Trois Châteaux, enough for one day.

 When one of my colleagues proposed an outing this week, I enthusiastically agreed, taking all opportunities to explore a little. What’s more, the invitation to se balader un peu is one I am happily becoming familiar with. What with vineyards, forests, and mountains for the seasoned walker, and cute villages to wander around for the more feint-hearted, “going for a walk” tends to be a little more exciting than a quick half an hour round the block or a stroll through the local park. Today we visited Ribeauvillé, a town displaying its French-ness slightly more overtly than other villages adorned with German names. Aware our visit would involve a walk to see a chateau (my first since being here), it was to my pleasant surprise to learn that Ribeauvillé possesses the ruins of not one, but indeed three castles dating back to the middle ages. Guide-book in hand we set off, mounting a rather steep incline that left me a little out of breath just 15minutes in. Little did we know this was just the beginning. What we believed to be a relatively straightforward walk turned out to be a little more adventurous, in total taking the best part of 4 hours! Luckily we were well prepared with water and fig-roll biscuits, which sustained us on the ascent. What’s more, when we reached each stop on our historic and vertiginous tour we reaffirmed that il valait la peine  - the effort was definitely worth it.  With the highest, le chateau de Haut Ribeaupierre (clue is in the name right) at 640m, the panoramic view over the town and surrounding mountains made the aching legs slightly more bearable, as did the break afforded by taking time to wander around what would have been the rooms of what was once an impressive home and remains an imposing structure. After a slightly easier descent, we found refuge indoors, proud of our achievement and more than ready for something to eat. Deciding it was time I tried one of the local specialities, we celebrated with a tarte flambé, both opting for one named les trois chateaux, in acknowledgement of a successful if surprisingly adventurous randonée.  Although admittedly a little tired and sporting un peu de mal aux jambes, I am pleased this evening to have spent a day outdoors and to have seen a little more of what Alsace has to boast of. The trois chateaux, visited and consumed, combined the best of both worlds. I learnt on the way home that a neighbouring town trumps even Ribeauvillé in possessing all of 5 chateaux! We of course decided that this visit could wait for another occasion. Three castles was enough for one day.