One of the things we wanted to do while on this trip was to get in some hiking.  All through Alsace, there is a magnificent network of trails called sentier viticoles.  These trails might be flat through the valley or take you up into the Vosges Mountains, but they all go through the vineyards and well in sight of some beautiful backdrops.

So after having to once again drum the girls out of bed, we grabbed a quick breakfast, and made our way to the edge of town, where a sentier viticole started which would take us up through the vineyards into the Vosges Mountains, under the ruins of Château Saint-Ulrich.

On our way out of town, we made a couple of stops at various markets to get some baguettes, fruit, cheese, pastries, and wine for our picnic.  With simply glorious weather, the hike was as beautiful as we had hoped.  It was a bit steep at times and my backpack seemed incredibly heavy (especially with the bottle of wine!), but it was worth the effort when we found a beautiful, quiet little spot in the middle of the woods.

Château Saint-Ulrich
high over the vineyards

Checking out the pear orchards