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About Strasbourg

Strasbourg in November 2000 is an international city at the helm of the European Union, but it maintains the regional charm of Alsace. Hosting the 5th Strasbourg European Film Forum coincides with the French EU presidency, and the energy and excitement is evident in the streets. Facades commemorating famous sights from the EU member nations are scattered around the city center; note Venice's Doges Palace on Place Kléber, the center of the film festival.

Known as City of Roads and capital of Alsace, is characterized by its mix of cultures and international identity. The region was influenced by many cultures and philosophies long before the establishment of the EU Parliament of the Council of Europe here in 1949.

Nestled next to the Rhine River and equidistant from Paris and Milan, Strasbourg has been a crossroads of Europe since Roman times. The region was volleyed between France and Germany four times between the Franco-Prussian War and the end of World War 2 when it finally settled into French hands. Evidence of a strong regional identity persists though with the Alsatian language, seen on street signs in the city center.

A university town, Strasbourg has been drawing academics to the city since 1566. Over an eighth of the city's population are students who come from all over the world to study in Goethe's hallowed halls.

Hotels

Because of the influx of EU Parliament members for one week every month; Strasbourg has many hotels in the city center. The following are three-star hotels offering good value and, for festival-goers, convenient locations near the theaters.

Hotel de France: 20, rue du Jeu-des-Enfants; 03 88 32 37 12

Hotel de L'Europe: 38, rue du Fossé des Tanneurs; 03 88 32 17 88

Hotel Hannong: 15, rue du 22 Novembre; 03 88 32 16 22
(There is currently construction going on during the day below the hotel.)

Hotel Maison Rouge: 4, rue des Francs-Bourgeois; 03 88 32 08 60

Citadines Apart'hotel: 50, rue du Jeu-des-Enfants: 03 90 22 47 00

Restaurants

A common Alsatian saying: the French eat well, the Germans eat alot, but only the Alsatians eat well and a lot.

Alsatian cuisine focuses on local products from the rich soil and farms near the border of the Rhine. Local dishes include tartes flambées, vaguely resembling pizzas; choucroute, sauerkraut served with meats; and baeckeoffe, a heavy meat and vegetable stew. Alsatian wine is reputable, so try some Riesling while in town. Look for this cluster of three Alsatian restaurants near the cathedral. Known for their authenticity as well as their popularity with politicians, they still lack that tourist slick.

Chez Yvonne: 10, rue du Sanglier; 03 88 32 84 15

Winstub le Clou: 3, rue du Chaudron; 03 88 32 11 67

Saint Sépulchre: 15, rue des Orfèvres; 03 88 32 39 97

Good Alsatian cuisine in the festival center is at A la Tete de Lard (3, rue Hannong; 03 88 32 13 56).

Specializing in everything cheese, La Cloche à Fromage (27, rue des Tonneliers; 03 88 23 13 19) is the place to go for fondue.

The best blowout meal to be had is at the three Michelin-starred A Crocodile (10, rue de l'Outre; 03 88 32 13 02).

Grand' Rue, a picturesque pedestrianized street, offers a few restaurants near the festival theaters, including good creole cuisine at La Case de l'Ile Bourbon (34, Grand' Rue; 03 88 32 60 93).
The best crepes in Strasbourg are served up at La Plouzinette (6, place Saint-Etienne; 03 88 35 47 06), but for crepes closer to the festival center head to La Bolée de Cidre (55, rue du Fossé des Tanneurs; 03 88 75 99 75).

Cafes and Bars

L'Epicerie (2, rue du Vieux Seigle; 03 88 32 52 41), next to the Pathé theater, is a brand new café with a hip 1950s style. It's definitely the in place to grab an aperitif, coffee, snack or late-night drink, but just try and snag a table.

Kirn (17, rue du 22 Novembre; 03 88 32 10 00) sells Alsatian specialties for takeaway in the deli downstairs, or lunch upstairs in the restaurant.

The salon de thé on the first floor of Christian (10, rue Mercière; 03 88 22 12 70) dishes up some of the best pastries and coffees in town, just around the corner from the hustle of the cathedral square.

Café Broglie (1, rue du Dome; 03 88 32 08 08) is a large Parisian-style café nearby.

Le 7e Art (18, rue du 22 Novembre; 03 88 23 13 15), adjoining the Star Saint-Exupéry theater, is a convenient and popular place to catch a bite or a drink.

The Irish Times (19, rue Sainte-Barbe; 03 88 32 04 02) is a popular bar at night, but for a better selection of beers head to Académie de la Bière (17, rue Adolphe-Seyboth; 03 88 32 61 08) where tartes flambées are on offer for snacking. The best of the action takes place at Les Aviateurs (12, rue des Sœurs; 03 88 36 52 69), a 1940s style bar with yellowed posters and photos.

Getting Around

Strasbourg is no longer a car-friendly city, but its tram system keeps winning awards. The four tram lines intersect at Homme de Fer, from which the theaters are also accessible. The train station is a ten minute walk from the city center, and also accessible by tram. To get to the airport take tram Line A to Baggersee and connect with the Airport Shuttle. The trams run until around midnight.

More info

The tourist information office is on the Place de la Cathèdrale, or at www.strasbourg.com.