fiftybybike: Map of the fortified town of Neuf-Brisach, built in 1698 to guard the border between France and the Holy Roman Empire
fiftybybike: Just minutes into France, we enjoyed our first fresh croissant on the central square in Neuf-Brisach
fiftybybike: Area between the multiple concentric star-shaped fortifications of Neuf-Brisach
fiftybybike: Entry gate to Neuf-Brisach
fiftybybike: First dinner in France: a piquenique in Colmar, complete with Bordeaux and quiche
fiftybybike: Gypsy band busking outside Cathédrale Saint-Martin in Colmar
fiftybybike: Gypsy band busking outside Cathédrale Saint-Martin in Colmar
fiftybybike: Inside Cathédrale Saint-Martin in Colmar
fiftybybike: Side door to Cathédrale Saint-Martin with concentric wooden trimwork facade similar to those we saw in Bavarian farmhouses
fiftybybike: Cathédrale Saint-Martin exterior in Colmar
fiftybybike: Sculpture in the courtyard of the Bartholdi Museum in Colmar (same sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty in New York)
fiftybybike: Trying to appreciate charming Colmar on a drizzly day
fiftybybike: The sun finally broke through in the afternoon, letting us see why Colmar is a popular tourist destination
fiftybybike: Laura in colorful Colmar, France
fiftybybike: Beeses in colorful Colmar, France
fiftybybike: Another pic showing why adorable Colmar is a tourist destination
fiftybybike: A micro version of the Statue of Liberty (actually called "Liberty Enlightening the World") in Colmar, France (the hometown of Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, its sculptor)
fiftybybike: Today's ride took us through a string of charming villages in the Alsace wine region
fiftybybike: The colorful ceramic tilework on this village's church was interesting
fiftybybike: Between villages, much of today's ride was between endless rows of grapevines
fiftybybike: Nice day to bike tour the verdant wine region of Alsace
fiftybybike: More of a billboard than a functional work bike, but I still couldn't resist snapping a photo
fiftybybike: More picturesque riding through the Alsace region of France
fiftybybike: This short but steep hill left us both panting
fiftybybike: It doesn't look like much, but comfy chairs in a climate-controlled and rain-free lounge at our campground in Wasselone sure felt luxurious
fiftybybike: A little holiday houseboat moving up through the locks of the Rhine-Marne canal in Saverne
fiftybybike: We got many waves from holidamakers on boats as we cycled along the canals of Alsace
fiftybybike: This empty and clean little building along the canal made a great lunch spot
fiftybybike: Even picnic tables inside the canal house!
fiftybybike: In Arzviller we continued onto the abandoned stretch of the canal, which still had numerous locks and lockhouses along it