Riquewihr, France

     Riquewihr has been named one of the most beautiful villages of France.  It was barely damaged during World War II, so it looks almost exactly as it did in the 1500s.  This walled town of 1300 people is surrounded by vineyards.  The Association Les Rêveries Vénetiennes (Venetian Reveries Association) held a Venetian parade on the day we visited.  Eighty costumed members of the society strolled through town posing for pictures.

  

Mike looks down what used to be one of the town's wells.

I wonder if they ever lower the gates these days.

In business for 378 years - that's a long time.

It was impossible to know who was inside the costume.  I was able to determine that the character in black was 11 or 12 years old, the next generation of Venetian revelers.  

These are exceedingly elaborate costumes.

This was a tall man.  He must have been nearly seven feet tall wearing the headpiece.  I couldn't take my eyes off the rhinestone knee ornaments.  

Coy

The revelers never made a sound.  They communicated with hand gestures.  

The Venetians pose in front of the Dolder Tower.  This tower was built in the 13th century and has served as a fortification and a prison.  Among other things, it houses a torture museum today.

The green stemmed wine glass is traditional in Alsace.

Tarte Flambée or Alsatian Pizza
Tarte flambée is thinly rolled bread dough topped with fromage blanc, onions, and lardons.  I had mushrooms and an extra layer of cheese on my "pizza."