Weekend in Strasbourg: where European stars shine bright
Seat of the European Parliament, of the Council of Europe, of the European Court of Human Rights as well as of many other important European institutions Strasbourg is not only the capital of Alsace but is also the symbolic capital of Europe. Its breathtaking beautiful old historical center was classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. In Strasbourg streets you will hear both French and German spoken, Strasbourg is indeed at the cross border of France and Germany and of their respective cultures. The best way to visit Strasbourg is the rental of a holiday apartment in its historical center by the district of the Petite France where you will spend a stunning Strasbourg weekend between 15th century noble mansions and the typical “maisons à colombages” of Alsace.
An amazing island on the river Ill
Surrounded by the river Ill the historical center of Strasbourg occupies an island called “grande île”. Its narrow streets are full of half-timbered townhouses the so called “maisons à colombages” facing the canals of the Ill or the internal streets of the historical center, more particularly in the district of the Petite France. You will be able to live there during your romantic week-end, staying in your own apartment in Strabourg. The most stunning of these old buildings is the Maison Kammerzell which dates back to 15th century. Strasbourg Cathedral Notre Dame was built between years 1015 and 1439 and is the highest church in the world with its 142 meters high tower. Masterpiece of Gothic Art the Cathedral of Strasbourg is rich of hundreds of sculptures and represents itself a piece of history of Middle Age. The Cathedral front shows an Astrometric Clock which every day shows the procession of the apostles at 12.30 hours and indicates also the precession of the equinoxes. Be in time at 12.30 hours in front of the Cathedral to see the beautiful moving statues of the apostles coming out of the Astrometric Clock. Visit the center of the grande île, its ancient Lutheran and Calvinist temples dating back to 16th century along with beautiful Renaissance houses. On the banks of the Ill, visit the Palais des Rohan built in 1681 by the architects of Louis XV which hosts the Museum of Fine arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Applied Arts. Visit the German district and its beautiful Liberty houses dating back to the years 1870/1910 and the Neustadt Imperial quarter. Rent vacation homes in Strasbourg to enjoy your weekend and avoid unpleasant and expensive hotels.
Sailing on the Ill around Strasbourg
One of the best way to visit Strasbourg is sailing on the river Ill on a seventy minutes duration cruise which will take you all around the ancient town, the grande île upto the modern district of European headquarters. Under the ancient covered bridges of old Strasbourg let yourself be enchanted by the atmosphere of Alsace and by its beautiful timbered townhouses on the river. Not far from you vacation rentals in Strasbourg, and in order to enjoy a nice break after your cruise, you can stop at the university area of Krutenau where lively cafés and restaurants are crowded with students coming from all over the world. Strasbourg is one of the most cosmopolitan towns of all Europe by tradition and by choice.
Winstube, beer and Gewurztraminer
You cannot visit Strasbourg without tasting its local specialties in one of its colorful and lively Winstube typical restaurants. Flammenkuche, sausages, sauerkraut, spaetzli, knodeln or the delicious Baeckehoffe meat and potatoes stew, pick up the one you prefer and enjoy the good food of Alsace without forgetting to drink a glass of good Gewurztraminer wine or an Alsatian beer. For a five o'clock break try an Apfelstrudel with sour cream or a slice of Kugelhopf marvelous to go with a cup of hot chocolate, a coffee or a tea. Book any accommodation in Strasbourg for your weekend and you will not regret it: this city is a must-stay of your trip to France. You could also stay in a guesthouse or find a room for rent in Strasbourg, in order to enjoy the local food of your owner. Just enjoy!