Alsace is a land of wine flowing, in towns which you can feel like in a fairy tale. It is a region of France with an extremely intense history, located between Germany, Switzerland and the French Lorraine. Many times it was passed from French to German and vice versa, which is why these two cultures are visibly merged.
Examples? Alsatian language, which definitely sounds like German. Architecture, extremely charming and also very German. Cuisine and flagship dish of Alsace – tarte flambee, flammkuchen in German, which means roasted on the fire. Tarte flambee is a pizza-like dish, served with sour cream, cheese, onions and bacon. It sounds strange, but it tastes really good!
Being in Alsace, you cannot fail to visit the largest city in this area – Strasbourg. Just like the whole region, it is a popular tourist location among enthusiasts of wine and good cuisine.
Today we tell you about the most interesting attractions in this city, but look also for a post about the best food, and the Wine Route!
Agenda
Organizational information
Flights
There is an airport in Strasbourg, but no budget airlines tend to fly here. You will likely land in Basel, at the EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport. This airport is located on the border of three countries – France, Germany and Switzerland. Why is it important? For example, to watch which network you connect to after landing. If it’s Swiss, data transfer or calls can cost a lot.
Renting a car
As we mentioned above, the airport in Basel is on the border. When booking a car, it is worth choosing the French side of its rental, because it is cheaper than on the German or Swiss side. All you need to do is search for a car pickup place in Basel, Mulhouse. If you plan to only drive around France, insurance will be cheaper, if you want to visit Germany, for example, you will pay extra.
Highways
Highways in Alsace are free, and this is an exception in France. It has to do with the previously mentioned turbulent history of the region, but it is most important, you do not have to worry about the fees.
Car parks in Strasbourg
Parking in the city centre is expensive. It is even more expensive if you want to park for more than 4 hours. It is worth using public transport which connections are very well developed.
Sightseeing
Grande île
The historic downtown of Strasbourg – Grande île, was listed in 1988 by UNESCO as a global cultural heritage of humanity. The buildings in the historic centre show a mixture of French and German influences and make you feel both countryside hospitality and multicultural charm.
Strolling through the streets of the centre, you can find many great cafes and restaurants. There is no better place to stop for a delicious salad or
La Petite France
One of the most beautiful places in the area is La Petite France – Little France. Where does this name come from? It comes from a hospital for people suffering from “French disease” or syphilis… Though the origin of this name is not very romantic, La Petite France will surely charm you!
Cathedral of Our Lady in Strasbourg
The Cathedral of Our Lady in Strasbourg is a valuable example of medieval architecture, combining the features of late Romanism, with the early French gothic architecture and mature German Gothic. Which is quite surprising, the cathedral has only one tower, despite the planned two, and the asymmetrical structure adds to its charm.
You can enter the observation deck on the cathedral tower, but not always, so checking this up will be the best option. Inside the cathedral, there is a Renaissance astronomical clock. It is one of the largest in the world and measures 18 meters.
L’Orangerie Park
What is very interesting, the stork is a symbol of Alsace. You will find it on most souvenirs and… in l’Orangerie Park. This large and very well-kept park is home to many storks that fly over your heads! It’s a great place for a walk or a picnic.
Kleber square
Kleber Square is the largest square in Strasbourg. In the middle, you will find a statue of Jean-Baptiste Kleber – a French gifted general. It’s a good shopping area.
European Parliament.
For those who do not know yet, Strasbourg is the headquarters of the Council of Europe and the European Parliament. If you want to see the building of the Parliament, we encourage you to take a boat trip on the canals. This way, you will see the city from a completely different perspective! The cost of the cruise is 14.50 EUR.
Watch vlog from Strasbourg:
Experience with us!
Brought to you
