A delightful interlude between our home exchanges in Switzerland and England, we travelled by train from Basel to Colmar, where we spent three nights and then on to Strasbourg, the capital of this area.

Alsace is an historical region in northeastern France on the Rhine River plain. Bordering Germany and Switzerland, it has alternated between German and French control over the centuries and reflects a mix of those cultures. Its capital, Strasbourg, is centred on the Ill River’s Grand Île island, bordered by canals. ...Guide

Bustling with tourists (understandably) Colmar, with its colourful half-timbered houses and shops, crowded into fairy-tale cobbled streets and squares, provided an almost overwhelming feeling of stepping into the Middle Ages or at least the !8th century. The area known as Little Venice, along the Lauch which continues through the Fishmongers District is idyllic and known as a photographers' dream. St Martin's Collegiate Church, perhaps often referred to as the Cathedral, the restored Market Hall and historic merchants' houses were just a few of the attractions and tasting the distinctive foods and wines of the region an added delight.

We were happy that our dear German friends made the journey to meet up with us and spoiled us with a day's car trip to the town of Kaysersberg in the wine growing district. So much to see and experience, we left finally by train to Strasbourg to continue our magical experience of Alsace.