Colmar and Eguisheim

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Friday 22 July 2016



Travelling south, back towards Dijon, we stopped at Colmar for lunch. A very different entry welcomed us…the Statue of Liberty! After finding a carpark (what a marvel Neville is!) we wound our way on foot to a canal side restaurant, passing a variety of housing and shops along the way. Eight centuries of Germanic and French architecture feature in this colourfully eclectic town of the Alsace region.



The flowers that line the canal were in abundance, adding charm to the shuttered housing behind. The town was founded in the 9^th century and is also known as ‘Little Venice’ due to the number of canals that cross the river Lauch. We tried to find the Hansi Museum but aborted our attempts; the growing humidity was oppressive and rain was threatening. With car parks difficult to find in the area we wanted, we left the town of Colmar and headed to the village of Eguisheim.



The Alsace region has many vineyards; the countryside deliciously green. More floral displays welcomed us to this village which was founded in 1257, making it 3 centuries younger than Colmar! Coloured shutters were seen at every turn as we meandered the very narrow lanes. This particular village is arranged in concentric circles around a 13^th century castle.





Looking up to the bell tower of the church of St Pierre-et-St-Paul, we saw huge nests. What a delight and wonderful surprise to see storks! Real storks! Apparently, storks were in abundance in the Alsace region but had deserted the village by the 1970s. A reintroduction program has brought them back. This program is quaintly known by ‘The Friends of the Storks’ as a marriage bureau! Fascinating to see these birds; it added to the fairy-tale-coming-to-life experience and a highlight of the trip back to Dijon.

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Photos

Entry to Colmar
The Statue of Liberty! Some research revealed why ...Auguste Batholdi was a French sculptor, born in Colmar on 2 August 1834. He created "Liberty lightening the world". He died in 1904. This 12 metre resin replica was made to commemorate his '100th death anniversary'.

Shops and residences
Walking the ancient streets of Colmar, a step back in time

Real men don't eat quiche!
They choose Entrecôte! There was no mention of marrow bone on the menu!

Colour pervades Eguisheim
The village has won many awards for its floral displays.

A bicycle prepared for a picnic
Note the wine bottle strapped to the bar!

Picture story book
But its real!

Hydrangeas
Fuchsias and hydrangeas; nostalgic for my Dad

The fountain of Saint-Leon
The village's most illustrious son was St Leo, a pope and a great traveller. He strove for peace in the 11th century. Peace is still being sought! Has history taught us nothing?

A stork!
A breathtaking pinch-yourself moment!

Grateful we were not travelling north!
Heading back south to Villa Pernot, Dijon, after our wonderful travels through Burgundy, Lorraine and Alsace.

Comments

[Cheryl and Mark]

Just lovely...
Hey Jan - just love your photos - love the doorways and windows and flower boxes and bicycles ... just all so 'French'. Interesting about the storks ...and then there was one! Enjoy the last few days in mustard town ... love to all xxx

[Marie-T]

Sounds Great Jan. I'm glad that you are enjoying the trip. make the most out of it.

[Les and Pauline]

Collar and Eguisheim
Thanks again for the update and the lovely photos of this area. Glad you both keeping well and a safe trip home. When you come back will fill you in on Pauline's current health difficulties. Love to you all Les and Pauline xx