The provinces of Alsace and Lorraine, with ancient capitals at Strasbourg and Nancy, have been the object of many disputes between Germany and France. Alsace has been called "the least French of French provinces," more reminiscent of the Black Forest across the Rhine. In fact, it became German from 1870 until after World War I and was ruled by Hitler from 1940 to 1944. These days, both provinces are back under French control, though they remain somewhat independent.
In the Vosges Mountains you can follow La Route des Crêtes (Crest Road) or skirt the foothills, visiting the wine towns of Alsace. In its cities and cathedrals, the castle-dotted landscape evokes a past filled with military glory or defeat. Lorraine is Joan of Arc country, and many of its towns still suggest their medieval heritage.
No clear-cut line delineates Alsace from Lorraine. Alsace is more German. Lorraine, with its rolling landscape, appears more French in character.
Pau Travel Experiences
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Onto Pau!!
Continuing our journey through the Dordogne, we stopped for lunch at Mentabo restaurant at Les Eyzies ~du~Tayac After an hour stop and a... Continue reading »
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A Pilgrimage to Lourdes
Located 853 kilometers south of France, the small town of Lourdes lies at the foothills of the Pyrenees near the border of Spain. Quiet a... Continue reading »
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Day 1 The calm before the storm
Enroute to Roncesvalles from St. Jean, about 8 km outside St. Jean (but 600 meters higher!) is this delightful little oasis of an auberge... Continue reading »
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Day Three
Day 3, May 20Arzacq-Arraziguet to PompsDistance: 20km899km to Santiago, 52km from startEarliest start so far, a little before 8:00. Anoth... Continue reading »
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Day 43: Pau
Another morning in Bilbao. Billy spent over an hour in the bath mucking around last night so he slept really well. After getting woken an... Continue reading »
