Christmas spirit in

Christmas spirit in RiquewihrBretzels in KaysersbergKugelhopfs and Christmas cookies at Boulangerie LevainAfter a guided tour of the village to discoverits history, we had plenty of time to visit theshops and Christmas market stalls hostedin little wooden chalets. It’s not a hugemarket, but it’s very authentic with somegreat arty, crafty gifts. There are vendorsoffering spiced vin chaud (mulled wine) andBretzels, and I stumbled on the fabulousboulangerie Levain, 2 Michelin Star chefOlivier Nasti’s sourdough bakery in tiny ruede Tir. A finalist for best bakery in 2025,seek it out for the most delicious kugelhopfsand Christmas cookies.will come skipping along with shopping bagsfull of gingerbread!Back on board, though we’d only knowneach other for 24 hours, guests who camefrom America, Britain, Canada and France,bonded over dinner and chatted about theday’s activities.ColmarRiquewihrRiquewihr gives Kaysersberg a run for itsmoney in the fairy-tale-pretty stakes. Withundulating vineyards running right down to itswonky cobblestone streets, medieval housesand mansions, wineries, and gorgeous littlegift shops galore, including a year-roundChristmas decoration store – which gives youa clue as to why this village is a festive mustsee– they take Christmas seriously here!Strolling the pretty streets of RiquewihrChristmas market RiquewihrAfter a guided tour, there’s plenty of time todiscover the Christmas market which is bigand full of unique and fabulous things that arehard to resist, from exquisite decorations toclothes, toys, artisan made products, and ifyou’re feeling peckish - great steaming bowlsof sauerkraut and sausages. There’s alsotime to wander the twinkling courtyards andalleyways. In this charming, authentic village,you can’t help but imagine Hansel and GretelColmar32 | The Good Life France The Good Life France | 33