Eurostar: The beautiful fairytale city named France’s ‘most underrated’ you can get to in 5 hours from London
A beautiful city in eastern France, which has been named one of the most beautiful on the continent, is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet weekend away from London. Strasbourg, which has been named France’s “most underrated” city, is about five hours from London by Eurostar train.
You can avoid the hassle of the capital’s busy airports and relax by swapping the chaotic streets of London for the beautiful cobbled streets of the Germanic (but definitely French) city. In summer, temperatures reach magnificent highs of 26C.
Home to less than 300,000 people, the city is known for its iconic cathedral, half-timbered houses and independent restaurants and cafes. Due to the small size of the city center, you can cover the main attractions in a day, while taking in the beautiful sights and soaking up the Mediterranean climate.
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According to Eurostar website, the fastest train journey from St Pancras International station is four hours and 30 minutes, while the average journey time appears to be just over five hours. Tickets can be purchased up to four months in advance and are cheaper the earlier you book them.
In addition, the city was recently named by The telegraph as France’s “most underrated” city – so why not deviate from your Paris and Carcassonne and head to the sorely underrated east of the country instead?
With hundreds of hotels and AirBNBs to choose from in Strasbourg, you won’t be short of accommodation and there’s something for every budget. Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting for a couple’s trip or just looking to spend time alone, there’s plenty to do in this city, which is a cultural hub with postcard-perfect views.
For just five euros, visitors can climb the 332 steps to the top of the Cathedral Spire viewing platform, which overlooks the city at a dizzying height of 465 feet. Soak up the magnificent views of the Vosges and the Black Forest, you can work up an appetite before having lunch or visiting one of the many museums in the region.
There is some fine architecture on display, including the Barrage Vauban, a bridge made up of 13 arches that spans the River Ill. Its footbridge offers a breathtaking view of the Petite France district of Strasbourg, The telegraph reports.
With cobbled streets lined with bakeries and patisseries, as well as independent boutiques and clothing stores, tourists are spoiled for choice. Near the city’s cathedral is Chez Yvonne, a traditional tavern open since 1873. And if you’d rather save your energy, you can buy a day pass for just seven euros, which gives you unlimited rides on Strasbourg’s trams.
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I’m Sam, a reporter at MyLondon with a particular interest in legal and crime reporting. I started in September 2021, and am based in Ealing. You can follow my facebook page here.
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Coming from a small town in the Scottish countryside, my favorite thing about London is the amazing mix of people and exploring all the amazing independent pubs, restaurants and cafes the city has to offer.
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