The New Year started off very nicely in France..... Strasbourg. This fabulous city is just over the border from us about 1 hour away. The city is full of very welcoming and very polite French. We had such a wonderful day here I encourage you to make this a stopping point for trips here. Strasbourg at one time hosted Marie Antoinette on her famed journey from Austria to Paris to marry. The palace on the river Ill here in the heart of the city was designed by the same person who designed the famous Versailles. There is a beautiful Cathedral called Notre-Dame Cathedral...
which is so breathtaking I almost fail to have words to describe it. It is so intracate and ornate
when we walked around it the sun was shinning and the red limestone came to life with such a rich color it was gorgeous.
This is a city of churches.
There had to be at least 5 cathedrals we saw during the boat tour and walking on foot. Below is one of the many seen on the tour. Each one is beautiful and unique, from the ornate to the simple.
H has been wanting to ride on a boat since we arrived and of course most cruises and boat tours are closed for the winter season. It was so refreshing to see this one open and the whole city was alive despite the cold it was wonderful, and people were so happy and polite.... it felt like a breath of fresh air. The boats are very cool they have a completely domed top of glass so as you cruise the river you can see everything. There are 100's of bridges in the city and they are low to the water the boat skims under the bridges so smoothly and yet it looks as if they could barely squeeze through.
Each bridge has a name and a story as part of the rich history. Strasbourg is in the Alsace region which as many of you know historically has been either german or French depending on the political climate.
The city reflects the influences of both and is filled with colorful historical buildings and stories.
The boat tour takes you on the river Ill which surrounds the city and is a tributary to the Rein...
not far from the city. The tour offers headphones with guided vice for the city tour in several languages.... one of which was English. I was so excited we could enjoy learning about the historical sites ! I marvel most people in this region speak both French and German fluently as well as English. I so need to work on both my French and German. The tour is an hour and it takes you through the lochs and waterways of the city, some of these have been in use since the 1200's. One story tells of how they used these gates to flood the city to keep invades out. Strategically the city is nicely situated and it is easy to see why it would be safe with the river through and surrounding it.
The mixture of new and old bridges is so interesting. The kids loved the tour although an hour was long enough. P is just mesmerized by the water birds and loves the ducks and swans,
while S loves the rushing waters.
H likes the boat and river and T likes the more modern buildings. T mentioned that he liked the old gun powder towers though.
The city streets are narrow and cobbled like so many cities here, although there is just something different in France.
I have come to find the narrow streets comforting in many ways it is like a warm blanket over you.
The city was bustling but never seemed crowded and remnants of the Christmas Market were in the main square.
I enjoy being able to read most of the sigs and while my french is so rusty I feel like I do a better job communicating. The shops had beautiful painted doorways some could have hung in museums they were astounding. One candy shop featured fresh baked cookies, which you were offered with a smile upon entering.....
I know we'll come again how could we not the beauty and the sights are enough to draw anyone. It was really nice and Sam was really excited about visiting here,
so a great family place. We also found they were very kid friendly here so this is a wonderful outing for any family....we all recomend the boat tour as it is a great way to see the city and not be overwhelmed.
No comments:
Post a Comment