Strasbourg, Europe’s capital

Originally

Along the banks of the Rhine River stands the Alsatian city, strategically positioned at the crossroads of key continental routes. Forged by its multiple identities, Strasburg is not only a key European capital but also as a true symbol of Franco-German unity. With its unique blend of languages, accents, cultures, and heritages, the city thrives within its pluralistic essence - a harmonious embodiment of the European motto, "united in diversity".

Over the centuries

From Roman Argentoratum to Alsatian Stroßbùrri, Strasbourg and its residents waltz through the memories that make it so unique. It was on these streets, in 1792, that Rouget de Lisle composed the Marseillaise - a revolutionary war anthem turned national hymn. It is here, too, that one can marvel at the Neustadt, an urban masterpiece erected in the 19th century to showcase Prussian might, seamlessly blending Italian neo-renaissance, neo-gothic, and Art Nouveau in a vibrant tapestry of European artistry.

Nowadays

In the cathedral's shadow, everyday citizens and employees of European institutions can hop on a tram in France and get off a few stations later, in Germany: a tangible expression of European collaboration on a human level, and a resilient response to the nationalist whims that have influenced the region's history.

Did you know?

• The 320 sculptures of the Strasbourg Cathedral, its astronomical clock, and its spire soaring to 142 metres, offering a breathtaking view from its observation platform after climbing... 332 steps!

• A diverse local craftsmanship: pottery, embroidery, stained glass, wooden toy making, carpets… notably celebrated in December during one of the largest Christmas markets in Europe.

• The Alsace wine routes offer breath-taking views of the vineyard region. A 170-kilometre stretch to admire hills and meadows with wildflowers such as primroses, anemones, and orchids.

• Storks as flags, perched at the very heart of the city, on the rooftops of buildings, where nests are even provided to facilitate their settlement. The grey heron, on the other hand, has made its habitat in the rivers and lakes of the Grand Est.

• From the achievements of Mehdi Baala, Olympic medalist and holder of the French records for the 1000 metres and 1500 metres, to the collective intelligence of Arsène Wenger, legendary coach of Arsenal Football Club, an Alsatian just like Christelle Sturtz, karate world champion, or Vincent Anstett, Olympic fencing champion.

• Building self-esteem and autonomy with Kidi’Handi, the innovative school for para-sports for 8-12 years old at ASPTT Strasbourg.

• The art of composition, from conductor Charles Munch, an iconic figure in silent cinema, to Amélie Diéterle, a soprano and theatre actress, as well as the illustrator Blutch and singer-director Abd Al Malik. New talents are to be discovered during festivals like “Strasbourg Mon Amour”, “Le Shadok”, and “Colors Urban Art”.

• Louis Pasteur, a pioneer in microbiology and the inventor of the rabies vaccine, was a professor at the University of Strasbourg and spent a significant part of his life there.

• Marie Tussaud, born in Strasbourg in 1761 as Marie Grosholtz, founded the Madame Tussauds wax museum in London at the age of 74, after a lifetime dedicated to sculpting effigies of the prominent figures of her era.