Alsace, Vosges and Jura - Wine Villages, Lakes and Waterfalls by MotorhomeWine Villages, Lakes and Waterfalls by Motorhome

Strasbourg is a city where the grandeur of Europe merges with the intimate charm of half-timbered houses and canals. The imposing red sandstone Cathédrale Notre-Dame dominates the skyline with its ancient astronomical clock. In the picturesque La Petite France district, you can stroll along canals and historic tanneries. The modern European Parliament shows a completely different, political side of the city. You can end the evening in a cozy winstub with a traditional Flammkuchen and a glass of Alsatian Riesling.

Colmar captures the essence of Alsace in a charming setting. The picturesque La Petite Venise district showcases colourful half-timbered houses along the Lauch River. At the Musée Unterlinden, you'll discover the famous Isenheim Altarpiece, a fifteenth-century masterpiece. The Gothic Collégiale Saint-Martin dominates the centre with its imposing architecture. When the old town is illuminated by lantern light in the evening, a magical glow emerges, inviting you for an evening stroll.

In Riquewihr, you immediately imagine yourself in the sixteenth century, surrounded by a city wall and an abundance of beautiful half-timbered houses. The narrow streets lead you past two historic city gates, while the Dolder Tower towers high above the village. Behind many doors, you'll find wine cellars where you can taste the local Alsatian wines. You can enjoy cycling among the surrounding vineyards and explore the green surroundings. The lively center attracts many visitors who come to experience the authentic Alsatian atmosphere.

Gérardmer surprises you with a lively boulevard on the largest lake in the Vosges, bordered by dense forests. On Lac de Gérardmer, you can enjoy relaxed swimming or pedal boating. Slightly higher up, towards Col de la Schlucht, you'll find the quieter Lac de Longemer and Lac de Retournemer. The Cascade du Tendon features a wide waterfall, and the Jardin de Berchigranges enchants you with its floral splendor. From the motorhome pitch near the casino, you can enjoy a panoramic view over the water.

Besançon is located in a loop of the Doubs below a Vauban citadel, which is among the best preserved in France, featuring a zoo within its walls and the Musée du Temps in the Granvelles palace. The Loue Valley south of the city features the source of the Loue in a rock amphitheater and the painters' village of Ornans, where Courbet grew up. The motorhome parking area is located by the river below the citadel.

The famous vin jaune and the legacy of Louis Pasteur draw you to Arbois, the wine capital of the Jura. You can visit the Maison de Pasteur where the scientist worked and taste the yellow wine at Vignobles d'Arbois. Nearby is Salins-les-Bains with the Grande Saline, a UNESCO saltworks with underground pumps. The atmospheric wineries on the square invite you to taste, while the surroundings offer tranquil views over the vineyards.

The Cascades du Hérisson are a series of seven waterfalls in a wooded gorge, with a hiking trail that climbs along all the falls to the Saut Girard. Surrounding them are the lakes: Chalain with its beach and Clairvaux with turquoise water, plus the view over the four lakes near Le Frasnois. The campsites are located by the lakes; the motorhome parking at the Maison des Cascades is the place for the hike.

Beaune is the wine capital of Burgundy, where you experience the rich wine history of the region. The Hospices de Beaune stand out with their striking roofs of colored tiles. Beneath the old city, you discover vast wine cellars, and the Route des Grands Crus leads you past famous wine villages. The Collégiale Notre-Dame displays beautiful architecture in the heart of the city. On Saturdays, there is a lively market, and you can explore the city peacefully on foot after a wine tasting.

Dijon was the capital of the Dukes of Burgundy, which is evident from the palace, the mansions of the Rue des Forges, and the owl of Notre-Dame that you touch for good luck. The covered market is one of the most beautiful in France. The campsite is located by Lac Kir, a fifteen-minute bike ride along the canal from the city centre.

Nancy surprises with the grandeur of Place Stanislas, the most beautiful square in France, surrounded by gilded fences and fountains. Around 1900, the city was an important center of Art Nouveau. You can admire this elegant style in the Musée de l'École de Nancy and the elegant Villa Majorelle. The Palais des Ducs tells the rich history of the Dukes of Lorraine. Amidst this impressive architecture, you can taste sweet specialties in the lively city, such as macarons and bergamot candies.

Metz showcases a unique blend of architectural styles, characterized by the yellow Jaumont stone. You can stroll past the Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, famous for its Chagall stained-glass windows. The Centre Pompidou-Metz draws attention with its striking braided roof. The imperial district around the station displays German architectural style from the period 1871-1918. The warm Jaumont stone gives Metz an atmospheric feel, especially during an evening walk along the Moselle.

Strasbourg is a city where the grandeur of Europe merges with the intimate charm of half-timbered houses and canals. The imposing red sandstone Cathédrale Notre-Dame dominates the skyline with its ancient astronomical clock. In the picturesque La Petite France district, you can stroll along canals and historic tanneries. The modern European Parliament shows a completely different, political side of the city. You can end the evening in a cozy winstub with a traditional Flammkuchen and a glass of Alsatian Riesling.