Beer and Wine Trips
While Strasbourg is a natural starting point to explore the wine region of Alsace, it is less
well known that some world famous breweries are also located in the area. You can expect a
region that borders Germany to produce excellent beer. It is possible to visit the home of
some well known beverage makers such as Heinekin and Kronenbourg. Booking is
normally in advance and entry tends to be free. If you are lucky you may also get to try a
sample glass or two. Kronenbourg and 1664 is located not far from the city centre and may
be visited by tram. Wine lovers may avail of organised trips (see tourist office) or explore the
wine region by car (but ensure the nominated driver is kept away from the vats). There are
many wine producers within 30 minutes drive of Strasbourg. Colmar, for example, is the
capital of Haut-Rhin and is 70km (43 miles) south of Strasbourg. It is one of many good
stopping off points for the connoisser of the grape. The town is best known for it quaint Old
Town and its dry wines what are celebrated in the annual wine festival, Foire aux Vins.
There is an established Route des Vins extending from Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg to
Thann, close to Mulhouse. Winerys do not charge admissions and usually allow some free
dégustion (tasting) in the hope that the visitor will buy a bottle or two, or maybe three.
Palais Rohan (2 Place du Chateau)
The Château des Rohan (south of the cathedral) sometimes called the 'Mini –Versailles' of
eastern France, was designed by the royal architect Robert de Cotte and built from 1732 to
1742. It is an elegant eighteenth-century palace built for Cardinal Armand de Rohan-
Soubise, one of several members of his family to be prince bishop of Strasbourg. It is worth
seeing for its decorative facades and rococo interior. Some say it is one of the most elegant
buildings in eastern France and that, given the competition, is no small praise. It is possible
to view the Cardinals' elaborate rooms as well as the museum of Decorative Arts (Musée
des Arts Décoratifs) located on the ground floor that contain exhibits such as the machinery
that comprise the machinery of the cathedral's first astronomical, clock, luxurious
apartments (used as guesthouses by Louis XV and Marie-Antoinette), a collection of
Strasourgeis clocks and china, the Fine Art Museum (Musée des Beaux-Arts) located on
the first floor contains works by Rubens, Rembrandt, Van Dyck, El Greco, Goya, Watteau,
Renoir and Monet, and the Archeological museum (Musée Archéologique) contains relics
dating from Roman times) all housed within the palace. Admission is euro4 per museum. The
opening hours (Wdnesday-Monday) are between 10am to 6om
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