At the invitation of Carole and Sylvain S., a small group of Suntripers have made an appointment for a week at the beginning of July 2024. Objective: rides in bike around Gambsheim, a beautiful little Alsatian town located north of Strasbourg. Participants: Paul Bermejo, Bruno L. and France G., Stéphane and Béni B., our Swiss friend Michel C., as well as Sylvain and Carole who live there.
We stayed at the green campsite in Gambsheim and we were very comfortable there… Every day, Sylvain and Carole suggested a bike route in the region, very close to the German border. We did several routes with forays into Germany, through beautiful countryside, among vineyards and cherry orchards which are the local fruit specialty.
Still in Germany, we were able to make a picnic stop at the foot of the fortifications of Staufenberg Castle, perched high in the middle of a magnificent wine estate.
Sylvain and Carole organized a visit to the European Parliament in Strasbourg with a walk and lunch in the old town. We were able to visit the cellars of an old monastery where some of the greatest wines of the Alsatian vineyards are aged in large barrels.
Some of us took the opportunity to buy a few good bottles of good Alsace wines…in moderation… During this visit to Strasbourg, we also stopped at a traditional shop producing this good gingerbread which is also one of the good Alsatian specialties. To satisfy our greed, we had to buy a few gingerbreads with different flavors…
Every morning, we had an appointment at Carole and Sylvain’s where A hearty breakfast prepared by our hosts awaited us. In the evening, we often met up for dinner at the restaurant-guinguette of our campsite. But Carole and Sylvain also invited us to their home to taste a “monumental” traditional sauerkraut, homemade and it was another good friendship meeting. They also introduced us to some good typical restaurants, where we enjoyed some good Alsatian culinary specialties, always served copiously.
Our small group had a great time combining the great bike rides , between Alsace and Germany, enhanced by beautiful visits and tastings of Alsatian specialties. This Alsatian week was a great success. Everyone left home with the feeling of having experienced a good week of friendship, and for some, to have discovered this magnificent region of Alsace. The Sun Trip “family”, although geographically dispersed, remains in close contact. Many thanks to Sylvain and Carole for their warm and friendly welcome!