Strasbourg

Strasbourg – Malt Pot Of Cultures

Fast Facts

Region: West of River Rhine bordering Germany

Languages Spoken: Officially French and a little of German and English

Currency: Euro

Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT plus 1 hour)

Religion: Christianity

Climate: Continental with maximum 20 degrees centigrade during the summer and a minimum of 3 degrees during winter. Christmas is great time to be here to enjoy the snowfall.

Population Density: According to 2004 estimate it is approximately 3500 per every kilometer square.

Country Code: 33 388

Strasbourg is one of the most famous European cities among the travelers. It has both the flavors of France and Germany with itself as it is right on the border of the two aforementioned countries. Its picturesque "la Petite France" neighborhood has great recommendation to the visitors around the world. It looks like straight out of a fairy tale book and appears to be a riverfront neighborhood with timbered buildings accented by colorful flowers.

History

The Thirty Years War of the 17th century throughout the Holy Roman Empire has left an immense mark on Strasbourg. This was a religious war that opposed the Protestant German princes of the contemporary society, against the Catholic Empire sovereigns, known as the Habsburgs. The war started in 1618, which ended in 1648, with the Treaty of Westphalia. Under Cardinal Richelieu, France stood against the Imperials of the Holy Roman Empire. The war was particularly against the Spanish (in the city of Rocroi in 1643).

The German Empire was weakened very much, to benefit the princes. The war took away several million people. Strasbourg was less damaged with respect to some of the other important cities of the Roman Empire. But Strasbourg was shaken strongly and went through a severe economic crisis that lead to its weakening process and even prepared the city for being incorporated within the sovereign of France. Strasbourg is the city of the European Parliament.

Strasbourg is often found to be surprisingly cosmopolitan destination for France, which showcases the old Christmas market and stunning features of a cathedral. Strasbourg had often been between the French and Germans during different centuries.

Attractions that Strasbourg Offers

Museums

Museum of Decorative Arts of Strasbourg

Museum of Fine Arts

Archeological Museum of Strasbourg

Alsatian Museum

Historical Museum of Strasbourg

Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art of Strasbourg

Museum of Notre Dame

Musée Zoologique

Animated Toy and Miniature Train Museum

Monuments

The Cathedral of Strasbourg

The picturesque Petite France Quarter

L'Ancienne Douane (Old Custom)

The Mont Sainte-Odile

Ottrot Le Haut

Fleckenstein

Rohan Palace

Saint -Thomas Church

Covered-bridges

The Astronomical Clock

Geographical Distribution That Makes Strasbourg Unique

The Rhine River and the Black Forest are present just beyond the city's edge. You can find many wonderful daytrips here into France's Alsace or even into Germany. It always becomes a concern for the visitors as which country they are truly in, while visiting Strasbourg. You will find the signs in both the languages. Here beer as well as wine, both is extremely popular. The most common dish that you will find here is the sauerkraut, French spelling ("choucroute").

Though the architecture of Strasbourg is primarily German, the Ill River makes a Venice-like path right from the heart of the city. The Ill River is a host to many cruise tours of the city. Strasbourg is obviously one of the best cities in France, when you are concerned about luscious cuisines. The dishes have boldness and a strong nature that is reminiscent of the German roots. While they pay much attention to quality and detail, the food here is the epitome of the French philosophy. Delicious local cuisines are definitely something that you shouldn't miss at all.

These experiences include visit to a local win stub and have the ultimate France as well as German experience. As in many cities in France, the wines that are most popular here are the white, light and tart wines like Rieslings and Gewurztraminers. Recommendation goes about the Alsatian beers. Also have a taste to another local "eau de vie” literally meaning "the water of life." The French liquors are far different from American liquors as the latter are typically made from sugar, whereas the Alsatian eau de vie is sweetened entirely of fruit.

The fabulous local specialties fill on baeckoffe and coq au Riesling. The Baeckoffe consists primarily of stew of meats, potatoes and spices. Coq au Riesling is somewhat different, much like the better-known coq au vin. The Coq au Riesling is made with Riesling and is definitely much tastier, usually served over fresh-made spaetzle that is a German noodle. Many other local dishes can be tasted to be divine as well and so be sure not to miss any opportunity.

The world winning cuisine is the Alsatian desserts and is recommended by many travelers. There are several ways to reach Strasbourg. Travelers can easily fly into Strasbourg, or may fly to Paris or even Frankfurt, and then take a two-hour (from Frankfurt) or four-hour (Paris) rail trip into Strasbourg.

A clean and reliable tramway system is prevalent in the city, as well as extensive bus routes. Strasbourg is basically a big city and one could spend many days exploring this city in detail. As the heritage of France, Strasbourg also has certain attractions that you don't dare to miss.

Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the main attractions of Europe and is also the most beautiful example of gothic architecture. The Cathedral has a stunning pink sandstone facade that is quite unique and breathtaking. As you will get inside, you will discover intricate carvings captivated inside the Cathedral. At 12:30 p.m. every day, the circa-1800s astrological clock is visited by tourists who also take time to watch the lengthy show. It is a hub of activity and is populated with shops and restaurants in the nearby places.

The Christmas market that is very near from this place is the city's immensely popular market and fair. The very beautiful and most enchanting neighborhood of Strasbourg is the La Petite France. This is arguably one of the best neighborhoods not only in Strasbourg but also in all of France. When visitors breathe in the scent of fresh-baked gingerbread they simply go overwhelmed. The inviting aromas that come out of the restaurants are so luscious, that you can’t stop them to give a try. The timbered buildings and the blooming plants are much pleasing to the eyes. This picturesque beauty of this place earned this city a prestigious four-flower ranking.

Place Kleber is a place for shopping lovers and those who wish to keep memories of their trip into their bags. This place is populated with scenes of people watching, bustling square lined and with many popular brands and a hub of activity.

In respect to climate, Strasbourg's is also very German. It is quite cold and snowy in the winter. The city is at its most beauty during the Christmas-time. Spring is a golden time for the visitors as the flowers start blooming and make the city naturally beautiful. Summers are warm but still inviting and are not much unpleasant.

Strasbourg is overall a very pleasant and charming during the day. But the night view of this city is also much inviting for the travelers. Night at Strasbourg has a different meaning to visitors. Some enjoyments for the visitors are very easy and refreshing.

Aux Bureau is place where visitors should start off the evening and obviously with a casual drink. This place is both café and bar, as a café during day and a bar at night.

Strasbourg being open to all communities, Bar Le Zoo is a very popular gay bar with late night parties that go all through the night. Whereas the Le Chalet is also a busy and bustling nightclub. Visitors can relax themselves though dancing and dancing and dancing. Les Aviateurs is a kind of much live music bar, where you can often find people are dancing on tabletops. People here enjoy an actively good time and also interact with local people and other visitors around the world.

Strasbourg also has the Opera Café that is a low-key artsy bar. Pink Studio, a live music bar, is featured with karaoke nights. Go-go dancers keep visitors entertained.

In a lively dance club Planet Fete. Pub Nelson is another local Irish bar and is a center for enjoyment for both local people and the tourists. This club prefers beer and just any good conversation to go crazy.

Travelers always enjoy Strasbourg at almost every time of the year. The seasonal climate at the city is considered to be much comfortable at all times. Visitors generally find the local festivities of different kinds, which are enjoyed throughout the year. Being music admirer, most of the cultural events in this area are much related towards the music and theatre. The festivals here are mostly during the beginning of October and carry on through May.

Where to stay?

There are hotels at prices of 35 to 100 USD per night and an apartment/condo can be rented at 200 USD. Hotels with conference cost up to $150.

Some Good Hotels

Sofitel Strasbourg

Hotel Regent Petite France

Best Western Monopole Metropole

Maison Rouge Hotel

Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles

Comfort Hotel Strasbourg Ouest

Regent Contades

Romantik Hotel Beaucour

Diana Dauphine

Hotel Hannong

Top-Rated Restaurants

Maison Kammerzell

L'Alsace à table

La Cloche à Fromages

Au boeuf Hotel Restaurant

Blaesheim

Brasserie de la Bourse

Foie gras Edouard Artzner

Le Pont Saint Martin

Crep Milli

The Burestubel

Steinkeller

Visiting Strasbourg is surely going to be a very memorable and charming experience for anyone. But while visiting to European countries, people have to be aware of visitor-targeted crimes that are prevalent there. Travelers just have to be careful when they carry more cashes or visits huge malls for shopping. Those are the basic travelling measures that every one should take care off. Otherwise, Strasbourg is a safe and pleasant place to visit and enjoy.

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