Kota Désiré

Head east to the Haut-Kœnigsbourg Castle (50 minutes' drive), a 12th-century fortified structure sitting atop a lushly wooded hill. Climb up its imposing bastion to admire far-reaching views of the Rhine Valley, or wander through its halls gawping at the collection of medieval weapons or the artworks decorating the Kaiser’s Room. Whatever the season, it pays to spend a day at Gérardmer (50 minutes). In summer, the alpine lake is a top spot for a swim or a pedal-boat excursion; in winter, the trails overlooking the town can be tackled on skis or snowshoes. In town, there’s a bowling alley and the House of Culture and Recreation, with exhibitions and art events. The Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nancy (an hour) displays artworks by heavy-hitters such as Caravaggio and Rubens. The museum sits on Place Stanislas, an elegant and monumental square. Not far from here is Parc de la Pépinière, a lush green area with a playground, miniature golf and a fountain with water jets.