lifetime.

The Christmas markets in Strasbourg remain one of the places you simply have to visit at Christmas time.

Musée Les Secrets du Chocolat

Not far from Strasbourg, along the Colmar wine route, you counter a small chocolate museum, 'The Secrets of Chocolate', which is a truly unique place in Alsace. Experience the creation of chocolate and try the different types and learn the difference between the different cocoa beans and how they turn into chocolate.

Obernai

Located 25 km southeast of the city of Strasbourg, in the heart of Alsace in France, the small town of Obernai is a nice stop on a driving holiday. The town has only about 11 000 inhabitants, but attracts plenty of tourists every year, not least because of its excellent wines and renowned gastronomy. Its location along the Alsace wine route also contributes to the influx of visitors. The larger city of Strasbourg, with the European Parliament and the European Court of Justice, has contributed to a revival of the formerly rural area.

Visit the Domaine de la Léonardsau museum and discover the town's old castles and ruins.

Haguenau

Take a driving holiday to the small town of Haguenau, located in Alsace Haguenau Nord, about 35 km north of Strasbourg. Today, the town is home to over 35,000 inhabitants and has acted as a hub throughout history thanks to its central and beautiful location, in the middle of a large forest of over 14,000 hectares. Surrounded by greenery, Haguenau, with its 580 shops and markets, is also a good place to stop for a spot of shopping. There are restaurants and bars and in fact it's quite a lively little town.

Haguenau was founded around 1115 by Frederick Borgne and after a rich and turbulent period including fire and German takeover, Haguenau is today the largest centre of employment in northern Alsace.

The city has two museums and there are many monuments in the heart of the city.

Fort of Mutzig

Fort de Mutzig, also known as 'Fort Kaiser Wilhelm II', is located near the town of Mutzig in the Bas-Rhin region of France. The fortress was built by the Germans towards the end of the 19th century and the purpose of Fort de Mutzig was to defend Strasbourg. Interestingly, it was the first new fortification to be built in German territory, following the invention of high explosives, which rendered many types of masonry fortifications obsolete at the stroke of a pen.

The beautiful scenery is also an experience in itself, so make sure you bring your camera along for the ride.