Let’s talk about Strasbourg. It’s the principal city and capital of the Alsace region in eastern France. As I am a law student, it is also good to know that Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament. But this isn’t the only European institution in Strasbourg, there is also the Council of Europe with the European Court of Human Rights for example.

Strasbourg

For those who understands German, they will notice, that the name Strasbourg sounds very German (Strasbourg is Straßburg in German). This is basically because the region of Alsace are historically German speaking. Strasbourg is mostly attractive for students because is has very good universities, especially for law and economics.

Sightseeing

The most beautiful things you have to visit while you’re in Strasbourg an definitely the cathedral of Strasbourg, the Place Kleber but also the Petite France, which is an area in Strasbourg. It’s so lovely and charming, that you simply have to go there.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is a Roman Catholic cathedral and it was the tallest building in the world until 1974 with 142 meters of high. It took 424 years to built it (1015 – 1439). Inside, it has a beautiful 18 meters astronomical clock, which is one of the tallest in the world.

Another place to visit is definitely the Place Kléber. It is the central and largest square of Strasbourg. In 1988, the area Grand Island, on which the Place Kléber is located, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO. So you can’t miss this place while you’re in Strasbourg.

Last but not least, my favorite part of Strasbourg, the Petite France (in English “Little France”). This is also an area located on the Grand Island and consists basically of old medieval houses with a number of canals. This place is so charming, that I could spend hours just sitting there. I really recommend this place.

Food

A typical dish in the region named Alsace is the Tarte Flambee. In German its called “Flammkuchen”, I don’t know if there is a word in English, but it’s basically like a pizza with a very thin layer of pastry topped with sour cream, onions and bacon. By now, you can get it with a lot of other covering, for example salmon or mushrooms. They offered it in every restaurant, so you can’t miss it.

My favorite restaurant in Strasbourg is the “Au Pont Saint-Martin“, which is located in the Petite France. But I don’t like it only for their food, but also for the restaurant itself. It is located just near the river Ill and when you are lucky enough, you’ll get a table on something like a float, which is directly above the water.

Shopping

Another thing you have to visit, espacially if you love to go shopping, is of course the Galeries Lafayette, which is also located in Paris, Dubai or even New York. It’s an upmarket French department store company. You simply get everything there, from Fashion, to Decoration and even food. It’s a visit worth, despite the incredibly high prices in the store. It’s basically a luxury store, like Harrods in London.

Another shopping area is the Place Kléber, where all the big luxury stores are located.

Christmas

If you’re a such a christmas addict as I am, you definitely have to visit Strasbourg during Christmas time. It is also known as the capital of Christmas. The whole city is decorated and on the Place Kléber, there is a very huge Christmas tree.

 

Have you been already in Strasbourg? If yes, did you like it as much as I do?