Go Discover - InterContinental Hotels Group

Food & Wine
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Strasbourg
AT THE CroSSroADS oF EUroPE,
STrASBoUrG – A ProSPEroUS,
CoSMoPoLITAN CITY oF HALF-TIMBErED
HoUSES, WATErWAYS, FINE MUSEUMS AND
A MArVELLoUS CATHEDrAL – IS JUSTLY
FAMED For ITS GASTroNoMIC DELIGHTS.
The intellectual and
cultural capital of Alsace
is a meeting place of French
and Germanic cultures. After
centuries within the Germanic
Holy Roman Empire (during
which period its monumental
pink sandstone Cathédrale Notre
Dame was built), Strasbourg
became part of France in 1681.
The border shifted back and forth
a few more times until, following
World War II, Strasbourg
– the ‘City of the Roads’ – was
resurrected as the political heart
of the European Union (EU).
It’s here that you’ll find the EU
parliament as well as the Council
of Europe and European Court of
Human Rights.
Hot tip!
Politics aside, Strasbourg is
a beautiful city packed with
museums and focused around
the Unesco World Heritage
listed Grande Île (Grand Island),
a pedestrianised paradise for
the aimless ambler. The narrow
streets of the old city behind
the cathedral are particularly
enchanting at night, while by
day you shouldn’t miss out
on the fairy tale Petite France
quarter. In and around here
you’ll discover the traditional
Alsatian restaurants known as
winstubs (literally wine rooms).
These convivial eateries with
their warm atmosphere, bare
beams and shared benches,
serve up comforting dishes
based on pork and veal,
washed down with local
wines and beers.
Strasbourg’s museums (www.musees-strasbourg.org) are free on the first
Sunday of the month. Also enquire about the Pass Musées, a good-value
pass covering all of the city’s museums.
Suggested Itinerary:
Day 1
Take an early morning stroll through the picturesque Petite France neighbourhood
before the tourist hoards arrive. Ready your camera to snap the lovely panorama of
the River Ill from the nearby Barrage Vauban. Head into the heart of the Grande Île
navigating your way to the Gothic Cathédrale Notre Dame by its 142m spire. Lunch
at a winstub, then explore the impressive art collection of the Musée l’Œuvre Notre-
Dame, occupying a group of magnificent 14th- and 16th-century buildings.
Day 2
Journey to the suburb of Cronenbourg for a thirst-quenching tour of the major
brewery Brasseries Kronenbourg. Dip into the various museums of the Palais Rohan,
once home to the city’s princely bishops. Enjoy some more beer and wine at a
convivial bar such as La Taverne Française (12 av de la Marseillaise).
1km = 0.6 mile approximately. The featured distances on the map correspond to the approximate distance
between the city centre and the hotels. For a full list of hotels and other destinations, see pages 28-35.
Book online at www.ichotels.com/GoDiscover Call 00800 95 800 800 (from Europe) or 0870 400 8840 (from the UK only)
Eating out
Au Crocodile (10 rue de l’Outre; +33 3 8832 1302)
A temple of French gastronomy, elegant down to the
smallest detail but with surprisingly reasonable prices.
La Cloche à Fromage (27 rue des Tonneliers;
+33 3 8823 1319)
Choose from some 90 different cheeses at this haven
for the lactose addicted.
L’Assiette du Vin (5 rue de la Chaîne;
+33 3 8832 0092)
The menu and décor changes with the season at this
elegant French restaurant with an extensive wine list.
Eating in
A delicious two course dinner is available from €15
per person at Holiday Inn hotels.
Where to stay: see map
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Holiday Inn:
Strasbourg City Centre from €119
Strasbourg Sud from €59
Prices include breakfast and are per room per night.
Valid 1 November 06 – 31 March 07.
If you like Strasbourg, why not
also visit Lyon or reims?
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