A Day in Strasbourg

The third day in the area of the Bas-Rhin, starts with a visit to the Haut-Barr Castle.
It is a Medieval structure, built in 1100, on the cliff of the city of Saverne and since its height it was called "the eye of the Alsace", overlooking the valley.
It was subjected to several changes, rebuilding and expansions during the years, in fact, after the Peace of Westphalia it was destroyed, and then in 1701 restored and got back in use. Again, it was abandoned in 1770, but the vault of the chapel is still in use and well-preserved. Today it is listed among the Historical Monuments of France.
Since it is a free site, in order to visit it, it is suggested to contact the tourist office of Saverne +33 (0)3 88 91 80 47.

Arrived in Strasbourg, the best way to explore the city is to walk around. So the itinerary suggests a parking space in the centre to leave the car.

You have just entered Strasbourg, you're in the main square of the city, Place Kléber.
The origins of the square date back between 1528 and 1531, when there was a Franciscan Convent in that area; it became the actual Kléber square just in 1840 when it was inaugurated the Mausoleum dedicated to the general of Strasbourg Jean-Baptiste Kléber.
After that period, the site became the core of the old tram railway and also a parking space, until its complete renovation in 2007, with the presence of green spaces and fountains.

You'll have lunch at Tamil, a typical Indian restaurant, which is located in the city centre.
The concept of this place is to offer a taste of tradition, by keeping a particular attention to the chosen ingredients and also to the way they are prepared.
It is the only place where is still used a traditional charcoal tandoor - a jar-shaped oven in terracotta - to cook their meals.
Opening hours: Monday - Sunday: 11.30 - 2 pm, 6 pm - 11 pm
They only accept reservation by phone +33 3 88 23 59 76.

The sacred symbol of the city is the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg.
Like all the other French Cathedral encountered in this trip, it is a magnificent Romanesque-Gothic work of art, also listed as historical monument of France since 1862.
To fix the origins of the building, a lot of archaeological excavations work have been done during the years, by discovering that the actual Cathedral was erected on an ancient Roman Sanctuary.
Several times, the structure was dismantled and rebuilt during different times, until the late construction by the bishop Enrico di Hasenburg which ended in 1439.
The Cathedral is made of precious sandstone of the Vosges mountains, which gives it the typical reddish color.
But one of the most relevant components of the church, is located in the interiors, and it is the Astronomical Clock, symbol of the advanced scientific studies of the period.
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday: 8.30 am - 11.15 am, 12.45 pm - 5.45 pm Sunday: 2 pm - 5.15 pm

The Rohan Palace, is an ancient building, that was built between 1728 and 1741 for the bishop Armand-Gaston-Maximilien de Rohan-Soubise, and it is a symbol of the Classicism in architecture.
The building, whose name comes from the Rohan family and the four major bishops that in XVIII century were active in the Strasbourg diocese, welcome the visitors with a majestic entrance: a monumental gate and a triumph arch that give access to the internal court.
Today, the palace is also the headquarters of three important museums of the city, the Archaeological Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Decorative Arts.
It is possible to visit the Palace and the Museums every day, except Tuesday, from 10 am to 6 pm. More info here.

This is the most ancient and evocative neighborhood of the city, called La Petite France, and listed among the UNESCO world heritage.
The area was initially a poor and degraded part, characterized by the humidity of the soil - due to the nearness to the canal - and for a bad smell that circulated in the air, since it was also a location of leather working.
This is also the reason of its name, since at the end of the XV century, a lot of soldiers who came back from the war contracted the syphilis - called the French evil, that is the mal Français - and the municipality of the city decided to built a hospital outside the city, in the marginalized and "smelly" area. From this event, it became the Petite France.
But today, thanks to a big intervention of rebuilding, due to the World War II bombing, it is a beautiful and picturesque neighborhood, with lovely half-timbered houses, little streets full of flowers and canals.

This other bridge, known as Barrage Vauban, is the defensive structure which replaced the Covered Bridges.
Erected in the XVII century, on the same location on the river, and with the aim of being a barrier for the city, its function was more that of a dam, which should have provoked the rising of the level of water to flood the surrounding territory in case of an enemy attack.
Today it is classified as a Historical Monument of France and used as an exhibition center, with it panoramic terrace on the rooftop.
The entrance to the barrier and terrace is free and accessible every day.
Opening times: 1st September to 31st October: Monday - Sunday: 8 am - 7 pm 1st November to 28th February: Monday - Sunday: 8.30 am - 4 pm
1st March to 30th April: Monday - Sunday: 8 am - 7 pm
1st May to 31st August: Monday - Sunday: 7.15 am - 9 pm

Continuing the promenade in the Petite France area of Strasbourg, you will encounter the Ponts Couverts, which are a group of three bridges built on the Ill river, during the XIII century, as a defensive structure.
Classified as Historical Monuments of France from 1928, they crossed the canals of the river to connect the various defensive points of the city, and were covered by wooden roof to protect the soldiers who had to control the area, from the attacks of the enemies.
This is why they were called Covered Bridges, and still today, though the wooden roof were removed in 1784, they keep the original name.

The dinner is served on the canal in the heart of the Petite France neighborhood, in this lovely place, the restaurant Pont Tournant.
The chef proposes a menu with local and seasonal products, by respecting the French culinary tradition.
The restaurant has a terrace with a view on the river that is open during the summer. For the service, you can book a table here from Wednesday to Saturday from 7 pm to 10 pm.

The location for the night is the Pavillion Regent Petite France, in the heart of the picturesque neighborhood, with a view from the room on the canal and a private parking.
It is an intimate and romantic atmosphere to spend the night at, waiting for the discoveries of the next day.