There are many tributaries to the world-famous Rhine, but the Moselle is probably the most beautiful, originating in the Vosges Mountains and then cutting through France, Germany and Luxembourg before meeting the larger river. If you want an area to explore in the heart of Western Europe, then there are few places more charming and full of history than the Moselle Valley and the river as a whole. Let’s take a look a just some of the things that make this an ideal vacation destination.
Scenery
The scenery is undoubtedly beautiful here, with a mixture of things to see. There’s 339 miles of river, which means that no two trips to this area have to be in any way the same. Along the banks you’ll see pretty little towns, lush green forests and grassland, and dramatic hillsides that plunge down into the valley. Few would disagree that probably the best way to see the Moselle valley is actually from the river itself, and there are a variety of tours and river cruises that you can go on to get the very best out of the area. Try Cruise Deals if you’re looking for a good price.
Cities
Flowing through several countries means that the Moselle also takes visitors through and past some great European cities, most notably the French city of Metz, and the German cities of Trier and Koblenz. There’s also the small village of Schengen in Luxembourg, most notable as the place in which the Schengen agreement was signed in 1985. Architecture is similarly beautiful in these settlements, as they all share a common history, with similar dialects spoken even across borders. Whether you’d like to stay in an authentic chateau or in a city apartment, you’ll be able to do it here and still experience everything the river has to offer.
Attractions
The Mosel wine region surrounds much of the Moselle, and is an area famous for producing some very high quality wines. If you fancy yourself as a bit of a connoisseur, then there are few places better to visit. Visit the little cafes and restaurants that serve local wines, or book a tour through one of the many vineyards in the area. If history is more your thing, then there’s no shortage of castles for you to visit – almost too many to mention. Some are found on hillsides overlooking the river, and other in the centres of towns along the banks.