>annexed at one time by Germany
The French started the annexing, because le roi wanted the Rhine as the eastern border. Those local folks still have this awful "German way" about them. You find it everywhere a sort of hybrid. You'd expect the "new" language would have changed that over the centuries. But it's still something very strong, this "neatness", that seems so old fashioned and in a way exaggerated. "The Schwarzwald on steroids".

Kerouac: Yes, I am aware of the misnommer but I didn't realize at my age that I'm considered that far in the past :)

Very interesting that the Federal law doesn't supersede the local departmental law, if I understand correctly.

Logos: <Those local folks still have this awful "German way" about them.> That's what I used to think as well, but having spent more time among them long enough, I have come to appreciate their mannerisms and ways...the language part, not so much.

It's not departmental law -- I think it was part of the peace treaty in 1918.

Thank you Aramis and NanBug for convincing me that even though it's going to be cold that Alsace is still a pleasant place to visit. We are really looking forward to visiting there and I'm especially looking forward to visiting when there will be less tourists.
We are going to rent a car - do any of you have any tips for renting a car while abroad? Any rental companies you would recommend or avoid?

JulesOK..we've rented from AutoEurope and Kemwel many times, and they're easy to deal with. When we have had some issues after the rental, they have been handled quickly and well.

I based in Colmar because I was using public transportation. I loved Colmar - beautiful little city, but also enjoyed visiting the villages. On my next trip I will base in Eguisheim. AlacarteParis is right. Just from the photographs I have seen, it is the most unique of the villages, but didn't have time to see it on my trip. I did visit Kaysersberg and Riquewihr, both charming but the latter is definitely more for tourists. I also enjoyed Ribeauville. And if you do have time, I would visit some of the towns mentioned on the German side, too. That said, anything less than 3 nights in Alsace is not enough.

Jules, if you are interested in history I strongly recommend visiting the Hartmannsvillerkopf, where major battles of WW I happened. It is most impressive to walk through the trenches. There ist memorial which is attended by a Franco-German company.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hartmannswillerkopf

When you are there, have lunch at Molkenrain - a most picturesque farmhouse with rustic food. Do NOT miss a dessert with whipped cream - it is homemade cream and better than anything you have tasted before.

http://www.ferme-molkenrain.com/data...?lk=sit&lng=en

As others have said, most villages along the "Route du Vin" are picturesque. The general rule is, the villages in the vineyard-covered hills are cute, those in the plains are not. Our favourite village is Eguisheim, but we usually stay in Gueberschwihr (which also picturesque and less touristy).

You can easily cross the border into Germany. At least drive into Freiburg, see also nearby Staufen.