We arrived late in the afternoon but still had time to visit the main part of the old town, including the outside of Notre Dame de Strasbourg. The city is located on the German border and has been occupied by French or Germans alternately over the centuries. There is still a very distinct German flavour here. The clock on the cathedral wall caught my eye. It tells time, days of the week and what seems to be astrological signs. Located behind it, is the Chateau de Rohan. It was closed when we arrived.

After a rest at the hotel, we wandered around and found a restaurant where I could try some Alsacian wines with my dinner. We ordered a charcuterie board to share. The sausages from this region are delicious! I tried the Choucroute (a local cuisine) the next day and was not disappointed. It’s a combo of sausages and cabbage. Not quite sauerkraut. Very yummy!

Day 2 was a lot of walking. Spring was starting to bring blooms and I found the city so incredibly beautiful. We happened on the European Parliament and took the free tour. I can see why Strasbourg has that government town feeling. In the winter, there are many Christmas Markets and I imagine it’s very busy.

The inside of the large coloseum shape you see in the picture below
Now you know how far from home we were
We found the perfect street to stop and have a beer/coffee after a long walk
The entrance to the European Parliament
One of many pretty churches along the river
I wish I could paint this

Day 3 was a train ride to Colman, that medieval fairy-tale town. We met with Grayson, an artillery friend of Leon’s who now lives and teaches in Basel, just across the border. We went for a fast walk all through old town, then settled on a typical restaurant where we had a very long lunch and good conversation. I took no pictures except the one of the train station with the 2 buddies.

On the last day, we had the whole morning to walk all around Strasbourg. I know people may not agree, but I found Strasbourg far more enchanting than Colmar, which was too touristy for my taste. I think Strasbourg could be a contender for me if I were to choose a place to live in France.

At last, it was time to board the next train, the TGV to Lyon, as we headed south towards the Mediterranean and warmer weather. We realized this was not part of the Orient Express itinerary. Approximately 3.5 hours, a distance of 387 Kms. The train station in Strasbourg is beautiful as well. A few years ago, they added a glass shell to the exterior, protecting the much older stone structure.