Strasbourg - The Capital of...you name it!

Time of procrastination : 4 months

During Christmas vacation I visited Strasbourg, a city located at north east of France, bordered by Rhein River on east side from which we can just cross the bridge to go to Germany's area. Being less than 3 hours from Paris by train, it is worth to smuggle to the itinerary for one day or two. I spent 5 days there and for me, in general, Strasbourg has a very strong charm in its history and culture.
The interesting one, during my visit, I found at least 3 principal labels of "capital of..." attached to this city. Well, maybe there's more, but let us talk  about those three  :)

1. Capital of Alsace
This label is administratively given for its role as the capital of the region of Alsace. Look at the name closely , "Strasbourg" must be a derivative from German as we also know many German cities ended with burg. Most visitors, and I myself, feel that Strasbourg is not really French enough. The capital has been passed between  France and Germany several times in the past. It makes the taste of Germany strongly infiltrate many parts of the city, society, language, or even culinary. We can find the street names in Germany as much as in French, we can find beer as easy as wine, etc. Oh, they do write the street names and almost all the signage in both language. So it's not really French, but not so German tho'. That double identity blends well and create a unique aculturation that bring a real feel of European city. And no need to bother whether it's French or German, it's Alsace! :D

the picture is taken from here

2. Capital of Europe

Strasbourg is home for several important buildings of European Union institution. The most famous, stylish, and magnificient one is European Parliament building. Located quite far from the centre but easy to acces both by tram or by boat if we join a tour. With an advance arrangement and registration, it is possible to visit the real parliament plenary for free, check http://www.europarl.europa.eu/visiting/en/visits.html for more information. But, if there is no plenary schedule, we can still enjoy that rounded building with the historical photographs of Europe around the outring pillars.

European Parliament Building - front view

rear view / from the canal, with the message of VOTRE PAIX  VOTRE PRIX! (your peace your prize!) in many european languages

Hallo! It's me inside the outer ring.

3. Capital of Christmas

This famous label is the one that brought me, and huge number of tourists from any part of this planet, to pick Strasbourg as the destination during Christmas - New Year holiday.

Capitale de Noël - Capital of Christmas

According to my observation, the label came out most likely because of three main reasons. Firstly, Strasbourg is really proud of having introduced the Christmas Market since 16th century to be one of a common tradition in many other European cities nowadays. 

Secondly, Strasbourg has a super giant-yes-it's-more-than-30-meters christmas tree, claimed as the highest in Europe. Again, since 16th century.

Day and night, it's really HUGE, isn't it? 

The tree's placed in Place Kleber, the center of the center, so surely you won't miss it.

Thirdly, with its 142 meters high, Strasbourg Cathedral remains to be one of the tallest church in Europe and in the world during the old century. It is really IMPRESSIVE! We can march up to the tower (until 66 meters = 330 steps) to get the literally "breathtaking" effect, if you know what I mean :)).
Well, I did! And it was splendid!

However, here are my personal opinion:

• since the christmas market has been replicated here and there, I can experience the very similar of it in Nantes. What really different is the number of the market, there're only 2 in Nantes while Strasbourg has around 15 markets spread all over the city! But then again, why spend time to visit 15 similar markets that more likely sell overpriced stuff?

The christmas market. Above: Strasbourg, below: Nantes

• the giant tree, as you can see at the picture, is indeed super duper tall. But, that's all.
• and as I mentioned, the cathedral is amazingly impressive and majestic. Unfortunately, the famous christmas market cover up its beauty :(

The Cathedral (and the Christmas Market)

Found this beautiful lighting but also with...another christmas market

So, for me personally, the third label is kind of overrated to be the main reason for people going there. As I don't celebrate christmas, maybe it can be totally different opinion from those who celebrate.

Overall, I'd like to give 7/10 point for Strasbourg. If I have any chance to re-visit, I would love to do that not in December to avoid the tourists crowd and the christmas markets that cover up the city. So, surprisingly it's not the initial reason I came that broguht me liking this city, it's going to be another post :)