Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin)

Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) mini guide

Strasbourg is the seat of several European institutions such as the Council of Europe with its European Court of Human Rights, its European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and its European Audiovisual Observatory, the Eurocorps as well as the European Parliament and the European Ombudsman of the European Union.

Strasbourg's historic centre, the Grande Île ("Grand Island"), was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honour was placed on an entire city centre. Strasbourg is beautifully fused into the Franco-German culture (Alemannic), and is regarded as the bridge of unity between modern France and Germany. Its picturesque "la Petite France" neighbourhood looks like something straight out of a fairy tale book, a riverfront neighbourhood with black and white timber-framed buildings accented by colourful flower boxes.

Strasbourg is an important centre of manufacturing and engineering, as well as of road, rail, and river communications. The port of Strasbourg is the second largest on the Rhine after Duisburg, Germany. The city is the seat of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine.

The Black Forest and the legendary Rhine River are just at or beyond the city's edge. There are several wonderful daytrips here into France's Alsace or Germany.

Attractions

The city is chiefly known for its sandstone Gothic Cathedral with its famous astronomical clock. Strasbourg Cathedral is one of Europe's most beautiful example of gothic architecture and was the world's tallest building from 1625 to 1874. The stunning pink sandstone facade is quite unique and breathtaking. Be sure to wander inside, where the intricate carvings will captivate you. Each day at 12:30 p.m., visitors can see the circa-1800s astrological clock with its lengthy show. The cathedral is also a hub of activity, with shops and restaurants nearby. The courtyard outside hosts the city's immensely popular Christmas market.

La Petite France is easily Strasbourg's prettiest and most enchanting neighborhood, and arguably one of the best areas in all of France. Stroll along its streets, along bridges over the Ill River. Breathe in the scent of fresh-baked gingerbread or the inviting aromas from the restaurants. Gaze at the timbered buildings, bursting with blooming plants that earned this city the prestigious four-flower ranking.

Those with little time for museum visiting should at least spend a few hours in the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art), whose structure at the entrance to the Petite France quarter so effectively integrates modern architecture and older buildings, and the Musée Alsacien (Alsatian Museum) with its exhibits covering the history and traditions of the region.

Shopping and people-watching at Place Kleber, a bustling square lined with popular shops and a hub of activity.

The major shopping streets lie on the central island. there is a food market on Bd de la Marne (Tues & Sat) and a flea market on Rue du Vieux-Hopital (Wed & Sat).

Across town, a host of interesting bars and restaurants surround the cathedral.

Music

The renowned Théâtre National de Strasbourg (Strasbourg National Theatre) and Opéra National du Rhin (Rhine National Opera) feature high-quality shows.

Music in Strasbourg means more than just opera, though; as the obligatory stop in eastern France for concert tours, the city plays host to numerous and varied musical forms. At the forefront of local venues is La Laiterie (The Dairy), which has in turn given new life to associations programming lesser-known French acts at the Molodoi and in bars like Le Zanzibar and Le Bar'atteint. The Choucrouterie (Sauerkrautery), meanwhile, serves up local comedy and cuisine.

There are often free concerts in Parc des Contades and Parc de l'Orangerie.

Sport

Sports fans too will find what they are looking for here in Strasbourg, a city of passionate sports supporters and participants. Take in a Racing Club de Strasbourg football match at the Stade de la Meinau (La Meinau Stadium) or, for a newer local sporting phenomenon, watch the up-and-coming SIG Strasbourg (the local basketball team) play.

---

---

Guide point	Details
Department:	North East France > Alsace > Bas-Rhin >
Location:	Strasbourg is located in Bas-Rhin department in the region of Alsace region in northeastern France.
Public Transport:	Air: Strasbourg - Entzheim airport lies 15km south - west of the city centre, serving a few number of destinations. Rail: Train services operate eastward to Offenburg and Karlsruhe in Germany, westward to Metz and Paris, and southward to Basel. Since June 10, 2007, Strasbourg has been linked to the European high-speed train network by the TGV Est (Paris-Strasbourg). The TGV Rhin-Rhône (Strasbourg-Lyon) is currently under construction and due to open in 2012. There is train service, east-ward to Offenburg and Karlsruhe in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Strasbourg’s public transport network today includes 23 bus routes and 4 tram lines serving Strasbourg and its surrounding area.
Tourist information website:	http://www.strasbourg.fr/accueil
Tourist information contact email:	investir@cus-strasbourg.net
Tourist information switch board number:	+ 33 (0)3 88 60 90 90
Tourist information address:	Ville et Communauté Urbaine, 1, parc de l'étoile, 67076 Strasbourg Cedex
Quick links to accommodation:	Accommodation near Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) - Hotels in Strasbourg (Bas-Rhin) Show accommodation in Bas-Rhin - Self catering in Bas-Rhin - Bed and Breakfast in Bas-Rhin properties with pools in Bas-Rhin -