A
French city that vitrines both the modern world and simpler times long past,
all in one charming little package says 'me'
CHARMING CITY
Distinct
from most other places that I have stayed in France and bears an arresting likeness
to Germany; a meagre four kilometres away from the German border, today Strasbourg
residues a hybrid with traces of German and French; fragment medieval village,
slice modern European. It is also the first French city whose inscription
concerns not a single monument, but an entire historic urban centre as in 1988
‘Strasbourg – Grand Ile’ was inscribed on UNESCO’s prestigious World Heritage
list. That said is a place where you can appreciate the simple preferences of
small village life- browsing shops along cobbled streets, indulging in a treat
from the many patisseries, and observing swans gracefully drift by as you walk
along the banks of the river. Away from the historical centre of town, the city
is fresh and lively, as its home to one of France’s top-rated universities. Lustrous
and modern, glass buildings house the Council of Europe, the European Court of
Human Rights, and the part-time home base of the European Parliament. A boat
cruise is a great way to see both the old and the new of Strasbourg. It takes one
on the entire way around the main island, including a detour to the European
Institutions. Alongside the river we got to see churches and small palaces attractively
lit up, which was quite romantic.
STRASBOURG CATHEDRAL
We
walked up the narrow Rue des Orfèvres, a pretty street lined with busy shops as
we approached the end of the street; we were awe struck by what we saw. The Strasbourg
Cathedral, in the heart of the Old Town, Rising up to the heavens is a single
steeple, so tall you cannot see the top without tilting your heads as far back
as you can. Even then, it was tough! It was the tallest construction in the
world for over 200 years (1647-1874). At 142 metres, it remains the tallest
15th century edifice in the world. As impressive as the steeple is, the church
is worth a visit inside. The key magnetism is the astronomical clock, an intricate
16th century creation which tells the time, calculates religious occasions, and
gives astronomical indications.
PETITE
FRANCE
Formerly
the fisherman’s millers and tanners district is today a peaceful tourist
district in the heart of the town. It is unbelievably charming; picture perfect
and unharmed by time, its meandering streets offer a wealth of 16th and 17th
century half –timbered homes with huge interior courtyards and large sloping
roofs. I loved all the woodwork and flower boxes that ornamented the houses.
FAST FACTS
Best Place to stay: We stayed at the Hotel Beaucour; we chose this
hotel because of its proximity to the Cathedral and Petite France. Our room was
large, clean and modern and decorated in Alsatian-style.
Best way to Reach: Strasbourg is a 2 hour 20 minute high speed train
ride from Paris. From the train station, you can take a tram or bus into the
city. You can book your tickets online from
http://www.raileurope.co.in/
For More Information: Log on to http://in.rendezvousenfrance.com/
The tourist information
office is situated at 17 Place de la Cathedral as well as in the train station.
Published in Statesman
