France

Strasbourg/Alsace

Strasbourg city, capital of Bas-Rhin department, Grande Est region, eastern France.

Strasbourg, Alsace’s culturally unique capital blending of German and French characteristics belonged to both Germany and France over the centuries. This charming village was founded by the Romans in 12 BC and in the eighth century became part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1681 it was conquered by Louis the XIV, having changed nationalities four times between 1870 and 1945. Today Strasbourg is a unique cultural blend between German and French.

The heart of Strasbourg is the Grand Ile, an island on the river Ile in the historic center of the city. Throughout the city you will find narrow cobblestone streets, waterways, beautiful architecture with its well preserved buildings and in the heart of the city is the stunning gothic Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

The city was originally a Celtic village but under the Romans it became a Garrison town called Argentoratum. It was captured in the 5th century by the Franks, who called it Strateburgum, from which the present name is drived.

We made our way to Strasbourg, as Genes great grandparents were from this region and fled during the war. We came to see where his family was from, this was when it was a German town during the war. On November 23, 1944 the liberation of Strasbourg took place and it once again returned to the French. We only had a day to walk around the city, which was not near enough time, so we definitely intend on a return trip where we can stay longer.

Paris