After leaving Caracalla Therme Spa in Baden-Baden, we walked to explore the rest of the city…read more Chanced upon this artificial grotto. Fettquelle is one of Baden-Baden's twelve historic thermal springs. The "fette Quell" (fat spring) emerges near the monastery Klosterkirche zum Heiligen Grab. It supplied the "Zum Ungemach" bathing hostel with hot water until the end of the 17th century. Around 1870, an artificial grotto with a drinking fountain was built next to the Friedrichsbad using thermal sintered stone. This is fed by the Fettquelle spring, whose water temperature is up to 63°C hot. Be aware, the thermal water is not drinking water. An interesting piece of history in Baden-Baden.

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.

Spitalkirche or the Hospital Church was founded in 1351. It is built as a late Gothic church…read more It is located in Romerplatz near the thermal baths. It is a very peaceful place for a short visit.

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.

Baden-Baden. The…read moregood-good life in the UNESCO World Heritage spa destination city. When the low river levels along the Main and Rhine Rivers diverted our river cruise to a river cruise, shuttle bus, then another river cruise, we almost skipped Baden-Baden. So glad we took the one hour bus ride from Strasbourg because we loved exploring Baden-Baden. Visited the Kurhaus Casino on our walking tour. Just able to see the lobby and entrance as our casual outfits were not casino approved. The main structure was designed in 1824. The Corinthian columns, grand entrance and the neo-classical interiors are stunning. Since gambling was forbidden in France in the 1830s, many gamblers crossed the border to try their luck at Baden-Baden's gaming tables. Fyodor Dostoyevsky's The Gambler was inspired by the Russian author's visit to the Kurhaus casino. Actress Marlene Dietrich declared that this was "the most beautiful casino in the world." A very interesting stop learning about the golden age in Baden-Baden.

"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.