"Covered bridges" but not actually covered, the Ponts Couverts are three bridges and four towers…read morethat were built in the 13th century as a defense of the city. There was originally a wooden roof but it was removed back in 1784 and the name remained. The nearby marker in French, German and English reads, "The covered bridges comprised the city's wester defenses from the 13th to 17th centuries and formed part of the Episcopal wall. Three of the bruick-built towers have survived - the Heinrichsturn, the Hans von Altheiumturm and the tour des Français (French tower). The spur-shaped parts in front of the bridges were built by Daniel Specklin in the 16th century and fitted with loopholes for guns to fire through. The bridges' galleries were protected by a tilting roof, whence the name, and closed off by a wooden wall contained arrow slits. The galleries were replaced in 1784 by wooden footbridges and in 1865 by the sandstone bridges that can be seen today. From 1880 to 1950, the area in front of the second tower was taken by the Mathis Baths, which were divided into two pools, separated by covered pontoons surrounded by a fence and fitted with changing rooms." [Review 16450 overall - 84 in France - 1958 of 2021.]

Translates to "covered bridges" but the actual covered bridge is directly across called the Barrage…read moreVauban. Perhaps at one point these bridges were covered but definitely not anymore. It's a scenic area surrounded by water and large towers that once defended the city back in the 13th century. It would be neat to go up the towers and get a better vantage point of the Petite France quarter; however, the towers are off limits and inaccessible. It's worth coming here at night when the reflection of the water makes for a gorgeous photo.

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.

Poor service. Ignored for long periods of time, sauerkraut was very bad. Overall, a place to avoid.read more

From the owner: Temple du lyrisme strasbourgeois Situé place Broglie, l'Opéra du Rhin gère les scènes lyriques de…read moreStrasbourg, Colmar et Mulhouse. La programmation variée de ce lieu, allant des opéras les plus connus aux oeuvres contemporaines, permet ainsi de toucher tous les publics. Pour les passionnés de danse, de nombreux ballets sont à l'affiche toute l'année.

Beautiful architecture and the inner courtyard is beautifully constructed. Definitely worth a visit…read morewhen in Strasbourg. You can walk to it from the city centre along the river and I would recommend walking around the area as there are many interesting buildings that are all part of the EU administration.

From the owner: Bâtiment contemporain d'architecture audacieuse Seule institution de l'Union Européenne en France,…read morele Parlement Européen, dont Strasbourg a été confirmée siège définitif au Sommet d'Edimbourg en 1992, possède un hémicycle d'une capacité de 750 places, destiné à accueillir les sessions mensuelles de cette institution. Les députés des pays membres sont élus au suffrage universel direct (depuis 1979). Le Parlement Européen intervient dans le processus d'élaboration des lois communautaires et occupe un rôle essentiel auprès de la Commission et du Conseil des Ministres dans la gestion de l'Union Européenne. Visites possibles uniquement pour les groupes, pendant les sessions ou hors sessions, sur demande écrite préalable. Mais l'architecture du bâtiment, achevé en 1999, présente à elle seule un intérêt.

From the owner: Balade au gré des courants. Les ballades bucoliques sur les bords du Rhin sont nettement prisées…read morepar les touristes et par le peuple de la cité alsacienne, surtout lorsque les premières douceurs printanières font surface. De là, on peut admirer les petites maisons typiquement alsaciennes qui longent le fleuve au niveau de la vieille ville.

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