As the Yuletide spirit takes hold, it’s that season again where horrendous Christmas jumpers and copious amounts of mulled wine become the norm, and everyone flocks to festive markets.
The French city of Strasbourg, nestled on the German frontier, is revered as Europe’s “Capital of Christmas”.
Steeped in tradition, Alsatian Christmas festivities are a cultural cornerstone, with their renowned winter markets dating back to 1570 – among Europe’s most ancient.
The honorary title “Capital of Christmas” was bestowed upon the city in 1992 by Jean-Jacques Gsell, then right-hand man to Mayor Catherine Trautmann, envisioning the city peppered with charming market stalls.
This year’s market revelries run from November 27 to December 27, featuring the acclaimed Christkindelmarik nestled on Place Broglie and adjacent to the illustrious cathedral.
Visitors can bask in seasonal delights such as Vin chaud (or mulled wine), beer, and treats like bredeles (star-shaped spiced cookies), mannele (man-shaped brioches) and traditional gingerbread.
A key highlight is Strasbourg’s towering Christmas tree at Place Kleber, reaching an impressive height of 30 metres.
History enthusiasts will also appreciate the Notre Dame Cathedral which chronicles over a thousand years of history, its origins tracing back to roughly 1015.
With a significant transformation during the Gothic Renaissance of the 13th century, efforts began to create the architectural marvel that stands today, reports MyLondon.
The cathedral in Strasbourg has withstood centuries of conflict, including religious upheavals, the French Revolution and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine to the Third Reich.
Other notable attractions include Le Petite France, a charming neighbourhood on the River Ill. Wander through its cobbled streets, such as Place Benjamin Zix Square, where you can admire half-timbered houses and river views. Nearby is Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, a street lined with white houses adorned with flowers.
Strasbourg is also famous for its island setting, boasting numerous bridges like the Ponts Couverts. These covered bridges are watched over by four 14th-century towers, remnants of the former barriers that aided the old Strasbourg Republic in gaining independence.
After France took control of the city in 1681, new fortifications were erected by Vauban. The Vauban Dam, built around 1690 near the bridges, could flood the entire southern side of the city if necessary. Its top offers a panoramic view of the city.
Strasbourg also hosts several museums, including the Musee Alsacien, Palais de Rohan, and Musee historique de la Ville de Strasbourg.
Despite not being a state capital, Strasbourg is one of the few cities worldwide that houses international organisations, notably the European Parliament. Here, you can delve into the workings of the European Parliament, its political factions and its members.
For those seeking a breath of fresh air, Strasbourg’s oldest park, Parc de l’Orangerie, is a must-visit.
The park is known for its successful reintroduction of the stork, a species once on the brink of extinction, with over 800 young storks born since 1971. The park also hosts numerous exhibitions and events at Pavillon Josephine, or you can simply enjoy a leisurely walk around.
Strasbourg is a haven for food lovers, offering a smorgasbord of global cuisines.
Les Plaisirs Gourmands, Tripadvisor’s top-rated restaurant in the city, serves dishes like Charolais beef tenderloin, roasted monkfish, and apple Tarte Tatin with tonka bean ice cream.
