Strasbourg is the largest city of the Grand Est region of Eastern France and is the official seat…read moreof the European Parliament. Located at the border with Germany in the historic region of Alsace. It is one of very few cities that is not a state capital that hosts top international organizations (like New York and Geneva). The port of Strasbourg is the second-largest on the Rhine after Duisburg Germany and is the second largest river-port in France after Paris. Strasbourg is home of the oldest Christmas market in Europe, organized in 1570 as the Christkindelsmärik https://www.yelp.com/biz/christkindelsm%C3%A4rik-march%C3%A9-de-no%C3%ABl-strasbourg?hrid=EiWS9sElCXMAT-4xlar1kg. And that's why my friends and I headed here in late November for a couple of days. Two days is of course not nearly enough time in this wonderful city. Strasbourg has a fabulous train station https://www.yelp.com/biz/gare-de-strasbourg-strasbourg-2?hrid=qX97218PIgvBjAUTfzuGww with connections to Paris and Basel and other big cities. There is also the SXB airport, a minor air transportation hub and honestly, just fly to CDG and take the train. The city is criss-crossed by a tram network that runs more than 30 miles all around town on six lines. The city centers around the historic Grande Île that was classified a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. Museums https://www.yelp.com/biz/musee-d-art-moderne-et-contemporain-strasbourg?hrid=Kdj9koqTLPdCKYUZRjxPQg https://www.yelp.com/biz/mus%C3%A9e-des-beaux-arts-strasbourg?hrid=1M5npYFkvqq_tUhNNzKR6A, shoppinghttps://www.yelp.com/biz/galeries-lafayette-strasbourg-3?hrid=B5ijkJmyubWaTbtjoa3jgw, friendly people who welcome tourists. Restaurants https://www.yelp.com/biz/do-eat-better-strasbourg-strasbourg?hrid=1QzK3X2b9QnuUM50G8F7Zw are prepared with menus in French, English and German. Even the signage in the city and the tram ticket kiosks support all three languages. I had a great time and will definitely return during a warmer season. [Review 16452 overall - 86 in France - 1960 of 2021.]

I was just following the GPS to get back to the hotel when I literally wandered into Barrage…read moreVauban. This is definitely more of a destination than a journey and I'm glad I found it. Constructed from 1686 to 1690, the intention of the barrage was to allow intentionally flooding all the lands south of the city, making them impassable to the enemy. It did get used back in 1870 when when Strasbourg was besieged by Prussian forces during the Franco-Prussian War. Not so much today. Within the structure an enclosed corridor links the two banks and a lapidarium serves to display ancient plaster casts and copies of statues and gargoyles from Strasbourg Cathedral and Palais Rohan. Completely unexpected, but completely free and absolutely interesting. [Review 16449 overall - 83 in France - 1957 of 2021.]

The actual "covered bridge." I emphasize that because it has a roof while the irony of the Ponts…read moreCouverts, which translates to covered bridge, across from it doesn't. Again, as I wrote in a separate review, history has a way of altering the physical appearance of things while the name remains a reminder of what it once was. The Barrage Vauban doubles as a dam that controls the water level of the River III (yes, it's called the Roman numeral 3, don't ask me why), which flows south of the city center. The idea is that the dam can cause the water level of the River III to rise above the land south of the city and thus flooding the entire area against an enemy attack. Pretty cool concept if you think about it. Inside the bridge you'll find sculptures and other artifacts on display. Remember, don't ride your bicycle; instead, walk and take a moment to enjoy the experience.

Great traditional regional food! Salmon was excellent and the Baeckeoffe (ham & potatoes) was very…read moregood.

This marker stands in front of a very old building that dates back to 1572 and was pointed out as…read morewe walked through the area for our food tour. Interestingly, one of the best methods for tanning hides was to use urine. They obviously don't do that here any more. The marker is in French, German and English. In English, it reads "Tanning and tanneries became an important part of the Petite France district from the Middle Ages onwards. Built alongside the river to have easy access to the water they needed, the tanneries stand out through their distinctive architecture. The Maison des Tanneurs, or Tanner's house, built in 1572, is a fine example with its open gallery under the roof, which was used for drying hides. Since 1949, the building has been occupied by a restaurant known for its Alsatian food." The building has been classified as a historical monument since 1927. [Review 16438 overall - 72 in France - 1946 of 2021.]

What a lovely Alsatian village. Lots of nice 1/2 timbered houses, restaurants, and flowers…read more Definitely worth a stop along the Wine Route.