The Sun is Shining!

For the last few days, we have barely left the house because this grey blanket of cloud or fog has hung over this area.  Actually, when I checked the weather for Lyon and Zurich, it seems they have it too.  So, it was such a pleasure when the sky broke open mid-morning after some rain and the sun peeked through.  Naturally, my first thought was "head for the hills" - or in this case drive toward the Vosges Mountains to see some of the famous wine villages and vineyards along the approximately 180 km long Route des Vins d'Alsace.  We joined the route and Heilegestein and drove south through Barr, Mittelbergheim, Itterswiller to Dambach la Ville where we headed east toward the Rhine across the agricultural plain. 

While many of the vines had lost their leaves and looked rather stark, there were still plenty of colours on many of them.  In some of the vineyards, the "vendange" or harvest was still taking place.  The pictures below are from just outside Heilegestein.

Our next stop was Barr because the Hotel de Ville (city hall) was decorated so prettily and was covered in flowers.

From there, the vineyards in Mittelbergheim looked photogenic and I just had to take a photo of a couple enjoying their picnic lunch with a view across the vineyards.

For as long as I can remember, Itterswiller has been a favourite village of mine, particularly as there is a wonderful gift shop there with interesting treasures to discover (sadly it was closed today).  I also usually stop at the Schwartz winery here for a "degustation" and to buy wine.  However, as we are heading south tomorrow, we needed to think about getting back to get ready for our morning departure. 

At least today I got my "fix" of this charming part of France - for now!