FR Inside H-K Castle 9/27

Our tour guide keeps the pace relaxed so we have plenty of time for photos, history lessons, and exploring nooks and crannies.

FR Haut-Koenigsbourg 9/27

Driving south from Strasbourg, we make Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle our first stop. A group of young schoolchildren wait at the entrance where we buy tickets, and we resist the idea to follow along. Instead, we tour with an English-speaking guide having red hair and easy to spot.

The castle is a restoration, completed in 1908, of old ruins dating from a thousand years ago. The regional division now has charge of upkeep and improvements.

FR Dinner 9/26

Tonight we base our dinner destination on Internet reviews and begin our search. This tiny place has discreetly opted not to have any signage, defies GPS, and requires human directions from English speakers. We find it!

A cold amuse-bouche comes soon after we order. Next course of soup warms us, and we nibble on the crusty, chewy small baguettes. My main dish is boudin noir (black sausage like my Alsatian grandmother prepared) atop a potato tower. Others have fish, and all are accompanied by little casseroles and pots containing side dishes. Dessert is a flakey tarte of apples and pears served on black slate tiles.

We are beyond satisfied and rewarded by our perseverance to locate this restaurant. Yay us and kind help! Our hotel is only minutes away, and we trust GPS this time.

FR Petite France Afternoon 9/26

From the Museum we walk to and through the old town area of Strasbourg known as Petite France. Houses, flowers, and canals mark this part of the city, several mostly pedestrian streets filled with shops, restaurants, and residences. We find a little corner store where we buy Alsatian wine, pâté, and other goodies for our picnic tomorrow while traveling.

FR Museum Toys 9/26

Showcases of old toys tell stories of families and fun.

FR Museum Dollhouses 9/26

The intricate, historical dollhouses enchant and teach all generations.

FR Musee Alsacien 9/26

After lunch we open our umbrellas and hike through scenic streets to the Alsatian Museum in a former city home. Photos and more photos make choosing a few for this post tricky. Pottery and wood furniture, one of many ceramic stove heaters, a family wine press, and a couple of tourists appear here. This museum overflows with exhibits and displays both inside the house and outside in the courtyard, work areas, and winery. We meander purposefully, determined not to miss anything.