richlois

My husband is renting a car and we plan to drive the "alsace wine route". Can someone tell me the specific scenic roads to take from Basel to Strasbourg. Also, any recomendations on places to stay along the route. Thanks.

adeben

From the south, the Route des Vins allegedly starts at Thann, and parallels the N83 highway. It runs from Thann to Guebwiller to Westhalten to Soultzmatt, then Eguisheim, Wintzenheim and Ammerschwihr, which is near Colmar. From Ammerschwihr northwards, the Route is much easier to follow and goes through (or past) Zellenberg, Riquewihr, St Hippolyte, Kintzheim, Dambach to Barr. From there the Route offially goes about as far as Wasselone, but I think that's stretching it a bit.
The road itself is very scenic, but there are numerous roads leading off to the left which go up valleys of the Vosges, and it is really a matter of 'pick one'! Any one is likely to be of interest.
A good place to stay overnight would be 'A L'Arbre Vert' in Ammerschwihr. Nice hotel and very good associated restaurant.
It's not clear from your post whether or not you are interested in wine tasting. Let's know if you are, and more advice could be tended!

richlois

Thanks, Adeben! Sounds like it will be a lovely drive. More interested in sights then wine drinking.

Underhill

Before you leave, check out the villagesfleuris web site to find out which towns and villages were competitors in the 2006 national competition for best floral decoration. You can see the list for Alsace and make a point of seeing the nominees. Signs outside each village/town indicate whether it's a one, two, three, or four flower spot. Anyone interested in flowers and gardening will find these displays of great interest; the rest of us will just admire their beauty.

FauxSteMarie

It's all beautiful. You don't have to worry about which town to see. The vineyards are cut into hillsides so steep at times it beggars belief that they could be cultivated.

Similar terrain can also be seen along the Rhine.