Skipping Alsace is basically a crime against fairytales. This little pocket of France is where you’ll find half-timbered houses that look painted by hand, cobblestone alleys that beg for photos, and vineyards that stretch until they blur into the horizon. I’ve visited plenty of charming towns in Europe, but Alsace is the one that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into the pages of a storybook.

Start with Colmar, the town so charming it may actually ruin you for all future travel. Colorful pastel houses line canals, flower boxes spill over every balcony, and every corner looks like it was designed for Instagram. In December, Colmar becomes one of Europe’s most magical Christmas markets, but even in the fall, it has that whimsical, cozy magic you can’t fake.

Then there’s Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace and the cultural mash-up of French and German heritage. It’s got one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe and a historic quarter called Petite France, where the houses lean together like gossiping neighbors. Pro tip: book a Strasbourg walking tour [on GetYourGuide] so you don’t miss the quirky details, like medieval carvings hidden in doorways.

The Alsace Wine Route is another must. This 105-mile stretch winds through vineyards and villages like Riquewihr, Ribeauvillé, and Eguisheim — each one prettier than the last. Autumn is especially gorgeous because it’s harvest season, so the hills are glowing gold and the villages are buzzing with festivals.

Souvenirs? Wine, obviously — Riesling and Gewürztraminer are the stars here. But don’t overlook Alsatian pottery (look for hand-painted kugelhopf molds), or a box of spiced Christmas cookies if you visit late in the year. Amazon has some [travel wine tumblers] that are perfect if you want to enjoy your finds on a picnic without breaking glass.

How to get there: Strasbourg has its own airport, but most travelers arrive by train — just two hours from Paris on the TGV. Rent a car if you want to explore the smaller villages at your own pace.

If you’re a foodie, Alsace will also spoil you. Pretzels, tarte flambée (think thin-crust pizza with cream, onions, and bacon), and kugelhopf (a buttery bundt-style cake) are local staples. This is one of those regions where you don’t just visit — you eat your way through it.

Bottom line: If you’re planning a European trip and skipping Alsace, you’re skipping one of Europe’s dreamiest regions. Don’t say I didn’t warn you and make sure you dress comfortable!

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Bucket List for Giverny, France:

First up is the Fondation Monet in Giverny: The Foundation Claude Monet is open every day from April 1st to November 1st, 2023 from 9:30 am to 6:00 pm, with the last admission 5:30 pm.

At the foundation, you will find his home and THE water garden. Visiting the foundation also gives you access to the Japanese Bridge, Nympheas restaurant and tea room, and two gift shops, as well as all of the gardens.

ENTRANCE FEES House and Gardens:

Adults: 11 €
child aged from 7 and students: 6,50 €
Child under 7: free
Disabled : 5,50 €>> the list of tour guides
A free game booklet is now available to 5-8 and 9-12 aged children:
Combined tickets :
Adults: 21 €
child aged from 7: 6.50 €
Students: 13.50 €
Disabled: 12.50 €

Giverny Impressionism Museum:

99, rue Claude Monet
27620 Giverny

Église Sainte-Radegonde de:

Church of Sainte-Radegonde (Poitiers)

53 / 55 Rue Claude Monet, 27620 Giverny, France

For a complete calendar of events and holidays click the link above and it will take you to their website with an interactive calendar so you can plan accordingly!

Visiting the Church is FREE!

Castle of La Roche-Guyon:

1 Rue de l’Audience, 95780 La Roche-Guyon, France

ENTRANCE FEES:

Open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends and public holidays from 10 am to 7 pm.

Full price: €9 — Reduced price: €6
Free for children under 6 years old

Best time to visit and holidays:

Monet’s garden is incredibly beautiful from April to October. Flowers varieties are blooming one after another so that the garden changes gradually with the seasons while keeping its colors and brightness. The peak period is from May-June, and then Summer.

Popular restaurants:

Open daily in Season
Closed on Sunday evenings, Mondays and
Tuesdays lunchtime on low season

Departementale Road 1927430 Connelles

38, rue du Moulin 27630 Fourges

Open daily except on Sunday evenings from November thru March

5 route de la Corniche 78270 Rolleboise

Hotel recommendations:

Free things to do in Giverny, France:

Hope this inspired you to visit this remarkable city! If you are looking for more options check out the rest of my Day Trips from Paris series!

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Nothing better than that Eiffel Tower view!!

Top things to do in Paris:

Best time to visit:

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August and September to October. Both summer and fall have their ups and downs. From June to August the weather in Paris is just about parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the high 70s and there are long days of sunshine.

I always love to check and see what types of holidays or celebrations are being held. Christmas can be an incredible time to visit with everything immaculately decorated.

It’s cheaper to visit the city in the winter, especially in November, before most people are on vacation. Traveling to Paris in February and March is less expensive than in the summer but watch for rainy cold weather.

Day trips from Paris:

Each of these will take you to an itinerary page where you can make the most of your trip in France!!

Getting around Paris:

The Paris Metro is a great way to get around the city when we travel around central Paris. This is because it is fast, affordable, has a regular service, and covers the majority of the attractions in the city center.

Renting a car is another option but with the high cost of rentals and limited parking available, we recommend the metro.

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Strasbourg, France

1. Visit Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg): Marvel at the stunning architecture of this iconic cathedral, known for its intricate Gothic design. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the city and the picturesque Alsace region.
2. Explore La Petite France: Wander through the charming medieval streets of La Petite France, a historic quarter with half-timbered houses, canals, and flower-filled balconies. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride along the Ill River for a unique perspective of this romantic neighborhood.
3. Relax in Parc de l’Orangerie: Spend a sunny day at Parc de l’Orangerie, Strasbourg’s oldest public park. Admire the beautifully landscaped gardens, rent a rowboat on the lake, or visit the mini zoo. Don’t miss the picturesque pavilion and the stunning Orangerie Palace.

These experiences capture the essence of Strasbourg’s beauty and charm during the summer months!

Trier, Germany

1. Porta Nigra: Begin your exploration with a visit to Porta Nigra, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Roman city gate north of the Alps. Climb to the top for panoramic views of Trier and learn about its fascinating history.
2. Trier Cathedral (Dom St. Peter): Discover the impressive Trier Cathedral, a Romanesque and Gothic-style church housing the Holy Tunic, believed to be the robe of Christ. Admire the stunning architecture, including the striking Liebfrauenkirche nearby.
3. Rheinische Landesmuseum: Dive into Trier’s rich past at the Rheinische Landesmuseum, showcasing artifacts from Roman times to the Middle Ages. Explore mosaics, sculptures, and treasures that illuminate the city’s ancient heritage.

After sightseeing, unwind with a stroll along the picturesque Moselle River, explore local vineyards, or indulge in regional cuisine at one of Trier’s charming outdoor cafes. Enjoy your summer adventure in this historic city!

Mannheim, Germany

1. Luisenpark: Spend a relaxing day at Luisenpark, one of Europe’s most beautiful parks. Explore lush gardens, exotic greenhouses, and scenic lakes. Enjoy boat rides, visit the butterfly house, or simply unwind in this serene oasis.
2. Mannheim Palace (Schloss Mannheim): Discover the grandeur of Mannheim Palace, a Baroque masterpiece and former residence of the Prince-electors of the Palatinate. Explore the palace museum to learn about its history and see its impressive architecture.
3. Water Tower (Wasserturm) and Friedrichsplatz: Admire Mannheim’s iconic Water Tower, a symbol of the city, located in Friedrichsplatz. This picturesque square is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with cafes, gardens, and often cultural events happening in the open space.

Additionally, don’t miss exploring Mannheim’s lively squares, like Marktplatz and Paradeplatz, where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere, dine at outdoor restaurants, or shop in local boutiques.

Fun Park Kaiserslautern

Attractions: Enjoy a thrilling day with a variety of rides and activities suitable for all ages, including escape rooms, ninja warrior course, and traditional trampolines!

Opening Hours:

• Monday to Thursday: 1:30 PM – 7:00 PM
• Friday: 1:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Saturday: 12:00 PM – 9:30 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Ticket Prices (as of recent info):

• Full price for ages 7 and above: €13.50 for 60 minutes
• Children (ages 3-6): €8.50 for 60 minutes
• Children under 3: Free with adult during Mini Jump

Note: Prices and hours may vary, so it’s best to check the official Fun Park Kaiserslautern website or contact them directly for the most current information and any seasonal promotions.

Get ready for a day filled with excitement and adventure at Fun Park Kaiserslautern!

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Part 1 here

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