History always tells a story.
Welcome back to the 14th blog of our trip to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Switzerland
Hope you like my previous blogs on Colmar, and here we are going to continue to spread our footprints not only into the Suisse landscapes, but we are also spreading to France today.
France
France is a country located in the western Europe who has a population of 67 million people, and its capital is Paris.
France is a country located in the western Europe who has a population of 67 million people, and its capital is Paris.
It's not hard to believe that France is the one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. From the beaches of Normandy to the peaks of the French Alps, from the Belgium border to the Mediterranean Sea, France has something interesting for everyone.
One of the oldest nations in the world which was established since the 8th century, France is one of the most ethnically diverse country in Europe. These broad influences have made France a world leader throughout the history in nearly all aspects of culture like cuisine, wine, politics, music, art, film, fashion, sports and more.
We feel so happy today that we are coming to France again after spending Easter weekend in Paris few years ago.
Here is the blog on the happy times we had in Paris.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg is located in the east of France and bordered with Kehl, Germany. There is an airport in Strasbourg (airport code: SXB) and it is a small airport. Mostly operated by Air France and the ticket prices are usually high.
Since 13th BC, the first Celtic settlement has been developed here and went through many grilling times.
To cut short, Strasbourg was under the occupation of Germany until WW1, the city was returned to France. During WW2, the Nazis considered the locals as fellow Germans, and many men were forced to fight for Germany.
Today, Strasbourg has the population of 290,000 and is attracting people from all over the world to be charmed by her timeless beauty. Strasbourg was the first city to have its entire city center listed as a World Heritage Site.
The historic town center is compact enough to be easily explored by foot. I always love walking tours where I can get up close and personal with the place. Strolling with him in such a fairytale setting is rather romantic.
Spoiler Alerts: Sun set around 4pm and it started to drizzle and rained so photos taken in the rain might not in good definitions.
Gare de Strasbourg AKA Strasbourg Railway Station
Coming from Colmar on a mere 30 minute ride at near Euro6.00 per way
The railway station is located on the west side of the town while is linked with other public transportations.
Though it is swaddle by a sophisticated glass today, but the neo-classical interior of the building was built since 1852.
Strasbourg has high-speed (TGV) train connections to Paris and other major towns in France and adjacent countries. TGV trains are best booked well in advance to get the best prices, as these tend to rise closer to the travel date.
It is easily reached from Switzerland (Basel and Zurich) even though Swiss is not served by TGV/ICE.
Below 2 photos are the opposite views from the door of Gare de Strasbourg, which is the town area of the place.
It is also the direction to place we want to go.
Rue du Maire Kuss
Is a notable pedestrian street that is located directly opposite of Strasbourg Train station.
Just look out for the landmark Macdonalds which is located at the start of the street.
We cut through this street to reach the points of our destinations.
Petite France
This historic cobbled area of Strasbourg, decorated with colorful timbered houses along the river was home to many fishermen and tanners (a job that tan animal's hides) during 1600s. Some of these houses are attached to terraces like in Colmar where the tanners can dry their works.
There are many pretty lanes and buildings here that are worthed for some good photos.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame
Another top figure that witnesses the growth & development throughout the times and weather.
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| The view from far |
My jaw was literally dropped when I saw her while my MR squat down and pick my jaw up while, I just stood there saying "wow" "wow" "wow".
It feels like La Sagrada of Barcelona! It is so gigantic, magnificent, grand, charming and beautiful.
The Romanesque Gothic Roman Caltholic church was built in 1439. Standing at 142 meters tall, it is the perfect background of this old city. It was once the world tallest building for 227 years untill it was surpassed by St. Nikolai's Church in Hamburg. Today, it is the sixth tallest church in the world.
The crown jewel of the island is the UNESCO-listed Cathedral of Notre Dame, the second most-visited cathedral in France. With its 465-foot (142-meter) spire and dramatic red façade sculpted from Vosges sandstone, the church was the tallest building in Europe for many centuries.
Highlights include 12th-century-stained glass windows, the magnificent 18-meter-tall astronomical clock, and a climb up the 300-step spiral staircase to the viewing platform for a view over the city.
Au Vieux Strasbourg
Located at Rue du Maroquin, barely a few steps away from Cathedral of Notre Dame, you will come across an attractive building - Au Vieux Strasbourg which is a local restaurant selling Alsace cuisine.
To my personal' views, this is a most famous building in Strasbourg. Is'nt it look like the house Hansel & Greta went ?
On this area of Rue du Maroquin is full of pretty decorated shops and restaurants. It is a place not to missed if you are holding a camera or a phone camera!
Le Pfifferbriader
The sun is going to set soon and there are still quite a few places we have not visit yet and he is hungry so I have to feed him first before we can move on.
Located just steps away from Au Vieux Alsace Restaurant, we settled for this as this side is quieter and the menu looks good to him.
The interior of the restaurant is pretty cozy, Alsace food is tasty though the waiter's service was average.
The food we ordered:
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| This is a must eat French dish for us. |
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| The way foie gras serve here is not what we had in Paris. |
The little Square Outside Le Pfifferbriader
I am not sure what this place called but it is right outside of Le Pfifferbriader.
This spot deserves our time of few minutes to tale some great photos.
Grande IIe AKA Old Town
Grande Île means "grand island" in English, it is an island that lies in the historic centre of Strasbourg,
Surrounded by waters, this grand island is the first city center to be listed on World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988 and 22 brass plates were placed on the bridges which is the access into the island.
Traces are human settlement has been around since 15th century and until today, the unique atmosphere remains.
This town is very educating for people who want to understand more on medieval days.
There are 5 historic churches on site; Strasbourg Cathedral, St Thomas, St Pierre-le-Vieux, St pierre-le-Jeune and St Etienne.
This old town is well restored and preserved from the glories of the past. It is great to walk aimlessly here.
Random Photos that we snapped along the way while walking in the rain.
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The night views of Gare de Strasbourg, it looks very pretty, well protected by a shield.
Our happy times in Strasbourg shall end here, it was really such an easy trip to come from Zurich, if time allowed, I really would like to make a trip to Black Forest in Germany.
Black Forest is the place for Snow White.
Here are the shortcuts to the blogs on our trips in Switzerland:
Well, the end of this blog meaning the start of another; coming up next will be on our Artic trip to Tromsø please stay tune by liking my Facebook page: followblueginger
My next trip coming up is Bangkok again, but this round is a trip solely for me & Miss Piggy.
We visited Europe recently like The Netherlands & Belgium recently : Amsterdam, The Hague , Rotterdam , Kinderdijk , Naarden ,Muiden , Haarlem , Nijmegan, Brussel, Bruges
and Antwerp.
We even moved to stay in Denmark during the peak of Covid : Relocation from Singapore to Aalborg, Denmark
Feel free, you are most welcome to browse through my other blogs to France, Japan, China, Thailand, Malaysia and cruises etc.
"I travel because seeing photos in books and brochures was not good enough for me, To be there, that was everything"
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