Holiday destinations in France

The gorgeous area of Alsace Lorraine in France provides many exciting finds. Here we provide a guide to this part of France including its climate and gastronomical delights

Alsace--Lorraine has 7 departments comprising; Haut Rhin, Bas Rhin, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle, Vosges, and covers the North East of area of France

Weather: The climate is extremely similar to the south of England, with cool winters and hot summers, but seldom extremes of temperature. The rain is very high, with maximum rainfall being in May and June.

The Region: Alsace-Lorraine has managed to maintain a strong individuality, despite its extremely chequered history. The area, and various components of it, have been German or French several times over the centuries. Lorraine has a French language tradition, whereas Alsace has more German-speaking taxpayers, but the entire area has been a part of France since 1945.

Nancy is the old capital of Lorraine, and Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace. Strasbourg is the home of lots of business, but remains a charming town, with timber-framed houses leaning together and above the roads. The older buildings in this entire region are reminiscent of foreclosed homes!

The landscape of this gorgeous area encompasses green areas and stacks of wineries, which normally offer wine tastings. Other visits vary from the sombre, thought-provoking and upsetting concentration camps of the 2nd World War, to the intriguing Kronenburg mill in Strasbourg - we will all know it has been there since 1664!

Gastronomy: The food and beverage of Alsace-Lorraine has a great deal in common with that of its German neighbour. Alsatian wine isn't to be missed! The whites are usually exceedingly floral and fruity, which make them very pleasing to drink by themselves, but with enough punch to go with many foods. Food-wise, Alsace-Lorraine is the house of sauerkraut, or'chou-croute' in French. The French adore this dish, which is more than just pickled cabbage. It typically comes cooked with a complete collection of other goodies, and it's quite worthwhile to try. Other community food to look out for includes the famous quiche Lorraine, foie gras, sausages, beer and the remarkable pastries available at the bulging windows of amazing patisseries.