Scenic Strasbourg

On Wednesday (18 July), Cindy and I rode the high-speed French train (TGV) from Karlsruhe to Strasbourg, which took about 40". We spent 24 magical hours in one of the most scenic cities I have ever been in. Strasbourg has a long (600,000 years) and rich history, and the culture has been influenced by the Celts, Romans, French, and Germans. The Grand Ile (Island) is the historic center of the town and is surrounded by the River Ill. On Thursday morning, Cindy and I walked around the perimeter of the Grand Ile, which took several hours but was well worth it. Late that afternoon, we took the TGV back. It was retard, of course (French word for late; German trains are much more punctual). We shared our car with 15 or so very chatty Swiss 'tweens, who were apparently on a European exchange trip). 

The Strasbourg train station. This glass front covers the original train station, which is quite old. 

The Strasbourg Cathedral is magnificent, as you can see from these three pictures.  Construction began on this church in  the 12th century, and it was completed in 1439. 

In addition to its lovely Gothic architecture, the cathedral is also known for its astronomical clock. A clock of this kind has been in the cathedral since 1352. This version is the third iteration, which took five years and 30 workers to build. At 12:30 each day, 18" high statues of Jesus and the apostles move around the top of the clock.

After admiring the cathedral, we took an hour-long tour of the city center via the the River Ill, on a boat similar to this one

La Petite France (Little France) is reknown for its half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and fabulous restaurants and bars. 

Some of the houses we saw from the boat. 

More lovely medieval houses. This area was originally used for slaughterhouses and tanners. 

One of the 21 bridges across the River Ill, the Pont Couverts. 

The Palais Rohan was built between 1731 and 1742.  Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, and Napoleon Bonaparte are among its most famous guests. 

Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, which governs the EU.  Here are some of the offices, which were very modern and very impressive. 

One of the many trams we saw; much quieter and more modern than the trams in Karlsruhe. 

We ate dinner at L'Ami Schutz, seen here across the River Ill.  What a spectacular setting, with food to match.

Cindy trying her first Kir Royale, which is champagne and creme de cassis. Next: foie gras, which was fabulous! She also had braised rabbit leg (sorry, thumper), while I had sea bass, all washed down with some lovely white wine. Expensive, but worth every euro. (Brought back memories of Louise and I hiking through the vineyards of France several years ago, where each meal began with Kir Royale and foie gras.) I could live in France!

Walking home after dinner along the river. 

We had an after dinner drink on the plaza in front of the cathedral and watched a 15" light show which illuminated the exterior and parts of the interior of the church. A lovely way to end a great day.

After a nice breakfast buffet at our hotel, the Maison Rouge, we set out for our walk around the perimeter of the Grand Isle. This is the maison des tanneurs in the Petite France. 

I love this picture of us next to the maison des tanneurs. 

An art gallery where I bought a beautiful print of the cathedral. 

Another of the magnificent churches in the city. 

The Place Gutenberg, with a statue to commemorate the 10 years he lived in Strasbourg while he was  inventing the printing press.

We had lunch here under this 250 year old tree. 

Cindy trying her first tarte flambee. 

After lunch, we continue our stroll along the banks of the river. 

We take a break from our walk, before heading back to the train station. 

This trip to Strasbourg with Cindy was one of the highlights of my time here. I am only sorry that I was not able to share these experiences with Samantha. Sam, know that we said many times how much we wished you were with us. Cindy, know how much this time alone with you meant to me. I am so blessed to have such remarkable daughters. I look forward to many more adventures together. Love you!