Metz, France

Although the Alsace region of France is beautiful, and there’s so much more to see, it’s just a bit too hot (for us anyway). So after some deliberation, we drove to Metz, also very hot, but we were hoping, by driving north to Belgium & Holland, it may be a little cooler - fingers crossed. We will be back to visit some more of the beautiful places in this stunning region, especially those on the wine route. 

So, in Metz, right next door to the campsite, is a car park where cars have to pay to park up. Within the car park is a row of 7 spaces for motorhomes  with water and grey waste facilities which, believe it or not, is free. Wow the French are brilliant aren’t they.

Metz is a lovely city complete with the river Moselle, Cathedral and Frances’ oldest theatre. 

We even bought some lovely Quiche Lorraine and fruit from the covered market. 

The Saint-Etienne cathedral was nicknamed God’s Lantern as it has the largest expanse of stained glass windows in any religious building in the world. 

We also learnt that the Pont des Mortes (Bridge of Death) was given that name because, as people passed away in the hospital next door, their most valuable item of clothing was sold to maintain the bridge. 

How on Earth are we going to retain all this knowledge we’ve acquired on our adventure?? Lol

Obernai, France

The French certainly know how to do motorhoming don’t they! A free Aire with free water & waste facilities plus washing machines!!

This will probably be the last clothes wash before we go home though. Two more weeks left ... so much more to see!!

The good news is, we get to keep Harriet the Hymer a bit longer ... yay!! Why? Because we are getting married on 20th August and then going on our honeymoon to Ireland.

Hopefully, we can have a few more “outings” before the big day.

Dambach La Ville, France

After 2 amazing days in Colmar, we went in search of some peace and quiet. We didn’t have to go far. We stumbled upon the Alsace Wine Route and a gorgeous little village called Dambach La Ville.

The oldest timber houses date from the 16th Century and two gate houses, one at each end of the village, welcome visitors into the medieval town. We spotted another storks nest on top of one of the towers complete with storks. How lucky are we to see them here too.

There are lots of information boards dotted around telling the story of Dambach, in 3 languages, French, German & English, so a really interesting place to explore. We found our peace and quiet in a car park amongst the vineyards thanks to Park4night

At dusk, looking out the van window, we noticed the tower lit up, so went out to explore again.

Now, we’re off to follow the wine route to see where it leads. We love the freedom of motorhoming

Colmar, France

Oh my goodness, Colmar is my new favourite place!! It has everything I love ... old painted timber houses, ornate signs, beautiful flowers, lots of places to walk, places to sit and soak up the atmosphere or have a coffee, and if that wasn’t enough, a river/canal where you can have a boat ride if you fancy. Oh and maybe the warmth and sunshine helps too. A real life Disneyland that has survived intact for hundreds of years. No wonder people flock here in their thousands.

We took the bus from outside Camping De I’lle into the town. Had a ride on the Dotto train to get our bearings, walked around Little Venice, found the house where sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi was born, the man who gave us the Statue of Liberty. We listened to an amazing youth orchestra practicing in a building that used to be a convent and even tried some Alsace food!

We found Le Maison de Têtes (House of Heads) in Colmar. The facade has 106 heads or grotesque masks on it and was built in 1609 for the shopkeeper Anton Burger.

Andy also spotted a Storks nest complete with Storks!! We’ve seen the nests in various countries along the way but none with actual birds in it, so we were thrilled to see them.

Then to end another wonderful day in the glorious sunshine, we took a boat ride on the river. To say we love Colmar, is an understatement.