There is neither the sea nor the mountains, but tourists still flock there. Welcome to Alsace. In 2022, 46 million overnight stays were recorded in this little corner of France. And visitors left delighted with their stay, according to the ranking established by users of Booking.com. The accommodation in Bas and Haut-Rhin offered on the platform thus obtained the best marks, thus making the region “the most welcoming in France”. For the fourth year in a row!
Would the Alsatians be more friendly and turned towards the other than their neighbors? “They are undoubtedly more open”, tries Marc Levy, the director of Alsace destination tourism (ADT) by giving an example. “It’s not uncommon that when they see a visitor in trouble, they offer their help, especially to guide him. “I can assure you that people say ‘hello’ more easily and smile more than in other places”, adds Pascal Bernard, general delegate of the association “Les plus beaux villages de France”.
The two men are nevertheless in agreement, the reception cannot be reduced to the behavior of the hosts and to possible clichés. No, “there are many aspects to consider”. “We might speak of a material heritage with superb landscapes such as on the wine route or very beautiful villages; and an intangible heritage where gastronomy has its place. We eat and drink well in Alsace, there is a real art of living, ”explains the regular touring in the most remarkable municipalities of the territory.
“We often say that there are 15% too many on the plates! “, resumes the manager at ADT. “There is a generosity in the dishes that we also find in the flowers (long live the geraniums!). Alsatians maintain their homes and it still happens to see them on Saturday mornings sweeping the sidewalk in front of their homes. Without forgetting, then, to mingle with the various activities or demonstrations around them. “The density of local associations is unparalleled in France. There are parties or concerts every weekend, not made for tourists but to which they are welcome, ”adds Marc Levy, obviously in his role of promoting the territory.
“A concentration of many things”
Certainly a little less subjective, Pascal Bernard notes “that there is a concentration of many things in the region”. Like this immense network of cycle paths, numerous fortified castles, hiking routes. All this with multiple possibilities of accommodation since 155,000 beds are accessible. “We can see it clearly: people are very much looking for authenticity and Alsace has not yet lost too much ground on standardization. Storks, checkered tablecloths, Flammkueches and sauerkraut still have a bright future ahead of them.
The set should seduce a few more visitors, to the delight of their guests. “What I am regarding to say will perhaps be a little displeasing”, concludes the representative of the association “The most beautiful villages of France”. “But the Alsatians understood very well what it meant to welcome well. Behind it, there are the economic benefits that go with it”.