This Charming European City Is A Delightful Blend Of French And German Culture

Ever since the European Union was formed, cultures from around the continent have blended more freely across borders. However, well before the creation of the EU, French and German cultures formed a harmonious relationship in a city that would eventually become the home of the European Parliament. Strasbourg, in the northeastern Alsace region of France, is a fusion of both French and German heritage.

While it is under French governance today, the city has changed hands between the German and the French multiple times since the 17th century. That interesting, complex, and at times turbulent history is on display within the city's 11 municipal museums. Strasbourg's unique Alsatian culture is proudly displayed within its Alsatian Museum. The museum is housed within several former private residences and provides a glimpse into its heritage through traditional artwork, artifacts, and reconstructed interiors.

Today's Strasbourg is like wandering through a fairy tale village featured in an animated film. Under the shadow of its massive cathedral's gothic spire sit timber-framed cottages and businesses lining cobblestone streets. There's plenty of culture to absorb without entering a single building. Street signs offer directions in both French and German, and you'll be tempted to snap photos of every storefront and street corner. Though Strasburg is considered a safe place to visit for tourists, it's a good idea to remember these helpful hacks to protect yourself from pickpockets. 

The city of Strasbourg is small, relatively speaking, and spans approximately 30 square miles. Sitting at its center is its Notre Dame Cathedral, which attracts tourists from around the world. This massive Catholic church dates to the 13th century and is still used as a place of worship today. Tours of the ancient building are free and available without reservations.

The church rests on Grande-Île, a large swath of land surrounded by the city's canals. The cathedral, the island, and its surrounding Germanic urban design are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby is the Petite France quarter, often considered one of the most picturesque areas of Strasbourg. Channels of the Ill river flow here, making it comparable to Venice Italy, which travel guru Rick Steves calls "forever unique." Many visitors say the best views of this historic area are from the Barrage Vauban, a historic 17th century bridge originally built as part of the city's defences.

For visitors more interested in current events and the future, free tours of the European Parliament are available six days a week at no charge. Several exhibits are located here and are open to the public. Each provides a glimpse of the history and functionality of the European Union's headquarters.

Like so many European destinations, deciding when to visit is really dependent on the activities you'd like to enjoy. March to May is spring in Strasbourg, meaning more pleasant weather for sightseeing and traditionally fewer crowds. It's also a good time for cyclists to enjoy the 373 miles of cycling routes in Strasbourg — more than any other city in France. It's also part of Europe's massive beginner-friendly bike route offering stunning views.

Summers in Strasbourg are busy times on the canals and rivers as tourists take to sightseeing tours. It's also festival season in the city and events planned by the local government happen day and night. One of the most popular events is the illumination of the west façade of the Strasbourg Cathedral. Colder weather, including frost, begins to encroach upon Strasbourg in the fall, meaning fewer outdoor activities. However, as the cool weather approaches, so do the city's annual Christmas markets. Holiday decorations throughout the city are also a draw for visitors this time of year.

There are several options for flights when planning a visit to Strasbourg. The city does have its own airport just 6 miles outside of the city. However, it's a small international airport and does not have as many international connections as other, larger airports. Many travelers visiting Strasbourg opt to fly to Frankfurt International Airport in Germany, which lies nearly 130 miles to the north, or the Zurich Airport roughly the same distance away.