Charming Strasbourg
- JanetJoanouWeiner
- May 19
- 4 min read
Recently, I attended meetings in the northeastern French city of Strasbourg in the region formerly called Alsace, now the Grand Est. Thankfully, there was enough free time to wander this incredible city, full of visual delights around every corner.
Join me for a stroll or two through a town that reflects its varied heritage over the centuries.
Originally independent, then French during the time of Louis XIV, then German after the Franco-Prussian War, then back to France at the end of World War I.
Whew! Hard to follow, I know!
At the beginning of World War II, the Germans again took control, which lasted until the end of the war. Today the city is French but with a heavy German accent seen in architecture, food and so much more.
We'll start in the area around the Strasbourg Cathedral. Completed in 1439 and considered one of the greatest works of Gothic architecture, it is impressive. The façade features hundreds of sculptures and inside are magnificent stained glass windows dating to the 12th century. It's hard to fathom, at least for me, the craftsmanship involved in the whole endeavor. And at a time well before modern tools and technology. And yet it stands, soaring into the sky, intending to direct worshippers' attention to God.
Another surprise inside is the astronomical clock with a strange assortment of symbols for a church. Unfortunately, it wasn't operating when I was there, but it wasn't hard to imagine the figurines moving and rotating on their little circular platforms.
Back outside, I couldn't get enough of the charming architecture. Almost every building has something unexpected and interesting going on.
Strasbourg hosts famous Christmas markets, with elaborate decorations covering a good part of the town. Since we were there the week after Easter, we witnessed the spring version, including an Easter market filled with chocolates and other related items.
Next, we wander over to the "Petite France", an island in the middle of the river Ill. Formerly home to tanners and fishermen, this area exudes charm.
While in a shop on the Petite France, we saw a postcard with a gorgeous wisteria-laden house. My savvy friend looked up its location and voilà!
La Fignette restaurant was a perfect choice for dinner with its authentic Alsatian food and decor. As rain poured outside, they let us in earlier than our reservation despite the restaurant being full. So kind! Regional dishes are best served in cold weather, so our "choucroute garni" — sauerkraut garnished with a pile of sausages and ham—and a ham shank smothered in melted local munster cheese hit the spot. Warmed us, body and soul.
Tarte Flambée is another star dish in the region. Like a thin crust pizza, with crème fraiche, onions, and bacon, with optional arugula or other toppings. Incroyable! Incredibly delicious.
Of course, one must sample some of the famous regional white wines—Riesling and the delightful Gewürtztraminer. They are light and tend toward fruity, yet they complement the dishes perfectly.
For me, a big part of traveling is the food. Yes, I like to eat! It's also a significant way to experience a region. In a new country, I'll often visit the grocery store to explore and observe what's important in that place. An example: in Switzerland, the first several aisles are full of chocolates! Bars, bags of bars, bite-size morsels, fancy, plain...it goes on and on. As it should — Swiss chocolate is outstanding. In Italy, the olives, artichokes, cheeses, and charcuterie that make up an antipasti platter are among the first things encountered in the grocery store. The stores in Alsace are heavy on local cheeses, sausages, and hams as one might expect.
Did you know that Strasbourg is called the "Capital of Europe"? While this is proclaimed proudly on the side of city busses, they are one of three cities with this designation. While Brussels is the executive and administrative capital of the European Union, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, a legislative and democratic body. Luxembourg hosts the judiciary and financial branch and I find it all rather confusing. But, voilà, I thought you might want to know.
Another day, another brief walking tour. We stayed on the other side of town from all the above. As you can see, the charm continues.
Many of these houses have a side yard and a huge old barn in the back. Seems this was formerly an agricultural area.
Alsace is heavily Protestant due to its German heritage and proximity. The Reformation spread into France across these borders and Jean Calvin lived for a time in Strasbourg.
A little farther on in the neighborhood, another grand church appeared. The building was nice, but what was truly spectacular were these flower beds in front.
A blast of springtime color, artfully planted to resemble a field of wildflowers. The above photo is now my phone wallpaper, a happy, soul-lifting blessing of beauty.
La vie est belle...
So beautiful, especially seeing the magnificent architecture. I watched the astronomical clock in Prague where the "disciples" figurines march out in procession from the clock, every hour. Hundreds of watchers observe this. The wildflowers are beautiful!