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.

Cool spot worth a visit if you are in the area. It's not well marked,you need to pass the hospital…read moregate and you'll see an old plaque mentioning the Cave, take the outside stairs leading to the basement level. The tram stop is on line D, Porte de l'hôpital, the best way is to use Google maps. The entrance is free, you can just read the signs or get the audio for 3 Euros. They also offer a selection of wines for sale.

Found this place while looking at a map of Strasbourg. If you don't speak/read French, the entrance…read moreis down the stairs directly under the sign. Once you open the door and you're hit with the aroma of a musty basement, you know you're in the right place! The cellar is free to tour but they also offer private experiences if you're interested. One was being set up while we were there and it seemed like pastries and wine, where I presume someone would then talk about the cave. Just inside the doorway from the store, on the right, there's a very old tunnel that was used to supply military with food and supplies. It's damp, dark, and very cool. It's a walk walk through. To the right are some barrels that were given as gifts, one to King Louis XVI, as well as a wine press from centuries ago. To the left is a long (ish) row of barrels leading to a gated section, a barrel dated 1472 and some information about it. If you're a fan of wine or just want to see a really old wine cellar, I'd recommend this. If for no other reason, it's free and you can say you did it!

Christmas markets originated as a means to support local communities in the German, French, Dutch,…read moreScandinavian regions during the winter months when agricultural activity has winded down. If you ever make it there after December 3 until January 6th, these markets are everywhere. Probably one of the liveliest of the Christmas markets, was the Weihnachtsmarkt in Strasbourg, FR. The French Xmas markets in Strasbourg seem to have a unique vibe and active participation from the town. I loved this town, it's French but there are lots of German customs, traditions, food in addition to French cuisine. Lots of families and locals drinking vin chaud (warm wine, gluhwein at German stands), hot apple cider, hot orange tea (so amazingly good), eating local fare (waffles with various toppings, bratwurst and many many sandwiches) and more vin chaud et beaucoup vin chaud. This is the Alsace region also so I totally loved the locally produced Gewurstraminers and Rieslings (German whites) that taste uniquely delicious---unlike the lackluster varieties we get in the states. I was never really a fan of these wines but, I was drinking it every day with a passion-- 'cause it was too good to pass up. The fun and almost frenetic crowds woke me up and brought me immediately into the Christmas spirit. Traversing Place Kleber (the center of town), one gets to experience the vibe to the holiday traditions, the really busy local businesses and market stalls to the grand and expansive Christmas markets in the center of town. As I walked into the main square I was smacked with the blaring romantic flashback. Instead of Christmas carols loudly amplified, the sound of my favorite songster (Aznavour) singing one of my fave songs echoed throughout the expanse of the plaza and bleeeeeewwww my mind!!! That put me in a holiday mood with a romantic edge in a jiffy. Only the French!! :)) So to all my Yelpers & Yelpies, I hope that this year your holiday brings you much happiness, your spirit fervent, your outlook in life looking up and forward. Merry X'mas, Happy Holidays, Happy Kwanzaa, happy end of Chanukah, much warmth and prosperity. Tip: Cash only at the markets. Some will take cards but there will be surcharge. ATMs and banks abound. Visits: 1

This was my first time at this Christmas market and it was awesome. They had a stand with…read morenutcrackers so that was exciting. People standing outside singing Christmas songs and playing instruments. They literally had people dancing to their music. It was super cute and gave off the Christmas spirit. We went with another couple so they decided to get their portrait painted together. Everyone was standing around watching the artist draw pictures some were portrait others character style drawings. They had a stand with the warm wine I had white for the first time I normally drink red. I been missing out the white wine was perfect. It's called gluhwein they had some stands that add a shot of whisky it's perfect because it's cold out side and the gluhwein warms you up. I went on a Sunday so none of the shops were open just the Christmas stands for the market. Thrust had salmon hanging I believe they were grilling it and it looked super tasty everyone was trying it because the line was super long. I just ate so I didn't try it. I will defiantly go back to the Christmas market next year.

The botanical garden (French: Jardin botanique) is great. It is often considered to be an oasis of…read morereflection and silence. The botanical garden is located in the city center. But don't be afraid. There's no street with a lot of traffic. In contrast, it is quite silent and romantic. I recommend you to admire the different kinds of flowers and plants. They are said to be imported from countries all over the world. Apart of taking long walks, it's quite fun sitting on a bank observing the walkers or the playing children. If you like drinking a cup of tea or coffee, there're various coffee shops. Of course, you shouldn't forget to taste the Alsatian specialities.

I was there in the beginning of May and the place didn't have too many interesting things to see. I…read moreguess it is better to come in June....

My mom and I took my kids to France last month to visit the Christmas markets. The trip was my…read moremom's idea (and very generous treat), and it was as ambitious and chaotic as it was special, my boys' first time in Europe, for a Christmasy long weekend. We took the train to Strasbourg and had less than six hours before our train to Paris, one of which we lost looking for a storage locker at the station. Setting aside lunch and the forty minutes required to use the bathroom at Galeries Lafayette, we had about two hours to explore the actual Christmas markets. Strasbourg has several of these markets, and while we went to two or three distinct ones, they were all within walking distance of each other and more or less blended together. They were definitely charming, even if the rainy weather was not what my mom had in mind when she booked this bucket list trip. The lights and decorations were enchanting, and worked well with Strasbourg's beautiful architecture. We did some light shopping, buying magnets and Christmas decorations at a couple of the hundreds of booths. There was one booth with rude vendors, but they seemed to be outliers, and we just moved on to the next shop, which was selling very comparable goods. We found one ride for the kids, a kind of janky merry-go-round that was, at least, Christmas-themed. We also saw the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, a cool Gothic church and one of the city's most famous sites. I admit we spent more time at the merry-go-round. This was a hectic way to see Strasbourg, but the kids had fun and I'm glad we were able to check it off my mom's list. Next time, we might just hit Solvang, but the Strasbourg Christmas markets probably are worth seeing before you die.

This was the main purpose of my ten day November 2021 trip to Europe: To meet up with my frequent…read moreflier friends in Strasbourg (one from Atlanta, one from Minneapolis and two from Detroit) to attend the oldest Christmas market in Europe in the "Capitale de Noël"! Sure, Düsseldorf was a fabulous meetup with Klaus-Dieter and Stuttgart was great to see the transportation museums. But Strasbourg was the hook for the trip! There are a couple of markets around Strasbourg in different plazas but the main one is around the cathedral. They had set up a clear entrance and exit with security checking COVID QR codes and matching IDs. There were also concrete bollards placed to prevent a vehicle from doing something stupid. Once through the entrance, masks off and enjoy! A few dozen Christmas themed kiosks with Christmas tree ornaments, engraved glasses, chocolates, leather goods and more. Of course, lots of food so plan to be hungry when you arrive. We had three different glühweins (I prefer the red) and each had a slightly different flavor. A ham and cheese crepe was consumed. And I bought a few things to bring home. Just so much enjoyment here and the crowds were manageable. Tips: If you're going to shop, bring a reusable shopping bag. You can get back your €1 deposit on your glühwein cup by returning it. And importantly, keep in mind that you're in a big crowd so mind your wallet/handbag and be aware of crazy people who might be doing dumb things. Have fun! [Review 16442 overall - 76 in France - 1950 of 2021.]

A cozy place for a drink. Not bad for couples or a small group of friends…read more Menu have a variety of alcohol and appetizer to choose from.

Nice little bar in the middle of Strasbourg. Particularly good in summer with the terrace. The food…read moreis not particularly outstanding, but this place has a very particular vibe to it, that is really great.