What can I say about Colmar? The first thing that comes to mind is that you have woken up inside of a postcard; the only item missing is your Lederhosen. This town is a real-life fairy tale, with its cobblestone streets, Boulangerie Pâtisseries, its many restaurants, crêpes shops and so much more.

Old fashioned Carousel in Strasbourg

Early this morning was the perfect opportunity to take photos without any crowds about. With the markets stocking their fresh fruit and veggies, the smell of freshly cooked baguettes, it was just another day in Colmar.

We were going to do the wineries today, except I had a bit of a sleep-in (7am). Instead we chose to go visit Strasbourg, which is only a 35-minute fast train ride, and we’ll do the wineries tomorrow. Today was cooler and the sun was out and I was still walking around in shorts and a shirt.

Strasbourg

Arriving in Strasbourg we walked along “Petite France” a little like Colmar but more spread out and a little less people to weave through. Restaurants were getting ready for their lunchtime trade and I was ready too. Prices here are anywhere between 2 to 5 Euro cheaper for a main meal, and drinks about the same. One thing that is everywhere here is the “tarte flambée”. It looks like a pizza but on a very thin crust. But first of all we had to ride the carousel. “Why not?” we said, as I wouldn’t have been on one of these since I was a child. We both picked horses, and as it jumps to life the music starts and around we go. The lights and music brings back early childhood memories.

Traditional Sauerkraut with bacon and 3 types of sausage

A little giddy, we hopped off and headed to “Cathédrale Notre-Dame”. Once here the sheer size of it is overwhelming. It was the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. Once inside, it uses its empty space with rows of chairs rather than pews lining the aisles. Some of the stained glass windows date back to the 12th century. 

It also has a huge astronomical clock where the figures of Jesus and saints appear every so often throughout the day. A striking marble sculpture of John the Baptist is on the left-hand side of the center aisle as well. Every sculpture in this place tells a story and is well worth a visit, there is no admission charge.

       Strasbourg Notre Dame                                                    Astronomical Clock                                              Chairs line the Aisles

Time to eat! Yes, we both settled on sharing a mushroom “tarte flambée”, an Alsatian specialty. It is unique because the base is like paper-thin. It has minimal topping on a tangy cheese base (not any cheese can be used), then sprinkled with mushrooms, onions and some bacon, it was delicious and so much better than a thin crust pizza it’s now my new favourite food!

Tarte flambée a new favourite

We started to head back when we came across “Barrage Vauban,” which was built in the 17th century for defense. It was actually a weir wall, where they would lift and lower the gates to flood down river to stop the advancing troops into the city. You can walk underneath where there are many statues which look like they belong on top of a church, they may be there for restoration. You also get a great view from the top. They still use the locks today to take tourists on a canal tour, impressive to watch as locks fill and empty.

Strasbourg is a lovely city and you certainly need more that just a day, but it gives you a taste of the wonderful Alsace region

Barrage Vauban

Late afternoon we caught the train back to Colmar and settled in and had a drink at the Deer and Beer which is just down from our accommodation. They have their own beer, so I said I would try one, but little did I know it was beer with a shot of Jägermeister. In Australia we shot the Jägermeister first then drink the beer, but here you mix it with the beer. Certainly wasn't my taste but I drank it anyway.