Heathrow and Gatwick: the incredibly beautiful city in France that is home to one of the best Christmas markets in the world
Getting into the Christmas swing means it’s time for some hideous festive sweaters, gallons of mulled wine, and a visit to a Christmas market.
Nicknamed the “European Christmas Capital”, the French city of Strasbourg is located on the German border.
Christmas traditions and festivities are deeply rooted in Alsatian culture, with their iconic winter markets that were first held in 1570, making it one of the oldest in Europe.
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The city was officially crowned “Christmas Capital” in 1992, when Jean-Jacques Gsell, Deputy Mayor Catherine Trautmann, came up with the idea of organizing market stalls in various city squares.
This year you will be able to stroll through the markets from November 26 to December 26, including the main Christkindelmarik which is held on Place Broglie and around the city’s cathedral.
Treat yourself to festive treats like mulled wine (mulled wine for you and me), beer and snacks such as bredeles (small spicy star-shaped cookies), mannele (small buns in the shape of a man ) and gingerbread.
Be sure to visit the city’s iconic Christmas tree at Place Kléber, which stands 30 meters high.
To find out more about the historical richness of Strasbourg, the Notre-Dame cathedral boasts a thousand-year-old heritage, dating back to around 1015.
In the 13th century the cathedral experienced a Gothic revival and work began on what we see today.
Over the centuries, the cathedral has managed to survive a wave of conflict, including changes of faith, the French Revolution, and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine to the Third Reich.
Other iconic Strasbourg attractions include La Petite-France lying on the Ill river.
Stroll the cobbled streets of this historic district, including Place Benjamin Zix where you will find half-timbered houses and great views of the river.
Right next to the square, you will find the rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, a street full of white flowered houses.
Strasbourg is also known for being located on a large island where you will find an endless list of bridges, including the Covered Bridges.
The covered bridges are overhung by four towers dating from the 14th century, vestiges of the old ramparts (barriers) which allowed the former Republic of Strasbourg to gain independence.
Once the city was taken by France in 1681, new fortifications were built there by Vauban.
The Vauban dam, not far from the bridges, was built around 1690, the dam allowed to flood the entire south side of the city if necessary.
At the top of the building is a panoramic terrace with a breathtaking view of the city.
The city is also home to a number of museums, including the Alsatian Museum, the Rohan Palace and the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.
Strasbourg is one of the few cities in the world not to be a state capital but to host international organizations, particularly in European Parliament.
Here you can find out more about the role of the European Parliament, its political groups and its members.
If you are looking for some fresh air, Orangerie Park is the oldest park in the city.
The stork, which was once threatened with extinction, has been successfully reintroduced to the park, with more than 800 young storks born since 1971.
You will also find many exhibitions and activities at the Joséphine Pavilion, or you can simply walk in the park.
Strasbourg is also a hub for gourmets, where you can feast on cuisines from all over the world.
TripAdvisor’s top rated restaurant in town is Gourmet Pleasures, which serves dishes like Charolais beef tenderloin, roasted monkfish and apple tart tatin with tonka bean ice cream.
TO Tamil you can feast on Indian dishes such as Tamil Chicken Handi Gosht, a selection of Biryani and Massala shrimp.
So if you’re looking for a quick getaway this holiday season, why not visit Europe’s best Christmas markets?
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How to get there
You can fly from any airport in London to Strasbourg, usually with a connection. Or you can take a flight from any London airport to Stuttgart, before taking a train directly to Strasbourg.
Or if you prefer to drive, it will take around nine hours.
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