In the historical town of Kaysersberg, in Alsace, northeastern France

 "Nothing more excellent or valuable than wine was ever granted by the gods to man." -- Plato

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(in northeastern France) Kaysersberg, "One Of The Most Beautiful Villages In France," is found in the Alsace region of France, the eastern part of the country that lies at the foot of the Vosges -- bordering both Germany and Switzerland, one of the loveliest regions of France. Known for its Route du Vin, the most famous wine route in France, a marked series of roads that meander through pretty little wine villages with colorful half-timbered buildings and castles perched on hilltops. The route is just over 100 miles (160 km) long,, starting just west of Strasbourg, with the Rhine River that borders Germany to the east and the Vosges mountains to the west, then heads south towards Colmar and beyond to Mulhouse. Just 10 km (~6 mi.) northwest of Colmar, Kaysersberg is quite a heart-stopper with its backdrop of gently sloping vines, hilltop castle, and old fortified bridge spanning the rushing Weiss River. You will also find other historical monuments as you explore Kaysersberg, many dating from the 15th century, such as the towers, bridge and ramparts, and the 16th century Town Hall, each adding their own bit to the charm of the town. From many parts of the town you can see the ruins of the Chateau de Kaysersberg (the castle) poised high on the hill above it. An important route passes through the valley here (the Col du Bonhomme) that has been defended since Roman times, with the castle being built in the 13th century. In the centuries since, this remained a prosperous town (apart from the years around the time of the Thirty Years War).