Self-drive Holidays in Alsace Lorraine for the Independent Motorist.

Tourist information for Alsace-Lorraine and Franche-Comté

Alsace-Lorraine and Franche-Comté: Attractive medieval villages, woods and quaint towns make Alsace a much visited area. Its neighbour Lorraine is less well known although it was the site of the battle of Verdun, one of the most tragic of the First World War. The adjoining mountainous Jura and Vosges has high forests, lakes and meadows, gorges and waterfalls and is excellent for both cross-country skiing in the winter and mountain biking and walking in the summer.

Activities in Alsace-Lorraine:
Cross country skiing in the Jura and near Cernay in the Vosges, mountain biking, cycling, walking and motoring, particularly in the Vosges and Jura mountains.

Special attractions in Alsace-Lorraine:
Parc regional des Vosges; ruined castles near Wissembourg and Selestat; Routes du Vin in the southern Vosges and Jura; Le Struthof concentration camp (a bitter reminder of the last war); Foret de Chaux and de la Jaux in the Jura, the latter being a beautiful ancient pine forest; the stalagtite caves of the Jura.

Map of Alsace-Lorraine

Towns in Alsace-Lorraine and the Jura:

Saverne. Picturesque houses, a chateau, roserie and botanical gardens. Good base to explore the Vosges hills.


Strasbourg hotels. Seat of the European Parliament and Court of Human Rights, this is a university city with many sights to see and lots to do: an impressive cathedral; museums of decorative art, archaeology, sculpture, modern art; old wooden houses, canals and the old centre as well as a municipal Turkish bath. Frequent music festivals in the summer. Official Web Site

Nancy. Capital of Lorraine. Ample wining and dining in this 18th century town famous for its Art Nouveau heritage.

Metz. Battled over since Roman times this town has an interesting mixture of French and Germanic influences. The cathedral has lovely stained glass, some of it designed by Matisse. Plenty to do in the evening with many good restaurants and cafes.

Colmar. Pretty old centre with famous Issenheim altarpiece and focal point for the Route des Vins and the Southern Vosges.


Besancon. Besancon is a town divided by the River Doubs. On the Northern shore is the modern town with its shops, modern hotels, railway station and town hall. On the Southern shore is the old town with its attractive narrow streets, dominated by the citadel. This was an old clock-making centre which is commemorated in the local museum.