Unplanned side trip.
Last night we decided to do a 'unplanned side trip', so we studied our AAA France guide book. After some research, we called Hertz and reserved a car.
After breakfast it was a short 15-min walk to the agency and in no time, off we went exploring in our little rental.
Karen read about this medieval Chàteau about 15-miles from Colmar along the Alsace Wine Route. The drive up to the castle (it's at 2, 500-ft) was very nice through grape vine covered hillsides leading into the forest. As we got close to the castle, there were cars parked along the narrow road for miles. Bill decided we'd go all the way up and see if we might be able to park closer - after all, some peps might be leaving. He was right, and we only had a short walk.
The Chàteau de Haut Koenigsbourg turns out to be a much-visited castle, looming above the woodlands and countryside below. In fact, it is one of France's most widely visited castles. No wonder there were so many cars.
Below are several pictures of this enormous Chàteau, built on the top of a rocky mountain top.
Once we left, we decided to look for a small medieval town along the back roads for a place for lunch. Vineyards everywhere as well as several wineries. Since Bill was driving, we waited for dinner to enjoy the regions wine.
We found a small village with cobblestone, narrow streets and made our way through the narrow street until we found a place to park.
We found a French Brasserie and sat outside on the terrace. The waiters spoke very little English, but 'no problem' - they say that a lot - but we had a wonderful lunch.
Our last stop was the Colmar train station as our seats from Colmar to Strasbourg had not been assigned like our seats from Strasbourg to Paris were. The agent spoke very little English, but again, 'no problem'. Seats assigned, off to return our cute little car. After walking back to our hotel, a short rest then shopping, packing, etc before finding a place for dinner.
We were able to find a table at a small restaurant that we noticed on our previous walks along the Petite Venice canal. Our views were great for our last night here.
Bill had a big piece of roasted ham, sourkraut, and potatoes. Karen had an onion tart and salad and of course, a glass of Riesling wine. It was a nice relaxing meal.
On our way back to the Les Maison de Tètès Hotel, we enjoyed stopping for refreshing sorbet cone.
Tomorrow we head back California. The taxi will pick us up at 6:35am and take us to the train station. After changing trains in Strasbourg, we arrive Paris at 10:05am. The taxi to the CDG Airport should take about a 40-min. Our flight depats at 1pm and we arrive LAX at 8pm. We are praying everything goes smoothly and there are no hangups.
After breakfast it was a short 15-min walk to the agency and in no time, off we went exploring in our little rental.
Our near new Fiat 500 for the day.
Karen read about this medieval Chàteau about 15-miles from Colmar along the Alsace Wine Route. The drive up to the castle (it's at 2, 500-ft) was very nice through grape vine covered hillsides leading into the forest. As we got close to the castle, there were cars parked along the narrow road for miles. Bill decided we'd go all the way up and see if we might be able to park closer - after all, some peps might be leaving. He was right, and we only had a short walk.
Approaching the Castle
The Chàteau de Haut Koenigsbourg turns out to be a much-visited castle, looming above the woodlands and countryside below. In fact, it is one of France's most widely visited castles. No wonder there were so many cars.
Now that's a big door!
Below are several pictures of this enormous Chàteau, built on the top of a rocky mountain top.
Once we left, we decided to look for a small medieval town along the back roads for a place for lunch. Vineyards everywhere as well as several wineries. Since Bill was driving, we waited for dinner to enjoy the regions wine.
Vineyards everywhere
Grapes not ready to be picked
We found a small village with cobblestone, narrow streets and made our way through the narrow street until we found a place to park.
We found a French Brasserie and sat outside on the terrace. The waiters spoke very little English, but 'no problem' - they say that a lot - but we had a wonderful lunch.
Lunch
Our last stop was the Colmar train station as our seats from Colmar to Strasbourg had not been assigned like our seats from Strasbourg to Paris were. The agent spoke very little English, but again, 'no problem'. Seats assigned, off to return our cute little car. After walking back to our hotel, a short rest then shopping, packing, etc before finding a place for dinner.
We were able to find a table at a small restaurant that we noticed on our previous walks along the Petite Venice canal. Our views were great for our last night here.
Dinner view
See our table below
Bill had a big piece of roasted ham, sourkraut, and potatoes. Karen had an onion tart and salad and of course, a glass of Riesling wine. It was a nice relaxing meal.
Excellent!
On our way back to the Les Maison de Tètès Hotel, we enjoyed stopping for refreshing sorbet cone.
Tomorrow we head back California. The taxi will pick us up at 6:35am and take us to the train station. After changing trains in Strasbourg, we arrive Paris at 10:05am. The taxi to the CDG Airport should take about a 40-min. Our flight depats at 1pm and we arrive LAX at 8pm. We are praying everything goes smoothly and there are no hangups.
We've had a wonderful time and hope you've enjoyed traveling with us.
Au revoir!
Praying for safe travel home. We have indeed enjoyed traveling with you!
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