Presentation of the valley in Alsace

Isn't it green, this valley, and well up to mankind's achievements ! Alsace finds in it its most perfect expression. Always, it is simply enchanting by its shear natural beauty : the vine which climbs upwards conquering the hills, the chestnut groves which gently descend the mountain, the forests from where emerge the soft lines of thatch roofs ; in the background, the Hautes Vosges where the rocks clash. One talks about the "Lower" valley and "Higher" valley.

The "Lower" valley is sheltered by oceanic influences and benefits from a sunny, hot and dry semi-continental climate and is thus the breeding-ground for vineyards. The “Higher” valley, on the other hand also called green canton, inherits a harsh climate with abundant rainfalls and violent winds. The winters are cold and snow-covered.

This country is also a historical focus-point. Every century has left its mark. The valley has kept the mark of Celtic and Roman times, with remains from the Middle Ages, and architectural splendours from the Rhenish renaissance. Whereas the Alsace dialect is fluently spoken in the vineyards, the Romance patois still resonates in the welche country.

The vine growers raise their great vintages while the "mountain dwellers" manufacture cheese and eau de vie (brandy). The astonishing alchemy of these two soils gives to the valley its character and its unique atmosphere. Its inhabitants perpetuate secular traditions, maintain footpaths with passion, and inform the hiker with good humour in his search of a spring or a castle.