Alsace enjoys long summers and mild autumns, which means anytime from March through November can be pleasant for visiting its medieval towns. Winters are cold and damp, and during these months you'll pretty much have the place to yourself.

Strasbourg has its own airport with regular flights coming and going from selected French and European airports and also from London.

Easyjet fly to Mulhouse-Basel and so does Ryan Air.

There are good train connections from Paris (which is about 300 miles away) and other parts of France. TGVEST connect Eurostar direct to Dysneyland, Strasbourg and Colmar.

If you're driving you'll find excellent highways heading to Strasbourg from Paris, Amsterdam, Brussels, Luxembourg and Bonn. Once in the region, having your own car is the only good way to search out the small villages and hidden corners of the countryside.

The rolling green hills of Alsace provide a soothing backdrop for all kinds of outdoor activities. Paths for walkers, bikers or horseback riders meander among the vineyards and towns of Alsace. Most are very well marked and are easy to follow even if you're not equipped with a compass or detailed map. For an easy hike, try to walk part of the 'Route des Vins,' a 170-km route wandering through towns and vineyards. For more of a challenge, try trails in the Vosges mountains. Golfers can head out to one of nine courses, where there's something available for all levels. One of the major draws of golfing here is the lovely scenery.

There are numerous lakes dotting Alsace, and in summer canoeing and fishing are popular with locals and visitors. In a few areas, especially around Huningue, you can even try whitewater rafting.

In winter the ski resort of Vosges offers a few decent downhill runs and some good cross-country skiing.