Alsace, Vosges and Jura - Wine Villages, Lakes and Waterfalls by CampervanWine Villages, Lakes and Waterfalls by Campervan

The city is located on the border with Germany and forms an important cultural hub in Alsace. In the historic district of La Petite France, half-timbered houses with flower-filled balconies adorn the banks of the River Ill. The sandstone Cathédrale Notre-Dame, with its single tower, towers high above the rooftops of the city center. Inside the Gothic edifice, the astronomical clock draws a large crowd daily during the presentation of its figures. Around the Palais Rohan are various museums that highlight the history and art of the region. The city offers excellent parking facilities on its outskirts, from where the tram takes visitors to the car-free core. A boat trip on the canals offers a perspective on the covered bridges and the buildings of the European Parliament. The local cuisine invites visitors to sample regional specialties in one of the many traditional winstubs.

Colmar is the picturesque heart of Alsace, with its characteristic half-timbered houses and flower-lined canals. In the La Petite Venise district, flat-bottomed boats glide through the water, passing colourful facades and charming quays. The town centre invites strolls through cobbled alleys where the region's history remains palpable. Art lovers will discover an impressive collection at the Musée Unterlinden, housed in a former monastery. The imposing Collégiale Saint-Martin dominates the surrounding squares with its Gothic architecture. Thanks to its prime location between the vineyards and the Vosges mountains, a relaxed, almost village-like atmosphere prevails. Local markets and artisanal shops offer ample opportunity to discover regional products from the surrounding valley.

Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards of Alsace, Riquewihr is one of the region's characteristic medieval villages. The Dolder Tower marks the entrance to its narrow streets, which are flanked by colourful half-timbered houses with flower-filled balconies. Along the Route des Vins, you'll find numerous tasting rooms where local wines like Riesling and Gewürztraminer take centre stage. Walks through the surrounding hillsides offer expansive views of the Rhine Valley and the nearby Vosges Mountains. The historical atmosphere within the old city walls transports you back to the sixteenth century. In the evenings, when the day-trippers depart, peace returns to the cobbled alleys. It is an excellent place to discover the gastronomic traditions of this border region.

Gérardmer is located on the shores of a deep blue glacial lake and forms the heart of the Hautes-Vosges. The surroundings are characterized by dense pine forests, cascading waterfalls, and rolling mountain pastures. Along the water's edge, you'll find a hiking trail that encircles the entire lake and provides access to various recreational spots. In the vicinity, the Cascade du Tendon grace the landscape with their natural power. For flora enthusiasts, the Jardin de Berchigranges offers a unique collection of high-altitude plants. The mountain town itself has a friendly atmosphere, featuring local crafts and specialties from the Vosges region. The surrounding mountain peaks offer panoramic views of the massif and are ideal for active explorations.

Besançon is beautifully situated in a sharp bend of the Doubs River and is dominated by an impressive fortress. The Citadelle de Besançon offers panoramic views over the historic rooftops and the surrounding green hills. South of the city, the road winds through the picturesque Loue Valley, where steep limestone cliffs define the landscape. In the artistic village of Ornans, houses reflect in the clear water, creating a serene atmosphere. The walk to the powerful Source de la Loue leads through a deeply carved rock basin valley. Here you experience the tranquility of the Franche-Comté while driving along babbling rivers and through dense forests. It is a region where natural beauty and military heritage blend harmoniously. Lovers of quiet roads and authentic French villages will find exactly what they are looking for here.

Arbois and Salins-les-Bains form the vibrant heart of the Jura, where history and gastronomy converge in a rolling landscape. In Salins-les-Bains, the impressive Grande Saline testifies to the centuries-old salt mining that brought wealth to the region. Nearby Arbois is known as the capital of Jura wines, surrounded by sprawling vineyards where the unique Vin Jaune matures. Visitors can wander through the streets of Arbois and discover Louis Pasteur's former home. The surroundings invite scenic drives along winding roads past limestone cliffs and waterfalls. In the local wineries, you can taste the distinctive regional flavours in an authentic setting. This destination offers a peaceful, cultural stop for those travelling between Burgundy and the Alps. The combination of industrial heritage and a refined culinary culture makes a stay here highly varied.

The Jura welcomes travelers with an unspoiled landscape of dense forests and spectacular water features. In the Hérisson Valley, water cascades down over rugged limestone rocks via a series of thirty-one waterfalls. A hiking trail leads along the most impressive cascades, including the sixty-meter-high Grand Saut. The area is characterized by deep gorges and vast lakes such as the azure-blue shimmering Lac de Chalain. Here you experience the power of nature as the fresh forest air and the sound of falling water awaken the senses. The mountainous terrain offers numerous panoramic views over the region's rolling plateaus. Those seeking tranquility will find an ideal place to stay amidst the green wilderness.

Beaune is the historic heart of the Burgundy wine region and exudes a rich tradition. The iconic roofs of the Hospices de Beaune, with their colourful, glazed tiles, are instantly recognisable in the townscape. In the surrounding area, the vineyards of the Côte de Beaune stretch across rolling hills. Visitors here explore the deep wine cellars and taste local specialities in traditional tasting rooms. The medieval town walls surround a compact centre filled with cobbled streets and historic half-timbered houses. Cycling routes wind through the landscape, connecting various wine villages. It is a place where gastronomy and architecture come together in a historic setting.

Dijon exudes the grandeur of the mighty Dukes of Burgundy. In the car-free centre, copper owls embedded in the pavement guide you along the main monuments. The imposing Palais des Ducs dominates the semi-circular square and houses an important art museum. Narrow streets with half-timbered houses and stately mansions effortlessly alternate here. The Gothic Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne stands out for its characteristic roofs with glazed, colourful tiles. At the covered market Halles de Dijon, you can sample local specialities such as the famous mustard and gingerbread. A walk through the city feels like a journey through time, from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment. The many terraces on the Place de la Libération offer a lively view of the fountains.

Nancy is a city of regal splendor and refined architecture in northeastern France. At the heart of the city lies the 18th-century Place Stanislas, which, with its gilded wrought-iron gates, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you stroll through the streets, you'll discover the Palais des Ducs, a historical seat of power that now houses a museum dedicated to regional history. The city is also known as the birthplace of Art Nouveau, beautifully exemplified by the characteristic Villa Majorelle. In the surrounding districts, you'll find tranquil parks and stately squares that invite leisurely exploration. The combination of Baroque magnificence and a well-arranged modern ambiance makes a visit highly worthwhile. It's an excellent place to savor the local gastronomy in one of the many brasseries around the city center.

Metz stands out for its architecture of golden-yellow limestone, which gives the city a warm ambiance. The Cathédrale Saint-Étienne towers above the streets and boasts an enormous area of stained-glass windows. Extensive walking paths and parks stretch along the banks of the Moselle and Seille rivers. The Quartier Impérial features monumental buildings from the German imperial era, each with its own distinct character. The futuristic Centre Pompidou-Metz attracts visitors with modern art and rotating exhibitions. The medieval Porte des Allemands serves as one of the best-preserved city gates in the region. Due to its location near major transport hubs, the city is a natural base for culture enthusiasts.

The city is located on the border with Germany and forms an important cultural hub in Alsace. In the historic district of La Petite France, half-timbered houses with flower-filled balconies adorn the banks of the River Ill. The sandstone Cathédrale Notre-Dame, with its single tower, towers high above the rooftops of the city center. Inside the Gothic edifice, the astronomical clock draws a large crowd daily during the presentation of its figures. Around the Palais Rohan are various museums that highlight the history and art of the region. The city offers excellent parking facilities on its outskirts, from where the tram takes visitors to the car-free core. A boat trip on the canals offers a perspective on the covered bridges and the buildings of the European Parliament. The local cuisine invites visitors to sample regional specialties in one of the many traditional winstubs.