The weather was a little chilly at night and in fact, we requested our host if the heater could be turned on. The host found it odd for the AC to be turned on during summer. Unfortunately, it could not and we managed the night with heavy clothing. It was an excursion day in Strasbourg - another UNESCO Site.
We were a little relaxed and took our time with no cycling for the day. First we visited the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg. This stunning 15th-century church was built in beautiful rose-colored sandstone. One of its highlights is the miraculous medieval astronomical clock, a tremendous technological invention for the time, which has a daily performance at 12:30 pm and is definitely worth seeing. The 468-feet spire can be climbed for first-rate views of the city. Those who go during the Christmas holidays will have the pleasure of seeing one of France’s most beautiful winter markets in the square.
Taking a boat trip while in Strasbourg is a must and an alternative and original way to discover the city. Batorama runs frequent riverboat tours of Strasbourg, allowing you to see the city from a variety of vantage points. Boats leave from the quay just below the Palais Rohan, just 150 meters from the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg. Did you know that the city of Strasbourg has a big island (Grande Île), listed as a World UNESCO heritage site and home to the historical city center? Surrounded by the affluent of the Rhine and with its many canals, Strasbourg is well-suited to be discovered by boat. What could be better than admiring the capital of Alsace from another perspective, to understand the significance of water in the city and to enjoy the sweet life on a boat?
You will note that Strasbourg has over 20 bridges, and some of them are truly stunning. Those around La Petite France are cute and picturesque, while other parts of the city have bigger and more imposing bridges. The Barrage Vauban, built in the 17th century, offers excellent views of some of Strasbourg’s covered bridges, built during the Middle Ages and called Ponts Couverts in French. Those who prefer modern architecture can visit the Passerelle, which was inaugurated in 2004 and is composed of sleek steel curves. During the boat ride, we found out that Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament, and visiting this striking building of huge significance not only to France but to Europe as a whole, is a fascinating experience. There are 12 yearly sessions, each of which has an average duration of about four days, so it is not uncommon to be in Strasbourg during one of these important meetings. It is possible to visit the Parliament both during the sessions and in the periods of the year when there are none going on. Individual and group visits are usually possible, although it is closed on weekends and public holidays.
Next, we visited La Petite France is one of the most distinctive and stunning parts of Strasbourg. Situated on the Grande Île, an island located on the Ill River in the center of the city, the area is notable for its numerous canals and historic buildings, forming what some might call a miniature Venice. The French, however, have decided to give it the name of the ‘Small France’, because there was a hospice here to cure those with syphilis, which was known as the French disease. Apart from the covered bridges, the area is filled with rustic, charming half-timbered houses and buildings that were built almost entirely using sandstone. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.
It was quite an enjoyable day in Strasbourg and we had a great meal in the evening at the shadow of the Cathedral, in the very heart of the Grande Ile, the Brasserie au Dauphin, founded in 1770, is open all year round for you to spend a pleasant moment enjoying its platters of seafood and its succulent typical and traditional specialties.