ALSACE 2015
Alsace is known for its white wines, and is an ideal holiday destination. It is a French region just west of the Rhine and the south-western part of Germany. The region has belonged to both Germany and France through history. The mentality is a mixture of French and German. The architecture looks definitely German.
Alsace from a photographer's point of view
I am a member of an unofficial photography group that we have named Fotosyndikatet. We are 8 people including spouses, 5 of whom are interested in photography. We meet 1-2 times a year, and the conversation between us has been lively ever since we met about 40 years ago. This trip was our first one together, and the 6 of us who participated in the trip agreed that the goal should be Alsace. Here there was opportunity to relax, have a good chat, have something good to eat and drink (wine) and take photos, so that every joint creaked. We had rented rooms at Meyer in Eguisheim, who in addition to renting out for bed and breakfast also were winegrowers.
Alsace is a picturesque region in northeastern France, and here it offers a unique mix of culture, history, idyllic towns and beautiful landscapes. Just the thing for us. And you can also get some fantastic local wines. Not bad either.
The region’s geographical location, just west of the Rhine, bordering Germany to the east and be promontories of the Vosges against west, has meant that there have been many wars between Germany and France concerning Alsace, and the affiliation has changed between German and French rule. Since the end of World War I, it has been French. These differences are visible in behavior, local cuisine, architecture and language. If you try to make yourself understood in French, the locals switch to German – not to be arrogant but to help, and then you’re left with your best school French.
Down through Alsace there is a stretch called the Route des Vins d’Alsace. It starts in the north at Marlenheim and ends in the south at Thann – a picturesque and very hilly route. I know what I’m talking about, because my wife and I cycled the route in the late 00s. It goes right through Eguisheim, where we stayed this time.
In French, our trip was “absolutement “formidable”. We had a great time, took short trips around the area with its vineyards and small towns, went to Colmar, went to Mulhouse and saw a wonderful vintage car museum. In Colmar there was real city life with many people on the streets, so there was a lot of camera work to do there, and so at the museum in Mulhouse. What a collection of cars – very rare, beautiful and well-maintained vintage cars.
We also drove up to the Sanctuaire du Mont Sainte Odile – a refuge on a mountain in the Vosges. When we entered, we could hear a women’s choir singing so beautifully. The sound came from behind a door, and when I entered the room, it was right up by the altar in a church room. Everyone’s eyes were on me, I smiled kindly and was forced to stand completely still until the service ended ¾ hour later.
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