Bed and Breakfast hotels in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Situated on the Ill River and in the Upper Rhine the city is close to the German border, tucked in between the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest. The region of Alsace is historically German which explains Strasbourg’s Germanic name.

The site of today’s city was first used as a military camp in 12 BC by the Romans. Following its occupation by the German Alemanni the Holy Roman Empire took control in 923. In 1681 they lost the Thirty Years War and so Strasbourg became part of Louis XIV’s France. However following the Franco-Prussian War the city was annexed to the newly established German Empire in 1870. French troops had to liberate the city twice in 1918 and 1944 during both World Wars. In 1949 it was chosen as the seat of the European Council while the European Parliament have met there since 1952. Both still call Strasbourg their home today as the city remains one of the most important in Europe.

A two-day trip:

Two days is just enough time to soak up the beauty and culture of Strasbourg.The historic city centre, Grande Ile, has to be your first destination. It was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honour was placed on an entire city centre. Whether you are staying at Campanile Hotel Haguenau, Campanile Hotel Strasbourg – Lingolsheim, Campanile Hotel Strasbourg Ouest Zenith or Campanile Hotel Strasbourg Sud – Illkirck Geispolsheim it is just a short taxi ride. The city centre is perhaps most famous for the Strasbourg Cathedral. It is the world’s fourth tallest church and an ornate example of fifteenth century gothic architecture. Palais des Rohain, a seventeenth century French palace, and the four other churches in the centre add to the feel of a medieval city. For day two visit the European district. The Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights and European Parliament will certainly provide a contrast to the city’s centre.

A one-week break:

A week is the perfect amount of time to really get to know Strasbourg and appreciate its true beauty. Its Franco-German history is an important aspect to the culture of Strasbourg so a visit to the German quarter is a must. The huge park-like square of The Place de la Republique and the Rhine Palace are a nod to the city’s past, while the Egyptian-style house is a work of art combining Art Nouveau and Orientalism from the 1900s. Just south of the centre lies Petite France. Home to the city’s most photogenic streets and buildings, including picturesque half-timber houses, hours can be lost strolling around here.

A family holiday:

Strasbourg is a wonderful place to take the family with plenty on offer to keep everyone busy! A visit to the student district of Krutenau will reveal the municipal baths, the Zoological museum as well as trendy restaurants and shops, leaving everyone with plenty to do.

Transport:

Strasbourg International Airport is located south-west of the city at Entzheim, with domestic as well as international flights. A short train ride will take you to the city centre. The city is also well served by regional, national and international train services and the station is just a short walk from the city centre on Place de la Gare. By car the A4 will take you towards Paris , the A35 to Lyon and Switzerland and the A5 to Germany. Transportation around the city is served by an advanced tram system with six different lines.

Gastronomy:

Cooking in Strasbourg is a vibrant culture backed up by centuries tradition. 'Baeckeoffe' is a true Alsatian favourite consisting of a potato dish simmered in Alsatian white wine, cooked in a special dish sealed with dough. Another classic is 'Civet' - hare or rabbit marinated in wine and served with 'Spatzle' (home-made noodles). 'Sauerkraut', 'flambé tart' and 'foie gras' are other traditional dishes best enjoyed in a friendly local Alsatian tavern.

Events:

There are a feast of events throughout the year in Strasbourg. L'Ill aux Lumieres (the city under the lights) in July is a unique display of light shows on churches and buildings accompanied by music. It makes for a unique experience of urban space, particularly on the city’s Cathedral, and a great tourist attraction. During the jazz d’Or festival in November the city becomes a live stage for the best jazz musicians in the world and in June both the La Fete du Cinema (Celebration of films) and La Fete de a musique (Celebration of music) come to town.

Interesting Fact:

‘La Marseillaise’, France’s national anthem, was composed in Strasbourg in 1792, not in Marseilles as its name induces many to think.

-Useful Links:

http://www.otstrasbourg.fr/?lang=en
http://www.strasbourg.info/
http://www.strasbourg.eu/en/index.htm