HACIA ALSACIA. TRES PARADAS IMPRESCINDIBLES. AVIGNON, PÉROUGES, MULHOUSE

In today's video, we show you the route we took to Colmar to visit the Christmas markets of Alsace. Before arriving, we made several stops that we believe are essential if you want to discover this region of France. Our first destination was Avignon, a city full of history and charm, where this unforgettable trip began. Avignon, known as the City of the Popes, is a historical gem of southern France, marked by its medieval past. The famous 12th-century Pont d'Avignon, or Saint-Bénézet Bridge, stands out; only four arches remain today, a symbol of the city and famous for the song "Sur le pont d'Avignon" (On the Bridge of Avignon). The ramparts, built in the 14th century by the popes, surround the historic center and are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Palace of the Popes, the cathedral, the Petit Palais, and the bridge over the Rhône River. The Palace of the Popes is one of the most important Gothic buildings in Europe and reflects the era when Avignon was a papal residence and the center of Western Christendom. Next to it stands the Notre-Dame-des-Doms Cathedral, recognizable by its gilded statue of the Virgin Mary and its valuable artistic heritage. During our tour, we also passed through the Place de l’Horloge, with the Avignon Opera House, and saw other historic buildings such as the Collegiate Church of Saint-Agricol and the Chapel of the Oratory, which further enrich the city's cultural legacy. Our visit was brief, as Avignon was just a stopover, but we didn't want to miss the opportunity to stroll through its streets and admire its impressive architecture, even if only from the outside. We said goodbye with a beautiful view of the city from the other side of the Rhône, certain that we will return to explore it more thoroughly. Pérouges is one of the most beautiful medieval villages in France and is considered one of "Les Plus Beaux Villages de France" (The Most Beautiful Villages of France). This small walled village seems frozen in time. Strolling through its cobbled streets, surrounded by stone houses and half-timbered buildings from the 15th and 16th centuries, is like stepping directly into the Middle Ages. The heart of the village is the Place du Tilleul, a charming central square dominated by an enormous linden tree planted in 1792, where many of its most emblematic buildings are concentrated. Among the highlights is the fortified church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine, which not only combines religious and defensive elements but also hosts an annual music festival that fills the village with medieval sounds and melodies. Pérouges has also served as the setting for several films, thanks to its perfectly preserved atmosphere. We are sure that some of the interesting facts we share about this place will surprise you, making your visit even more special. Our visit to Pérouges was a true journey back in time and an essential stop on our route through Alsace, ideal for exploring at a leisurely pace and letting yourself be enveloped by the magic of one of the best-preserved medieval villages in France. During our tour of Alsace, we made a very special stop at the Mulhouse Automobile Museum, also known as the Cité de l’Automobile, one of the largest and most comprehensive car museums in the world. Here we were able to admire more than 400 historic and collector vehicles, from the first automobiles of the 20th century to sports cars and luxury vehicles such as the famous Bugattis, Ferraris, and Rolls-Royces. Each vehicle has its own story, and in the museum, you can feel the evolution of automotive design and engineering over the years. The museum is not just an exhibition: it also includes historical workshops and interactive tours, which allow you to learn how these collector cars are restored and maintained. It was an incredible experience that you shouldn't miss. And here, Tony shares something very personal, a special moment that made our museum visit even more memorable. We finished our visit at the Mulhouse Christmas market, a place filled with lights, aromas, and a festive atmosphere that completely immersed us in the magic of Christmas. We also had the opportunity to enter Mulhouse Cathedral, an impressive building that combines history, architecture, and sacred art. Its high vaults, colorful stained-glass windows, and ornamental details create a unique atmosphere that invites you to stop and admire every corner. A perfect place to feel the cultural and historical richness of the city center and capture a moment of calm amidst the hustle and bustle of the Christmas market. And so we finished our tour of Avignon, Pérouges, and Mulhouse, enjoying history, architecture, curiosities, and the magic of the Mulhouse Christmas market and its historic center. Now, we're heading to Colmar, ready to discover the famous Christmas markets of Alsace and continue exploring the beauty of this French region. Don't miss it in our next video! Contact: [email protected]