Favorite places in Alsace Lorraine region?

I went on the RS Eastern France Tour around that time last year (2016). We visited Reims and Colmar... I have not been to Strasbourg but it looks charming. Kaysersberg is a stop on the RS trip and it's definitely worth seeing if you're in the area. It's a small town that is very scenic; there is a stork refuge nearby so they are relatively easy to see/find. The stop in Kaysersberg was only a couple of hours to grab lunch and look around. I could have easily spent an entire afternoon there. Kuehn winery is in that area and worth checking out ahead of time to see if they offer tours/tastings.

In Reims, there are many champagne houses that offer tours. As a group we visted Martel. Since you have a car, you could easily check out larger houses in the region (Veuve, Tattinger, etc).

In Colmar, definitely visit Brasserie Schwendi for a meal. Their roesti is delicious!

We went in September 2015 and made a home base in Colmar. From there we spent three nights with two days driving to the villages on the tour routes RS recommends. We had amazing scenery as we explored (and hiked) the villages. We stayed at Domaine Martin Jund which is exactly as described in RS book...it added character to our trip and we loved staying at the winery (who doesn't love buying wine when you check in).

Sherrie, if you have a car you must do at least a section of the Route des Vins d'Alsace. Website here: http://www.alsace-wine-route.com/
This is a collection route linking the wine villages and small towns along the foothills of the Vosges. Includes the above-mentioned Kayserberg, and many more. Lots of opportunity for views, winery visits with tasting and sales (Dégustation), and local food. The towns and villages are unbelievably picturesque.

Colmar is worth a visit, as is Strasbourg, but this is a big city and you said you don't want that.
And the Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, everything a castle should be: http://www.haut-koenigsbourg.fr/en/

I stayed in tiny Eguisheim, very near Colmar. It was perfect - a village with a couple good restaurants and right off the highway so easy to drive around without the hassles of going in and out of a city like Colmar. I stayed at this B&B and it was great, though 2 caveats - they speak almost no English (but they are wonderful) and breakfast was kind of lame (but at that price you can afford to get better in town). Best to book several months in advance. They only have 4-5 rooms. All have private bathrooms, but some of them are across the hall from the rooms. There are other options in Eguisheim and more in the larger villages nearby, which will have more restaurant options too. I preferred to dine in Eguisheim so I wouldn't have to worry about combining wine and driving.

You won't need a car in Strasbourg, but you will have more rental options there than in Colmar. 2 full days in Strasbourg, 1 day for Colmar, 2-3 days to explore the route-du-vin. You could return the car in Strasbourg and take the train to Reims. Or you could drive to Reims and drop the car there. You don't need a car in Reims. Stay 1-2 nights, spend one day in Reims and 1 in Epernay. It's easy to get to/from Epernay and then from Reims to Paris. The most "fun" tour is Mercier in Epernay.

we enjoyed colmar and the surrounding towns (keep an eye out for the storks) , there is an interesting castle north of that area, that was good to visit. Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg
we also enjoyed staying at epernay and doing the moet chandon underground tour ( we were there in June)
we also had a car and had no trouble finding accom with parking.

I 'd like to suggest Metz, as a middle-size town. Very surprising due to its history. It was annexed to Germany after the Franco-Prussian war of 1870/71, and then partly transformed into a "German town". You will discover this fantastic architecture and enjoy pedestrian streets and a nice atmosphere. Many restaurants will serve quiche lorraine as well as many other specialties like AOC Moselle wines!

All the above suggestions are great. I would also point out that Freiburg am Breisgau and the Black Forest are an easy day trip from Alsace if you have the interest. The Schwarzwälderkirschtorte is worth the visit.

Hi,

I agree with the suggestion of Metz in Lorraine. The place is historically significant since the 18th century, fought over 4 times in 3 wars, in 1870 where Napoleon III's second army was compelled to surrender, in August 1914 when Alsace-Lorraine as a region became the Battle of the Frontiers launched by the French against the Germans, in 1918 when it was the strategic objective for the Americans and likewise in 1944.

If it is a choice between Metz or Strasbourg in Alsace, choose instead Strasbourg more for its cultural history and beauty. See Obernai as a day trip from Strasbourg. Both cities reveal French and German influence I have stayed in Metz several times but only twice in Strasbourg.

Thank you all! You have given me lots of great suggestions!