Strasbourg, France - Review

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Situated on an island in the middle of the Ills river, this stunningly beautiful old town in Strasbourg has it all.  The fortifications from earlier days can still be seen there today.  The amazing thing about this part of Europe is how many times it changed hands between Germany and France.  Fortunately for us, each country left its mark on this beautiful old town.  You can clearly see the influences of both cultures while you roam around its streets and alleyways.

 

The tanning district was probably unbelievably smelly during its day, but today, its multiple canals and uniquely styled buildings make for a beautiful area for a stroll or a lunch at a sidewalk café.  This area hosts many shops and one of the areas best places to buy gingerbread.  You can see wonderful examples of the building designs from the era.  Everything from the purely functional to the ornate and stylish.  A hotel has gone in and renovated several of the buildings and preserved the original exterior designs.  If you are interested a room there goes for about $500 per night.

 

As you move closer to the cathedral, the shops become more fashionable in more than one way.  The shops around the cathedral have some of the best fashion design shops in the area.  I had a grand time exploring the streets that become quite a labyrinth.  I had many of the alleyways completely to myself.  It was wonderful to see and meet locals who still live in the old town.  I accidentally discovered a grocery market.  I happen to like seeing what is through the numerous arches and one led to a grocery store.  Who knew?

 

If a trip to the wonderful area of France, contact us, your Europe experts.  We can help you plan your next dream vacation to Europe.