ABOUT STRASBOURG

Strasbourg is the capital of the Alsace region of France and is most widely known for hosting a number of important European institutions. It is also famous for its beautiful historical centre - the Grande Île - which was the first city centre to be classified entirely as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Strasbourg is one of the 9 largest cities in France with nearly half a million inhabitants in a metropolitan area spanning across the river into the German city of Kehl, on the eastern bank of the Rhine. The city itself is the seat of the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Ombudsman, the Eurocorps, the European Audiovisual Observatory and, most famously, the European Parliament, which also holds sessions in Brussels.

While it may be possible to find older people who will engage in a conversation with you in German (or Alsacienne as the locals refer to it) the lingua franca of Strasbourg (and all of Alsace) is indeed French. You will rarely hear German spoken on the street (except perhaps by German tourists). Fret not if your French is sub par as almost everywhere in Strasbourg in restaurants and hotels English is commonplace. If you speak German and English and not French most Strasbourgers will almost certainly prefer to converse in English with you. That being said, as with anywhere in the world you visit, knowing a few basics in French will certainly give you a much more pleasant stay.

Strasbourg International Airport (SXB) is located south-west of the city at Entzheim, with domestic as well as international flights. Air France is the principal operator. There are several flights a day to and from Paris. A shuttle bus (€5.10 single, €9.50 round trip) takes travellers to Baggersee tram and bus station, which is on the A-line tram line to the town center. A tram-train line running directly from the airport to the town center is planned to open in 2008.

Strasbourg is a popular tourist destination primarily thanks to the beautifully preserved and pedestrian friendly city centre, which can be explored on foot or bicycle in a few days. Don't forget that Strasbourg's appeal now brings tourists to the city throughout the year, with large tour groups especially frequent during the summer months and during the annual winter market. Staying for a few days will allow you to see the Strasbourg when it's calmest, first thing in the morning and during the evening. The main Tourist Office is located on Place de la Cathedrale, with a smaller office in the concourse level of the railway station. Both are open 09h00 to 19h00.

Source:  Wikitravel.org