And it's off to France we go....

Today's adventure took us only about 60 km away to the charming village of Colmar, France. It is just a puddle jump over the Rhine River. It's streets are narrow cobblestone passageways and is more pedestrian than car friendly, making it a great place to meander through. 

Our hotel is located right in the center of the old town. We took a gondola ride down the canal the French call "Little Venice." It was as beautiful as one could expect. We had to crouch very low in the boat sometimes in order to pass under the bridges.

We also visited the cathedral and the Underlinden museum. The museum houses the Isenheim Alterpiece. It is a huge polyptych with beautifully painted panels depicting Christ's life and St. Anthony. I have taught about this piece many times but it was so enlightening to see it in real life. The museum also houses several of Martin Schongauer's paintings. I had only studied his engravings in the past but his paintings were astounding. This was such a treat!

It rained twice since we arrived today but both times we were sitting under a canopy having a meal. 

The area known as Little Venice as seen from our gondola.

Brightly painted houses line the canal.

The cathedral at the center of town.

Schongauer's Virgin of the Roses.

We had to eat French Fries while we were here - delicious!

This is a tasting room for the local Colmar winery.