Our first stop is Riquewihr
YOU’LL LOVE STAYING AT THIS LITTLE VILLAGE. I always wanted to stay in some little town, and finally we got the opportunity to do so. The only problem was finding our place to stay.
It was stupid-fun, really. I literarily felt like “The Griswalds” in National Lampoon European Vacation; you know, the part where they’re in London, just going around and around in circles trying to get out of the roundabout? Seriously, how were we supposed to know that the apartment was on top of a boutique shop, and that the reception area was in fact the cashier’s counter? Really? We couldn’t help ourselves! I mean, we kept passing it and passing it and passing it! I could tell people where saying, “what a bunch of idiots”…, obviously tourists…, should we help them? Nah, I just wanna watch…! Lets see how long it takes them to figure it out…” Finally, after puzzling thru the narrow streets, we found our place.
A view from our rented apartment in Riquewihr…
We stayed at La Maison d’Amelie. I personally did my booking thru booking.com but you could do it thru their own website. FYI-should you ever decide to stay here, which I recommend, make sure you ask the receptionist-cashier person on how to find their place. Just a tip: Ask for the shop called Décothentics. If you find the store, you find the house.
After settling in our apartment, we headed out for some food, much needed food. Trust me. You just don’t want to mess up with a hungry whale of a pregnant lady, (that would be me). With that in mind, we didn’t hesitate to go to the first open place we saw which, of course, happened to be the same restaurant we ate at the last time we were at Riquewihr. The place? Au Tire Bouchon! Vraiment, vraiment bon, si vous me demandez…!!! They specialize in Alsace Cuisine, so try it. You will like it!
Here’s a picture of their place…
The next morning, we woke up to no breakfast. That’s our fault. We didn’t think about bringing stuff with us. Why? Lucky for us, the little charming town had a lovely Patisserie, full of french things to devour, not to mention a little coffee stand right next to it. They were ready to serve their cafe au lait to those early birdies like us. Besides, we had the day to visit these three places, so we really needed to get going and by the looks of Humpty Dumpty, I was going at the speed of March of the Penguins. That’s what happens when you’re 35 weeks pregnant! No worries! I was at one of my favorite places in Alsace. Believe me! Riquewihr will enchant you in many ways. Be ready to visit the following:
- The Torture Chamber! It’s located at the Thieves Tower and the Winemaking house. Dates back to the 14th century! Very interesting.
- The Dolder Belfry-also known to us tourists as the Clock Tower.
- Stroll around the old village and…
- For G**’S Sake! Do not forget to go into ANY cave du vin and try their wines!!!! That’s the main attraction!
Here are some pics of our rendezvous…
Sadly, we had to leave Riquewihr and head out to our next stop. If coming here, do try to book yourself more than one night, you will want to spend more than just a day in this beautiful region, especially during their wine harvest season.
Good bye Riquewihr, Hello…Ribeauvillé!
Our second stop for the day was Ribeauvillé. So sad about the weather. You can see in the pictures how gloomy, rainy and blah was. Yet, it is another charming little old town worth strolling around, especially if you want to get a chance at seeing their storks in action, mingling with the locals and putting on a show for the tourists. They form part of the many local legends told in children’s tales for many many years here in Alsace. They are family! You better believe it.
After much anticipated walking around the Place de la Sinn, and visiting L’Hotel de Ville, we stopped for some Alsatian Cuisine. Try the Choucroute Garnie, (pork and/or spicy sausages with Sauerkraut). Don’t forget some beer…um, um, good! You will have no problems finding great restaurants in Ribeauvillé, especially if you’re at Place de la Sinn. It’s a great picturesque area for taking pictures, buying souvenirs and eating some tasty delights!!!
Pictures of Ribeauvillé…
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see everything. But, when you do visit Ribeauvillé, make sure to see:
- The two old Gothic Churches: St Augustine, and St. Gregory
- The House of Fiddlers (La Maison des Ménétriers)
- The Museum of Winemaking (Musée de la Vigne et de la Viticulture)
- The three castles: Saint-Ulrich, Girsberg, and Haut-Ribeaupierre
- The Town Hall
- The Butcher’s Tower, also known as the Clock Tower
We say à bientôt to Ribeauvillé and head out to see the Medieval Castle in Orschwiller, France.
Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg!
Yes, I went up there. Yes, I was the only pregnant lady. Yes, people thought I was crazy and yes, they asked me when I was due. I told you I looked like a whale! If you know you can make it and you feel alright, then why not? I did and it was so worth the visit. The outside, that is. Oh well. Regardless, this is a must see castle. It’s beautiful and huge. Make sure you come with plenty of time to visit it.
If you can’t do the tour like me or because you brought your canine companion, (sorry…they’re not allowed), chill outside for a while. Buy postcards at the petite souvenir shop, eat some Bratwursts and drink a beer! Beer!!! Beer was good….I’m kidding!!! No, really! Hey…look at the views…
I’m sure you want to know more…
For information about Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg, visit its website at www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr
To learn more about Riquewihr and Ribeauvillé, go to: www.ribeauville-riquewihr.com/en/ Also, check out my previous posts about Colmar and Riquewihr!
I will tell you this. Once I have my baby, I will be back to see the inside of this magnificent castle. Maybe I’ll stop here on my way to Strasbourg. That’s what my next destination is, so you’ll definitely hear more from me!
One of the songs I heard on our way here was this one. Love Coldplay. They had me at “Yellow”. I have been hooked to them, ever since.
