Escape to Alsace: Discover the Enchanting La Maison Bleue!
Escape to Alsace: Discover the Enchanting La Maison Bleue!
Escape to Alsace: La Maison Bleue - My Rollercoaster Ride (Seriously, the Colors!)
Alright, friends, buckle up. This isn't your typical travel review. I'm not a robot spewing facts; I'm a human, and I just got back from La Maison Bleue in Alsace. And let me tell you, it was an experience. Prepare for a messy, opinionated, and probably slightly rambling account. But hey, that's life, right? And La Maison Bleue? Life is definitely what it felt like!
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The Arrival: Color Therapy & a Slight Panic (Accessibility, But, OMG, Cobblestones!)
First, the visuals. La Maison Bleue. Bleue. It's not just blue; it’s a deep, gorgeous, soul-soothing ocean blue that just grabs you. Seriously, after a long trip, getting out seeing that blue was like exhaling a week of stress. The photos don't do it justice.
Okay, so accessibility. Let's be real, this is Europe. A lot of places are built on history, and history is sometimes a pain in the butt for wheelchair users. La Maison Bleue attempts to be accessible, but with caveats. The entrance is relatively smooth, and they have an elevator (thank the heavens!). However, the cobblestone streets of the surrounding village? A nightmare. (Okay, maybe a slight exaggeration, but I, and several other people I saw, struggled.) So, for accessibility: partially accessible, definitely call ahead and double-check your specific needs.
The Room: My Sanctuary (And Then My Laundry)
I snagged a room that was, quite frankly, divine. Available in all rooms: (Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.) I'm talking Available in all rooms: Air conditioning (essential in the Alsatian summer!), a ridiculously comfortable bed (I swear it hugged me!), and the kind of fluffy bathrobes that make you want to live in them. Soundproof rooms? Yes, please! This is key because the streets are alive at night.
My only minor issue? Laundry. I can't remember exactly where the laundry was, but I know it wasn't necessarily a highlight. No biggie, I dealt with the slight chaos, but still.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Spa Dreams and a Very, VERY Good Sauna
This is where La Maison Bleue shines. The Spa area is gorgeous. Seriously, the most important things: Pool with view? Absolutely. The Sauna? Hot, steamy, and perfectly relaxing to unwind after a day of exploring the region. Didn't use the steamroom, but it looked enticing. I indulged (Body scrub, Body wrap, Massage) in a massage – and I'm not exaggerating when I tell you it was the best massage of my life. The therapist was incredible, melting away tension I didn't even know I was carrying. The Fitness center? I didn't use it, but they had one. So, all the wellness bases covered.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: An Emotional Affair with Butter (And Wine!)
Here's where things get really interesting. The food… oh, the food!
- Restaurants: They have Restaurants, plural (Yay!).
- A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. I'm not the most adventurous eater, and I ate a lot of the same food every day, but what was there was brilliant quality.
- Breakfast: A delightful Breakfast [buffet], with fresh croissants that demanded to be eaten with obscene amounts of butter (and I happily obliged!). I enjoyed my Western breakfast and enjoyed the Asian breakfast (that was very similar!)
- Dinner: The A la carte in restaurant was divine. Think classic French cuisine with a modern twist. The desserts… I'm drooling just remembering them. They do have Desserts in restaurant for anyone wanting a sugar fix.
The Poolside Bar was heaven, especially during Happy Hour. And the Snack bar proved convenient when I needed a quick bite. Honestly, I could probably live on the food and drink at La Maison Bleue.
I only have two minor disappointments: one, the vegetarian restaurant wasn't as plentiful as I'd hoped, but that's sometimes the case. And two, the coffee shop coffee just wasn't good. (Sorry, but someone has to tell the truth!)
Services and Conveniences (The Little Things That Matter)
La Maison Bleue offers a plethora of services. Air conditioning in public area (thank goodness!), Concierge (super helpful), Daily housekeeping (essential), Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator. Facilities for disabled guests (again, call ahead to verify specific needs). They have Luggage storage. They have Safety deposit boxes. All those little things that elevate the experience are there.
I'd probably give the Cashless payment service extra points in this day and age.
Cleanliness and Safety: Post-Pandemic Peace of Mind (+ Some Quirks)
La Maison Bleue takes cleanliness seriously. I mean, VERY seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer. Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I felt safe and well-protected, even a bit hyper-aware of, you know, everything.
Plus they have the Doctor/nurse on call, the First aid kit, and the Security [24-hour].
For the Kids, Couples, and Other Considerations:
- Family/child friendly: They have Babysitting service, and I saw some kids.
- Couple's room: Yes!
- Non-smoking rooms: Yes!
- Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed (Sorry, Fido)
Getting Around (Car, Taxi, or Magical Carpet?)
- Airport transfer, Bicycle parking, Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Car power charging station, Taxi service, Valet parking. I have my own car, and parked at the hotel, so I can't say a lot about the experience. I did take a taxi once and it went fine.
The Verdict: Would I Go Back? (Spoiler Alert: YES!)
Despite the minor hiccups with accessibility and the coffee, I wholeheartedly recommend La Maison Bleue. It's a truly special place. The beauty of the setting, the quality of the food and spa, and the overall ambiance make it a perfect escape. If you're looking for a luxurious, relaxing getaway in Alsace, this is your spot. Just be prepared to maybe take a deep breath when navigating those cobblestones — and order extra butter for your croissant. You won't regret it.
Final Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with a mental asterisk for the cobblestones!)
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Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dissect my slightly chaotic but potentially amazing trip to La Maison Bleue in Griesheim-pres-Molsheim, Alsace. This isn't your polished, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is the real deal.
THE GRAND (AND POTENTIALLY SLIGHTLY DISORGANIZED) PLAN:
(Day 1: Arrival and Initial Alsace Shock - or, "Where did I park the rental car? And is that a stork?")
- Morning (or, the 'Lost in Translation' Hour): Arrive at Strasbourg Airport (SXB). Okay, let's be honest - the airport felt a little like navigating a particularly confusing Ikea. Rental car pick-up. Remember that scene in Planes, Trains, and Automobiles? Yeah, I'm already feeling a kinship with Del Griffith. The French driving style is… spirited. First minor panic attack sets in as I try to figure out the parking situation at La Maison Bleue. (Spoiler alert: it involved a lot of circling and muttered curses in the general direction of the navigation system.) I found a spot finally after 30 minutes. That's a win!
- Afternoon (or, "Must. Find. Wine." Phase 1): Check into La Maison Bleue. Oh. My. God. The building itself… a literal painting. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses overflowing with flower boxes… it's almost too picturesque. I immediately feel like I've fallen into a fairytale (that hopefully doesn’t involve a gingerbread house and a child-eating witch). Check out local shops and gather supplies.
- Evening (or, "Wine & Cheese, Because Why Not?"): Unpack (eventually). Then, immediately, start with some local wine from the region (Gewürztraminer, if I’m being fancy). Find a fromagerie (cheese shop). Buy every stinky, creamy, glorious cheese they have. Assemble a picnic on the little balcony of Maison Bleue. Watch the sunset. Contemplate the meaning of life while simultaneously stuffing my face with cheese. This is the life. Except… I might have bought a little too much cheese. Did I just put the leftovers back in the fridge? I am a monster.
(Day 2: The Winstub Whimsy and Medieval Melancholy)
- Morning (or, "The Pain au Chocolat Pilgrimage"): Find a boulangerie. The most important mission of the day: acquire the flakiest, most chocolatey pain au chocolat imaginable. Success! (Though I might have accidentally eaten three.)
- Late Morning/Lunch (or, "Winstub Wanderings and Food Baby"): Explore Griesheim-pres-Molsheim and try to find a Winstub (traditional Alsatian pub/restaurant) for lunch. Find the perfect one, with tiny tables overflowing with people. Order choucroute garnie (I'm a big girl, I can do this). It's a mountain of sauerkraut and sausages, and it's… intense. But also delicious. I might be in a food coma by the end of the meal. I've decided that the Alsatians are either incredibly jolly or deeply melancholic, I don't know which.
- Afternoon (or, "Castle Crazy"): Drive to a nearby castle. Rambel through the ancient stones. Get spooked. Imagine I was a princess in the castle (or, realistically, a scullery maid). Take bad photos. Get distracted by a flock of sheep.
- Evening (or, "Wine & Regret - Phase 2"): Attempt to cook something in the Maison Bleue's kitchen. Fail miserably. Order pizza. Drink more wine. Wonder what I did wrong.
(Day 3: Strasbourg Swirls and Farewell Feelies)
- Morning (or, "Strasbourg Stadium"): Drive to Strasbourg. Get lost in the maze-like streets (again). Marvel at the Strasbourg Cathedral - and then immediately get completely overwhelmed by the crowds. Consider fleeing back to the peacefulness of Griesheim.
- Late Morning/Lunch (or, "Petite France Panic"): Explore Petite France. Take a million photos. Buy some ridiculously expensive macarons (because, hey, it's France). Get pushed around by a group of overly-enthusiastic tourists with selfie sticks. Find a little café and people-watch. Overhear a couple arguing in German.
- Afternoon (or, "Shopping & Sobbing"): Do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Buy a cute little ceramic stork (because, duh). Start to get a little sad that my trip is ending. Decide to celebrate with some more local wine.
- Evening (or, "The Last Supper (and Wine)"): Order a final, delicious Alsatian meal in Strasbourg before heading back to La Maison Bleue. Pack and try to mentally prepare for departing. This part will be hard.
(Day 4: Au Revoir… for now.)
- Morning (or, "Departure Disaster"): Pack up the car. Try to remember where I parked. Make a final, tearful farewell to La Maison Bleue. Drive to Strasbourg airport, probably running late. This whole thing is such a mess.
- Flight Home (or, "Post-Vacation Depression"): Arrive home. Be sad about not being in Alsace anymore. Start planning my return trip.
The Imperfections and Rambles (aka, the real reality):
- The Rental Car: This thing. It's going to be a struggle. Parking is a nightmare. Driving on those narrow roads is terrifying. I fully expect to scrape a car or two. I'm not sure I'll ever learn to properly use the GPS.
- Wine Consumption: Seriously, I need to pace myself. Maybe. Probably not. My liver is bracing itself.
- Spontaneity: This whole plan is just a suggestion. The best thing to do is simply go where the wind blows.
- The Language Barrier: My French is atrocious. I'll rely heavily on hand gestures and the kindness of strangers.
- Emotions: Prepare for massive highs and lows. I'll probably cry. I'll definitely laugh. I'm going to feel incredibly grateful. I'll probably also get hangry.
The Single-Minded Experience: The Food. I'm doubling down on the food. I'm going to eat everything. I'm going to seek out the best cheese shop and buy a hunk of brie. I'm going to find the perfect Winstub and savor every bite of the choucroute. I'm going to embrace the carbs, the cream, and the sheer, unapologetic deliciousness of Alsace. I'm going to stuff my face and be completely okay with it.
The Messiness: There will be hiccups. There will be wrong turns. There will be moments of sheer panic. There will be a lot of wine. There will probably be a stain on my favorite shirt. Life is messy and this trip will be too.
The Honesty & The Funny: Because let's face it, travel is not always glamorous. It's often awkward, sometimes frustrating, and often hilarious. I'm here for the honesty and the laughs, and I fully intend to embarrass myself on multiple occasions. The storks are everywhere. It's all so beautiful, it's so strange, it's all so French.
So there you have it. My itinerary. Wish me luck. And if you see a woman wandering around looking slightly bewildered, clutching a bottle of wine and a wheel of cheese, it's probably me. Don't hesitate to say bonjour and ask if she needs a baguette. Because, let's be honest, she probably does.
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Escape to Alsace: La Maison Bleue - The Real Deal FAQs (and My Crazy Thoughts!)
So, is La Maison Bleue *really* as enchanting as it looks in the pictures?
Okay, let's be honest. Those photos? They're *gorgeous*. And yes, La Maison Bleue is stunning. But... it’s like comparing your dating profile to your actual date. You know? The Instagram filter effect. It's beautiful, sure, but there are little quirks and imperfections that the photos conveniently leave out. Like that slightly wonky cobblestone path that you almost twisted your ankle on (happened to me, twice!). Or the fact that the Blue House, while blue, sometimes feels more "faded blue" than “wowzers-blue”.
But here’s the thing: the imperfections are part of the charm. They make it REAL. It’s not some sterile, overly-perfect hotel. It's a lived-in, historic house. And that… that's where the magic *really* begins. Did I mention the rose bushes in the garden that almost made me weep with happiness? Yeah, the photos can't quite capture *that*.
What's the deal with the "location, location, location" – is it actually a good base for exploring Alsace?
Okay, this is important. The location? It’s *excellent*. Riquewihr is a freaking postcard come to life! You step outside La Maison Bleue and BAM! Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, flower boxes overflowing with color. It’s like being in a fairytale, except with the constant temptation of pastries.
Plus, it's perfectly situated for day trips. Colmar is a short drive – make sure you go to the Unterlinden Museum, even if you don't think you're a museum person (I’m not, and I was blown away!). The other wine villages like Kaysersberg and Eguisheim are easily accessible. And the drive along the Route du Vin (Wine Route) is simply breathtaking. Just, uh, be careful if you're doing all the wine tasting. Trust me… I may have slightly over-indulged on one particular day. Worth it. Absolutely worth it.
However! And there is a however... Parking in Riquewihr can be an utter NIGHTMARE. Especially during peak season. Plan ahead, people! Book your parking ahead of time, or, you know, just walk a little further, like I (reluctantly) did one day.
What are the rooms like? Are they comfortable?
The rooms are charming. And by charming, I mean they have that old-world feel. It’s not a sterile modern hotel room; it’s filled with character. Think exposed beams, maybe a slightly creaky floorboard (part of the fun, I say!), and antique furniture. Some rooms have balconies, some don’t. They are unique.
Comfort? Yes. The beds are comfortable, generally. The bathrooms are clean. They're doing what they can with the age of the building. It’s not the Ritz-Carlton, but it's cozy and inviting. I actually had one room with a window looking out onto the courtyard, and I could sit there for hours just watching the people pass by. It's truly a little escape.
But here's my (slightly embarrassing) confession: I had this tiny anxiety about the lack of a fancy, modern "smart" TV. I know, I know. First world problems. But after a day of exploring, sometimes you just want to switch off and zone out. Thankfully, the beauty of the place quickly made me forget about Netflix. Now who am I kidding? I wanted Netflix. Thankfully, the wifi was good enough to stream something on my laptop!
The breakfast... is it worth it?
Ah, breakfast. The most important meal, right? Okay, here's the breakdown. The breakfast is DELICIOUS. Now, it's not some over-the-top buffet, but it's a lovely spread of local cheeses, fresh bread, pastries (of course!), fruit, yogurt, and coffee. And the coffee… oh my god, the coffee! It’s strong and flavorful, just how I like it. I am not a morning person, usually, but I found myself practically skipping down to breakfast.
What I really remember is that it was all served with a quiet efficiency and genuine warmth. The staff were so sweet. They made you feel right at home. It was more than just food; it was an experience. I think I ate about three croissants every morning. Don't judge me! You will too.
Is La Maison Bleue kid-friendly?
Mmm… that’s tricky. This isn't a big, sprawling resort with a swimming pool and a games room. It's a charming, intimate house. I saw a few families there, and the kids seemed perfectly happy wandering the streets of Riquewihr. But honestly? I think it’s more suited to couples or adults seeking a romantic getaway or a peaceful escape. The staircases are steep, there is nothing really aimed for kids. That being said, there were kids doing things, having a time.
It really depends on your kids. If they're happy exploring, and aren’t likely to cause a major disturbance because there's a certain level of quiet expectation, it could be fine. If they need constant entertainment, maybe not. My two cents? Leave the kids at home and enjoy a romantic escape! I wish I had done so with my husband!
Any downsides? (Be honest!)
Okay, alright, let's get real. No place is perfect. Here are the potential downsides, as I see them:
- Parking: Already mentioned. It's a pain. Plan ahead.
- Noise: It’s an old building. You can sometimes hear your neighbors. Didn’t bother me, but if you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
- No Elevator: Many rooms are on upper floors. If you have mobility issues, be sure to request a ground-floor room. Lugging suitcases up the stairs is not my favorite way to spend a holiday.
- Wi-Fi can be spotty. It's not a huge deal, but it's worth noting.
But honestly? Those are minor quibbles. The overall experience outweighs any negatives.
What’s the best thing about La Maison Bleue? What’s the ONE thing I should experience?
Okay, picking ONE thing is impossible. But, if *forced*… I’d say it's the overall *feeling*. It’sShanghai's BEST Shell Hotel Near Hongcao Rd Metro? (Guiping Rd Surprise!)
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