Located in the eastern tip of France, Strasbourg is a beautiful picturesque city most famous for its Christmas market and for its strong German influence.
But did you know that Strasbourg is one of Europe’s capital cities? Or that Strasbourg and its region is also renown for its wine?
Let’s discover 20 interesting facts about Strasbourg to learn more about this city!
Strasbourg is a very unique city in France, with a special identity and lovely sights. Because it lies right next to Germany, it has been hugely influenced by the neighboring country.
In this first part, I have 10 general best facts about Strasbourg France for you.
1. Strasbourg has changed nationalities several times
You cannot be closer to Germany from France than Strasbourg is. It is literally seconds away from Kehl, the German city on the other bank of the Rhine.
Actually, throughout history, it was sometimes in Germany. Because it is strategically located, lots of armies have fought for it. It has changed nationality between French and German four times because of the multiple wars.
2. Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace, a region with a very strong identity
Generally, regions near the border are the ones with the strongest identity, like Catalonia in Spain. For Alsace, this is exactly the same. This is probably due to its tumultuous history and to its unique mix of cultures.
There is a local dialect, “Alsatian”, that is very spoken in the countryside, and that you can still see in Strasbourg. Whether it’s restaurants, streets or even people’s names, Alsatian is everywhere.
3. Half-timbered houses are everywhere in Alsace and in Strasbourg
If you have ever been to Strasbourg or Alsace in general, there is no way you missed the local famous half-timbered houses. They are literally everywhere, especially in the old districts of the cities, or in any village of the countryside.
They were made that way at the time to be possibly disassembled, to be rebuilt somewhere else: the home owners did not own the land!
4. Not only is Strasbourg important in France, but it is also a European center
This is probably the reason most people already know Strasbourg in Europe. Though the city is not that big nor populated compared to the rest of the major cities in France, it is home to the European Parliament, and is considered to be one of the 3 European capitals, alongside Brussels and Luxembourg.
There are also the Council of Europe, the Eurocorps and the European Court of Human Rights in the city
5. Strasbourg’s whole center, on the “Grande Île”, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic center of Strasbourg, structured around its iconic Cathedral, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Its architecture is inspired by the Haussmanian model, and mixes the best of the Germanic and French styles.
Overall, the whole center is very well preserved, with a material condition close to the original state.
6. The first name of Strasbourg was “Argantorati” before the 5th century BC
Most French cities used to have a different Latin name in the past. Lyon was Lugdunum, and Paris was Lutetia. Strasbourg had several names throughout the centuries, first the Celtic Gaulish name Argantorati, which was later latinised as Argentoratum.
It is made of the Gaulish compound word “-rati”, meaning fortified enclosures, and the Latin “arganto”, meaning silver.
7. Alsatian cuisine is substantial and convivial
If you like eating… very generous portions, you should definitely head to Alsace, or Strasbourg. Its cuisine is influenced by the German one, and incorporates a lot of pork, in various forms.
The most famous dishes are the “choucroute” (sauerkraut with potatoes and meat), the “tarte flambée” (a very thin pizza-like dish with cream, onions and bacon) and the “kougelhopf” (a uniquely-shaped cake).
8. What is most famous from Alsace is probably its beverages actually
Though Alsatian cuisine is loved by everyone, there are some things that are even more popular, in Strasbourg and in its region as a whole.
Alsace is the main beer-producing region of France, with tons of breweries. It is also an important wine-producing region, with some of the best French wines. Finally, Schnapps is the strongest traditional alcoholic beverage in Alsace
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