The German landscape, from the Black Forest to Lake Constance

Every year at Christmas time, Colmar establishes itself as one of the capitals of Alsace: throughout the city, 5 markets compete with the quality of their craft products and the sparkle of their decorations. In a festive atmosphere, under the half-timbered houses of the pedestrian streets, the lights and illuminated displays guide strollers from one site to another, from the market in the Place Jeanne d'Arc to the Gourmet Market in the Place de la Cathédrale.

The Birnau's baroque church has been overlooking Lake Constance since 1750. In the middle of the vineyards, it is still one of the most beautiful rococo monuments in Germany. An integral part of the imperial abbey of Salem, it was closed for worship during the nineteenth century. Since it reopened in 1919, it is once again attracting pilgrims who marvel at the superb fresco ceilings.

It should be possible to discover it by boat. Reach the island city of Lindau from the waters of Lake Constance and then pass between the imposing statue of the stone lion which is a symbol of Bavaria and the old lighthouse built in the thirteenth century. Lindau has preserved its churches with their onion-shaped towers and its gabled town houses. A special atmosphere reigns here. So much so that at the end of June every year, the Nobel Prize winners come and meet young scientists from around the world here!