The region presents a peaceful landscape of pastel-painted villages, fortified towns and sleepy vineyards. Alsace abounds with castles, from the pastiche folly of Haut-Koenigsbourg to Saverne's ruined fortress. Cosy wine cellars serve sauerkraut and flowery white wines. The Route du Vin (170 km wine trail through Gewurztraminer, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc and Tokay) vineyards nudge pretty villages in the Vosges foothills. Strasbourg, the region's capital, is a cosmopolitan city with a wonderful 16th-century center and it also hosts the European Parliament. Linked at last by TGV train at only 2h15 from Paris, Alsace becomes the ultimate region of France to discover.