Article of the MonthWith the exchange rate against the Euro at an 18 month high, now might be the time to dust off your plans for a little break away. Berlin is only a 2 hour flight and with a cheaper cost of living than the UK, the summer months are a great time to go. more...  |
Strasbourg, FranceNarrow, cobbled streets lined with half timbered houses lie at the heart of medieval Strasbourg. This charming city in southern France which lies just inside the border with Germany has a rich heritage and roots in both of these countries. With pavement cafés, street musicians and stalls selling traditional goods from the Alsace region lining many of the streets throughout the old city, this is a wonderful city if you are looking for somewhere for a quiet, romantic city break.
 The centre of Strasbourg, the Grande Île, is as its name suggests situated on an island. Enchanting and captivating, the high roofed buildings, pedestrian friendly areas and beautifully decorated buildings draw you in. You can not escape from the imposing Cathedral of Notre-Dame whose spire dominates the entire city and is surrounded by an energetic café scene, jostling for space in the narrow streets with shops selling the beautifully painted local pottery. It is worth taking your time to explore and to browse the shops, stalls and churches. Petite France, is a chocolate-box pretty collection of twisting streets, window boxes bursting with colour and brightly painted shutters. Intersected by canals this part of the city traces its roots back to the 14th Century and lies hidden away on the edge of the Île. Here you are serenaded by beret wearing, accordion players whilst you wait for the bridges to raise and make way for the small boats passing through. It is charming and delightfully French. You will be spoilt for choice with souvenirs but the area around La Maison des Tanneurs has some original artists selling some delightful drawings of the city. It is the food that gives away the origins of this historic city. It is heavily influenced by its German heritage and quite distinct from other regions in France. The speciality of the region is the choucroute which is sauerkraut (pickled cabbage) with a variety of sausages and other meats. Onions also feature heavily in the local cuisine with French Onion Soup and Onion Tart (Tart Flambée) easy to find on most menus.  Be aware that the most heavily congested tourist areas are often full of over priced restaurants serving mediocre food so take your time and choose somewhere slightly off the well trodden routes. Try the atmospheric Café Brant near the University or the Winstub Le Clou in the rue du Chandron for traditional French fayre.You will find accommodation to fit every budget but be aware that the European Parliament meets here once a month and rooms at the top end of the market can be hard to find at this time and it is worth bearing this in mind for any break here. Previous Articles of the Month |
Personalise your card today!  |
