Trips and short breaks close to home: Strasbourg
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STRASBOURG MON AMOUR
There are cities you visit and cities you love. Strasbourg definitely belongs to the second category: a city you rediscover again and again and embrace like an old friend.
My visit this time took place during a cold December week, the time when the famous Christmas market spreads across the entire city centre and the wonderful smell of mulled wine and freshly baked pretzels wafts through the air. The Strasbourg Christmas market is not only one of the oldest, but also one of the largest and most beautiful markets in all of Europe.
CHRISTMAS MAGIC AND ROMANTIC NEIGHBOURHOODS
On Place Kléber, where the large Christmas tree shines like in a fairy tale every year, I once again felt that unique blend of history and vibrant modernity that characterises this city. From here, it was only a few steps to Place Broglie, where the historic ‘Christkindelsmärik’, the oldest and most famous part of the Christmas market, unfolds its lights.
Strolling through the festively decorated Rue des Orfèvres and Rue du Sanglier, you almost feel like you’re in an old novel. Half-timbered houses lean closely together, small boutiques entice you with jewellery, fashion and antiques. The Quai des Bateliers along the Ill is a meeting place for young and old at any time of day. Here, the smell of coffee mingles with the sound of bicycle bells.
Once again, I lost a piece of my heart in Petite France, this romantic quarter with its canals, mills and bridges. The old houses are reflected in the water, couples in love stroll hand in hand, as if time had stood still here. Not far away is Krutenau, a lively neighbourhood with bars, galleries and a student atmosphere. Strasbourg is a popular student city: young, dynamic and full of ideas.
EUROPEAN LOCATION AND GOURMET MEETING PLACE
Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament. The modern parliament building with its impressive architecture represents the shared destiny of Europe. The Council of Europe lives and tells the story of human rights. Both institutions show that Strasbourg is not only a French gem, but also an important international city.
But back to the sensual pleasures… Strasbourg would not be Strasbourg without good food! Would you like to celebrate a special occasion in style or treat yourself to something really special? An evening at the legendary Restaurant Au Crocodile is a veritable declaration of love for French gastronomy. No less charming is a visit to a typical winstub, such as ‘Chez Yvonne’, where you can sample exquisite baeckeoffe, choucroute or bibeleskaes: down-to-earth, authentic, hearty.
You can also discover culinary treasures while strolling around: At Maison Lorho on Rue des Orfèvres, run by a Meilleur Ouvrier de France duo, over 250 types of cheese are stacked like little works of art. After visiting the cathedral, treat yourself to sinfully delicious tartlets, chocolates and macarons at Pâtisserie Christian on nearby Rue Mercière.
A SMALL CITY WITH A BIG HEART
After so much tradition, I was drawn to the Musée d’Art moderne et contemporain, which never fails to impress me with its light-filled halls and cool art exhibitions. Here, as in the city itself, tradition and modernity engage in perfect dialogue.
As the last light of day reflected in the Ill in the evening, I sat down on the steps in front of the Ancienne Bourse. This city struck me as big and small at the same time, European and intimate, serious and playful. Perhaps it is precisely these contrasts that I love so much here.
Between the lights of the Christmas market, the quiet alleys of Petite France and the cheerful voices on the banks of the Ill, it became clear to me once again: Strasbourg is not just a destination. Strasbourg is a feeling!