Alsace: a wine route and mulled wine at Christmas markets

During the last five weeks of the year, Strasbourg transforms itself into the ‘Christmas capital'. First opened in 1570, its Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most impressive in Europe. At the heart of the Grande île, under the luminous garlands of the great Christmas tree, some 300 log cabins attract a continuous crowd to browse for gifts and the best regional culinary specialities.

In 1870, Jean-Baptiste Massenez was working as a mere grower-distiller. In 1913, his son Eugène distilled wild raspberry for the very first time. One of his main customers was none other than the Queen of Sweden, who said she treated her diseased lungs with eau-de-vie distilled in Alsace! Massenez is part of the distilleries happily perpetuating the tradition of eaux de vie produced with fruits grown in the backyard and local products, which eaux de vie is drunk responsibly… Since the 1950s, they have been present in major Parisian breweries and on the tables of starred chefs. 

Built in the 12th century in the heart of the Vosges Mountains, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle tells an important part in the history of France. Besieged and pillaged during the Thirty Years' War, the medieval fortress was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century at the comman of German Emperor Wilhelm II, who wished to celebrate German culture in Alsace. Perched on a rocky outcrop at an altitude of 2,600 feet, it is now one of the most-visited castles in France.

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.