Overview of the City

One visits many memorable cities whilst on a Rhine River cruise, but a personal favorite of many visitors is Strasbourg in France. Its name does not sound French but like many border cities, it has a very ‘To and Fro” past. A guide on a boat tour of the city remarked that his grandmother’s citizenry changed three times during her lifetime: France, Germany and then back to France. This is very typical of many areas in Europe but a bit of an alien concept to a North American visitor.

Strasbourg is a truly beautiful city. On Strasbourg’s tree- lined streets you will encounter stately buildings: areas with surprising modern and unique architecture,  old buildings of weathered brick and stone, and half timbered black and pastel ones such as found in “La Petite France” (pictured above). Surprises are around every corner. One way to get an overview of the city is to take a guided boat tour of the city’s canals (with locks!) to see the older areas and the covered bridges; it is an included excursion on many river cruises so if you are on one of these vacations, you are in luck.

Covered Bridges with Hans von Altenheim Tower and Henry Tower (Image: Bigstock)

European Center of Government

Strasbourg’s historic city center, called Grande Ile, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further out, you will see the buildings housing the European Parliament. The city is the center for many institutions such as the European Court of Human Rights, the International Institute of Human Rights, the Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, the European Ombudsman, and many more. Boasting the University of Strasbourg, the city is also a center for learning.

European Parliament (Image: Bigstock)

Strasbourg’s Historic Center

Interestingly, though it is classified as a major Rhine “port”, Strasbourg is not technically situated on the Rhine but on the River Ill which flows into the Rhine. Chances are, even on a river cruise, you will not “cruise” into this city but visit by motor coach on an excursion.

Besides enjoying a river/canal tour,  take a wander about its historic center. There are many museums worth visiting, and like many European cities, there is a famous cathedral, Notre Dame, to explore. This one, a sandstone Gothic masterpiece, was completed in the 13th century with the tower dating from the mid 1400’s. Its stained glass windows are magnificent. It also has a huge (60 foot plus) astronomical clock for which it is famous: it strikes noon with a display of various wooden figures including Jesus and the Apostles.

Rosette Window, Notre Dame (Image: Compass Media)

Stained Glass Window, Notre Dame (Image: Compass Media)

The magnificent Organ, Notre Dame (Image: Compass Media)

Street Markets and Cafes

Perhaps you will be lucky on your visit and stumble across a giant street market where vendors have displays of crafted items laid out on blankets on the cobbled stone, or displayed in booths. Antiques and collectibles abound. You will be tempted to give your high school French a go and haggle! What great souvenirs! Or you can just relax and watch the crowds go by from a street side café. Sip your coffee or cappuccino, savor a delicious pastry or sweet, and absorb the atmosphere of this wonderful city.

As a visitor, you will be enchanted by Strasbourg and charmed by its old world delights.

Street Market in November (Image: Compass Media)

Delicious Pastries in Shop Window (Image: Compass Media)