Alsace France
My partner and I began the year with a road trip through France and Switzerland, starting with a couple of days in Paris (always a treat, no matter how many times we’ve been!), then heading south to Burgundy, where we stayed in the little wine village of Gevrey Chambertin. As I was in the midst of my sommelier exam studies, visiting as many wineries as possible was essential “homework.” And off-season was the perfect time to meet winemakers and enjoy private tastings without the tourists who flock to the region in the summer and fall.
Burgundy – Pinot Noir like nowhere else
From there we drove across the border to Switzerland, arriving at our little chalet in Lauterbrunnen in the evening as a light snow fell. To say that Lauterbrunnen is picturesque doesn’t do it justice. Nestled in a valley surrounded by the imposing Eiger, Monch, and Jungfrau mountains, it looks like every postcard you’ve ever seen of Switzerland. We took a cable car from the base of the mountain up to the village of Murren, where families shopped for groceries using sleds for transport and kids sped down the hilly car-free streets on snowboards. While there, we were obligated to try a mug of Swiss hot chocolate with fresh whipped cream, and I can report that it exceeded expectations.
Jungfrau, Switzerland
Food, as always, was a highlight of the trip. From classic boeuf Bourguignon to Swiss raclette to Alsatian tarte flambee to our de rigueur daily baguette (for less than 1 euro!), we ate very, very well.
After a stop in Basel, we crossed the border into France again, landing in Alsace (another wine region-surprise!). We stayed in the absolutely charming town of Colmar, famous for its Christmas markets. Again, we avoided the tourists by going in mid-January, but the decorations were still up and it was beautiful to see. The cuisine in that part of France is very distinct, with heavy German and Swiss influences. I don’t think we ate anything that wasn’t smothered in cheese (not that I’m complaining).
Colmar could not be any cuter
For our last stop, we came full circle – back to Paris – and spent our final night at a hotel in the 9th arrondissement, known as Opéra. As is our habit, we walked a few blocks away from the Opéra itself to find a restaurant with a more local, less-tourist-y feel (no English menu is always a good sign). We lucked out with our choice; the duck confit and sole meunière were excellent and the wine list was long. All in all, a relaxing – if filling – adventure!
Paris at night is magical