Scenes from Strasbourg

Maison des Ponts Couverts

If you’re looking for Instagrammable locations in France, look no further. From the half-timbered houses in La Petite France to cobble stone streets around Cathedral Square to the bridges over the meandering river, you’d be hard pressed to find a better subject than Strasbourg. It is one of the most romantic cities in Europe. Every year around Valentine’s Day, Strasbourg mon amour celebrates of romance. Concerts, cultural events and food festivals are scheduled for the pleasure of all lovers.

Strasbourg is also the seat of the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe. It is the “chief” city in the Alsace region.

The best time to visit is in springtime when flowers are in bloom and the days are sunny but not too warm.

La Petite France

Notice how the beams are arranged in these half timbered houses. The dark yellow house in the foreground has a V design on the upper floor and a diagonal design on the lower floor with a simple straight beam in the center.

La Petite France

Au Pont St. Martin is a restaurant named after the bridge beside it. The front wall that’s covered in trailing vine has a diagonal beam design.

La Petite France

Notice the beam design in the lower terrace is in the form of an X which is the symbol of the Cross of St. Andrew.

This house has various beam design elements. On the second and third floors (center), we see the diamond shaped beams with a cross over it. Between the windows are tall, vertical and slanting beams known as Mann. Notice also the carved corner post or the Poteau Cornier. These designs are rich in symbolism: the Mann represents virility and physical force, the X exemplifies fertility or abundance and the diamond shape embodies motherhood and femininity. There’s much to learn about half timbered houses.

Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam) over the Ill River

Barrage Vauban at night

Ill River flows through La Petite France

Ill River

The Ill River divides Strasbourg and surrounds the Grande Île on which the old town is situated. The Grande Île is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Maison Kammerzell

This house was originally owned by a cheese merchant named Martin Braun who acquired it in 1571 and renovated it in 1589.

The ornate façade of this medieval house has religious and Greco Roman influences. Maison Kammerzell houses both a hotel and restaurant.

Place de la Cathedrale, Strasbourg, France

Place de La Cathédrale

Your table awaits you!

Notre Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral, Strasbourg, France

Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg

The original Cathedral was built in the 11th century. It was ravaged by fire over the centuries and sustained substantial damages during the Franco-Prussian War and World War II. While the original church was made in the Romanesque style, subsequent restorations created the Gothic style church we see today. It is made of red Vosges sandstone. The tower rises to 142 meters (465 ft., 10.5 in.) and was the tallest building in Europe until the 19th century.

Main Portal of Notre Dame de Strasbourg

Detail from Notre Dame de Strasbourg

There’s bound to be a restaurant for your particular craving.

How to get to Strasbourg:

By TGV from Paris, Gare de l’Est. The trip takes under two hours. To purchase tickets online: www.sncf.com

Strasbourg-Ville train station

Where to stay:

Ibis Styles is a short walk from the train station and from La Petite France. There are many restaurants in the vicinity and a grocery store.

14 Rue Maire Kuss

www.accor.com

Where to eat:

Chan Chira, La Table Thailandaise

2 rue des Moulins

Generous servings. Attentive service. Quiet and restful ambience.

*****

Images by TravelswithCharie

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