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Car Hire Strasbourg
The Region and City ...
The region of Alsace is famous for wine, chocolate, foie gras and liqueurs and all can be found within the capital of Alsace, Strasbourg. The city sits on the west bank of the Rhine which is also the border with Germany. The center of Strasbourg is full of historical buildings including one of Europe's finest Gothic cathedrals - Cathedrale Notre-Dame. Such is the importance of the city center in terms of architecture and history, it was was included on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.
Strasbourg is located 156 km (97 miles) east of Nancy, 165 km (102 miles) east of Metz and 116km (72 miles) north of Mulhouse.
Strasbourg being at the gateway to Germany has been sacked, burnt and rebuilt many times in it's history. The French national anthem was penned in the city by Rouget de Lisle as a military song at the behest of the mayor in 1792. Strasbourg is also on of the three European capitals where the European parliament and council are based which of course you can visit. The city was also part of Germany from 1871 to 1918 when it was given back to France after the conclusion of World War one. The city is a busy river port on the Rhine and also has a renowned university and is know as a city of learning throughout France.
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The beautiful bishop's palace Palais de Rohan, south, across the square from the Cathedral, is well worth a visit. The building was constructed in 1704 for Cardinal Armand de Rohan-Soubise by renowned royal architect Robert de Cottr. It houses three separate museums, the decorative arts museum on the ground floor, the fine art museum and the archaeological museum are all housed within the a building that boasts some of the finest 18 century interiors in France. Tel: 03 88 52 50 00 - www.musees-strasbourg.org
The Old Town is nestles around the Cathedral on the island formed by the tributary to the Rhine, the River Ill. It boasts breath taking buildings some of which cater to the tourist trade in terms of restaurants like the Maison Kammerzell which dates from 1589. Wander the streets to see wooden galleried buildings overlooking squares from as far back as the 14th century.
The 19th century German quarter is an excellent and rare example of Prussian architecture surviving in the modern era. When the city was given to Germany in 1870 they set about making their mark on the city and erected a large number of public buildings in the neo-Gothic style. The district is easy to traverse with broad avenues and highlights include the Imperial Palace, National Theater (Landtag Palace) and the National Library.
Strasbourg is a river port but the navigation from the docks is so good the effect the city has on the national economy equals major sea ports. Drive over the Pont de l'Europe, the large double arched metal bridge, connecting Strasbourg and Kehl in Germany. Here you will appreciate the size and buzz of the docks lining the Rhine. On the rue du General Picquart you will find a museum spanning the centuries of trade and commerce on the Rhine. The Rhine Museum is a former barge driver and is open most days tel: 03 88 60 22 23.
Strasbourg Airport is 16.5 km west of Strasbourg city.
