Rick Steves' Europe Season 3 Episode 16 France's Alsace

In the episode "France's Alsace" of Rick Steves' Europe season 3, Rick travels to the northeastern region of France known as Alsace. This region has a unique blend of French and German influences due to its history of changing hands between these two countries.

Rick explores the city of Strasbourg, which is home to the European Parliament and has a mix of beautiful architecture including a Gothic cathedral and timber-framed houses. Rick also visits the city's Christmas market, which is one of the oldest and largest in Europe. Here, he tastes traditional Alsatian treats like gingerbread and mulled wine.

Next, Rick travels to several picturesque villages in the Alsace region, including Colmar and Kaysersberg. These towns have well-preserved historic centers and half-timbered houses, providing a charming atmosphere for visitors. While in Kaysersberg, Rick visits a local winemaker to learn about the region's famous white wines and tries a few samples.

Rick also takes a trip to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle, a medieval fortress that overlooks the surrounding countryside and provided a strategic stronghold for centuries. The castle has been restored and visitors can tour the grounds and learn about its history.

Finally, Rick visits the town of Mulhouse, which has a unique blend of industrial heritage and contemporary culture. He visits the Cité de l'Automobile museum, which showcases over 400 classic cars from throughout history. Rick also explores the city's textile museums and sees how Mulhouse played a major role in the textile industry during the Industrial Revolution.

Throughout the episode, Rick meets locals and learns about their unique culture and history. He also tries local cuisine and wines, giving viewers a sense of the region's flavors. "France's Alsace" is a must-watch for anyone interested in exploring the blend of French and German cultures in this beautiful and historically rich region.