On Day six of our road trip through France the weather was perfect for a walk. In summer the previous year we had decided against walking here due to temperatures in the mid 40`s centigrade. No such problem today as we enjoyed some blue skies and a warm sun. We begin our walk in Ribeauville, one of the oldest medieval towns in Alsace. It sits where the vineyards meet the thickly wooded slopes of the Vosges mountains. Above the towns picturesque centre sit the three castles of the Lords of Ribeaupierre. We have visited these previously when walking more northerly trails here. We soon leave the colourful, flower filled streets of timber framed buildings to wander in a southerly direction through the vineyards. On the open hillsides we were greeted by panoramic views over the Rhine Valley and in the misty distance the Black Forest. We soon pass through Hunawihr, another delightful Wine Route village, to which we would return later. Soon we emerged on a hillside overlooking Riquewihr. This "Gem of the Alsace Vineyards" is a remarkable place. Streets, alleys and squares are filled with medieval timber framed buildings that give us a glimpse of what medieval Europe might have looked like. The buildings themselves though are filled with tourist shopping opportunities, accommodation, restaurants and the streets often crowded with day trippers. Soon, once again outside the towns 13th century walls, we are in the calm vineyards where the leaves are starting to turn to autumn colours and once more the views unfold. All too soon we are back in Hunawihr and a pause to view the church of St Jacques le Majeur. It is surrounded by a high wall which gave villagers a place of refuge in case of attack. Our descent back into Ribeauville was delayed a couple of times as we simply sat a while to admire the views and the tranquillity of our surrounds.
#alsace #france #ribeauville #hunawihr #riquewihr #vineyards #Lordsofribeaupierre #alsacewineroute #medieval #timberframedbuildings #vosges #dayhike #dayhiking
Негізгі бет A circular walk through the towns and vineyards of - Ribeauville - Riquewihr - Hunawihr - France 🇫🇷
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