The city of Strasbourg is the smallest and most picturesque corner of France

Having visited the city of Strasbourg, in the smallest and most picturesque corner of France, you will never forget it. He will win your heart forever! It happened with our travel-picture.ru team, we were simply fascinated by its tranquility and beauty. Let's find out what you can see in Strasbourg?

Having heard the name of the city for the first time and not having excellent knowledge in the field of geography, one might think that it is located in Germany, and not in France. Moreover, according to the final syllable in the name of this city, one might well think that it belongs to the German language, in which "burg" is often used. However, this is a misconception.

In fact, the city is the real French capital of Alsace (one of 22 districts of France, according to its administrative division), the center is located in northeastern France, 3 km from the Rhine River, next to Germany.

When ordinary people mention this city, only international human rights institutions come to mind: the Council of Europe, the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights. But even without them, the city of Strasbourg has something to admire: the old town, the "Petite France" quarter, and the majestic Cathedral with its soul organ and huge astronomical clock, and, of course, a large number of old houses, wine cellars, where the best Alsace wines such as Gewürztraminer, Riesling, Pinot gris and others ... All this is a magnificent and flourishing Strasbourg, which can be seen on foot or by bike in a few days.

And so we did. We went to explore this city by renting a couple of bicycles. Unlike Russia, cycling is very developed in Europe (our section is about a trip to Europe). Renting a bike will cost you 7 euros on weekdays and about 10 euros on weekends, and at the same time you should not worry if you leave it next to some store, museum, and decide to walk on foot. Believe me, returning back, you will definitely find it in the place where you left it. But what to say about bicycles when along the small streets you can see parked convertibles with an open top. I think that says it all ...

Strasbourg Cathedral

And so, first of all, we went to admire the most significant landmark of Strasbourg - the grandiose cathedral of the city of Strasbourg. Its greatness is amazing. Until the 19th century, the cathedral was the most religious and tallest building in the world two centuries ago. The north tower is 145 meters high and to this day fascinates the spirit of all tourists. Some residents of Strasbourg told us that the philosopher Goethe loved to climb the highest point of the tower in order to get rid of the phobia of fear of heights.

The facade, made in the Gothic style of those times, amazes with its graceful hand-made stone carvings, many figures and sculptures, which in their uniqueness are not inferior to the greatest cathedrals in Europe and even with all the beloved and famous Notre Dame de Paris.

Getting inside the heart is ready to jump out of delight and extraordinary beauty of the cathedral. Medieval stained-glass windows, an old organ and the above-mentioned magnificent astronomical clock of the 18th century captivate with its beauty. Believe it or not, they even show the phase of the moon, and a solar eclipse. Every day at noon, the clock begins the "performance" of the 12 apostles, who imperceptibly appear and bow before the figure of Jesus Christ, and you can hear the crowing of the rooster - the symbol of France.

Kléber Square in Strasbourg

After that we went to the Kleber square, located in the same city of Strasbourg - this is another fascinating of all the attractions of this town. This square was named after the great French general of the same name Kleber. In the center of the square you can also see the Kleber monument. The square is surrounded by boutiques, cafes and restaurants. Here you can rest a little, sitting on the summer terrace from where you can see the whole area.

And the main symbol of Christmas, a festive tree, is always installed on Kleber Square, and the buildings around are illuminated with millions of colored lights. Further, our path lay to Petite France in the city of Strasbourg, which is the smallest and most picturesque corner of France.

Petite france

And we will grieve you right away ... It was by no means a romantic place in the past.

• Be sure to explore other interesting places in France, which you can go around by car on your own or watch excursions.

Indeed, in fact, if we look into the history of Alsace several centuries ago, then we will see a place that is not at all romantic. It was here that the hospital was located where patients with syphilis, a primordial disease of France, were treated. Hence the name of such a sad "Little France".

Many years have passed since then and not a single memory of those events remains. Today, driving through this place, you admire the beauty of the small and narrow streets on which there are fabulous houses similar to gingerbread, decorated with flowers. It is a real pleasure to spend time walking around this quarter.

And climbing to the highest point in this quarter, you will have an excellent view of the canals and bridges of the city of Strasbourg. And so, having visited the main attractions of the capital of Alsace, it is time to enjoy truly French-German cuisine. We will tell you about this and much more in our next article on travel-picture.ru

Be sure to study the heading about the best places to relax in France, prices, tips, and other answers to questions.