Visiting Alsace in winter

by Greg
(Charlotte, NC)

My family and I, 5 of us, are going to be in Heidelberg for a few days in mid February.

We were thinking about staying in the Alsace area for 2 nights 3 days. We are thinking about staying in Strasbourg. I don't know much about the area but it looks fascinating.

What do you recommend seeing there in the winter time. Are there any monasteries or convents that accept overnight guests.

Thanks,
Greg

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Mont Sainte Odile
by: Suzele

If you would like to spend the night at a monastery or convent, I would recommend Mont Sainte Odile.

They have a hotel, restaurant, and a cafeteria. You can choose a basic room (no bathroom) or a room with a bathroom. The prices are very reasonable (30 to 50 euro) considering you're staying at a historic site.

Even without the long history, it's a beautiful place to stay in the mountains.

You'll find remains from Celtic and Roman times. The original buildings of the monastery and church have been destroyed, rebuilt, damaged, and repaired.

It was originally founded in the seventh century by Sainte Odile, the patron saint of Alsace.

Despite everything that has happened to the site, pilgrims have continued to go there since the 7th century because it is where Sainte Odile's tomb is located.

I bet it's absolutely amazing in the winter!

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Favorites on the Wine Road
by: Greg

Suzele,

Thanks for the response. I am going to look into staying there.

We are going to spend a day driving the wine road. Is there anything that we shouldn't miss? Any places you recommend to eat at?

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My Restaurant Recommendations for Alsace
by: Suzele

Hi Greg,

There are SO many good restaurants in Alsace. I'm trying hard to work my way through them all, but it'll probably take me awhile.

In the meantime, probably the easiest way to pick a good restaurant in Alsace is to pick up a copy of the Michelin Red Guide 2009

This is one of the ways I choose which restaurants to try out when I'm out and about...

And I'm not the only one. A lot of French people use this book when they are out of town. My French husband was the one who told me to get one when I first moved here actually...

Of course the Michelin Red Guide lists the best of the best. You know...the "starred" restaurants, but it also lists restaurants that don't deserve a star yet but they're still REALLY good restaurants.

The general rule is...

If it's in the Red Guide, it's a good restaurant.

And they also list hotels and bed and breakfasts.

I've found it especially helpful when I'm in an area and I haven't made any plans for lunch or dinner and I want to try a new restaurant.

Especially if I don't have access to the internet or my computer.

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