The beer city (Strasbourg)

Member Name: pontecaille

Product:	Strasbourg
Date:	20/07/01 (904 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: beers city, close to other countries, exceelent food, lovely people and scenery

Disadvantages: strong accent

Strasbourg is in the north east of France on the German border. It is a very nice region called Alsace Lorraine with many charming assets: towns, wine, traditional food, architectural monuments, universities…
Like any other place, it has a history to tell:

Before becoming Strasbourg, it was called Argentoratum, fishers and hunters village and was an important fortified place during the Roman era. Barbarians and others tried to invade the city that became a German province from 870.
After the 30 years War, France annexed the Alsace but the position of Strasbourg was uncertain.
But in 1681, Strasbourg was again a French possession.
In 1870 Germany won back the city and stayed under the German domination until the 11th November 1918, day of its liberation. The Nazi occupied the city during the Second World War until General Leclerc freed it in 1944.
It is today a main part in the EU and is the headquarters of many European institutions. Thanks to the Rhine River the merchandising traffic is extremely active and gives a subsequent boost to the local economy.

Places to go:
Modern arts museum
Historical museum
Archaeological museum
Alsatian museum
Fine arts museum
Decorative museum

But you can also visit:
Church of Strasbourg right in the middle of the town:
Inside there is the Astronomical clock, a mid 19th version of the original 14th century clock. It is a beauty and rather impressive. I wasn’t really familiar with this huge object so I stayed to the 12.30session to see it in action and I tell you that I was amazed and fascinated. It is quite hard to explain and the best is to go and view it. It is a very old gothic work building telling the month and year, the time by the sun, GMT. Many marble sculptures are displayed but also ancient organs.
You can go up to the very top of the cathedral for 20francs just about £2, but watch it is a hard journey up but sensational
sight.
The Rohan Castle (still in the centre):
Very elegant 18th palace made in white and gold inside, built for one of the several prince bishop of Strasbourg. Visit hours are different through the year (ask the tourism office).
The Little France quarter is a must to see and is known as the Tanners district. Noble and expensive place to live, it is just charming and is located on the banks of the river. The 17th Barrage Vauban is quite picturesque with its bridges and defensive towers. The panorama is unbelievably attractive as you can see the river with these very old houses, the cathedral and the lovely surroundings.
The Animated Toy and Miniature Train Museum: the entry is 25francs(£2.50) and it is a cracker. It is a great attraction either for children or adults as it displays animated robots, toys, machines; puppets…live shows are also in the programme.

I have been twice and it is a nice place to go. I spent New Year in 1997 and I had a brilliant time. My friends and I booked tickets for a diner and party in a local restaurant. The food was gorgeous and the night full of surprises. We then went for a walk in the streets mobbed by dressed up people singing away and enjoying themselves. As we were on the way back home, people were inviting us into their place for partying and celebrating New Year. It was a very convivial and warm night. Lots of excellent memories.
I recommend you to try the specialities:
Choucroute made of white cabbage, different sausages, meat, and white wine
Flamiche: thin pizza pastry based baked with onions, crème fraiche and French lardons (equivalent to lard or bacon)

There are many typical brasseries and wienstub (German word for pubs) where you can enjoy the very famous 1664 beer.
It is the best place to taste home made liqueurs, just be careful they are very strong but succulent. Pure alcohol is guaranteed there….
And you are only few miles away from Germany and fur
ther up Luxembourg. These two places are very good for clothes and shoes shopping but also for nightlife.

Even if you travel on your own you will meet very sociable people who might drag you to parties or give you tips on the best places to visit or to have fun.

I can’t see why you wouldn’t enjoy the trip.

Take care.

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