Introduction
488km (303 miles) SE of Paris; 217km (135 miles) SW of Frankfurt
The capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's greatest cities and the birthplace of pâté de foie gras. Here Rouget de Lisle first sang "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem. Strasbourg is one of France's major ports, only 3km (1 3/4 miles) west of the Rhine. In addition to being the site of the Council of Europe, Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, which convenes at the Palais de l'Europe.
In 1871, Strasbourg was absorbed by Germany and made the capital of the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. It reverted to France in 1918. One street is a perfect illustration of the city's identity crisis: More than a century ago it was avenue Napoleon. In 1871, it became Kaiser-Wilhelmstrasse, and then boulevard de la République in 1918. In 1940, it became Adolf-Hitler-Strasse, and it ended up as avenue du Général-de-Gaulle in 1945.
Now one of the most happening cities in France, Strasbourg is home...
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Palais de Rohan
This palace south of the cathedral was built from 1732 to 1742. It's an example of supreme elegance and proportion. Noted for its facades and rococo...
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Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame
This museum illustrates the art of the Middle Ages and Renaissance in Strasbourg and Alsace. Some pieces were displayed in the cathedral, where...
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Musée Alsacien
This museum occupies three mansions from the 16th and 17th centuries. It's like a living textbook of the folklore and customs of Alsace, containing...
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