Sitting in a French tiny patisserie in the Alsace with our noses buried in the menu we had not yet fully realised how we were surrounded everywhere with whipped cream, fresh fruit, chocolate, and nuts lovingly baked into works of art in the form of cakes, breads and pastries.  We were in store for a lot more than a quick coffee and a bun. 

Tasty Treats of Alsace

Forgetting the menus for a moment, we gazed with wonder at this tiny patisserie in the small village of Kaysersberg in the Alsace region of France. The selection of choices made it extremely difficult, however; we decided to order one delicacy each and share half with each other.  Now that our orders of coffee and selections were finally made, we could relax.

These are my kind of “jewels” and so much tastier.

The choices were so hard to make – which is why I suggest also taking a few back with you!

These beautifully made lambs are patiently waiting to be selected.

Window Watching

Seated at a table right next to the shop window we continued to admire the delicious display of pastries.  It was then we began to notice outside as people (especially the men) hurriedly walked by before stopping dead in their tracks as the shelves of goodies registered in their peripheral vision.

Doing a complete turn around they would sidle over and stand with noses almost touching the window.  Each time we saw the same look of love and admiration shine through as they slowly and carefully gazed from left to right then up and down, never missing a single slice of whipped cream delight, glazed fruit, heavenly chocolate or nutted bundt bread.

So engrossed with their delicious discoveries they never glanced further beyond to see us sitting inside observing their reactions. Their eyes were filled with lovesick, yearning and worshiping adoration for these tasty treats.

Prince of Pastries

As two “single again” women we decided immediately we would always find the table next to a bakery window to make the most of this total admiration from the male species.

Lessons Learned

Look at the Front Window Display.  It does not matter what patisserie or bakery you stop at in France they are all delicious! See something that entices you? then stop for coffee and a tasty treat.

Don’t forget to take a few baked treats back to the hotel or home for later otherwise I can guarantee you will be filled with much regret rather than pure joy.

Visit Kaysersberg’s markets during the Christmas and Easter season.  The village shuttered windows and doors are ornately decorated  during these times (more so for Christmas). The markets have many hand made items that are unique and reasonably priced.

Stop by the Albert Schweitzer Museum.  I am sure back in his day Albert who was a theologian, organist, philosopher and physician also found time to press his nose against a patisserie window or two….

Travel Tidbits

• Kaysersberg, France additional information
• Christmas Market Kaysersberg for some additional seasonal fun!
• Albert Schweitzer Museum have a visit to find out more about his younger days in Kaysersberg