Bas-Rhinthe department

Lower Rhinedepartment French rooted in region Great Easttakes its name from the Rhine River, which forms its eastern border with Germany.

The region's rich history and heritage are deeply rooted in Alsatian culture. This article is your ultimate guide to exploring the Bas-Rhin, for art and nature lovers as well as gastronomy and tradition enthusiasts.

Explore the history and heritage of Bas-Rhin

The Bas-Rhin is a land rich in historical and cultural treasures. For lovers of architecture, gastronomy or nature, this diverse region promises fascinating discoveries. Discover below some suggestions for visits and activities to explore the unique heritage of the Bas-Rhin.

StrasbourgEuropean capital with a rich heritage

Capital of the Bas-Rhin city Strasbourg is home to a number of European institutions and a UNESCO-recognized world heritage site. Highlights include Notre-Dame Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic architecture; the Grande Île, the city's historic heart; Petite France, a charming district of half-timbered houses; and the Neustadt, a district that bears witness to the German imperial era. Strasbourg is also famous for its rich gastronomy, varied museums, dynamic festivals and enchanting Christmas market.

The Alsace Wine Route: tradition and tasting

Stretching 170 kilometers from north to south, the Route des Vins d'Alsace passes through some 119 wine-growing communes. It's an invitation to meet the winegrowers, visit the cellars and savour the wines of Alsace, renowned for their finesse and variety. The route is also an opportunity to discover splendid landscapes, punctuated by vineyards, flower-filled villages and fortified castles, and to take part in the many events and festivities of the wine-growing season.

Castles of Alsace: a journey through time

Alsace, a European region rich in castles, bears the traces of a history marked by conflict and diverse influences. With more than 80 castles, mostly in ruins, it offers a veritable plunge into medieval times. Haut-Koenigsbourg, Fleckenstein, Saint-Ulrich and Kaysersberg are among the most emblematic. For hiking enthusiasts, the Chemin des Châteaux forts d'Alsace is a 450 km route linking these majestic edifices.

Must-see activities in Bas-Rhin

The multi-faceted Bas-Rhin offers a wide range of activities to suit all tastes and ages. Whether you're looking for enchantment, nature or culture, this region has it all.

Discover some of the must-do activities in Bas-Rhin below.

Christmas markets: a winter wonderland

Known as some of the oldest and most beautiful in Europe, the Bas-Rhin's Christmas markets transform towns and villages into illuminated fairy-tales from late November to late December. Wooden chalets overflow with local specialities such as mulled wine, gingerbread and sauerkraut. The Strasbourg market, with its Ferris wheel, ice rink and imposing fir tree on Place Kléber, is the most famous. But other markets, such as those in Obernai, Haguenau, Sélestat and Wissembourg, each offer their own unique atmosphere. These markets are the perfect opportunity to spend a magical, convivial moment with family and friends.

Hiking and nature walks

Between plains, hills, vineyards and mountains, Bas-Rhin offers a diversity of landscapes for nature lovers. The trails marked out by the Club Vosgien or the GR®5 are perfect for hiking, biking or horseback riding. Admire exceptional panoramas such as Mont Sainte-Odile, the Donon or Haut-Koenigsbourg, and discover remarkable natural sites such as the Nideck waterfall, the Dabo rock or the Brotsch cave. The Vosges du Nord and Ballons des Vosges Regional Nature Parks, renowned for their biodiversity, are also worth a visit.

Cultural experiences: museums and festivals

With a rich cultural heritage, the Bas-Rhin region bears witness to a fascinating history and traditions. Visit a variety of museums to discover art, history, science and the trades of yesteryear. Admire the works of Lalique at the Musée Lalique, Alsatian art at the Musée Alsacien, medieval treasures at the Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame, or Bugatti vehicles at the Musée du Bagage. Take part in vibrant music, film, theater and comedy festivals, such as the Festival Européen du Film Fantastique de Strasbourg, the Festival du Houblon, the Rock Your Brain Fest and the Semaine de l'Humour.

Bas-Rhin - Gastronomy and traditions of Alsace

Alsace, with its rich history and culture at the confluence of the Germanic and French worlds, has preserved its culinary traditions and ancestral know-how. Its diverse and delicious gastronomy is an invitation to discover the soul of this region.

Discover Alsace's gastronomy: specialities not to be missed

The Alsatian table is distinguished by its typical dishes, savored throughout the year or according to the season. Among the most emblematic, you'll find :

• Choucroute garnie, the culinary emblem of the region, combining fermented cabbage, charcuterie, potatoes and sometimes fish.
• Baeckeoffe, a long simmered stew of three meats and vegetables, marinated in white wine and cooked in a traditional terrine.
• Coq au riesling, where the rooster (or chicken) is slowly cooked with mushrooms, bacon and riesling, creating a harmony of flavors.
• Spaetzle, fresh Alsatian pasta served with cheese, cream, butter or meat, according to taste.
• Munster, a soft cheese with a washed rind, famous for its character and distinctive aroma, traditionally accompanied by cumin and white wine.
• Bredele, little Christmas cookies with a multitude of flavors, a testament to the richness of Alsatian pastry-making.

Flammekueche: an unmissable specialty

A close cousin of the pizza, the tarte flambée or flammekueche is an essential part of Alsatian conviviality. Its thin pastry is filled with crème fraîche, onions and bacon, then baked quickly in a wood-fired oven. Available in gratin, forest or sweetened versions, it's sure to please everyone. Cut into pieces, it can be enjoyed in good company, rolled up and eaten with the fingers.

Alsace wines: discovering unique grape varieties

Renowned for its exceptional white wines, Alsace owes its reputation to the diversity and quality of its grape varieties:

• Riesling, dry and aromatic, ideal with fish and white meats.
• Gewurztraminer, mellow and spicy, perfect for cheeses and desserts.
• Pinot gris, rich and complex, goes well with characterful dishes.
• Pinot Blanc, fresh and delicate, goes well with starters and tarts flambées.
• Pinot noir, Alsace's unique red, ideal with charcuterie and grilled meats.
• Sylvaner, light and fresh, perfect for seafood and fish.
• Muscat, dry and fruity, excellent as an aperitif or with fruity desserts.

Alsace wines, including Grands Crus and Crémants, are served in their characteristic Alsace flute bottle, and tasted in tulip-shaped stemmed glasses designed to reveal their full aromatic palette.

Bas-Rhin - Conclusion

It's obvious that Bas-Rhin a wealth of assets to seduce travelers. Whether your interests lie in history, heritage, nature, gastronomy or culture, this département will meet all your expectations, promising a rich and varied experience. Bas-Rhin is the perfect place for a memorable vacation, whether you're traveling as a family, a couple or with friends.

Don't delay, plan your Bas-Rhin getaway now and let yourself be charmed by this multifaceted region. One thing's for sure: you won't regret it!

Bas-Rhin - FAQ

Why is Bas-Rhin designated 67?

Bas-Rhin is numbered 67, which is both its INSEE code and its postal code. This numbering derives from the alphabetical order of French departments established in 1790, placing Bas-Rhin in 67th position out of a total of 83.

What is the name of department 67?

The 67 department is known as Bas-Rhin. Located in the Grand Est region, its prefecture is the city of Strasbourg.

Which is considered the most beautiful town in the Bas-Rhin?

Designating the most beautiful town in the Bas-Rhin is subjective, depending on individual preferences. Nevertheless, several towns stand out for their rich heritage, whether historical, cultural or natural. These include :

• Strasbourg : Capital of Alsace and the Grand Est region, Strasbourg is a vibrant city known for its rich architectural heritage. Its historic center, the Grande Île, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Major attractions include Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais Rohan, Petite France, and the European institutions district. Strasbourg is also famous for its Christmas market, the oldest and largest in France.
• Wissembourg : Ranked as one of France's 100 most beautiful detours, this charming town boasts remarkable sites such as its 18th-century town hall, the remains of a Dominican convent and ancient ramparts. Located on the German border, Wissembourg enjoys an exceptional natural environment.
• Hunspach: Recognized as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Hunspach is famous for its half-timbered houses and listed buildings. The village is lively, thanks in particular to its Marché de Noël d'Antan and its Fête du Folklore.
• Mittelbergheim: This wine-growing village, also one of the most beautiful in France, is located on the Alsace wine route. It is renowned for its Renaissance architecture and its grand cru wine, Zotzenberg.

Where is the 67?

The 67 corresponds to the Bas-Rhin department in France, located in the Grand Est region with Strasbourg as its prefecture.