Turckheim is not far from Colmar, on the Route des Vins, and has a wine cooperative. It's too large (4000 inhabitants) to be a Plus Beaux Village, but it is old with vestiges of its history still intact.
Sign at the entrance to Turckheim
We found a place to park near the south-facing Porte de France, the main entrance to the city. Turckheim has 3 gates as it was built as a triangular fortification with gates on the east, west, and south.
We parked on the street next to this river.
Doing our best tourist impression - Kim, Lynn, & Dave
This man is playing steel drums at the entrance to Turckheim. His basket sits in front of him to collect tips.
Once inside the gate, panels like below helped us understand what we were seeing.
The City Hall was directly in front of us and on the open air ground floor an local artist was exhibiting of watercolors. We were able to talk to him about his work. I bought several postcards which I will send to the grandkids. I wish I thought I could safely get a painting home. They were my style.
City Hall
Following the tour directions, we headed north, stopping to look at the grounds of the local WWII museum. Colmar was the center of a battle for the Pocket of Colmar. As the Allies moved toward the Rhine River, pushing the Germans out of France, they were able to secure the Strasburg area in the north and the Mulhouse area in the south, but the middle - where Colmar is located - remained in German hands. Fighting was fierce in the cold and snow of Alsatian winter. US and French forces lost about 20000 soldiers as did the Germans. Colmar was left in ruins. We've learned that in this area, the Germans added insult to injury by conscripting local men to fight in the German army against their homeland. These men are also memorialized on the monuments found in Alsatian towns.
Sign at the WWII museum
Dave looking at WWII artillary at the WWII museum
Porte du Munster on the east side
The Porte du Munster is the second gate into Turkheim. Walking to the outside of this gate gives one a good view of the surviving medieval walls and moat. But now we have to hustle. Clark and Janis arrive in Colmar this afternoon and we're hoping to eat lunch at the Porte Ouverte. Signage leads the way, but so do the people crowding the roads walking up to the non-descript wine cave. We're directed to rock star handicapped parking. At the entrance we are given a wine glass that we can carry in a pocket around our necks (and keep!) Inside is busy and we have to wait to get to the bar. We're able to taste as much as we like, but keep to just a few. Of course, there's shopping for wine.
Entrance to the wine tasting
Sampling the wines with our new wine glasses.
Still tasting
We then made our way up the hill where a party was going on. Food carts, picnic tables, and lot of people. Oh, and a loud DJ. After lunch, we headed back to the house in Logelheim. Some of us stayed behind while Dave & Dale went to pick up Janis & Clark at the Colmar train station.
The party up the hill
Pick up and arrival went smoothly.
We grilled turkey for dinner and enjoyed catching up with the Hunsingers who were coming from a Bordeaux wine tasting week that sounded pretty spectacular. We are so lucky to all be able to still travel and have wonderful adventures.
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