Until recently the northeast corner of France has had a turbulent past. From the late 19th century until 1945 alone this region on the west bank of the Rhine has been alternately French or German multiple times depending on which country had the upper hand. A significant minority of the adult population of Alsace still speaks Alsatian, a German dialect not easily understood by German speakers. The Vosges Mountains run through Alsace affording visitors many opportunities for scenic drives and hikes. Here are a five things not to miss while in Alsace.

1. Route du Vin

An autumn road trip along the Route du Vin in Alsace is well timed to capitalize on the grape picking, the fall colors, and the region's air of harvest festivity. The route is well-marked as it travels north to south paralleling the nearby Rhine River. A string of colorful villages (Riquewihr being one of the most representative) line the route inviting travelers to stop for wine tastings, souvenir shopping, sauerkraut and sausages, and wooded rambles. During the vendange , or grape harvest, the countryside is buzzing with activity as vintners take advantage of all daylight hours to bring in the bounty that will sustain them in the coming years.

2. Strasbourg

The capital of Alsace and the largest city in the region, Strasbourg also plays an important role as the seat of the Council of Europe and of the European Parliament. Highlights of the city include the rose-colored sandstone Cathedral of Notre Dame and the 15th century wood-scullpted Kammerzell House located across the square. The entire medieval neighborhood surrounding the cathedral is actually an island in the River Ill. Guided riverboat trips run year round from the landing at the Palais Rohan.

3. Ecomusée d'Alsace

An unusual outdoor museum located towards the southern end of the Wine Route proudly displays several centuries worth of rural architecture - modest village houses, barns, and stables - saved from the 20th century wrecking ball. The re-constructed buildings, many in the distinctive half-timbered style, are arranged to resemble an Alsatian rural landscape. The museum is more than a repository of antiquated edifices; a bakery sells fresh baked goods, a tavern serves hearty meals, farm animals pull wagons and plows, and artisans throw pots, forge iron tools, and craft wagon wheels, to name just a few of the activities that take place on site.

3. Christmas markets

From the end of November to the end of December, both Strasbourg and Colmar host Christmas Markets whose origins date back many centuries. The lights and magic of the traditional markets are not limited to these cities; villages and small towns throughout Alsace host their own Christmas events.

4. Maginot Line

North of Strasbourg and within a few minutes drive of Germany, the underground fortications known as the Maginot Line were built following World War I. Guided tours of the site include visits to subterranean barracks, hospital, dining and leisure areas, as well as officers quarters and the electricity generating station.