Welcome back, readers! Having read some tips about visiting Paris makes you want to see more of France? I’m sure it does.
In part 1, I have given some small tips (but from my own experiences proven to be very useful) on visiting Paris. Now, let me take you to the north eastern region of France: Strasbourg.This citiy is perfect for two or three days of transit, if you want to pass the border and continue your road to Germany.
2. Strasbourg
Strasbourg is usually called: the capitale of Europe, because it hosts the Union European and the European Parliement headquarters. Strasbourg itself is separated from Germany only by a bridge. Its location makes Strasbourg known as the door that links France from the continent of Europe. That is why, walking in the streets of Strasbourg, you’ll hear all European languages spoken by people around you, from English to Spanish, from Russian to Italian, from German to French.
What to see? Strasbourg is a city which is cut by the Rhine river. This river flows around the center of Strasbourg, and thanks to it, Strasbourg has its own charming places along the river.
- La Petite France is a quartier that looks like it comes from another century. Old houses in Alsacian style (maison à collombage), small romantic streets, and the Rhine river as the center of it. Its romance and dreamy ambiance has attired lots of tourists to stay all day long and dream there (including my self 
). One thing to try when you find yourself in La Petite France is: try some Alsacian foods. This area includes the oldest restarants in Strasbourg, so don’t miss this opportunity! My personal suggestion is choucroute, Alsacian food that consists on cabbage, sausages, potatoes. Also try some Alsacian beers!
- Cathedrale of Strasbourg is situated in the center of Strasbourg. Its bell tower is the highest building of Strasbourg, so you can practically see it from every corner. It’s so beautiful that it brings inspiration to some of Monet‘s paintings. While visiting this church, don’t be satisfied just by visiting the inside. Take a tour to the bell tower! Prepare to go up uncountable stairs but the view of Strasbourg from above will make you forget about that!! Besides its magnificent Gothic style and its history, one thing that’s very famous from this chucrh is that it hosts the Christmas Market every year!
Each year, the spaces around the cathedrale are filled by small kiosques selling Christmassy things, from small to big, from a bell for a treee decoration to a 2 meters tree! People from all over Europe come to see this event. My suggestion is: come to Strasbourg around Christmas, and visit the Christmas Market! While being surrounded by green, red, and golden stuffs that make Christmas is christmassy, try a cup of warm wine, red wine which is cooked with spices, which will make you want a second cup!
- The Churches of Strasbourg. Like any other cities of France (and of Europe), Strasbourg has lots of churches. My favorite one is the Cathedrale, but you have lots of choices! The most famous one are: The Saint Paul, The Saint Peter the Old, and The Saint Thomas. Each of them has their own beuaty and charm. Prepare a whole day to visit the churches. And as usual, prepare some small money, so you can help to maintain these old historical sites.
- The European Parliement Building and the European Parliement Building . This complex is situated in the Orangerie Quartier, not far from the center. You’ll see flags of European countries in front, with the statue that represents solidarity and togetherness. 
The ambiance of this complex is modern and closed, which is normal for a political organization headquarter. However, you can always take picture in front of the building and with the flags, as long as you don’t bother people from all over Europe who work here everyday.
This complex is visited by the demonstrants almost every day. Sometimes they open an interactive dialogues with the passing-bys, sometimes they do some theatrical acts, and personally I see these events very interesting, even though I know just a little about European politics.
- The Park of Orangerie is situated just in front of The Council of Europe Building. What’s so interesting about this park is its familiality. There is a playing ground in this immense park, a perfect course for learning how to bike, and an artificial lake,which makes the park mostly visited by families.
It’s calm, it’s serene. What I love the most from this park is, the zoo of cigogne, the big bird which you can only find in the Alsace region. What I also love is its serenity. It’s not always calm due to children laughters, but it brings the ambiance of comfort and homy. This park is highly recommended. One suggestion: when you need some place to jog in Strasbourg, this is the perfect place for you. It’s big and it has beautiful views; jogging will be fun!
- The streets along the river: rue de Tonneliers, rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons, rue Gutenberg, rue de l’Epine,… I gotta tell you, these streets are hard to be missed, since it’s in the center of the city. The Rhine river is kept clean (good to know). You’ll appreciate a walk a long the river, and admire swans and ducks that make this river their home. The wind may cause a problem, so wear warm clothes. Walking along the river, you will also appreciate the boats-restaurants. Mostly they also function as café and bar. They charge a little bit more expensive, but it’s worth trying… Along these streets, you will also find old houses and buildings, which prove that the city was born along the river.
- The Museums of Strasbourg. There are some museums in Strasbourg, but honestly, nothing can conquer the charm of Parisian ones. So if you have just finished visiting the Louvre and The Orsay, I’m sure enough that you won’t find some particularity in these museums. My fave one is The Museum of the Modern and Temporary Art. It’s situated not far from the Central Station, and it contains the modern and temporary work arts. The collection is pretty amazing, from Sisley, Monet, Picasso, Doré, etc. In the Temporary art section, this museum has some magnificent collections (although I don’t understand much of temporary art), and it regulary hosts expositions of photography, art works, etc… 
- Place de la République is a place which is situated in the center of The National Theater of Strasbourg (where you can always find good theaters to watch), and some governmental buildings. This place is beautiful with its flowers and statue dedicated to those who died for France. From here, you can see the Cathedrale.
Personally, I like Strasbourg because of its mix of taste. There is old and modern, there’s calmness and cheerness, there’s boat and tram, and the city is super clean! Here are some tips to make your stay in Strasbourg unforgetable:
1. It’s all about bicycle, baby! Strasbourg is much smaller than Paris, so visiting by bicycle is perfectly do-able! Besides, this city is very bicycle-friendly, you don’t have to worry about it. The air is quite clean, the bike ways are wide, you don’t have to worry about parking (car parking in France is always messy, that’s why I never suggest to rent a car), it’s cheap and it’s nature-friendly! But when you rent your bike, don’t forget to ask for security materials for biking at nights. Safety first!
2. Another transportations: tram or bus? I like both. Most tourists are freezing with the idea of taking bus in the foreign countries, but I don’t see the reason, especially in France. All buses are equiped by its traject map. Or, even better, before you pay the bus (you pay in front when you go in), verify with the driver that this bus is going your way. In Strasbourg, try to take the tram. Strasbourg is one of few cities in France that has this facility.
- Take a boat cruise! There are someboat cruise companies that you can try. Some provide food and drink, some just provide views from the river. You can buy the tickets in their offices along the river, but mostly their track is the same. What’s interesting is, if you want to go to Germany but you’re bored of the train, why don’t you do it by boat? Some companies provide this service.
- Get all infos from The Tourisme Office. Every city in France has at least one. In Strasbourg, you will find one in the Central Station, and in front of the Cathedrale. You can buy here boat cruise ticket, boat ticket to Germany, get infos on theaters and shows, some comfortable hotels, where to rent car and bike, etc… Usually here they speak English and German too (we’re in Strasbourg!).
Okey dokey, happy Strasbourg visiting!! Enjoy the uniqueness that only Strasbourg knows how to show you!!
… to be continued
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