Taking the Old With the New

Today we start our two-day road trip to Strasbourg. We'll be crossing the German and French borders this afternoon so you'll need to take your passport or identity card with you. But don't worry about needing to stop at the border, there are no checkpoints because of the Schengen Agreement and you'll be able to drive straight across.

Even if you don't notice it, design is all around us and influences our daily life. Renowned architect Frank Gehry designed the whimsical, gravity-defying main building of the Vitra Design Museum which showcases exhibitions that explore the relationship between art and the everyday. The museum also contains one of the biggest permanent collections of modern furniture. Throughout the centre, you'll be provoked to think about design through the lens of technology, sustainability and social responsibility.
Buy your tickets from the Vitra Design Museum website.
Monday — Sunday: 10:00-18:00

By lunch time you'll have arrived in the Munster Valley which is the birthplace of Munster cheese. So, it's only fitting that you have lunch at La Maison du Fromage restaurant which serves local cuisine that features the cheese. My recommendation is the Munstiflette which is a baked potato casserole. There is also a museum and shop on site, so after you've finished lunch you can learn a bit about the production process and do some shopping.
Check La Maison du Fromage website for museum and shop opening hours.
Restaurant opening hours Tuesday — Wednesday: 12:00-18:00 Thursday — Sunday: 12:00-21:00

Walking along the stone walls of Château du Hohlandsbourg, you get stunning panoramic views over the Plain of Alsace and further afield, the Black Forest in Germany. Standing on the ramparts, you'll understand why it was an important vantage point for imperial rulers of the 13th-16th centuries. Inside the castle is an extensive collection of archaeological objects dating back to the Bronze Age.
Ticket information and seasonal opening hours are on the Château du Hohlandsbourg website.
September opening hours Monday: Closed Tuesday — Saturday: 13:00-18:00 Sunday: 10:00-18:00

When you arrive at the charming town of Colmar, check into Hotel Saint-Martin which is located in the historical town centre.

It's wine time at Le Cercle des Arômes, a bar with more than 200 vintage wines available by the glass. The bar specialises in wines specific to its region but also includes varieties from other French regions such as Burgundy, the Loire and Bordeaux. With the assistance of incredibly knowledgeable staff, I'm sure you'll discover a new favourite.
Bookings are made via email only and the details are on Le Cercle des Arômes website.
Monday — Sunday: 18:00-00:00

Although Restaurant l'Incontournable is housed in one of the oldest buildings in Colmar, chef Xavier Koenig cooks in a modern style and changes the menu every two weeks to make the most of the best seasonal and local produce. Depending on the time of the year of your visit, you may get to choose between a duck filet or smoked salmon.
Book your table online.
Sunday — Monday: Closed Tuesday — Saturday: 12:00-13:30, 19:00-20:30

Enjoy a comfortable night at Hotel Saint-Martin, which is an old mansion house from the 14th century. The rooms are decorated in a traditional Alsatian style, featuring local textiles, furniture design, timber beams and exposed stonework.