Monday (1 September), We drove to the Lalique Museum about an hour away, so took the longer cross country route. We intended to have lunch at the bistro, however they were fully booked, so we ended up in the local cafe in the village, which did the job.
The Lalique Museum is there because Rene Lalique opened his first glass making works in the area as it had many of the necessary minerals, plus wood for the furnaces.
It was also an interesting drive through the Vosges National park.
Tuesday, following recommendations we headed south to Rosheim, via Molsheim Avolsheim (yes a lot of places are called …heim). We had a wander around Rosheim then the obligatory stop for coffee and cake.
We were heading to Ottrott, but decided to go via Mount Saint Odile, Nic had looked it up online, Rog just liked the really windy road on the map !
Impressive views!
Once in Ottrott (not everything is …heim), we headed to a couple of wine houses, to try the ‘Ottrott Red’ which is a notable local red wine, several hundred years ago, the vines were brought from Burgundy by monks, who recognised that the local conditions suited the grape variety.
Wednesday, we headed into Strasbourg, it was recommended that we do ‘Park & Ride’ on the tram, so we set off to ‘Poteries’ tram stop, however nobody had told Google Maps that they were extending the tram tracks, and there were road works/closures everywhere. So we drove around in circles for a little while seeing the car park, but being unable to get there! Finally we managed to be on the right road for the car park! The car parking was €4.20 (£3.65) which included up to 5 people on the tram! What a Bargain!
We started at Strasbourg Cathedral, then wandered around the old town, finishing with lunch at ‘Masion Kammerzell’ a restaurant which opened in 1427. A really nice local meal and the odd glass of wine. (obviously not for the driver!).
Getting out of the car park was a lot easier than getting in.
Thursday, another lunch out, Le Basilic in Avolsheim, a Italian restaurant. Lovely pizza and veal.
Called at the farm shop on the way back ‘home’. Then we walked out to the local wine producer. In previous visits, we have done a tasting, and know the wine well, so we were just trying to buy wine this time, however the ‘vondage’ (grape harvest) was well underway, so we didn’t want to disturb anyone. But ‘madam’ insisted on calling ‘monsieur’ back from the vineyards. We made it worth their while by buying plenty of wine. We were also not allowed to leave without having a glass of fizz whilst he sorted out the order and the bill.
Friday, it’s a hard life but we had to go out for lunch again, we are on holiday with friends😂. This time ‘Le Marronnier’ (The Chestnut tree) in Stutzheim-Offenheim, which specialises in the local Tarte Flambée (like a pizza, but really thin with a crème fraiche base rather than tomato). We all agreed it was one of our favourite meals.
Saturday, we left the Strasbourg area and drove to Epernay, the capital of Champagne. Another easy drive on the French motorways.
Obviously when in Champagne we have to drink Champagne. So we headed out to a local bar had a couple of different champagnes, followed by dinner at restaurant Chez Francoise, where we had really good steaks.
Sunday, had a relaxing day, a little stroll up the Avenue d’ Champagne, followed by coffee and cake. Lunch back at the AirBnB flat, which is a short walk into town near a local school.
In the evening we went out for a walk looking for the Blood Moon and the lunar eclipse, but we were a little early and Epernay is surrounded by hills. So we gave up before the Moon crossed the visible horizon. We did however get to see the impressive Wineries of the Avenue De Champagne all lit up.
Again, credit for some of the photos must go to our friends.
Travurple 