Hilly vineyards, crumbling castles and half-timbered buildings. The Alsace region of France is a fairy-tale-like place to visit. On this trip, I skipped Strasbourg entirely and decided instead to explore the picturesque Route des Vins, which winds through vineyards and villages in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. While there, I stayed in three hideaways, but only two measured up to our standards.
Barr, France
This stylish 27-room inn occupies a late 17th-century building in the heart of Barr, a quiet town near the northern end of Alsace’s main stretch of grand cru vineyards. The hotel has an appealing mix of contemporary décor and period architectural elements. Common areas include an airy wine bar with copper-glass pendant lamps in a conservatory-like space, a modern but cozy library-lounge and a bright restaurant featuring arched windows, exposed stone walls and massive wood beams. The property’s main amenity is its dramatic spa and pool in a vaulted stone cellar.
From the editor: “I enjoyed our stay at 5 Terres, and I appreciated its design sensibility, which respected the building’s heritage.”
Read more about 5 Terres Hôtel & Spa.
Colmar, France
Set behind an early-17th-century façade embellished with some 106 carved stone heads, this hotel is ideally located in Colmar’s city center near the exceptional Unterlinden Museum. Of the 21 guest accommodations, request one of the junior suite-like Caractère Rooms, which have simple and attractive contemporary décor that highlights period elements, such as wood-paneled accent walls and leaded windows. Dining options include a superb one-star restaurant helmed by chef and hotel owner Eric Girardin, and the more casual Brasserie Historique, which offers romantic dining in a vine-shaded courtyard strung with lights.
From the editor: “It was delightful to have an aperitif of local Muscat at Brasserie Historique early in the evening, relaxing on a sofa.”
Read more about La Maison des Têtes.
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