Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Alsace / Strasbourg
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| | | Beautiful and sophisticated |  | Why go on holiday to Strasbourg?
Part of France but heavily influenced by close historical links with Germany, Strasbourg is a beautiful and sophisticated city.
Home to the European Parliament, Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe, it has a pivotal role in the changing politics of today. The museums, galleries, stunning architecture and terrific cuisine never fail to impress the visitor.
How much does it cost?
It doesn't have too many cheap deals but as a rough guide, a two-night package, including flights, costs from £220; a return flight from London costs from £150; a double room in a decent central hotel costs from about £35.
When should I go?
Strasbourg is a year-round destination. Cold but crisp and picturesque in winter, it is livelier in the summer months. Temperatures from June to August are a pleasant 17-19C (63-66F), but from November to March it can be freezing.
Strasbourg's reputation as a seat of high culture is borne out by the Festival de Musique de Strasbourg, which takes place from early June to early July, and the contemporary music festival - Musica - from mid-September to early October.
Christmas brings the huge Marche de Noel (Christmas Market) to the old town.
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| | | Explore on foot |  | What should I do when I'm there?
The city centre is full of treats for the meandering pedestrian.
The old city around the cathedral is enchanting, the riverside and canal paths are good picnic spots, and you can take a boat ride along the canals that wind around the old quarter, Petite France, where the half-timbered houses and flowers are idyllic.
The Parc de l'Orangerie is an attractive spot to while away an hour or two, and it has a bowling alley.
Two of Strasbourg's largest breweries, Brasseries Heineken (Tel. 03 88 19 59 53) and Brasseries Kronenbourg (Tel. 03 88 27 41 59), offer free guided tours on weekdays. Reservations must be made in advance.
What shouldn't I miss?
The Musee de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame has a stunning collection of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance sculpture. The Chateau de Rohan was once the home of Strasbourg's princely bishops, and the Musee Alsacion looks back at past lifestyles.
Other must-sees are the Musee Archeologique and Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain. The Cathedrale Notre Dame is a fantastic construction with a magnificent spire and stained-glass windows.
The Palais de l'Europe is the home of the European Parliament, and guided tours are available.
What is there to see outside the city?
The 120km Route du Vin d'Alsace passes through picturesque villages and takes you to vineyards where you can sample the deliciously crisp local tipple in atmospheric cellars.
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| | | Beer-lovers' heaven | | Where's good for nightlife?
There are several pubs along Rue des Orpheins on the south bank of the Ill River.
Beer connoisseurs should head for the Academie de la Biere at 17 Rue Adolphe Seyboth which has 70 beers to choose from, or Le Trou at 5 Rue des Couples which has 50.
To rub shoulders with Strasbourg's fashionable set, try the Opera Cafe in the Opera House. The most vibrant venue for live music is La Laiterie, close to the train station, which plays pop, jazz, blues, rap, reggae and French chansons almost every night.
What's the food like?
With its close cultural links with neighbouring Germany, the cuisine is something of a hybrid - but it works fantastically well.
Specialities include warmed goose liver with apples and ginger, ham wrapped in a crust, and chocolates to sell your soul for. The beers and wines are unsurpassable.
What should I buy?
There are lots of tempting boutique-style shops in the cobbled streets and elegant arcades, and there's a good antique market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The area is known for the quality of its knives and silverware, and of course for Alsace wine. If you're heading straight home, you could bring back some home-made chocolates, local cheeses and foie gras.
What is there for children to do?
With the exception of the Museum of Zoology, there is not a lot for them to do in the city, but just outside is the Europa-Park international theme park which boasts no fewer than 100 rides. There are hotels there.
Tourist office
French Tourist Office, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL. Tel. 0906 8244 123 (calls charged at 60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Strasbourg |
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