Introducing Strasbourg
Prosperous, cosmopolitan Strasbourg (City of the Roads) is France’s great northeastern metropolis and the intellectual and cultural capital of Alsace. Situated only a few kilometres west of the Rhine, the city is aptly named, for it is on the vital transport arteries that have linked northern Europe with the Mediterranean since Celtic times.
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Strasbourg continues to serve as an important European crossroads thanks to the presence of the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the Eurocorps (www.eurocorps.org), the Franco-German TV network Arte (www.arte-tv.com in French and German) and a student population of some 48,000, 20% from outside France. Strasbourg is one of Europe’s most cycle-friendly cities.
Towering above the restaurants, winstubs (traditional Alsatian eateries) and pubs of the lively old city – a wonderful area to explore on foot – is the cathedral, a medieval marvel in pink sandstone. Nearby you’ll find one of the finest ensembles of museums anywhere in France.
Accommodation is extremely difficult to find during European Parliament sessions.
Last updated: Mar 2, 2009
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