This region of eastern France has had a complex and controversial history, mainly because of its proximity to Germany. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire, for over 700 years, until it was formally annexed by France in 1681 after the occupation of Strasbourg. Religious divisions, which followed in the wake of the Reformation, brought further tensions to the region. To these were added those created by the use of different languages, those of Alsatian, a German dialect and French.

Due to its linguistic ties to Germany, Alsace, and its western neighbour, Lorraine, were both incorporated into the German Empire in 1871 after the Franco-Prussian War and remained so until the Treaty of Versailles restored them to France in 1919. 

In the 1930s, the French set about building a sophisticated series of forts and defences along their border with Germany to ensure that neither Alsace nor Lorraine fell into German hands again. The Maginot Line extended from the Swiss border, through Alsace, up to the border with Belgium. 

Unfortunately, for the French, the Line proved largely irrelevant since the German invasion, when it did come in 1940, came precisely where the Line stopped; along the Franco-Belgian border.

Our best value sample itinerary from £280

5 Days to Alsace by Coach

Day 1:
Depart early from school and connect with your channel crossing. Check in to your accommodation.

Day 2:
In the morning, visit the European Parliament building and European Court of Human Rights. Spend the afternoon exploring the city centre and the Cathedral. Return to your accommodation in the evening.

Day 3:
Travel to Orschwiller to visit the medieval Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg. In the afternoon, visit Les Secrets du Chocolat a chocolate museum and enjoy a boat trip on the Strasbourg Canals.

Day 4:
Full day excursion to Europa Park, Germany’s largest theme park.

Day 5:
Check out and depart for your return journey. If time permits visit a Hypermarket en route. Check in for your return channel crossing. Return to school.