Boulangerie patisserie in Riquewihr

Two words to describe what I always feel when looking at these pictures: colorful and delicious.

"Delicious" here was more about smelling. I did not know why but I did not eat much cakes or sweets during this European trip. Breads and chocolate, yes, definitely. But cakes and other sweets, no. Whenever I stepped into a boulangerie patisserie, I could ooh aah over these beautiful cakes, but I never bought a single slice. Even when I was Paris. Except for macaroons, which is another story for another day (if I even get into that).

The same happened when I was in Riquewihr. I walked past this shop after the wine tasting session. The smell from the shop practically called to me. I stopped and back tracked to the shop. After ogling for a few minutes, I decided to buy something to eat, part of hunger and part of buying something when you were in a new place. And I was curious about Gugelhopf. So of course, I bought its smaller version. What did it taste like? Well, strangely enough, I could not recall much of the taste. I think I did not like it very much. That might be why I never bought it again when I got back to Strasbourgh.

Food aside, this boulangerie patisserie was a feast for vision. Why are cake shops in Singpore and Vietnam so boring?

Riquewihr - One of the most beautiful villages in France

I visited Riquewihr after exploring the surrounding vineyards and tasting wines from the region. It was a very lovely stroll, with crisp cool air and lovely companions. However, it was a little too short to my liking. If I have a chance, I will definitely stay here for a night or two. That would help me to slow down from the hectic daily life in Singapore. These days, sometimes I feel like I just want to drop everything and go away to some far away village. And Riquewihr is an ideal place to relax and calm yourself.

Situated between the peaks of the Vosges mountains and the Plain of Alsace, Riquewihr is a medieval town right in the heart of the Alsatian vineyards and is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France. As it was not badly damaged during World War II, the village is still maintained the appearance and atmosphere of a medieval town, with half-timbered houses built in 15th - 18th century. In a way, it reminds me of Le Petite France in Strasbourg, but maybe a little prettier.

Vineyards and wine tasting in Riquewihr

The next stop in my Alsace wine route excursion tour was Riquewihr. The village is famous for producing the Riesling and other great Alsace wines. It means it was a must to visit the vineyards surrounding Riquewihr.

Truthfully I have very little knowledge about wines and whatever related to them. It is not in my interest to learn about them. If I go out for dinner and dine in a restaurant, I normally choose water. I feel wine interfere with my food, even if it enhances the taste, I still don't like it much. Also, wine makes my throat feel dry, which I totally dislike.

Hence, during this visit, I couldn't say I understand much, especially during the wine tasting session. Well, of course I could differentiate the dryness of these wine. My throat was very sensitive after all. But other than that, I didn't have a clue what I was supposed to taste and feel. However, at the end of the day, I knew that I quite liked the Riesling.

Before this wine tasting session, our small tour group was shown the vineyards surrounding the village. And I've gotta say, I loved it. The view, the atmosphere and all the rules and techniques behind these beautiful vineyards. Do you know the French government has a very strict system concerning wine making and producing? There are rules on how grape trees are planted in a vineyard so that grapes are produced with the best quality? Also, vineyards should always be located on the slopes of hills or mountains in order to have rains, wind and sun in the right angle. And if a vineyard violates only a rule in the system, they will be fined. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, they might even be banned to operate a vineyard. And that is why French wines are still holding their quality and position in the world market for so long.

So yep, if you are in the vicinity, remember to drop by this village. I promise you won't regret it.

And of course, the wine tasting session in Riquewihr wine shop.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg - Castle in Alsace region

This is the first castle I visited in Europe, when I joined an Alsace wine route tour during the time I stayed in Strasbourg. I had to say it was one of the highlights of my trip last year.

Since the castle is located on the Alsace wine route and on top of a high hill overlooking the Alsatian plain, in the Vosges mountains just west of Sélestat, the road leading there was amazingly beautiful. The fact that it was autumn made the view even more gorgeous. However, as I took an excursion tour with two other tourists, it was impossible to have the car stopped to take some pictures of the terrific views. But maybe because I didn't have my eyes strained behind a camera, I managed to enjoy the scenery and memorize it. Just imagine, trees with leaves turning to a gorgeous yellow color covering the whole mountains. And so often, you would pass by vineyards stretching over the slopes of Vosges mountains. Again, since it was in fall, the leaves of these grape trees had turned yellow, making the whole area golden in the afternoon light.

Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg looks like a castle I have seen in some European fairy tale movies. It's definitely different from those Walt Disney version. And I like visiting this castle, but not staying. I guess after visiting a few castles in this trip, I really appreciate the convenience of modern-day technology. I think those who had stayed here in the past were very healthy because it would be a nightmare during winter. Even if they had servants, just walking out of the castle would make anyone cringe. So no, I don't envy people living in castles.

Again, photos tell thousand words. Here are some gorgeous pictures of the castle in autumn.