Andlau street scene with grand cru vineyards and gazebo in background
Location: Andlau, Alsace, France, Europe (Strasbourg25min;Frankfurt2H20M;Basel 1H;Paris4H;Colmar30min)
Accommodations: Apartment, 1 Bedroom + Convertible bed(s), 1 Bath (Sleeps 2-3)
Surrounded by vineyards and cradled by the Vosges Mountains to the west and the Rhine to the east, Andlau is a quiet medieval village on the "Routes des Vins" Alsace in Northeast France. Thirteen vintners call Andlau home, producing superbly dry and fruity wines with Grand Cru designation. The moderate climate creates blossoms in March and April. Vendage/grape harvest is September to October. December sees outdoor Christmas Markets with spiced, warm, wine.
More than a French Apartment
As others have in centuries past, we too were drawn to this place beside the Andlau River. We selected and furnished this French apartment for our personal use while living and working in Europe. We take great pleasure in sharing the apartment, and our knowledge of the area, with other independent travelers. Consider the village your garden. Within steps of the front door you can walk pathways along the Andlau River and climb through the vineyards to embrace the broad vistas from the gazebo.
There are post office, bank, cash machine, bakeries, restaurants, grocery, convenience store, and tourist bureau-English spoken. Wednesday morning is market time at the village fountain.
The Comforts
Originally a Benedictine Abbey dating from 1642, and a private residence since the last century, the apartment is two floors up in a four-storey building. In 1990's the interior was modernized into 12 apartments. A National Historic Monument, the exterior was restored to its original 17th century facade.
Our apartment is tastefully decorated containing everything you need to live comfortably and prepare meals as you wish. It is 40 meters sq./435 sq. ft. with an L-shaped great room - the fully-equipped kitchen/dining area open to the living area, with a comfortable, double, pull-out couch. The one bedroom has twin beds. Linens and towels are laundered for you.
A Room With A View
The apartment windows look south into the Abbey Courtyard and views
beyond to verdant val d’ Eleon.
The Abbey’s romanesque frieze is noted in the Michelin Guide and attracts small groups of travelers who seek the stories revealed of early Roman life.
We have been entertained by the glory of the Abbey bells that chime the hour, and on special occasions, by the music and pageantry of fashionable society weddings, concerts, and Bastille Day ceremonies, glimpsed from our windows onto the courtyard below. If you are a light sleeper or you are not used to bells, you may wish to take precautions.
Tour de France cyclists have whizzed past in a flash of colour, beginning a spirited ascent of the Vosges!
The walled, cedar-filled courtyard at the front of our building is a place to reflect on the day’s journeys.
The Pleasures
Hiking and cycling are popular in the vineyards and Vosges mountains. Two castles are within easy walking distance in the forests above the apartment.
Alsatian picnic fare can be gathered from half-timbered shops along cobblestone streets; the perfect choice for a day of castle, vineyard or mountain touring. Medieval villages are strewn along the wine route and offer strolls through walled towns.
Strasbourg is the seat of the Parliament of Europe and one of our favourite cities. It offers "La petite France" quarter, boat tours on the River Il, museums, the Strasbourg Cathedral, shopping, the arts and fine dining.
Day trips into the Black Forest of Germany are a feast for the senses. The flower-filled markets and the casino, concerts and Baths at Baden-Baden delight.
The Spirit of Place
Pagan walls and the ruins of Celtic temples lay in the surrounding forests. The tiny chapel of the archangels clings to the top of Mount St.Odile- a shrine for those seeking vision. These speak the spirit of this place. Here, life is imagined and dreams lived... for another millennium.
How To Get There
The nearest airports are at Strasbourg/Entzheim (15 minutes) and Baden/Karlsruhe (45 minutes). You can fly via Air France from Paris to Strasbourg/Entzheim aiport or from the UK to Karlsruhe at very reasonable fares and rent a car at the airport. We fly into Frankfurt, rent a car and drive 2 1/2 hours south to Andlau or you can take the Lufthansa bus from Frankfurt airport to Strasbourg train station (2 1/2 hours) and rent a car there and do the same in reverse if returning to Frankfurt.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking: in Abbey Courtyard
- Beds
- Twin/Single Bed: 1 m X 2m
- Convertible Bed: double
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- Video Library: Peter Sellers Pink Panther movies! Inspector Clouseau: "Does your dog bite?"
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library: jazz, classics, etc
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: Beautifully equipped kitchen with oven, ceramic cook-top and integrated fridge
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio
- View/Location
- Mountain View
- Communications
- Telephone
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: many local attractions cater to families
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Golf
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Health/Beauty Spa
- Antiquing
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Live Theatre
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- Wine Tasting, Castles, Antiques, Festivals, Christmas Markets, Concerts, Art Galleries, Baths and Spas, Europa Park
Rate Details (In Accept Euros/US $/CAD$)
Weekly Rate .. €400/week; Canadian$700/week.
Prefer Saturday to Saturday in high season- school holidays
For larger groups adjacent or nearby apartments at similar cost
Some weeks available in May, June and August 2009. Make us an offer.
Can do bank transfers within Europe.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Owner's Profile
Year Purchased: 1993
Property Photos
- Andlau street scene with grand cru vineyards and gazebo in background - Andlau, France - Vineyard Apartment
- Fully equipped kitchen and dining area with welcoming bottle of dry Alsace wine - Andlau, France - Vineyard Apartment
- Comfortable beds in calm and restful bedroom - Andlau, France - Vineyard Apartment
- Room with a view to the courtyard and Val D'Leon
- Comfortable Living area with CD and DVD player and disc library
- Pizza take out by Chef Nicolas at Restaurant A La Couronne in Andlau.
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #81983
There have been 1434 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2009.
This listing was first published here in 2006.
Date last modified - June 26, 2009