Fairy tale, storybook Alsace has spent hundreds of years of its history split between German and French rule, but the beer and wine keep folks there happy.

Have you heard of the  incredible “Hospice of Beaune” or Hospital of God  with its beautiful Burgundian-Flemish architecture?

Built by Duke of Burgundy and his wife, Guigone of Salinsm-his money, her vision. Established in 1443 to care for the poor and operated until 1971 (528 years). He was madly in love with his much younger wife and everywhere you look you see the word “seule” (French for only) and a star. This was his way of proclaiming his wife was his only star.

Though they’re not the picture of 21st century romantics…after his death Guigone took religious vows and continued to act as a nurse.

Initially there were 2 patients to each tiny bed – feet to head – mixed genders – different sensibilities in 1443.

The Alsace-Lorraine cities are large, industrial cities that have “old town” areas that are so picturesque and dreadfully tourist-y.  Colmar & Strasbourg are full of picturesque half timbered homes along canals.

Here German gastronomy – saurkraut, wurst, pretzels and bakeries galore.

Alsace hill towns like Riquewihr have tasting rooms and more half timbered homes and shops … and always wine tasting.

Surrounding vineyards grow exclusively white wines. By now the grapes are picked and the the hills are quilts of color.

The wine barrels (costing the wineries nearly $1000.00 a pop) can also be perches for cats.