Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France
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Alsace is a historical and cultural region in Eastern France. It was one of France’s regions until 2015, but now it is part of the French region Grand Est, together with Champagne-Ardenne and Lorraine’s historical regions.
The Alsace region has borders with Germany and Switzerland, so it is very easy to visit Alsace on a weekend getaway or a longer trip from these two countries.
The capital of the Alsace region is Strasbourg, which is also the capital of Grand Est. Other important cities in Alsace are Colmar, Mulhouse, and Sélestat.
The history of Alsace is complex. Located at the border with Germany, the Alsace changed hands from Germany to France and vice-versa several times during the last centuries. After the annexation of Alsace by Germany during WWI, it came back to France in 1945. However, visitors will find many German influences in Alsace, especially in architecture and gastronomy.
Alsace is well-known for its wines, picturesque architecture, and Christmas markets, but of course, there’s much more!
The Alsace Region in a Nutshell
Population: 1,884,150 inhabitants
Region: Grand Est, in Eastern France
Average temperatures (max /min): January – 6C /-1C; April – 16C / 5C; July – 26C / 16C; October – 16C / 7C.
Main attractions in Alsace: Strasbourg, Colmar, the Alsace Wine Route, the Alsace Villages, the Alsace Christmas Markets, the Vosges.
Alsace regional food: baeckeoffe, tarte flambée, cordon bleu, Vol-au-vent, spaetzle, fleischnacka, and bretzel.
Alsace Travel Hub
Do you want to visit the region of Alsace? Check out our articles about this wonderful region in Eastern France:
Alsace Wine Route Road Trip – Itinerary + Map
2 Days in Strasbourg Itinerary + Map
Best Christmas Markets in Alsace
The Ultimate Road Trip in Alsace
Best Things to Do in Strasbourg
Things to Do in Riquewihr France
The Strasbourg Dancing Plague of 1518
Best Day Trips from Strasbourg