Bienvenue en France! Prepare to embark on a gastronomic odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of North-Eastern France.
This self-drive wine and gastronomy tour to France promises not just a culinary adventure but a tapestry woven with the threads of history, culture, and the exquisite flavors of Alsace, Champagne, Burgundy, and beyond.
Chapter Trail
Day 1 to Day 2: Welcome to Saverne
Your journey kicks off in the picturesque city of Saverne, Alsace. Immerse yourself in the history of the 18th-century Rohan castle, now home to the Museum of Archeology, Art, and History. The Grand’Rue, adorned with ancient half-timbered houses, tells tales of Gallic and Roman influences. Saverne, surrounded by mountains crowned with fortified castles, invites you to partake in year-round festivities.
Day 3: Nature's Bounty in Northern Vosges
Venture into the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, a haven of natural and historical wonders. Discover ancient castles like Fleckenstein and explore charming towns like Wissembourg. The region’s expertise in glass and crystal is showcased at Lalique, a must-visit with its own museum. The park, rich in fauna and flora, promises a serene escape into nature’s embrace.
Day 4: Arzviller - Metz - Tinqueux
Navigate the Arzviller lock ladder, a feat of 18th-century engineering connecting the Seine basin and the Rhine route. Explore Metz, a city steeped in ancient history, boasting Roman roots and medieval charm. Enter through the Germans’ Gate, a medieval bridge, and immerse yourself in Metz’s captivating past.
Day 5 to Day 6: Champagne Dreams in Châlons-en-Champagne
Châlons-en-Champagne, born two millennia ago, reveals its medieval roots through splendid architecture, including St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Visit the Caves of Maison Joseph Perrier, delving into Gallo-Roman origins and savoring the taste of Champagne. Your journey continues to the heart of Champagne, Epernay, where Moët & Chandon awaits with a cellar tour and a flute of Imperial Moët.
Day 7: Troyes - Piney - Curtil - Vergy
Troyes, with its preserved half-timbered houses, showcases a rich history reborn from the ashes. Explore the Orient Forest Regional Natural Park, a legendary territory with hidden lakes and historical treasures. Enjoy a boat trip on Orient Lake, immersing yourself in this exceptional setting.
Day 8: Beaune - Dijon - Culinary Delights
Beaune, the capital of fine Burgundy wines, welcomes you to discover the Moutarderie Fallot and the Maison Patriarche. Indulge in a tasting of great Burgundy wines and savor the flavors of the region. Dijon, with its architectural diversity, invites you to dine on the local star – boeuf bourguignon.
Day 9: Morvan's Natural Charms
Explore the Morvan Regional Park, a vast forest massif with lakes and charming villages. Visit Vézelay, Bibracte, Lac des Settons, and Mont Beuvray, experiencing the region’s history, nature, and unique charm.
Day 10: Besançon - Ingersheim
Besançon’s historic center, with its citadel and astronomical clock, offers a cultural feast. Cruise the Doubs River and head south to the Jura massif for outdoor adventures.
Day 11 to Day 12: Colmar - Ribeauvillé - Ingersheim
Discover the medieval charm of Colmar’s cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings. Visit Ribeauvillé, with its fortified castles and renowned wineries like Domaine Louis Sipp.
Day 12: Strasbourg - European Elegance
In Strasbourg, enjoy the blend of German and French influences. Explore the Gothic cathedral, Petite France, and indulge in an Alsatian menu showcasing local specialties. Wander through the Big Island, home to medieval bridges and canals bordered by half-timbered houses.
Day 13: Au Revoir!
As your culinary tour concludes, return your rented car, reflecting on the enchanting landscapes and flavors of North-Eastern France. This extended journey will forever linger in your memory, a tapestry woven with the threads of history, nature, and gastronomic delights. À la vôtre!
Conclusion
As the wheels of your rented car turn towards the journey’s end, it’s not just the kilometers that you leave behind; it’s the lingering taste of history, the aromas of fine wines, and the indelible memories of North-Eastern France’s culinary wonders that stay with you. This gastronomic expedition has been more than a mere tour; it has been a symphony of flavors, a celebration of heritage, and a visual feast of landscapes.
From the medieval charm of Saverne’s half-timbered houses to the architectural splendors of Metz, from the subterranean marvels of Arzviller to the effervescent cellars of Champagne, each day has unfolded a new chapter in the rich tapestry of this region. The Northern Vosges, with its castles and natural wonders, and the Orient Forest, with its hidden lakes, have painted a vivid picture of nature’s bounty.
Châlons-en-Champagne and Troyes have shared their stories through architectural marvels, inviting you to step back in time. Beaune and Dijon, the heart of Burgundy, have treated your palate to the finest wines and culinary delights, leaving an imprint of their gastronomic legacy.
The Morvan’s serene landscapes and the historic charm of Besançon have added yet another layer to this multifaceted journey. Colmar and Ribeauvillé have transported you to a world of medieval splendor, while Strasbourg, with its European elegance, showcased the harmonious blend of German and French influences.
As you bid adieu to Ingersheim, the taste of Alsace lingering on your lips, it’s not just a car that you return; it’s a treasure trove of experiences, a collection of moments that have become a part of your personal narrative. The North-Eastern France wine and gastronomy tour has not just offered a culinary exploration but a cultural immersion, a journey through time, and a rendezvous with the essence of this enchanting region.
So, as you return your rented car, remember that though the roads end, the memories forged during these days will continue to unfold like a well-aged wine, getting richer with time. À la vôtre, to the culmination of a journey that has left an indelible mark on your heart and palate.
Check out the free Paris Culinary Tour itinerary from Baboo Travel below:
Plan your next dream trip with one of our hand-picked, highly experienced, licensed, and insured Local In-destination Experts!
