Strasbourg, France

3-Aug-2022 • Strasbourg France

I was absolutely over the moon when we reached Strasbourg from Frankfurt last June. I know for a fact that one only needs to take a train to travel to another country at times in Europe, but still, I just couldn't believe how quick and easy it was to do. Coming from the US where one has to take a plane to travel to many cities and states, I still couldn't believe it. If only travel was as easy here in the US as it is across the Atlantic.

Marc and I used up one of the seven train travel days we had on our German Rail Pass for this adventure. We initially preferred to travel on the direct DB train. Upon learning that there was an extra charge of over 100 euros for both of us to travel straight from Germany to France, we opted for the more affordable ticket with a layover each way in the town of Offenburg on the German and French border. The extra charge for us both totaled 30 euros. Not bad!

If I remember right, we left Frankfurt very early so as to arrive early too in Strasbourg. Despite our 45 minute layover in Offenburg, we still arrived very early in Strasbourg one Sunday morning. Given that it was a Sunday, majority of the stores were closed except for the ones at the square where the Strasbourg Cathedral was located. Those were open and did brisk business as many Viking Cruise Line passengers made their way to the beautiful French city on shore excursions.

I enjoyed the architecture so very much, most especially, the half timbered houses. There were hundreds of them. I must say, it was a very busy day and tourists were everywhere. Once again, we saw lots of visitors from cruise chips with their guides holding flags. The whole scene was truly festive.

This was a mural on the facade of a hotel in Strasbourg. This was also one of the very first images I saw and loved in the city. So artsy!

Just like in many European cities, one has to lookup at times to see the beautiful decorations and artwork on many building windows and walls.

I was disappointed to find out that the popular Galeries Lafayette in Strasbourg was closed at the time of our visit. Well, it was Sunday after all. I really wanted to shop there especially since the sales were just beginning.

I first saw a picture of Strasbourg on Instagram a few months ago during Christmas. I didn't know then that the city is best to visit during the holidays given the beautiful holiday decorations there are that adorn many of its homes and buildings.