We just got here yesterday, and I have had to spend most of my time dealing with automobile issues. But it's obvious this is one of the most beautiful cities I've ever been in in. With luck, the car problems will be resolved and I can actually tour this gorgeous place.
Posted by
Southeast US
4273 posts
Shorter trip report from a few years ago: https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-67-provence
Posted by
Oberpfalz, Germany
1518 posts
I'm just north in Leinweiler, Germany. This is a really nice area of Germany. The vineyards are fantastic. Good wine and wineries without end. Fig and olive trees can survive the winter here. We saw almond trees growing. Fruit, I have no idea what they are. Big walnut trees. Blackberrys and elderberrys. Vegetable gardens. France 25 miles away. Dove to France to get some Époisses cheese and a good baguette. The traditional food here is hearty. Not everyone's taste. Quiet here.
We liked Strasbourg too. Locked my keys in the car nearby 20 years ago and had to find help on a Sunday. Hope it works out for you!
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5267 posts
We were there in May as a stop on our river cruise and loved it. Strasbourg was the highlight of the trip and the cathedral was one of the few I've visited that I talk about. Nearby is the Strasbourg History Museum which is also impressive.
*note, my TR is now the shortest ever, 5 words less than than yours.
Posted by
Seattle, WA
585 posts
Reims: no.
-- Mike Beebe
Posted by
OP
SoCal
1953 posts
Reims: no.
You didn't like Reims?
I assume you don't drink Champagne. I did little else in Reims and had an absolutely marvelous time.
Posted by
Southern Oregon
678 posts
Agreed jhpbucks! Reims was great, champagne included.
Posted by
3674 posts
Champagne is my least favorite wine, but Reims is one of my favorite places ever!
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12775 posts
Is the car fixed?
Posted by
OP
SoCal
1953 posts
So I was able to do an extensive walk-about in the city yesterday. My impression of Strasbourg's beauty was only enhanced. I'm absolutely smitten with half-timber buildings, especially those pre-dating the Plague*, and boy howdy, does Strasbourg's center city deliver. Absolutely gorgeous, street after street of lovely old buildings with commercial space below and residences above. And the old town is huge! Not like most other European cities where modern sprawl surrounds a tiny cluster of history.
The Strasbourg Cathedral, from the exterior, is unique: this very old sandstone edifice looks like it could be made of meringue. The sculpted towers have a lacy appearance, especially when viewed from afar. Absolutely stunning. I don't usually enter Catholic churches for personal reasons, and so others will have to comment upon interior features. I'll add that the twin-towered "red church" near the Boulevard de la Victoire is also beautiful, and one might view it before seeing the Cathedral depending upon the route one takes to enter the city.
In addition to the historic center, the complex of development relating to the Council of Europe and the European Union, specifically the European Parliament, is very impressive. Walking in that part of town is lovely, as just apart from the Parliament is a tranquil family neighborhood full of green trees and laughing children. Almost fairy tale material.
Finally, Alsatian food. I fully expected to love it, but I find the sauerkraut (choucroute) here to be underseasoned; it's sour, but little other flavor. But I do enjoy Alsatian riesling and sylvaner, and guwurtztraminer is growing on me.
*Buildings built pre-Plague have each story overhang those beneath, so that emptied chamber pots didn't splash onto the heads of downstairs neighbors. Aren't you happy I told you?
ETA: No help on the car. More details later.