Going South

What could be better than enjoying a cup of delicious coffee with a croissant in one of Strasbourg's charming cafés?

Strasbourg's Notre-Dame Cathedral, a true Gothic pearl, was built from pink Vosgian sandstone between 1176 and 1439. As was often the case with temples built over several centuries, only one tower lacked religious inspiration, money, and time.
The tower was completed in 1439 by Cologne architect Johannes Hultz. The open worked spire at a height of 142 m is crowned with a double cross. The famous sculpture of the double portals of the southern transept, including two female figures (the Church and the Synagogue), symbolizing the triumph of Christianity and the retreat of Judaism, has survived from the previous Romanesque building.
Special attention should be paid to the so-called columns of Angels, with an unusual image of the Last Judgment and astronomical clock of the XVI century. Every day at 12:30 p.m. the figures move, and the apostles move in succession before Christ.
Here, as elsewhere in France, many figures suffered during the revolution. Some have been replaced by copies, and the originals are kept next to each other, in the Cathedral Museum, which also houses works of art from other Alsace temples.

Little France is one of the most charming districts in Strasburg. The majority of fairy half-timbered homes, the Tanner's house being the most popular one, are situated here. The canals, cobblestone streets make this place a romantic venue with picturesque sites from a fairy-tale.

Well, you've been walking for a while now, it's time to have lunch. Visit this amazing restaurant at Maison Kammerzell Hotel, treat yourself with some authentic Alsace cuisine: onion pie, veal stew and sauerkaut.

Many villages of Alsace vintners are protected by powerful fortifications, but the Upper Kenningburg Castle near the town of Celeste looks especially impressive. The fortress, which once belonged to the Staufen dynasty, was rebuilt in the early 20th century by Kaiser Wilhelm II. The grandiose medieval building became a popular destination for country walks.

Near the town of Celeste there are two beautiful villages with timber houses: Riboville with its picturesque market square and Rikvir, reminiscent of a museum. You can start exploring this village from the tourist office, spare an hour on walking around unique and cozy architecture.

Colmar is called the little Venice - for the canals with real gondoliers. Walk through the beautiful city before having dinner at Bartholdi—a French restaurant, offering skillfully cooked dishes from traditional French cuisine.
Please note that the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Sundays' evening.

This busy day is already coming to an end, it's time to go to the hotel to rest, because tomorrow we also expect quite a lot of interesting and memorable, so you need to be in good spirits.