Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is located close to the border with Germany, and is the capital of the Bas‐Rhin département. The city proper has about 272,000 inhabitants and its wider urban agglomeration 451,422 inhabitants2 making it the ninth largest metropolitan area in France.
Strasbourg is the seat of several European institutions, including the Council of Europe (with the European Court of Human Rights, European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and the European Audiovisual Observatory) and the Eurocorps, as well as the European Parliament and the European Ombudsman of the European Union. The city is also the seat of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine and the International Institute of Human Rights.
Economically, Strasbourg is an important centre of manufacturing and engineering, as well as a hub of road, rail, and river transportation. The port of Strasbourg is the second largest on the Rhine after Duisburg, Germany.
La Petite France
The historic Little-France district, also known as the Quartier des Tanneurs, La Petite France (the Little France) is a historic neighbourhood located at the western end of the Grande Île (the Big Island). It’s easy to find in the centre of Strasbourg. Surrounded by the River Ill, the whole Grande Île is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Petite France was, during the Middle Ages, a district occupied by tanners, fishermen and millers. It’s home to well-preserved medieval architecture remnants including half-timbered buildings, narrow cobblestoned lanes, and covered bridges. There are many quaint bistros to stop at for a snack and a drink during your stroll.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame
Erected in the early 11th century, Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg is, at 142 metres, one of the tallest churches in the world. During its long history, this remarkable building has been modified from its original Romanesque style by the addition of Gothic architectural elements that make it a piece of art as stunning as it is impressive. Stained glass windows from the 12th century, the St. Pancrace’s altar from the 16th century, and an astronomical clock from the 17th century, are just a few of the highlights of the Strasbourg Cathedral.