bertrand

Hi everybody, my name is Bertrand and I live in Alsace (France).
I travel around the world as much as possible and I met very helpful people each time I needed. Now it's my turn ! If you need anything to plan your trip in Alsace, just let me know. I'm gonna do my best to be the most efficient.
See you soon.

Palenque

What are you favorite towns along the Route des Vins Alscae (Alsace wine road - may have French a bit wrong) - or really villages and the best in your opinion wine tasting places and wine houses.

How is 2009 shaping up for Alsace wines

How many people in Alsace speak German as their first tongue - and thanks for your offer.

bertrand

HI, you are my first one ! Welcome !
My favorites towns along the Route des vins d'Alsace are (from south to north) : Rouffach, Eguisheim, Colmar, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé, Bergheim, Barr and Obernai.
I ought to be ashamed but I don't like Alsace wine. It's a white wine and I prefer red.
None of us speaks German as our first tongue.
Our first tongue is French. We have a dialect which is near to German but many of the young people don't speak it anymore.
Bye.

Palenque

bertrand - you promise to provide a wealth of info for Fodorites on Alsace but i think you thread title is too generic - i'd repost with something like "Alsace - Can I Help" - put Alsace in title as current title many people looking for Alsatian clues may pass over. Just a thot to your expertise can have broader impact. Merci

bertrand

OK, it's done.
Thanx for the tip.

grace44

Hi bertrand. My husband and I are planning on spending three nights in Strasbourg the beginning of Oct. We would like to take a day trip to Obernai, Ottrott, and Klingenthal. We are also interested in Mont Sainte Odile and Haut-Koenigsbourg. If we take the train to Obernai, is it possible to take buses in some kind of order to each place? Then ending up again at Obernai, to take the train back to Strasbourg. The reason for the cities is, I have paperwork showing an ancestor in the mid 1800's living in Ottrott Le Bas, and working in the Klingenthal Weapons Factory. I would like to see the towns and see where the factory was. Then spending some time in the area for the day. Is all this reasonable or to much? Trying to do some research I can't seem to find out if buses even go to these places. Is the tourist office in Obernai near the train station? Would we be better off trying to plan something from Strasbourg? Thank you for offering your knowledge of the area and for any information you can give me.

bertrand

Hi Grace.
There is a bus line ( n° 257 ) departing from Strasbourg ( place des Halles ) and driving to Mont Saint-Odile via Obernai, Ottrott and Klingenthal. All the cities you'd like to visit with the same bus line BUT ONLY on saturdays and sundays during this period of the year.
You can take the train to Obernai if you prefer and then walk to the tourism office ( the distance is about half a mile ) and once here, they will give you all the informations you need.
I think going to Haut-Königsbourg castle in the same day is possible but you will have to wake up early and I don't know when the first bus leave. You'll feel better to go back to Strasbourg, enjoy the rest of your day strolling in town and visit the castle the day after. Colmar is a city you don't have to miss, why not this day after the castle ?
Bye.

grace44

Thank you, this was the kind of information I was looking for. We won't be there on a weekend, so it looks like we should just head to the tourist office in Obernai. From there we can figure out our options. Thanks again.

bertrand

According to me, renting a car would be more convenient. You will gain plenty of time to see a maximum of things during your stay. Distances are short and roads aren't too busy ( except in Strasbourg but it ain't so bad ).
Don't be afraid of driving, it' pretty easy.

Dukey

Is there any way you can take boat trips on that canal I keep seeing as my TGV roars through Saverne?

It looks great and I am wondering if you can cruise on it.

Thanks.

bertrand

Hi Dukey,
Yes you can cruise on it. Take a look at this web-site ( www.boats-in-france.fr ) and search for the Canal de la Marne au Rhin. The site is in french. I will help you if you need.

Dukey

Thanks VERY much!

Palenque

bertie - how many times do they cheek kiss in Alsace - 2, 3 or 4 (was subject of a recent thread)? Cheers

cocofromdijon

Hi Bertrand and welcome on board. It is great you can offer your help with Alsace, the Fodorites loves it and you will have tons of questions! I saw you already met Palenque who likes to tease newbies ;-) Bonne chance!
Coco your neighbour from Burgundy (2 kisses here)

Palenque

bertie: check out Coco's web site www.myhomeindijon.com - lots about La Ville de la Moutard et la chouette!

bertrand

Generally we cheek kiss 2 times. Yes some people are afraid of the flu but they are very rare so far.
Could you do me a favor, please. I try to improve my english so don't hesitate to correct me. This message is for you and for all the others : show no mercy !!!
Thanx

bertrand

Hi neighbour,
where are you from and what do you do in Burgundy ? Excuse me if you think it's none of my business. Please to meet you.

cocofromdijon

I live in a small village very close to Dijon(5km?)and I rent out an apartment in the town center (see Pal's posting ). Many Fodorites went to Dijon already and I try to help the new comers the best I can. I wish there were more questions though! A bientot. Coco

Palenque

bertrand - Votre Anglais me semble parfait - un peu meilleur que celui de Coco!

bertrand

That's great. I was born and I still live in Mulhouse ( the second largest but the most unknown city in Alsace ).I would be glad to welcome Fodorites in my town, it's not as charming as Strasbourg or Colmar but there are lot of things to do. Just ask !