Sign in with Facebook"STRASBOURG - The Beautiful Capital of Alsace" Strasbourg by Ujamaflip
Strasbourg Travel Guide: 826 reviews and 2,339 photos
The city of Strasbourg has existed in one form or another for thousands of years. In Roman times its was an important city in Upper Germany, with the name Argentoratum, and became and Episcopal See in the 4th Century. Destroyed in the 5th Century by the Huns, it was rebuilt again as Strateburgum (City of Roadways). Later, in 923, it became part of the Holy Roman Empite, and found itself under the rule of its bishops.
Due to its location Strasbourg enjoyed rich trade and and became a commercial centre in Europe. In 1262 the populace of the city fought against the rule of the bishops for a free imperial city, and in 1332 a corporate government was established in which the guilds played a leading role.
The Old City Centre of Strasbourg is centred around its magestic Notre Dame, on an island formed by the two branches of the River Ill and the River Aar. The half timbered houses typical of Alsace are in no short supply in Strasbourg, and this lends a very characterful and charming appeal to the city centre. The buildings house many appealing restaurants, hotels and cafe's, including the Maison Kammerzell one of the oldest buildings in Strasbourg.
Just to the west of the centre is one of Strasbourg's most picturesque and romantic areas. Featuring narrow lanes by the banks fo the Ill, their half timbered houses hovering over the canal. The area was built up around the five lanes of the River Ill as its water was used to feed mills and for the tanneries which setup in the area. The name "Petite France" was given to the area in the 16th century when the are was setup as a hospital to treat venereal diseases of soldiers returning from the wars in Italy, with the Alsatians blaming France for the proliferation of the disease.
Strasbourg is one of the best locations to sample the regional delicacies. Restaurants serve delicious local dishes such as Choucroute (Sour-Kraut with sausages, or variants with fish), Flammekuchen (thin pizza type dishes), Bibeleskaes (A dish featuring fromage blanc), Baeckaoffe (Pork, Beef and Lamb cooked with wine in a special pot), and local cheeses and pastries. The Strasbourg Markets are the best place to pick up the local fare, with a great selection of delicious food.
- Pros:Beautiful French City, Great Food, Great Atmosphere
- Cons:Not the safest city in the World, but fine if you take care
Reviews (20)
Rats!
Warnings and Dangers
(1)
Beware, whilst the canals of Strasbourg's Petite France area are stunningly beautiful, they inevitably harbour some... more travel advice
Great Atmosphere - Away from the Crowds
Restaurants
(5)
Restuarant Gurtlerhoft, whilst situated directly opposite the Cathedral, is a quieter, more relaxed location. Passing... more travel advice
See the City from a Tour Boat
Favorites
(1)
Tour boats depart regularly from Place du Marche aux Poissons, and take you around the rivers and canals of the city.... more travel advice
Beautiful Riverside Restaurant
Restaurants
(5)
Argentoratum is situated in Petite France on the side of one of the River Ill's Canal's. The location is superb, with... more travel advice
Travelogues (2)
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Written Nov 1, 2004
8 photos
Through Petite France
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Written Oct 24, 2004
3 photos
Inside Notre Dame de Strasbourg
- 1
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Share Your TravelsLatest Activity in Strasbourg
- Posted in Travel Paris Forum "Re: Hotels in Paris"
- Wrote a Review Rats! in Strasbourg Warnings and Dangers
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- updated a Strasbourg Travelogue "Through Petite France"
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Comments (13)
Strasbourg is one of the most beautiful places I've been during the four years I lived in Europe, and I would highly recommend it. I visited several times and I never once had any issues with crime or danger of any kind. I would highly recommend visiting the cathedral and the shops, especially "Petit Maison" - a shop that sells little miniatures (approximately 9 to 12 inches high) of typical buildings found in the Alsacian and half timbered tradition in Strasbourg. Or just sit quietly along the river and watch the artists drawing and painting scenes during a beautiful French afternoon. The food and wine are fantastic. Its a place that you will never forget....
Very informative page. I've added some of your restaurant recommendations for my upcoming trip to Strasbourg in June. Thank you
Don't go to Gruber - we ended up waiting 20 minutes trying to flag down any waiter or waitress that passed by. What was even more incredulous is they clearly saw us but chose to ignore us.
Lovely pages with quality photographs. There is actually a copy of the clock at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney. Wish I could have seen the river quiet like it is in your pics!
Thanks for the wonderful photos and infos!
Hi. I enjoyed your photograph of the Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg, Alsace - France and the information that you provided. Thanks, Todd
Fantastic views of the city!!! Maybe will be been here in summer and will enjoy Strasbourg
Charlie, thanks for your valuable and interesting tips and stories!
Fine tips and photos. It was great to meet you and Victoria at the VT meeting in Karlsruhe last night. Hope to see you again soon. -- Don
Excellent page and good pics about a great city, Charlie. The top 5 is really deserved.