Blog

I’d decided to set myself a mini adventure with the objective to find and eat a tartiflette in the wild. A little crazy you may think but I think little and often adventures and trips keep you on your toes. Known as micro adventures, an actual thing yes, explained fantastically by Alastair Humpherys “A microadventure is an adventure that is short, simple, local, cheap – yet still fun, exciting, challenging, refreshing and rewarding. As the world’s population becomes increasingly urbanised, busy, and stuck in front of a screen, microadventures offer a realistic escape to wilderness, simplicity and the great outdoors, without the need to ski to the South Pole or go live in a cabin in Patagonia.”

With the festive season upon us, the school closed, and the song ‘I’m dreaming of the white Christmas’ in my head, it was time to go. I also had the want to find some beautiful snowscapes during this trip. Without wanting to drive too far, and to the usual places like the French Alps, I opted for the Alsace region of France. Specifically, the Vosges Mountains, a place I’d never heard of before and so was keen to explore.

Some 6 hours later, I had found the snow and some sunshine, my soul was full, but let’s jump to the delicious French food…

Let’s start the day properly in a boulangerie, the smell hits you first before your eyes lay upon the goods. Baguettes stood on end in baskets behind the till, the counter full of patisseries, eclairs and of course, pastries. Next to the till was what looked like a wooden hat stand, but there hung a dozen or so pretzels, popular in this area as it’s so close to the German border.  I grabbed a selection of pastries, followed by a sandwich baguette for my lunch to fuel me during my hike in the snowy forest that afternoon.

The day after was when I hit gold! After having arrived at a ski station to walk one of the snowshoe circuits I noticed a little sign for an auberge, a small hotel/restaurant. I was about halfway around my route so very much in need of some refreshments. I hurried down the hill towards it whilst crossing my fingers. Inside was small and cosy, I ordered a Christmas beer (surprisingly tasty) and my eyes suddenly widened as the chalkboard menu was brought over to the table. There it was, at the bottom, Tartiflette Munster. Yes yes yes! I’ve never ordered so quickly. Made with the local cheese from Munster, a soft cheese with a strong taste and aroma. It came served with a side salad covered in vinaigrette, it was perfect. It tasted even better than I remembered, sorry James, it was bloody delicious!

I returned to the UK satisfied and fulfilled, I would highly recommend visiting the Vosges Mountains during winter or summer.

Useful information

Stayed at: Les Bagenelles 

Ate at: Auberge du Steinlebach

Walked: Col des Bagenelles – Brézouard