An Excursion Across the Border

 Returning to the European trip...

As I mentioned previously, Basel is located where the countries of Switzerland, Germany and France meet.  When I was planning this trip, I planned on taking a day-trip across the border into the Alsace region of France.  I decided upon the medieval town of Colmar as my French destination.  

There are trains which leave from Basel for Strasbourg, the largest city in Alsace, every hour, and along the way they stop in Colmar.  I got up early, crossed the street to the train station, and bought a round trip ticket to Colmar which was good any time of the day.  I have to say that the French train seemed rather dark and shabby after traveling in the shiny Swiss and German trains.

 

Also, the car did not have a screen showing the next station, and the announcements were only in French.  The quality of sound on the loudspeaker was not good, and I strained to hear the name of the next stop.  But the train was comfortable enough and was on time.  After less than an hour as the train slowed for a stop, I asked the lady in front of me, "Colmar?"  "Oui," she answered.  "Merci."

From the train station, it was a short walk to the city's well-preserved Old Town, which looks like something out of a storybook.

With a population of around 67,000 people, Colmar is the third largest city in Alsace.  It dates back to at least the 9th century, when it was mentioned by Charlemagne in his chronicles.  The region of Alsace has gone back and forth between France and Germany through the years.  Although the language is French, the city's architecture and cuisine are definitely Germanic.

The Gothic Church of St. Martin was built between 1234 and 1365.  Because it is the city's largest church, it is sometimes referred to as the cathedral.  But, in fact, Colmar has never been the seat of a bishop.

 

The church's interior is noted for its Gothic stained glass windows.

The former Dominican church, built between 1289 and 1364 is also Gothic in style.

It too is noted for its 14th century stained glass windows.

The former church is most famous for housing an altarpiece called "Madonna of the Rose Bower".  It was painted by the Alsatian artist Martin Schongauer and is considered a masterpiece of 15th century religious art.

I spent several hours wandering around the streets of this quaint town, taking photos at every turn.

The most photographed section of this highly photogenic town is the area along the River Lauch which is nicknamed "Little Venice".

Colmar has a number of museums, but I just visited one of them... a museum that is of special interest to visitors from the United States.