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_City Overview Situated provocatively on the Franco-German border, over the centuries, Strasbourg has been passed back and forward like a ping-pong ball between these two countries. Annexed to France in 1681, after centuries of self-rule, Strasbourg was subject to German control from 1871 until the end of World War I and again between 1940 and 1944. The result is a city and people with a strong and distinctive local identity, combining the reputed efficiency and work ethic of the Germans with the lightness and sophistication of the French. The name Strasbourg comes from Strateburgum, ‘the city of the roads’, because of its strategic geographical position on the west bank of the Rhine. Today, it could be called ‘the city of the trams’, due to an excellent and recently expanded network. The city was already a thriving commercial centre in the Middle Ages, when building began on the impressive Cathédrale Notre-Dame. Its intellectual and artistic heights were reached during the Renaissance. In 1566, the university was founded and leading figures of the Reformation settled in Strasbourg. Religious strife during the 16th and 17th centuries caused considerable upheaval, although the 1681 annexation of the city by France brought stability and enabled Strasbourg to reassert its economic strength. Its symbolic significance as a major European city was confirmed when it was chosen as the seat of the Council of Europe in 1949, the European Court of Human Rights in 1994 and the European Parliament, whose position was finally guaranteed in 1992. After Paris, Strasbourg is now France’s most important diplomatic town. Strasbourg is far enough away from the capital to be truly independent on a cultural level, with its own opera, France’s only national theatre outside Paris, two international music festivals and Europe’s only bi-national TV station, Arte. Its international student population, of some 50,000, keeps the city vibrant and intellectually alive. Strasbourg is host to the permanent campus of the International Space University (ISU) and the Ecole Nationale d’Administration (ENA), the prestigious French Grandes Ecoles that relocated to Strasbourg in 1992. The Grande Ile (Big Island) is the heart of the city, encircled by the Ill River and Fossé du Faux-Rempart canal. The dominant landmark in Strasbourg is the Cathédrale Notre-Dame in the Vieille Ville (Old Town). It has remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. Around the cathedral, an impressive collection of museums is clustered. The central square is place Kléber – named after the brilliant Strasbourg-born military officer, Jean-Baptiste Kléber (1753-1800), who was singled out by Napoleon Bonaparte for high office in Egypt. Close by, is place Gutenberg – named after Johannes Gutenberg, who resided in Strasbourg between 1434 and 44, perfecting his famed printing press with moveable metal type. The main streets – rue des grandes Arcades and the parallel rue des Francs Bourgeois – are remarkably small and pedestrian friendly. The Petite France area in the Grande Ile’s southwestern corner, crossed by canals, is Strasbourg’s medieval quarter and classed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Its half-timbered houses and narrow streets could not be more different from the ultra-modern City of Europe to the northeast of the city. Strasbourg enjoys the semi-continental climate of the Alsace region, with sunny, warm and dry conditions. Nevertheless, because of the traditional Christmas market – the peak tourist season extends from May right through to the end of December. Language Alsatians speak French and many speak German as well. Some speak English or Elsässisch (Alsatian) – a High German dialect, which exists only as an oral language. Versions vary from town to town and Strasbourg has its own dialect. In spite of frequent attempts to restrict or ban the language, Alsatian is still spoken, particularly by the older generation. Owing to space restrictions in this guide, however, only the French names and phrases are given. There is an increasing interest to reassert Alsatian, demonstrated by the decision in 1995 to place bilingual (French/Alsatian) street names in key points of the town. Hence, place de la Cathédrale is also known as ‘Muenschterplatz’ and rue de la Douane as ‘Kaufhusgass’. Owing to space limitations in this guide, however, addresses are given in French only. Phrases French is given first with Alsatian in brackets Yes - Oui (Ya) No - Non (Ne) Hello - Bonjour (Bonjour) Goodbye - Au revoir (Au revoir) Please - S’il vous plaît (Wen’s belebt) Thank you - Merci (Merci) My name is … - Je m’appelle … (Ich heiss …) How are you? - Comment ça va? (Wie geht’s?) I’m very well - Ça va bien (Es geht (mir) gut) I feel ill - Je ne me sens pas bien (Es isch mir net gut) How much does it cost? - Combien est-ce que ça coûte? (Wie viel koscht’s) Do you speak English? - Est-ce que vous parlez anglais? (Redener Englisch?) I don’t understand - Je ne comprends pas (Ich versteh net) Where is …? - Où est …? (Wo isch …?) Entrance - Entrée (Ingang) Exit - Sortie (Usgang) Danger - Danger (Gefahr) Open - Ouvert (Offe) Closed - Fermé (Zu) Toilets - Toilettes (Toilet) Doctor - Docteur (Dokter) Hotel - Hôtel (Hotel) Restaurant - Restaurant (Restaurant) Beer - Bière (Beer) Wine - Vin (Win) Menu - Menu (Menu) Today - Aujourd’hui (Hit) Tomorrow - Demain (Morie) Monday - Lundi (Monda) Tuesday - Mardi (Diensda) Wednesday - Mercredi (Mitwoch) Thursday - Jeudi (Donnersda) Friday - Vendredi (Frida) Saturday - Samedi (Samsda) Sunday - Dimanche (Sonda) One - Un / Une (Eins) Two - Deux (Zwei) Three - Trois (Drei) Four - Quatre (Fer) Five - Cinq (Fenf) Six - Six (Sechs) Seven - Sept (Seve) Eight - Huit (Acht) Nine - Neuf (Nin) Ten - Dix (Zehn) Twenty - Vingt (Zwanzig) Thirty - Trente (Drissig) Forty - Quarante (Verzig) Fifty - Cinquante (Fufzig) Sixty - Soixante (Sachzig) Seventy - Soixante-dix (Sewezig) Eighty - Quatre-vingt (Achzig) Ninety - Quatre-vingt dix (Ninzig) One Hundred - Cent (Hundert) One Thousand - Mille (Tausig) Getting There By Air Strasbourg-Entzheim International Airport (SXB) Tel: (03) 8864 6767. Fax: (03) 8864 6764. Website: www.strasbourg.aeroport.fr The airport, France’s seventh largest, is situated 12km (seven miles) southwest of Strasbourg. International links include flights to Amsterdam, Brussels, Casa Blanca, Copenhagen, Istanbul, London, Madrid, Milan, Moscow and Vienna. There are excellent connections to Paris – links between the two cities represent approximately 70% of the airport’s traffic. Major airlines: The national carrier is Air France (tel: (0820) 820 820, in France or (01) 4299 2101, outside France; www.airfrance.com). Other airlines include Air Littoral, Austrian Airlines, Iberia, Regional Airlines, Transaero and SN Brussels. Approximate flight times to Strasbourg: From London is 1 hour 20 minutes; from New York is 8 hours 5 minutes; from Los Angeles is 11 hours 35 minutes; from Toronto is 8 hours 15 minutes and from Sydney is 23 hours 50 minutes. Airport facilities: These include duty-free shops and boutiques, a restaurant, bar, newsagent (Relais H), bureau de change with two ATMs and car hire from Ada, Avis, Budget France, Europcar, Hertz, National Citer and Sixt. Business facilities: The Restaurant de l’Europe (tel: (03) 8864 5003), on the first floor, has a meeting room with a capacity for eight to ten people. The Chamber of Commerce (tel: (03) 8864 6797) has a conference room on the second floor, with a capacity for 200 people. Arrival/departure tax: None. Transport to the city: Compagnie de Transport Strasbourgeois – CTS (tel: (03) 8877 7070) operate frequent shuttles (navettes), which take 12 minutes to the centre of town and cost approximately €4.70 (single). This service operates Monday-Friday 0525-2300, Saturday 0545-2240 and Sunday 0625-2300. Taxis to the city centre cost approximately €23. Getting There By Road Motorways bear the prefix ‘A’ and national roads ‘N’. Minor roads are classed as ‘D’ roads. Traffic drives on the right and drivers must give way to the right, unless the route is marked with Passage Protégé signs (a broad arrow, a yellow diamond or an ‘X’ on a triangular background), or if the driver is at a roundabout indicating vous n’avez pas la priorité. Speed limits are 130kph (81mph) on motorways, 110kph (68mph) on dual carriageways separated by a central reservation, 90kph (46mph) outside built-up areas and 50kph (31mph) in built-up areas. Visitors who have held a driving licence for less than two years face tighter speed restrictions. The minimum age for driving is 18 years. All front- and rear-seat passengers must wear seatbelts. Children under ten years may not travel in the front seat. A national driving licence, the car’s registration document and a red warning triangle must be carried at all times. The French police fine motorists on the spot for driving offences, such as speeding. Random breath tests for drinking and driving are common – the legal alcohol to blood ratio is 0.05%. EU nationals taking their own cars to France are strongly advised to obtain a Green Card, without which insurance cover is limited to the minimum legal cover. The Green Card tops this up to the level of cover provided by the car owner’s domestic policy. Useful contacts include the Automobile Club d’Alsace, 5 avenue de la Paix (tel: (03) 8836 0434; fax: (03) 8836 0063; e-mail: info@automobileclub.org; website: www.automobileclub.org), the Hôtel de Police, 34 route de l’Hôpital (tel: (03) 9023 1717), and Zurich Assurances (Zurich Insurance), 7 rue de Verdon (tel: (03) 9040 4210). Emergency breakdown service: Automobile Club (0800) 080 001. Routes to the city: Strasbourg is on the central European motorway network, directly connected to Paris by the A4 motorway to the west, linked to Munich via Stuttgart on the A8 Autobahn to the east and the A5 north to Frankfurt. The recently developed Strasbourg–Mulhouse route is linked to the national motorway network, facilitating access to Lyons and Marseilles, as well as to destinations in Spain and Italy. Approximate driving times to Strasbourg: From Stuttgart – 1 hour 45 minutes; Frankfurt – 3 hours 45 minutes; Paris – 5 hours. Coach services: The coach station is located at place des Halles and served by two companies. Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois – CTS (tel: (03) 8823 4323; website: www.strasbourg.com/cts) serves the immediate surroundings of Strasbourg, including Wasselonne, Obernai and Erstein. Mugler (tel: (03) 8889 4053) serves the north of Strasbourg and more distant locations, including major towns, Haguenau and Niederbronn-Les-Bains. Getting There By Rail The Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français – SNCF (tel: (08) 9235 3535; website: www.sncf.com) is the national railway service. The main train station, located at 20 place de la Gare (tel: (03) 8875 4120), is France’s sixth largest railway station. There is a post office located nearby at 18 place de la Gare, and car hire services from Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz are available at or near the station. Rail services: There are good links to many European cities, such as Frankfurt (journey time – 2 hours 50 minutes), Brussels (journey time – 5 hours) and London (journey time – 6 hours), as well as direct links to France’s major cities, including Paris (journey time – 4 hours), Bordeaux (journey time – 7 hours) and Marseille (journey time – 9 hours). The new high-speed TGV-est, currently under construction, will enhance the existing service – the planned completion date is 2006. Transport to the city: Trams taken in the direction of Illkirch or Etoile, lead directly to the city centre (L’Homme de Fer stop). Getting Around Public Transport The Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois – CTS (tel: (03) 8877 7070; website: www.strasbourg.com/cts) runs the bus and tram systems in Strasbourg. Trams run daily 0430-2430, approximately every two minutes in rush hour. Line A links the northwest (Hautepierre) with the south of the city (Illkirch-Graffenstaden) and passes through the main train station, place Kléber and place de l’Etoile. Lines B and C were inaugurated on the 1 September 2000. Line B links the southeast of Strasbourg (Elsau district) to the communes in the north (Schiltigheim, Bischeim and Hoenheim), while line C links Elsau to the heart of the university quarter, the Esplanade district. The lines meet at place de l’Homme de Fer in central Strasbourg. Buses run until 2330. The main stops are at Baggersee, Hautepierre, Observatoire, Montagne verte and Pont Phario. Bus and tram tickets cost €1.10 and a carnet of five costs €4.70. The Central Tourist Office, 17 place de la Cathédrale (tel: (03) 8852 2828), sells carnets of bus tickets and has free bus maps. Tickets are also available from CTS bureaux (place Kléber), post offices, some newsagents (tabacs) and ticket machines. Tickets must be time stamped before boarding the tram or bus. A travel pass, the tour pass, allows unlimited bus and tram transport for 24 hours and costs €3. Information on transport in Strasbourg is available online (website: www.transports-strasbourg.org). Taxis Taxis can be hired at taxi ranks at the train station and place de l’Homme de Fer. France Taxi (tel: (03) 8822 1919) and Taxi 13 (tel: (03) 8836 1313) operate 24 hours. Taxis charge €1.20 per kilometre during the day, rising to €1.80 at night and weekends. An extra charge of €0.50 is made for each item of luggage. Many taxis accept payment by credit card and tipping is not expected. Limousines AICS, 15 avenue Général de Gaulle (tel: (03) 8845 9191; e-mail: aics@cybercable.tm.fr; website: www.alsace-limousines.com), provides a chauffeured limousine service at a rate of €423 a day. Driving in the City Almost the entire centre of Strasbourg is pedestrianised and cars should be left at the large car parks on the fringes of the city centre. The popularity of public transport – particularly the trams – means that traffic congestion is rarely a problem. What rush hour there is, takes place 0800-0900 and 1630-1830. In order to encourage drivers to use public transport, eight large car parks outside the centre charge low rates (€2.70 per day), which include tram tickets for all passengers. More central car parks charge about €1.10 per hour. Sainte-Marguerite-Petite France, close to the Musée d’Art Moderne, charges €2.30 for six hours and €0.80 for less than one hour. Sainte Aurelie-Gare, just south of the station, charges the same rate. Three large car parks cluster around the place des Halles. Parking at the railway station, Serres, Canal and Porte de l’Hopital car parks are free for visits of less than 30 minutes. The Batelier Car Park, near the Cathedral, Austerlitz, in the south of Strasbourg, near the place d’Austerlitz, and ‘Parking 2’, at Centre Halles, are free 2000-0200 – ideal for nights out. Further information is available from Strasbourg’s online parking guide (website: www.parcus.com) and www.transports-strasbourg.org. Car Hire Providers include Avis (tel: (03) 8832 3044; website: www.avis.com) and Europcar France (tel: (03) 8815 5566; website: www.europcar.fr), both located near the train station, and Hertz France, 10a boulevard Metz (tel: (03) 8832 5762; website: www.hertz.fr). The minimum age for car hire varies from 21-25 years, a credit card is required and drivers must have possessed a national driving licence for at least one year. Hire rates are approximately €83-€270 per day, with insurance usually included in the price. Environmentally friendly electric cars are available for hire (€15 for half a day or €30 for a day) at the Sainte-Aurélie car park, 1 Boulevard de Metz. A deposit of €150 is required. Bicycle Hire Strasbourg has the largest cycle network in France. Bicycles can be hired from Vélocation, located not far from the station, at 4 rue du Maire Kuss (tel: (03) 8843 6430), 10 rue des Bouchers (tel: (03) 8843 6440), Sainte-Aurélie 1, boulevard de Metz (tel: (03) 8832 2011), and 217 Route de Schirmeck (tel: (03) 9020 4712), as well as from Bus Vélocation, at the European Parliament (tel: (06) 1449 4360). A deposit of €45 is required, together with identification. One day of bicycle hire costs €4.50. Internet booking is possible (website: www.velo-strasbourg.com) and maps of the cycling routes are for sale at the point of hire. Business Business Profile Although the smallest of France’s 22 regions, Alsace is the second richest – after the Ile-de-France – and the biggest exporter per capita. Strasbourg’s geographical position, just across the river from Germany and close to Switzerland, allows some 69,830 Alsatians – les transfrontaliers – to cross the national boundaries daily. This keeps unemployment figures down to France’s lowest rate, at 5.8%, compared to the national average of 8.9%. In addition, economic success is assured by a tight network of small and medium-sized businesses, as well as the European Institutions, which help make Strasbourg France’s second city in terms of international events. Further factors in Strasbourg’s favour are its highly skilled labour force and balanced economy. The major sectors of employment are agriculture and wine production, leisure and business tourism, services, pharmaceutical and chemical companies (Bristol-Myers-Squibb, Chiral Technologies, Menicon, Synthélabo Biomoléculaire and Transgène), industrial manufacturing and, increasingly, computer technology. Among the most important French firms based in Strasbourg are SNCF (railways), Coopérateurs d’Alsace (retail) and France Télécom (telecommunications). The region’s geographical position, in the heart of Europe, has also paved the way for increasing international links and many foreign companies have a base in Alsace, such as Aventis, Delphi, aton, General Motors, General Motors Saginaw, Johnson Controls, Lilly, Roche and UPM Stracel. La Maison du Commerce International de Strasbourg (MCIS), set up in Strasbourg in 1979, was to be the World Trade Centre in France. Strasbourg is the third largest banking city in France, with 12 banking head offices and 14 foreign banks. Strasbourg’s banking network has approximately twice as many banks per inhabitant as the rest of France. The financial quarter is based in the Wacken quarter, while offices dominate the central Places des Halles – including Ernest and Young and Anderson. Business parks are located outside the centre – one at Schiltighen, five kilometres (three miles) north of Strasbourg, which includes the headquarters of Aventis. There is a science park, ten kilometres (6 miles) south of the city, in Illkirch, where electronics companies, such as Transgene, are based. Business Etiquette Standard office hours are around 0800-1900, with a lunch break between 1200-1400. Offices often close early on Friday afternoon. Breakfast meetings (between 0830 and 1000) are increasingly frequent, while late-afternoon and lunch meetings are common. The Alsatians are well practiced in dealing with foreign visitors – over 40% work in foreign companies, of which 20% are Anglo-Saxon. Many members of the professional community speak German and English. The working mentality is quite Germanic – work is taken seriously. Other French regions accuse the Alsatians of being too serious, while Alsatians think Parisians and the southern French are too light-hearted (légers). Of all the French regions, Alsace loses the smallest number of days in labour disputes. When conducting business, the first meeting is normally devoted to establishing a relationship – further meetings will enable decisions to be made. Business cards are vital and suits (and ties for men) should be worn. Initial introductions should be made with surnames and visitors should bear in mind that the Strasbourgeois will use the formal French ‘Monsieur’ and ‘Madame’ or the formal German equivalents ‘Herr’ and ‘Frau’. After work socialising is not so common in Strasbourg, although colleagues will often dine together over their long 1200-1400 lunch break. Lunch meetings are also common. It is unlikely that visitors doing business in the city will be invited to private homes of their clients. When deciding to set up business in Strasbourg, it is wise for foreign businesspersons to include an Alsatian, with useful contacts, in the team. The Alsace Development Agency, ADIRA (tel: (03) 8852 8282; fax: (03) 8875 6459) is a non-profit-making organisation geared towards minimising culture clashes and offers a wide-ranging free service for companies wishing to locate in Strasbourg. Sightseeing Sightseeing Overview The key attraction of Strasbourg has to be its pink limestone Gothic Cathedral, on place de la Cathédrale. Most of the museums are clustered around this focal point and many are housed in the 18th-century Palais Rohan. This area is easily reached by foot or by tram to the Grand’Rue or Homme de Fer. The Petite France district – former home of the city’s millers, tanners and fishermen – should not be missed. It has Hansel and Gretel-style half-timbered houses, flourishing geraniums and narrow streets crisscrossed by canals. This is the stuff of fairytales, so it is hardly surprising that Alsace has given rise to a rich folklore tradition (see Literary Notes). The canals lead to the Ponts Couverts, constructed as part of the 14th-century fortifications – the watchtowers still stand. The Barrage Vauban (Vauban’s Dam), designed to protect Strasbourg from river-bound attack, is nearby. Other districts for visitors to explore include the imposing European Institutions in northeast Strasbourg, with Richard Rogers’ visually striking European Court of Human Rights and the grandiose German Quarter, constructed during the Prussian occupation of 1870, dominating place de la République. The city’s university is nearby, across the Ill and Aar rivers. Visitors should pay a visit, if only to see the remarkable zoological and scientific collections at the Musée Zoologique, located in the heart of the campus. Strasbourg’s museums form a close and co-ordinated network and are free on the first Sunday of every month. Information is provided online (website: www.musees-strasbourg.org) and via a central information telephone line (tel: (03) 8852 5000). Tourist Information Office du Tourisme (Central Tourist Office) 17 place de la Cathédrale Tel: (03) 8852 2828. Fax: (03) 8852 2829. Website: www.strasbourg.com Opening hours: Daily 0900-1900. Other tourist offices are at Galerie à l’en-verre, place de la Gare and on avenue du Pont de l’Europe, route du Rhin. Passes The Strasbourg-Pass is available at the Central Tourist Office and in hotels for €9.90. Valid for three days, it includes five free offers – to one of the eight museums, ascent to the Cathedral platform, the Astronomical Clock, a boat tour through the Old Town and use of a bicycle for one day – and five half-price offers. Also available is the Pass des Musées de Strasbourg, which allows free annual access to all of Strasbourg’s museums and exhibitions and can be purchased at Strasbourg’s museums for €15 (one year) or €7.50 (three days). Serious culture vultures planning a year’s stay in Alsace may be tempted by the €45 Museums Pass, valid for one year and offering access to 120 museums in Alsace, Switzerland and Germany, also available for purchase at participating museums. Key Attractions Cathédrale Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cathedral) The Cathedral shares Strasbourg’s history of piggy-in-the-middle, falling under Protestant control after the Reformation and returning to the Catholic Church when Louis XIV took control of the city in 1681. Although shrouded in cobwebs of scaffolding, the building still stands proud, its steeple – completed in 1439 – reaching 142m (466ft). Highlights include the intricate façade with its three portals dedicated to the life of Christ and Last Judgement, the Eglise and Synagogue statues (the originals are located at the Musée de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame) and the colourful rose window over the west portal. The Horloge Astronomique (Astronomical Clock) strikes at 1230, as a cock flaps its wings and the stages of life – represented by child, boy, adult and old man – march to meet death. Place du Château Transport: Tram line A to Homme de Fer or tram line B to place Broglie. Opening hours: Daily 0700-1130 and 1240-1900 (Cathedral and roof); daily 1230 show, tickets on sale from 0900 (Atronomical Clock). Admission: Free (Cathedral); €3 (roof); €0.80 (Astronomical Clock). Musée de l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame (Notre-Dame Museum) The original pair of statues (circa 1230) of Eglise (a symbol of the victorious Church) and the blindfolded, defeated Synagogue (representing Judaism), is the main treasure of this museum. Other highlights include the Tête du Christ (Head of Christ), part of a stained-glass window from the mid-11th century, the sculptures of Nicolas Gerhaert de Leyde and the still life paintings by Sébastien Stoskopff. This rich collection of Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance sculpture, furniture and tapestries extends over three floors of 14th- and 16th-century buildings. 3 place du Château Tel: (03) 8852 5000. E-mail: oeuvre-notre-dame@cus-strasbourg.net Website: www.oeuvre-notre-dame.org Transport: Tram line A to Homme de Fer or Grand’ Rue, or tram line B to place Broglie. Opening hours: Tues-Sun 1000-1800. Admission: €3. Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace) This ‘mini-Versailles’ was built between 1732 and 1742, as a residence for the city’s French princely bishops, including Cardinal Louis de Rohan. The château houses three museums and a gallery. The basement is devoted to the Musée Archéologique and covers the period from the Palaeolithic Age to 800 AD. The Musée des Arts Décoratifs, on the ground floor, comprises the luxurious apartments of the cardinals of Rohan (used as guesthouses by Louis XV and Marie-Antoinette) and a collection of Strasbourgeois clocks and china. The Musée des Beaux Arts, on the first floor, displays European paintings from the Middle Ages to 1870. 2 place du Château Tel: (03) 8852 5000. E-mail: musees@cus-strasbourg.net Transport: Tram line A to Homme de Fer or Grand’Rue, or tram line B to place Broglie. Opening hours: Wed-Mon 1000-1800. Admission: €3 per museum or gallery; concessions available. Musée Alsacien (Alsace Museum) This intriguing museum of day-to-day life and Alsatian traditions is housed in three 16th- and 17th-century houses. The hodge-podge collection includes kitchen equipment, furniture, toys and a miniature 18th-century toy synagogue. 23 quai St-Nicolas Tel: (03) 8852 5000. Transport: Bus 10 to place Corbeau. Opening hours: Wed-Mon 1000-1800. Admission: €3; concessions available. Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) This museum, with its glass façade looking onto the quayside, is an ultra-modern addition to Strasbourg’s buildings. The impressive permanent collection of paintings from the 1860s to the 1950s includes work by Monet, Signac, Arp, Picasso, Magritte and Klimt. From the 1950s to the present day, Brecht, Filliou, Pérez and Manetas are represented. There is also an art library, concert hall and café-restaurant. 1 place Jean-Hans Arp Tel: (03) 8823 3131. Fax: (03) 8823 3132. E-mail: mamcs@sdv.fr Transport: Bus 4 or 10; tram line B. Opening hours: Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun 1100-1900, Thurs 1200-2200. Admission: €4.5; concessions available. Further Distractions Parc de l’Orangerie Situated just opposite the Palais de l’Europe, this is the largest and oldest park in the city. The beautifully proportioned pavilion, with its creamy white walls and central fountain, was constructed in 1804, in honour of Empress Josephine. However, the oldest paths were designed two centuries earlier, by Le Nôtre. The lake allows for boating in summer. The park has a zoo, ‘mini-farm’ and stork enclosure. Avenue de l’Europe Transport: Bus 6, 30 or 72 to Orangerie/Palais de l’Europe. Opening hours: Daily 24 hours. Admission: Free. Parc de Pourtalès In the 19th century, Countess Mélanie de Pourtalès would receive high society in the beautiful château, situated at the heart of this 24-hectare (59-acre) park. Contemporary sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens. Some, such as Claudio Parmiggiani’s La Forêt regarde et écoute (‘the forest watches and listens’), which consists of bronze ears grafted onto tree trunks, are so well blended in with the landscape that some locals still have not spotted them. Rue Mélanie Transport: Bus 15 to Mélanie. Opening hours: Daily dawn to dusk. Admission: Free. Tours of the City Walking Tours Strasbourg is an ideal size to be covered by foot and a trip around the Cathedral (particularly at night) and Petite France district is essential for the visitor. The lush, grassy banks of the Ill and the Fossé du Faux-Rempart canal afford views of the major sights. From April to December, the Central Tourist Office, 17 place de la Cathédrale (tel: (03) 8852 2828; fax: (03) 8852 2829), organises guided tours of the Cathedral and Petite France, the main churches in Strasbourg and the German Quarter, as well as visits to the Christmas Market from late November to 31 December. These French-only tours last 90 minutes and cost €6 (concessions are available). Boat Tours The Port Autonome de Strasbourg, 15 rue de Nantes (tel: (03) 8884 1313; fax: (03) 8884 3313; website: www.strasbourg.port.fr/visites-en-bateaux.htm), organises two-hour cruises along the Ill and Rhine rivers (1 July-1 September), costing €8. The Ill River cruise, with commentary in English, departs daily from the Palais Rohan pier, all year round. Tours take 70 minutes and cost €6.40 (concessions are available). Other Tours CTS (tel: (03) 8877 7070; website: www.strasbourg.com/cts) runs a Mini Train sightseeing service, with multi-lingual commentary. The 50-minute tours run daily, every 30 minutes, 1000-1700 (23 March-26 April), 0930-1830 (27 April-28 June – except on 1 May), 0930-1900 (29 June-15 September) and 0930-1700 (16 September-20 October. From 21 October to 3 November the train runs daily, every hour 1000-1700. It departs from the place du Château, passing the La Petite France district and the Cathedral, and costs €4.60 for adults and €2.30 for children. Excursions For a Half Day Colmar: The capital of the Haut-Rhin, 70km (43 miles) south of Strasbourg, is known for its quaint Old Town and dry wines (celebrated in the annual Foire aux Vins). It is also home to the Rétable d’Issenheim (Issenheim Altarpiece), painted by Mathias Grünewald, between 1512 and 1516, for St Anthony’s monastery and displayed at the Musée d’Unterlinden, 1 rue d’Unterlinden (tel: (03) 8920 1558; e-mail: info@musee-unterlinden.com; website: www.musee-unterlinden.com). Colmar is a 40-minute train journey from Strasbourg. Colmar Tourist Office, 4 rue d’Unterlinden (tel: (03) 8920 6892; fax: (03) 8920 6914; website: www.ot-colmar.fr) provides further information. For a Whole Day Molsheim and the Route du Vin: The Route du Vin extends from Marlenheim, west of Strasbourg, to Thann, close to Mulhouse, offering opportunities for free dégustations (tastings) and summer wine festivals. Molsheim is one of the largest towns on the itinerary, less than 30km (19 miles) southwest of Strasbourg – a 30-minute train journey. Its attractions, in addition to wine, include the medieval fortifications, the Porte des Forgerons (Blacksmiths’ Gate), the 16th-century Metzig and the Eglise des Jésuites, an impressive Gothic church. Molsheim Tourist Office, 19 place de l’Hôtel de Ville (tel: (03) 8838 1161; fax: (03) 8849 8040; e-mail: infos@ot-molsheim-mutzig.com; website: www.ot-molsheim-mutzig.com), provides further information. Hotels Hotel prices in Strasbourg generally include VAT and a room tax (taxe de séjour) of between FFr1-7 per person per night. Guests are advised to tip porters FFr10 for each bag and chambermaids FFr10 per day. The prices quoted below are the starting prices for double rooms, including VAT and room tax but excluding breakfast unless otherwise specified. Business Holiday-Inn Strasbourg City Centre This 170-room business hotel is located opposite the Palais des Congrès and less than five minutes from the main European institutions and the city centre. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with TV and mini-bar and Internet access is available for guest use. For additional luxury, visitors can also choose a room on the executive floor. Conference and banqueting facilities are available for up to 500 delegates across nine fully equipped meeting rooms. For sports and relaxation, there is a fitness centre, indoor swimming pool with sauna and steam room. Free parking is also available for guests. 20 place de Bordeaux Tel: (03) 8837 8000. Fax: (03) 8837 0704. E-mail: histrasbourg@alliance-hospitality.com Website: www.holiday-inn-strasbourg.com Price: FFr1100/EUR168. Hôtel Sofitel Strasbourg This modern, 155-room business hotel is centrally located, just five minutes’ walk from the Petite France district of the city. All rooms are air-conditioned and equipped with data ports; audiovisual equipment is also available for hire. In addition, there are 13 meeting rooms that can hold up to 400 people and there is a car park for guest use. The Sofitel also boasts two apartments with private meeting rooms, a hotel bar and L'Alsace Gourmand restaurant, which serves regional cuisine. Place St Pierre le Jeune Tel: (03) 8815 4900. Fax: (03) 8815 4999. E-mail: h0568@accorhotels.com Website: www.accorhotels.com Price: FFr1450/EUR221. Libertel Jean-Sébastien Bach Situated next to the Orangerie park and a few minutes’ walk from the European Parliament buildings, this plush business hotel with its own car park was built just two years ago. The modern hotel is located in one of the smartest residential quarters of Strasbourg, only 12km (7.5 miles) from the airport. Although equipped with two seminar rooms, a secretarial service and Internet access, business travellers will also enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at this friendly hotel. The 62 air-conditioned studios and 14 two-room suites are decorated in a contemporary style and fitted with fully equipped kitchen, terraces and Internet access. Faxes can be also be fitted on request. 6 boulevard Jean-Sébastien Bach Tel: (03) 9041 3000. Fax: (03) 9041 3100. E-mail: libertel@strasbourg.com Website: www.strasbourg.com/libertel-residence Price: FFr790/EUR120. Strasbourg Hilton The Strasbourg Hilton is just five minutes’ walk from the city centre and European institutions. This modern, seven-storey purpose-built hotel has 243 rooms and five suites equipped with mini-bar, direct-line telephones with modem point and personalised answer machines. For those needing that extra degree of comfort, deluxe and executive floors are on offer. Visitors can enjoy a working brunch at the Le Jardin du Tivoli brasserie, gourmet lunch at La Table du Chef, fine malt whiskeys at the Churchill Bar or cocktails and concerts at Le Bugatti Bar. Business services are extensive, with state-of-the-art audiovisual technology, video-conferencing and a choice of 16 meeting rooms (the largest of which is the Orangerie Salon). Visitors can combine exhibition space at the neighbouring Palais de la Musique et des Congrès with the hotel’s meeting rooms, offering a total conference or exhibition area of over 4.9 hectares (12 acres). The hotel also offers an event planning service at the business centre, including secretarial, multimedia and catering service. Avenue Herrenschmidt Tel: (03) 8837 1010. Fax: (03) 8836 8327. E-mail: sales_strasbourg@hilton.com Website: www.hilton-strasbourg.com Price: FFr1200/EUR183. Luxury Hôtel le Château de l’Ile This 17th-century château, which was renovated in the 19th century and opened as a hotel in 1994, is situated in a large park, halfway between Strasbourg Airport and the city centre. Its 54 air-conditioned rooms and eight apartments are decorated in 18th- and 19th-century style, offering views of the castle courtyard, French garden and Ill River. Three fully equipped meeting rooms offer a combined capacity for up to 250 persons, while relaxation facilities include an indoor pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna and fitness room. There is also a large golf course just 6.4km (four miles) away. Chef Jean Ferriz serves regional specialities and classic French cuisine in the winstub restaurant (pronounced ‘veenshtub’, meaning a winebar-restaurant serving local specialities) and in warm weather, meals are served on the riverside terrace. 4 quai Heydt, Ostwald Tel: (03) 8866 8500. Fax: (03) 8866 8549. E-mail: contact@chateau-ile.com Website: www.chateau-ile.com Price: FFr950/EUR145. Hôtel Régent Petite France This chic hotel, a former ice factory (from a period predating the refrigerator), consists of three 17th-century buildings overlooking the Ill River in the Old Town’s picturesque Petite France district. While the hotel maintains its traditional structure on the outside, the interior is decorated in sleek, contemporary designs and the original paintings of local artist Martin-Prades. The 72 rooms are equipped with fax lines and satellite TV and each of the 11 suites has a private Jacuzzi. Facilities include a fitness room, gastronomic restaurant Le Pont Tournant and bar Les Glacières. There are three fully equipped seminar rooms seating up to 120. 5 rue des Moulins Tel: (03) 8876 4343. Fax: (03) 8876 4376. E-mail: rpf@regent-hotels.com Website: www.regent-hotels.com Price: FFr1350/EUR206. Moderate Hôtel Cathédrale This budget hotel, in the pedestrianised area near Strasbourg’s Cathedral and Maison Kammerzell restaurant, is ideally situated for those wishing to tour the city’s museums, go shopping, test out the regional cuisine at the winstubs or go to the opera. The hotel entrance is decorated in a Gothic style, with many religious artefacts on display. Full of character and decorated in a modern style, each of the rooms is different; all have ensuite bathrooms, however, and are equipped with TV and mini-bar – those overlooking the Cathedral are slightly more expensive. There are also two well-equipped meeting rooms. 12 place de la Cathédrale Tél: (03) 8822 1212. Fax: (03) 8823 2800. Price: FFr350/EUR53. Hôtel Hannong The Horn brothers, renowned modern art collectors of the region, founded this Art Deco hotel in the 1920s, on the site of an 18th-century Hannong china factory. All 72 rooms are decked out in wooden panelling and objets d’art, creating a suitably arty setting. Some of the rooms are air-conditioned and all have modem points. Free Internet access is also available for guest use. The Horn lounge is ideal for small business meetings in a 1930s setting and Alsatian draught beers are served in the Wyn bar. From the hotel, it is a stone’s throw to place Kléber and the picturesque Petite France district. 15 rue du 22 Novembre Tel: (03) 8832 1622. Fax: (03) 8822 6387. Price: FFr450/EUR69. Other Recommendations Hôtel Maison Rouge Well suited for small business meetings and located close to the pedestrianised area around place Kléber, this stylish hotel, with its high-ceilinged breakfast room, is full of character and individuality. Each of the 140 rooms and two suites is decorated in a unique style and the dining room and hall display beautiful pieces of furniture and Hannong ceramics. The two meeting rooms, which offer conference space for up to 60 people, are equipped with fax machines, photocopier, large screen, overhead projector and Internet access. Although there is no restaurant or private parking at the Maison Rouge, restaurants cluster in the surrounding area and there is a large, underground car park at place Kléber. 4 rue des Francs-Bourgeois Tel: (03) 8832 0860. Fax: (03) 8822 4373. E-mail: info@maison-rouge.com Website: www.maison-rouge.com Price: FFr560/EUR85. Hotel Régent Contades This intimate, traditional hotel, located in a grand 19th-century townhouse in the Contades district, will suit those who put comfort first. The luxurious 34 rooms and 11 suites located on the fifth floor are equipped with satellite TV, mini-bar, radio and modem points. Breakfast is served in the gracious Belle Epoque dining room, cocktails are served in the Regency Bar (a pleasant environment for business meetings) and there is also a sauna for relaxation. 8 avenue de la Liberté Tel: (03) 8815 0505. Fax: (03) 8815 0515. E-mail: rc@regent-hotels.com Website: www.regent-hotels.com Price: FFr920/EUR140. Restaurants We have selected 25 restaurants, which we have divided into five categories: Gastronomic, Business, Trendy, Budget and Personal Recommendations. The restaurants are listed alphabetically within these different categories, which serve as guidelines rather than absolute definitions of the establishments. Most restaurants in Strasbourg include tax and a 15% service charge within their prices. If service is good, guests will often leave an extra FFr10 tip or the small change from their bill if they pay in cash. If service is not included, it is customary to leave a 15% tip. The prices quoted below are for a three-course meal and for a bottle of house wine or equivalent, including tax and service charge unless otherwise stated. Gastronomic Au Crocodile Alsatian chef Emile Jung combines his love of haute cuisine and regional cooking at his top Strasbourg restaurant, blessed with three Michelin stars. Born in Masevaux, in the foothills of the Vosges Mountains, Jung built his experience in the culinary capital of Lyons (where he was inspired by the great Paul Bocuse) and at renowned Parisian restaurants, Fouquet’s, Ledoyen and Maxim’s. Located near the Cathedral and place Kléber, Au Crocodile is decorated in a classical style with ochre tones and modern paintings along the walls. House specialities include truffle surprise and duck liver in baeckeoffe (traditional Alsatian dish – meat, vegetables and potatoes cooked in white wine and herb sauce). Guests should expect a long and well-chosen wine list and attentive service. Closed Sunday and Monday. 10 rue de l’Outre France Tel: (03) 8832 1302. Fax: (03) 8875 7201. E-mail: info@au-crocodile.com Website: www.au-crocodile.com Price: FFr410/EUR63. Wine: FFr180/EUR27. Buerehiesel Antoine Westermann serves refined and regional cuisine at Buerehiesel, a 17th-century country house, originally located in Molsheim, then uprooted and reinstated in its present location, the heart of the Orangerie park, for the 1895 Industrial Exhibition. The chance to dine in a timber-beamed room overlooking the lush greenery of the Orangerie park, and dine on dishes such as Les Schniederspaetle et les cuisses de Grenouilles poêlées (ravioli with onions and chervil served with frogs’ legs) and La Poularde de Bresse en Baeckeoffe (chicken and vegetable casserole with rosemary), is an expensive but memorable experience. Closed Tuesday and Wednesday. 4 parc de l'Orangerie Tel: (03) 8845 5665. Fax: (03) 8861 3200. E-mail: westermann@buerehiesel.fr Website: www.buerehiesel.com Price: FFr900/EUR137. Wine: FFr300/EUR46. Julien Julien, located in an elegant 1900s building with Belle Epoque decor, overlooks the Ill River. Eric Lestuzzi’s cuisine and the attentive service assured by owners Françoise and Jean-Paul Schaller has won the restaurant its Michelin star. Popular for working lunches with European Parliamentary members, this gastronomic restaurant is renowned for its scallops and oysters, roast lamb, duck foie gras and bitter chocolate icecream. Closed Sunday and Monday. 22 quai des Bateliers Tel: (03) 8836 0154. Fax: (03) 8835 4014. Website: www.strasbourg.com/julien Price: FFr340/EUR52. Wine: FFr180/EUR27. La Vieille Enseigne Jean-Christophe Langs serves regional cuisine in this cosy but classic restaurant, located in the heart of Strasbourg. His excellent cooking has won a star in the Michelin guide. Specialities include roasted bream fish stuffed with crunchy fennel and served with aniseed veal juice. Closed Saturday lunchtime and Sunday. 9 rue des Tonneliers Tel: (03) 8832 5850. Fax: (03) 8875 6380. E-mail: ch.langs@mcf.fr Website: www.la-vieille-enseigne.com Price: FFr350/EUR53. Wine: FFr180/EUR27. Restaurant Zimmer Sengel Georges and Danièle Sengel serve traditional Alsatian cuisine mixed with the flavours of Southeast Asia at the picturesque Zimmer Sengel, situated in a building close to place Broglie and place Kléber that has served as a restaurant since 1312. In summer, the terrace (on the corner of rue du Temple Neuf and rue du Sanglier) is perfect for alfresco dining, whilst private rooms are available for banquets, business lunches and parties all year round. Specialities include goose liver foie gras, snails in ginger sauce and glazed kougelhopf (raisin and nut cake) with gingerbread and cherries. Closed Sunday. 8 rue du Temple Neuf Tel: (03) 8832 3501. Fax: (03) 8832 4228. Website: www.restoclub.com/67000/sengel.htm Price: FFr195/EUR30. Wine: FFr85/EUR13. Business Le Panier du Marché This centrally located restaurant, near place Kléber, is decorated in a Parisian bistro style. A fixed-price menu offers a wide choice of delicious entrées, main courses and desserts, making this a good venue for an economical but delicious business lunch. Specialities include foie gras, coquilles Saint-Jacques and copious, mixed salads. A good wine list complements the dishes. Closed Saturday and Sunday. 15 rue Sainte-Barbe Tel: (03) 8832 0407. Fax: (03) 8823 6452. Price: FFr168/EUR26. Wine: FFr80/EUR12. Le Pont des Vosges This trendy Parisian-style brasserie is a favourite with Strasbourg’s jet set and business community, largely due to its location near the city’s business district. Owner Annie Voegel ensures that the service is impeccable while chef Jean-Philippe Schnubnel offers a menu based on the region’s best seasonal produce which may include wild mushrooms and game. Closed Saturday lunchtime and all day Sunday. 15 quai Koch Tel: (03) 8836 4775. Fax: (03) 8825 1685. Price: FFr200/EUR30. Wine: FFr100/EUR15. Maison des Tanneurs Located in the heart of the Petite France district, the riverside Maison des Tanneurs (also known as the Gerwerstub) must be one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque restaurants. The building, built in the late 16th century, is where Nancy Reagan chose to dine during her Strasbourg visit in 1985 – with its rustic, wooden interior, it is still a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. The specialities, created by chef René Breitel, include Alsatian favourites, such as choucroute and foie gras. Closed Sunday and Monday. 42 rue du Bain aux Plantes Tel: (03) 8832 7970. Fax: (03) 8822 1726. E-mail: maison.des.tanneurs@wanadoo.fr Website: www.maison-des-tanneurs.com Price: FFr250/EUR38. Wine: FFr120/EUR18. Maison Kammerzell The local business community, in particular, have a soft spot for the Maison Kammerzell, situated in a stunning 16th-century building, complete with wooden beams and frescoes, on place de la Cathédrale. The food matches up to the restaurant’s fabulous setting and specialities include Alsatian favourite choucroute au poisson. 16 place de la Cathédrale Tel: (03) 8832 4214. Fax: (03) 8823 0392. E-mail: baumann@maison-kammerzell.com Website: www.maison-kammerzell.com Price: FFr220/EUR34. Wine: FFr88/EUR13. Restaurant winstub L’Ami Schutz Located between the two forks of the Ill River, next to the Ponts Couverts (covered bridges), this is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque bierstubs, with a wooden beamed interior. It is an excellent place to try regional specialities, such as chef Ervé Nachbauer’s rendition of choucroute au Riesling and braised pork in beer. The lunch menus are particularly popular with businesspeople and in summer, the shady terrace is perfect for alfresco dining. 1 Ponts Couverts Tel: (03) 8832 7698. Fax: (03) 8832 3840. E-mail: ami-schutz@strasbourg.com Website: www.strasbourg.com/ami-schutz Price: FFr200/EUR30. Wine: FFr190/EUR29. Trendy Cinecitta After seeing a film, this cosy cinema restaurant offers up pizza, pasta, fresh salads and ice cream named after filmstars and blockbuster movies, from James Dean to Titanic. Posters of film stars decorate the walls. Advance booking is recommended at this trendy venue, which stays open until midnight. Closed all day Monday, and Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes. 42 rue de Zurich Tel: (03) 8837 9595. Website: www.restoclub.com/67000/cinecitta.htm Price: FFr110/EUR17. Wine: FFr60/EUR9. La Cloche à Fromage Visitors follow their nose to this temple to cheese, situated near place Gutenberg and serving more than 100 different cheeses – there is a bewildering choice of cheeses and cheese dishes on the menu, accompanied by delicious homemade breads. The restaurant has a quirky decor with a large mural along one wall and a wooden interior. Guests are strongly advised to book ahead to guarantee a seat. Closed Tuesday. 27 rue des Tonneliers Tel: (03) 8823 1319. Fax: (03) 8832 9960. E-mail: tourrette@cheese-gourmet.com Website: www.cheese-gourmet.com Price: FFr180/EUR27. Wine: FFr90/EUR14. L’Art Café This trendy restaurant, decorated by Yves Taralon (who designed the Café Marly under the arcades of the Louvre in Paris), is just as contemporary as the modern art museum it serves. Visitors can sidestep the museum and head straight for this colourful, modern café. The cuisine is seasonal and innovative and, unlike many French restaurants, the restaurant is open non-stop Tues-Sun 1100-2300. Dishes include good mixed salads, fish and meat dishes. In summer, it is best to dine on the terrace, which offers fabulous views of the Ill River, the Cathedral and the rooftops in the Old Town. 1 place Jean Arp Tel: (03) 8822 1888. Fax: (03) 8822 0099. E-mail: artcafe@mamcs.com Website: www.culture-espaces.com/art_cafe Price: FFr200/EUR30. Wine: FFr78/EUR12. Le Noctambule For those who get hungry in the night, Le Noctambule is the answer. This friendly restaurant, with Art Deco bar and live piano music opens at 1900 and keeps serving decent French food until 0600 (until 0700 Friday and Saturday). Duck foie gras is the house speciality. Closed Sunday. 9 petite rue de la Course Tel: (03) 8832 8374. Fax: (03) 8821 9691. E-mail: info@noctambule.com Website: www.noctambule.com/noctfr.html Price: FFr150/EUR23. Wine: FFr100/EUR15. Le Plum’art For those who tire of Alsatian cuisine, Le Plum’art, located in a quiet street in the lively Krutenau quarter, is a wise restaurant choice, offering food from a different French region every week. Monthly exhibitions display contemporary art. 7-9 rue du Renard Prêchant Tel: (03) 8825 7660. Price: FFr129/EUR20. Wine FFr80/EUR12. Budget Fink’Stuebel This perennially popular winstub (pronounced ‘veenshtub’, meaning a winebar-restaurant serving local specialities), located in the Petite France district, excels in Alsatian specialities, including onion tart with crème fraîche and pork or chicken with spätzles and Riesling sauce. Closed Sunday and Monday. 26 rue Finkwiller Tel: (03) 8825 0757. Fax: (03) 8836 4882. Price: FFr200/EUR30. Wine: FFr100/EUR15. Hippopotamus The Hippopotamus chain offers sumptuous steaks and decent salads in a young, fun environment and is perfect for families (children’s menus are available at FFr47/EUR7) and large groups. This restaurant is located in the heart of Strasbourg’s shopping district, close to the place des Halles. 40-42 rue du Vieux Marché aux Vins Tel: (03) 8823 8490. Fax: (03) 8823 8491. Website: www.hippopotamus.fr Price: FFr76/EUR12. Wine: FFr84/EUR13. L’Alsace à Table Located near place Kléber, this 1920s Parisian brasserie is decorated with paintings on the wall, wooden tables and sea scenes. Chef Guy-Pierre Baumann masterminds this excellent restaurant, which applies Alsatian culinary traditions to fish and seafood. The house speciality is a dish invented by Baumann some 20 years ago – choucroute aux poissons. The first floor is tailor-made for business meetings or banquets. 8 rue des Francs-Bourgeois Tel: (03) 8832 5062. Fax: (03) 8822 4411. E-mail: info@alsace-a-table.fr Website: www.alsace-a-table.fr Price: FFr159/EUR24. Wine: FFr85/EUR13. Le Medicis This Italian restaurant, a stone’s throw from the IECS business school, offers up high-quality dishes in a friendly environment and is popular with students prepared to exceed their standard budget for a high-class meal, as well as locals not wishing to break the bank. Pasta dishes include tagliatelle with salmon and fresh cream or penne in a spicy tomato sauce. Closed Sunday. 38 rue Wimpheling Tel: (03) 8860 5880. Fax: (03) 8860 0571. Price: FFr100/EUR15. Wine: FFr100/EUR15. S’Munsterstuewel A stone’s throw from the Cathedral, this traditional winstub (pronounced ‘veenshtub’, meaning a winebar-restaurant serving local specialities) is one of the best places in Strasbourg to try out the local gastronomy. Chef Patrick Klipfel (founder of the Michelin-starred Auberge du Kochersberg) reinterprets regional cooking with his own light touch. House specialities include queues de crevette à peine poêlées sur choucroute caramélisée au miel ou curry (shrimps’ tails lightly fried in a caramelised honey or curry sauerkraut) or pied de porc désossé maison en baeckeoffe farci aux trois viandes (boned and stuffed pig’s trotters). Closed Sunday and Monday. 8 place du Marché aux Cochons de Lait Tel: (03) 8832 1763. Fax: (03) 8821 9602. E-mail: munsterstuewel@wanadoo.fr Website: www.strasnet.com/munsterstub.htm Price: FFr190/EUR29 (including wine). Wine: FFr95/EUR14. Personal Recommendations Eggcellence This intimate, friendly little restaurant in the Krutenau district serves eggs in every way possible, from scrambled to poached, omelettes and more. The eggs are laid by free-range chickens in the Alsace region. Ingredients as varied as truffles, smoked salmon and crab add to the flavours of the dishes, which interpret Greek, Vietnamese, Spanish, Tunisian and French styles, always using egg as a key ingredient. Closed Sunday. 18 rue de la Krutenau Tel: (03) 8835 7474. Website: www.actweb-fr.com/eggcellence Price: FFr90/EUR14. Wine: FFr70/EUR11. Fujiyama Traditional Japanese dishes are served in an attractive setting in this recently opened Japanese restaurant, decorated in traditional Japanese style with lacquered wooden tables and chairs. Fujiyama is under the same ownership as Strasbourg’s other excellent Japanese eating place, L’Osak (located at 50 rue du Jeu des Enfants). Closed Monday lunchtime and all day Sunday. 19 rue des Veaux Tel: (03) 8824 5829. Fax: (03) 8875 1647. Price: FFr100/EUR15. Wine: FFr100/EUR15. La Bolée…de cidre This typical Breton crêperie is a wise budget option, as well as being an intimate little restaurant, decorated with a sea theme. Sweet and savoury pancakes are served with their perfect accompaniment – cider from Brittany. There are over 120 different pancake fillings, including spinach and cheese, mushroom, ham and egg or seafood. The cellar is available for group bookings. Closed Sunday and Monday. 55 rue du Fossé des Tanneurs Tel: (03) 8875 9975. Price: FFr70/EUR11. Bottle of cider: FFr40/EUR6. Le P’ti Max Le P’ti Max is a Strasbourg institution, open non-stop from 1130 to 0100. Situated on three levels, with a terrace on place de l’Homme de Fer, there is space for everything from a tête-à-tête to group bookings for forty. The restaurant has its own distinctive decor – bistro style with flowered tablecloths on the lowest level, feminine style on the intermediate level and arty style on the top level where a large painting in the style of Toulouse-Lautrec dominates. The cuisine is traditional, with many local dishes on the menu. The house speciality is beef carpaccio and there are also may other beef dishes. 4 place de l’Homme de Fer Tel: (03) 8823 0500. Fax: (03) 8823 9909. E-mail: info@pti-max.com Website: www.pti-max.com Price: FFr109/EUR17. Wine: FFr88/EUR13. Poêles de Carottes Grated carrots is not the only dish served in this vegetarian restaurant, where 80% of the ingredients are organic. House specialities include vegetable gratin, bread baked on the premises, pizzas and fresh juice drinks. Prior booking is recommended, particularly at lunchtimes. Closed Sunday. 2 place des Meuniers Tel: (03) 8832 3323. Fax: (03) 8844 0722. Price: FFr80/EUR12. Wine: FFr58/EUR9. Sport Football is ever popular and Strasbourg’s team, Le Racing club de Strasbourg (tel: (03) 9041 2222; website: www.rcstrasbourg.fr), has been doing rather well recently, climbing up to the first division in Autumn 2002. The football stadium, Stade de la Meinau, rue de l’Extenwoerth (tel: (03) 8844 5544), has a capacity for 30,000 spectators. The annual sporting highlights begin in January, with the International Fencing Tournament. May sees the European Football Tournament – STRASCUP and the International Women’s Tennis Championship. The popular Triathlon is held in July and the season culminates in August, with the European Handball Tournament. Tickets to major sporting events in Strasbourg are available for purchase at the Office des Sports, Quai Ernest Bévin (tel: (03) 8831 8383) or FNAC, place Kléber (tel: (03) 8852 2121). The Hôtel de Ville, 1 place de l’Etoile (tel: (03) 8860 9090), the Office des Sports and the Centre d’Information de la Jeunesse Alsace, 7 rue des Ecrivains (tel: (03) 8837 3333; website: www.cija.org), all provide further information on sporting events in Strasbourg. Fitness centres: These include Carré Brun, 11 rue de Wissembourg (tel: 03 8832 7515), where a day of sport or pampering costs €18, L’Eau Vive, 29 Vieux-Marché-aux-Vins (tel: (03) 8822 3655), which costs €10.67 per day, and Cour de Honau, allée de la Honau, 67610 La Wantzenau (tel: (03) 8896 3344) where four hours of gym costs €20. Golf: The Golf Club de Strasbourg is situated at the route du Rhin, Illkirch-Graffenstaden 67400 (tel: (03) 8866 1722; website: www.golf-strasbourg.com). The course is open to non-members, on Monday to Friday 0900-1800, although those wishing to play must have a handicap of at least 35 and belong to a golf club. Weekends are for members only, or guests invited by a member. Fees are €40 weekdays and €50 weekends. The 18-hole course, Kempferhof, 351 rue du Moulin, at Plobsheim (tel: (03) 8898 7272), is open to the public, costing €60 weekdays and €90 at the weekend. Golf International Soufflenheim (tel: (03) 8805 7700; website: www.golfclub-soufflenheim.com) has three courses – 18, nine and six holes – and one practice driving range, at allée du Golf in Soufflenheim. Rates are €23-€45 weekdays and €30-€70 at the weekend. Squash: A 45-minute game of squash at ASL Robertsau sports centre, 212 route de la Wantzenau (tel: (03) 8831 6525), costs €5.50 per person, with racquet hire costing €1.60 per person. The sports centre is open to non-members. Swimming: Public pools include the Piscine de la Robertsau, 210 route de la Wantzenau (tel: (03) 8831 3233), and the grandiose Bains Municipaux, 10 boulevard de la Victoire (tel: (03) 8825 1758), where one can also take a sauna or Turkish bath. Tennis: Most tennis courts belong to private clubs and require membership. ASS Strasbourg, however, located at 20 rue Pierre de Coubertin, in the international quarter (tel: (03) 8835 2923), has four covered courts available for hourly hire – €15 off-peak period and €18 after 1730 weekdays and all day weekends. Four more courts will open in September 2002. For information on membership of Alsace clubs, visitors should contact the Ligue d’Alsace de Tennis, rue Baden Powel (tel: (03) 8827 9900). Shopping The Place des Halles, 24 place des Halles, is the main commercial centre (open Monday-Saturday 0900-2000), with approximately 130 shops, as well as restaurants and bars. The two main department stores, open daily 1000-1900, are both situated near place Kléber – Nouvelles Galeries, 34 rue du 22 Novembre, and Printemps, 1-5 rue de la Haute Montée. Designer shops can be found along rue des Orfèvres (Chanel and Yves Saint-Laurent) and rue de la Mésange (Cartier, Gucci and Hermès), with chic outlets along rue des Hallebardes and the up-and-coming rue du Vieux-du-Marché-aux-Poissons (Kenzo, Cerruti and Georges Rech), fast becoming lined with designer names. Visitors can buy second-hand clothes, priced according to their weight, from Kilo Shop, 6 rue de la Lanterne, while traditional Alsatian costumes are for sale or hire at Maison du Costume Alsacien, 11b quai de Turckheim. For year-round Christmas fans, Un Noël en Alsace, 10 rue des Dentelles, sells Christmas decorations whatever the season. Hat lovers should head for designer hatters La Chapellerie, 24 place de la Cathédrale. Speciality shops are located all over the city but most close 1200-1400 and on Sunday and Monday mornings. Alsatian specialities at the Edouard Artzner Shop, 7 rue de la Mésange, include Strasbourg goose and duck foie-gras and Alsatian wines. René Tourette’s cheese shop, La Cloche à Fromage, 27 rue des Tonneliers, is well worth a visit. The Central Tourist Office provides a brochure on Strasbourg’s markets, mainly held Tuesday-Saturday 0700-1300. There is an all-day food market at place Broglie on Wednesday and Friday and a flea market at place de la Grande Boucherie and rue du Vieil Hôpital on Wednesday and Saturday. The seasonal Christkindelsmärik takes place from late November to 24 December at place Broglie and rue de la Comédie, and until 31 December at place de la Cathédrale and rue des Hallebardes. This traditional Christmas market dates back to the 16th century and everything from vin chaud (hot wine), to santons (figurines for the crêches), toys and gourmet delicacies are on sale. Shopping hours vary – department stores are open 0900-1900 and boutiques are open 1000-1200 and 1400-1800. Shops are closed on Sunday and some boutiques also close on Monday morning or all day. VAT currently stands at 19.6% and visitors from outside the European Union can claim a refund upon departure, for every purchase over €175. Culture Fabienne Keller, Strasbourg’s new mayor, is dedicated to allocating a large portion of the city’s budget to culture. Music is its forte but Strasbourg does well across the cultural spread, with several events open to the public every day of the year. The concert and opera seasons run from October until May. The largest concerts are shown at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, place de Bordeaux (tel: (03) 8837 6767; website: www.strasbourgmeeting.com). Recitals and chamber music can be heard inside churches and smaller concert halls. Every year, for a weekend every September (journée des patrimoine), Strasbourg’s cultural institutions allow free entry to the public. From September 2002, two key cultural venues – TAPS Scala, 96 route du Polygone (tel (03) 8834 1036) and TAPS Laiterie, 10 rue du Howald – will work together to present a long season (September-June) of theatre music and dance.. Cultural activities are listed in the Dernières Nouvelles d’Alsace (website: www.dna.fr), Strasbourg Magazine (website: www.mairie-strasbourg.fr) and Hebdoscope. Tickets are available for purchase at the venue or, for larger concerts, at FNAC, place Kléber (tel: (03) 8852 2121). Music: The Opéra National du Rhin, Théâtre Municipal, 19 place Broglie (tel: (03) 8875 4800; fax: (03) 8824 0934; e-mail: opera@opera-national-du-rhin.com; website: www.opera-national-du-rhin.com), has earned Strasbourg a worldwide reputation in classical, lyrical and contemporary music. Other prestigious organisations include the Orchestre Philharmonique de Strasbourg (OPS), conducted by world-renowned Jan Latham-Koenig, which performs at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, place de Bordeaux (tel: (03) 8815 0900; website: www.strasbourgmeeting.com), the Percussions de Strasbourg, 15 place André-Maurois (tel: (03) 8826 0709; website: www.bisbigliando.com/percussions.htm), and the Conservatoire National de Région de Strasbourg (CNR), 10 rue du Hohwald (tel: (03) 8823 7723). Theatre: Organisations that attract international companies, actors and directors include the Théâtre National de Strasbourg (TNS), 1 avenue de la Marseillaise (tel: (03) 8824 8824; fax: (03) 8837 3771; e-mail: tns@tns.fr; website: www.tns.fr), the Théâtre Jeune Public, 7 rue des Balayeurs (tel: (03) 8835 7010; fax: (03) 8836 5327; e-mail: tjp@theatre-jeune-public.com; website: www.theatre-jeune-public.com), and Le Maillon, 13 place André Maurois (tel: (03) 8827 6171 or 6181, box office; e-mail: info@lemaillon.com; website: www.le-maillon.com). The Théâtre Alsacien de Strasbourg is located at the Théâtre Municipal, 19 place Broglie (tel: (03) 8875 4800; fax: (03) 8824 0934), and La Choucrouterie, 20 rue St-Louis (tel: (03) 8836 0728), presents traditional shows and political satires in French and Alsatian. Le Kafteur is a café-théâtre, located at 3 rue Thiergarten (tel: (03) 8822 2203; website: www.lekafteur.com), which presents humorous sketches. Dance: The Rhine Ballet Company performs at the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, place de Bordeaux (tel: (03) 8837 6767; website: www.strasbourgmeeting.com), and at the Opéra du Rhin (website: www.opera-national-du-rhin.com), located at the Théâtre Municipal, 19 place Broglie (tel: (03) 8875 4800; fax: (03) 8824 0934). Contemporary dance and jazz take place at Pôle Sud, 1 rue de Bourgogne (tel: (03) 8839 2340; website: www.strasbourg.com/pole-sud). Film: The recently opened multiplex, UGC (tel: (08) 9270 0000), on the Route du Rhin, in the Neudorf district, east Strasbourg, boasts 22 screens and seats 5,400 people, making it the largest cinema in Europe. The centrally located Pathé Vox (tel: (03) 8875 5021), 17 rue des Francs Bourgeois, offers reduced rates for the 1100 showing. Star Saint Exupéry, 18 rue du 22 Novembre (tel: (03) 8832 3482), has the winning formula of film plus meal. Art cinemas, Cinéma Star, 27 rue Jeu des Enfants (tel: (03) 8832 4497), and Odyssée, 3 rue des Francs Bourgeois (tel: (03) 8875 1047), show films in their original language. Cultural events: The major annual events are the International Music Festival in June, with classical concerts held throughout the city, and Strasbourg’s summer season of poetry, Les Mardis de la poésie, every Tuesday in July and August, as well as choral concerts on Wednesday, Les mercredis de la Voix, and concerts on Thursday, Les jeudis de la petite scène musicale. Musica, the festival of contemporary music, held at the Palais de la Musique et des Congres, in September, and the jazz extravaganza, Jazz d’Or, in November, are also important annual events on the city’s cultural calendar. Literary Notes Early literary works involving the city include the Serments de Strasbourg (842), by the brothers Charles le Chauve and Louis le Germanique, and the edifying 12th-century Hortus Deliciarum, by the nun, Herrade de Landsberg. The city’s association with the written word was continued by Gutenberg (1399-1468), who arrived in Strasbourg in 1434, where he developed his printing press with moveable type. Despite debtors forcing Gutenberg to flee from Strasbourg in 1444, by the end of the 15th century, printing was strongly established in the city – an integral part of the intense religious and intellectual life in Alsace. Goëthe’s stay in Strasbourg, in 1770-71, marked the start of the German renovation movement in poetry, known as ‘Sturm und Drang’. Up to the end of World War I, German-language literature was thriving. Notable contributors were Friedrich Lienhard, René Schickele and Jean-Hans Arp. Albert Schweitzer, the most important Alsatian figure of the 20th century, contributed with literature in dialect. In the early 1980s, Alsatian literature – in the form of songs and poetry – was rediscovered. Alsatian folklore was published in modern French. Particularly charming are the magical tales traditionally recounted on New Year’s Eve. Modern Alsatian literature is expressed in French, German and Alsatian dialect. Alsatian literature can be found at La Librairie Oberlin, 22 rue de la Division Leclerc (tel: (03) 8832 4583), and at the annual Salon du Livre in Colmar. Other highpoints on an Alsatian literary trail include the BNUS National University Library – France’s second largest library after the Bibliothèque National de France – and a fabulous humanist library, Bibliothèque Humaniste de Sélestat, located 45km (28 miles) from Strasbourg, in Sélestat. The latter boasts a rich collection of 3000 manuscripts dating from the seventh to the 16th century and tracing the evolution from handwritten to printed work. Nightlife The student population keeps Strasbourg’s nightlife vibrant. Many of the regular hotspots are clustered around the Cathedral and along rue des Juifs, however, it is worth considering other options – such as an evening tour on a bateau-mouche or the son et lumière performances at the Cathedral in the summer. Bars stay open until at least 2330 and often until 0400. The legal drinking age in France is 16 and the price of a drink is approximately €5. Visitors proficient in the mother tongue can refer to Strassnight, published by the tourist office, for nightlife listings and information. There is also an online source of useful information (website: www.strassbuch.com), thanks to some local students. However, this is also published in French. Bars: Le Zurich, 59 rue de Zurich, is a sparse but comfortable café. Decorated with faded photographs, it has a certain old-world charm and draws a mixed bunch of people who gather to chat, read the newspaper or play cards. The relaxing Académie de la Bière, 17 rue Adolphe Seyboth, is open daily until 0400, serving over 70 varieties of beer – including beer cocktails – in gorgeous, wooded interiors. Zum Schluch, 3 rue de l’Outre, is a large, friendly and centrally located bierstub, while the Quai des Bières, at the pont du Corbeau, is best visited for happy hour (1730-2000). Murphy’s House, 9 rue des Frères, is the obligatory Irish pub complete with Celtic music and pop. Pub Nelson, 20 rue des Couples, is another anglophile hangout, with a wide choice of beers from England, Ireland, Belgium, Holland, France and Germany. The Elastic Bar, 27 rue des Orphelins, is one of the trendiest bars, a step ahead of the popular Tapas Café, 16 rue de Bain Finkwiller. Designed by cutting-edge architect Jean Nouvel, Le Schutzenberger, 29 rue des Grandes Arcades, is a hyper-trendy, three-levelled bar that serves good tapas and snacks and is open daily 1000-0200 and later at weekends. Another must is Les Frères Berthom, 18 rue des Tonneliers (website: www.lesfreresberthom.com), with attractive decor, friendly staff, a good variety of beer and excellent cocktails – small wonder it is so popular. Perennial favourites include Les Aviateurs, 12 rue des Soeurs, L’Annexe, 29 quai Finkwiller, and La Java-Le Village, 6 rue du Faisan. More dignified evenings are in order at the Hilton Hotel, avenue Herrenschmidt, which draws the business community with its ever-so-British Churchill Bar. Casinos: Casino de Niederbronn, place des Thermes, Niederbronn, is the region’s one and only casino, situated to the north of Strasbourg. Games include the traditional roulette and blackjack, as well as slot machines. The dress code is smart, the minimum age is 18 years and a passport is required for entry. Clubs: Le Divan, 6 impasse de l’Ecrevisse, features Latino music, house, groove and salsa, from Tuesday to Saturday. A mixed crowd dance the night away at Le Chalet, 376 route de la Wantzenau (Wednesday-Thursday 2200-0400), with two dancefloors, karaoke, restaurants and bars in a large, flash complex. Another mammoth venue, Le Colysée, route de Mommenheim, in nearby Brumath, is open Tuesday-Sunday 2200-0400 and Wednesday 2030-0400 (website: www.lecolysee.com), boasting one of the largest dancefloors in the region, along with lasers, restaurants, and frequent themed evenings. For a more intimate evening, La Cascade, 17 rue des Moulins, open Thursday-Sunday 2200-0400, is an attractive little venue, situated in the heart of the Petite France district. Le Joker, 7 Simenstrasse (Friday-Saturday 2200-0500), located in the industrial Kehl district, is the venue of choice for fans of RnB, while two-level bar-club Le Café des Anges, 42 rue de la Krutenau, open Tuesday-Saturday 2100-0400, plays salsa with tango, as well as jazz and groove. Le Blue B (website: www.blue-b.fr), open Tuesday-Sunday 2200-0400, at 1 rue du Miroir, is a good all rounder, with friendly staff, star-studded decor, a well-stocked bar and good grooves. For a student vibe, Le Caveau, 1 place de l’Université, situated under La Gallia student canteen, is about as studenty as it gets. For those who just want to keep partying, Le Rock City, 24 rue des Poules, has after-parties on Saturday and Sunday from 0400-0700. Live music: La Salamandre, 3 rue Paul-Janet, open Tuesday-Thursday 2100-0300 and Friday-Sunday 2100-0400 (website: www.lasalamandre-strasbourg.fr), is a popular venue that hosts around 40 major concerts every year – live music is Tuesday or Friday. International stars to have graced the stage include The Stranglers, Les Négresses Vertes, Pulp and Tri Yann. With space for around 500 people and reasonable prices, early booking is advisable. In the absence of major performances, check out salsa, 60s, 80s, student, flexigroove and reggae evenings. The older members of the community are treated to ballroom dancing on Sunday nights. Another top venue for live performance is La Laiterie, 10 rue du Howald (tel: (03) 8823 7237). Le Griot, at the impasse de l’Ecrevisse, just opposite the Hôtel de Ville on place Broglie, is one of Strasbourg’s best jazz clubs. City Statistics Location: Department of Bas-Rhin (Lower Rhine), Alsace region, northeastern France. Country dialling code: 33. Population: 264,115 (city); 451,240 (metropolitan area). Ethnic mix: 86% French, 14% numerous other nationalities. Religion: 65% Catholic, 23% Protestant, 7.5% Muslim and 4.5% Jewish. Time zone: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz; round two-pin plugs are standard. Average January temp: 1°C (34°F). Average July temp: 19°C (66°F). Annual rainfall: 610mm (24 inches). Special Events Carrefour Européen de l’Antiquité et de l’Art (European Crossroads of Art and Antiques), Jan, Wacken Exhibition Hall, place de la Foire Festival Européen du Disque (European Music Festival), music industry meeting, Jan, Wacken Exhibition Hall Salon International de la Moto et des Deux Roues (International Car and Motorbike Show), automobile, bicycle and motorbike Show, Feb, Wacken Exhibtion Hall Puces-Brocantes (Flea Market), antiques and flea markets, Feb, Wacken Exhibition Hall ST’ART, contemporary art fair, Feb, Wacken Exhibition Hall Salon des vins des vignerons indépendants (Independent Winegrowers Show), the wealth of Alsace wines and wind-growing expertise comes to Strasbourg, offering opportunities to taste and buy, Feb, Wacken Exhibition Hall Tourissimo (Tourism Fair), Mar, Entzheim Airport Salon EGAST, national gastronomic fair, Mar, Wacken Exhibition Hall Carnaval de Strasbourg (Strasbourg Carnival), end Mar-early Apr, throughout the city centre Maison du Printemps-Salon Habitat-déco (Printemps’ Interior Design Show), Apr, Wacken Exhibition Hall Salon du Tuning Passion Auto (Automobile Show), May, Wacken Exhibition Hall Puces-Brocantes (Flea Market), antiques and flea markets, May, Wacken Exhibition Hall Festival des Artefacts (Dance Music Festival), world music concerts, May, Wacken Exhibition Hall Internationaux de Tennis Feminin (International Women’s Tennis Tournament), May, rue Baden Powel, Hautespierre, Strasbourg Festival International de Musique (International Music Festival), Jun, Palais de Musique et des Congres Fête de la Musique, classical and contemporary music festival held throughout France, Jun, throughout Alsace Les Mardis de la poésie (Tuesday of Poetry), poetry season, every Tues in Jul and Aug, Munsterhof, 9 rue des Juifs Les mercredis de la Voix (Wednesday of the Voice), choral concerts, Wed in Jul and Aug, Munsterhof, 9 rue des Juifs Les jeudis de la petite scène musicale (Thursday of the Small Musical Scene), concerts, Thurs in Jul and Aug, TJP Petite Scène, 1 rue du Pont-Saint-Martin Foire Régionale des Vins d’Alsace (Regional Fair of Alsatian Wine), Aug, Colmar Foire Européenne de Strasbourg (European Fair of Strasbourg), everything from tractors to saris for sale, Sep, Wacken Exhibition Hall, place de la Foire Festival Musica, festival of contemporary music, Sep-Oct, Palais de la Musique et des Congres Salon des Associations, fair facilitating meetings with Strasbourg companies, Oct, Palais de la Musique et des Congrès Jazz d’Or, jazz festival, Oct-Nov, Palais de la Musique et des Congrès Salon du Livre, book fair, Nov, Colmar Nuits Européennes (European Nights), musical evenings, two-three days in Nov, Palais de la Musique et des Congrès Puces-Brocantes(Flea Market), antiques and flea markets, Nov, Wacken Exhibition Hall Marché de Noël (Christmas Market), end Nov-31 Dec, place Broglie et place de la Cathédrale and place de la Gare Cost of Living On 1 January 2002, the French Franc was replaced by the Euro. One-litre bottle of mineral water: €0.45 33cl bottle of beer: €1.20 Financial Times newspaper: €2.20 36-exposure colour film: €6.20 City-centre bus ticket: €1.10 Adult football ticket: €10-€50 Three-course meal with wine/beer: €23 1 Euro (€1) = £0.68; US$1.07; C$1.62; A$1.80; FFr6.56 1 French Franc (FFr1) = €0.15 Currency conversion rates as of February 2003 Business Services Business Contacts: Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Strasbourg et Bas-Rhin 10 place Gutenberg, 67081 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8875 2525. Fax: (03) 8822 3120. E-mail: information@strasbourg.cci.fr Website: www.strasbourg.cci.fr French Chamber of Commerce (UK) 21 Dartmouth Street, London SW1H 9BP Tel: (020) 7304 4040. Fax: (020) 7304 7034. E-mail: mail@ccfgb.co.uk Website: www.ccfgb.co.uk Franco-American Chamber of Commerce (USA) 6th Floor, 1350 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10019 Tel: (212) 765 4460. Fax: (212) 765 4650. E-mail: info@faccnyc.org Website: www.faccnyc.org French Chamber of Commerce (Canada) Bureau 202, 1819 Boulevard René-Lévesque Ouest, Montréal, Québec H3H 2P5 Tel: (514) 281 1246. Fax: (514) 289 9594. E-mail: accueil@ccfcmtl.ca Website: www.ccife.org/canada French-Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Australia) 9th Floor, AAP Centre, 259 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000 Tel: (02) 9251 1033. Fax: (02) 9251 1031. E-mail: facci@acenet.com.au Website: www.facci.com.au Business library Bibliothèque Nationale et Universitaire de Strasbourg 6 place de la République, BP 1029, 67070 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: (03) 8825 2800. Fax: (03) 8825 2803. E-mail: bnus@bnus.u-strasbg.fr Website: www-bnus.u-strasbg.fr Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie de Strasbourg et Bas-Rhin 10 place Gutenberg, 67081 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8875 2525. Fax: (03) 8822 3120. E-mail: information@strasbourg.cci.fr Website: www.strasbourg.cci.fr Documentation service available on prior request. Convention and meeting planner Groupe Strasbourg Développement Place de Bordeaux, Wacken, 67082 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: (03) 8837 6767. Fax: (03) 8835 3817. E-mail: info@strasbourgmeeting.com Website: www.strasbourgmeeting.com The most important conference organiser in Strasbourg works with the technical supplier Exsaco, for events at the largest venues: Le Palais de la Musique et des Congrès and Sofex. Services include the provision of venues, organisation of conferences, accommodation, catering and human resources. Convention and meeting venues An exhaustive list of meeting venues, with the possibility for direct reservation and booking, is supplied electronically by the Chamber of Commerce (above). Palais de la Musique et des Congrès Place de Bordeaux, Wacken, 67082 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: (03) 8837 6767. Fax: (03) 8835 3817. E-mail: info@strasbourgmeeting.com or business@strasbourgmeeting.com Website: www.strasbourgmeeting.com Situated close to the airport, the Palais contains two large auditoria (Erasme: capacity 1984; and Schweitzer: capacity 1100), a series of meeting rooms, catering facilities for 2500 people, and simultaneous translation facilities. Parc exposition du Wacken, Société des Foires Exposition (SOFEX) Place de la Foire Exposition, BP 256 R/7, 67007 Strasbourg Cedex Tel: (03) 8837 2121. Fax: (03) 8837 3795. E-mail: sofex@strasbourgmeeting.com Website: www.sofex.fr Large exhibition area, used annually for the European Fair. Office equipment hire Régus Tour Sébastopol, 3 quai Kléber, 67080 Strasbourg Cedex 3 Tel: (03) 8823 7070. Fax: (03) 8823 7000. Website: www.regus.com 40 fully equipped offices for hire for anything from one hour to one month. Bilingual secretarial service is provided. Meeting rooms for conferences are also for hire. LocaConseil 4 allée Spach, 67000 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8835 0036. Fax: (03) 8835 0044. E-mail: locacons@noos.fr Website: www.locaconseil.fr Situated near the Conseil de l’Europe, this company hires out computer equipment, portable computers, modems, faxes, video projectors, etc. Secretarial service ALLO Secrétariat 9 place Kléber, 67000 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8814 3886. Fax: (03) 8814 3898. E-mail: strasbourg@buro.com Translation services Linguissimo 76 rue de la Plaine des Bouchers, 67100 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8839 6667. Fax: (03) 8839 6200. E-mail: info@linguissimo.com Website: www.linguissimo.com Interpreting and translating (commercial, technical, legal) services and language courses. A Propos Traduction 4 rue La Fayette, 67100 Strasbourg Tel: (03) 8879 8900. Fax: (03) 8879 8901. E-mail: apropos@tpgnet.net Translation and interpreting service. History 12BC Romans choose Strasbourg as the site for their military camp on the Rhine and name it Argentoratum 1434-44 Johannes Gutenberg resides in Strasbourg, perfecting his printing press with moveable metal type 1566 Strasbourg University is founded 1681 Louis XIV’s troops enter Strasbourg placing it under French control 1770-71 German poet/philosopher Johann Wolfgang von Goethe studies law in Strasbourg 1870 Strasbourg is handed over to the German Empire 1918 Strasbourg regains its French nationality 1940 Strasbourg is occupied by the Germans 23 Nov 1944 French troops, under General Leclerc, liberate Strasbourg 1949 Council of Europe is founded, with Strasbourg chosen as its headquarters Copyright © 2003 Columbus Travel Publishing Ltd.