...

Strasbourg

Strasbourg-Travel-Guide-Travel-S-Helper

Strasbourg, a city of considerable historical and modern importance, is strategically located in eastern France, functioning as the prefecture and principal metropolitan hub of the Grand Est area. Strasbourg, located on the border with Germany in the historic region of Alsace, has a population of around 300,000 residents inside the municipal boundaries. The Greater Strasbourg metropolitan region, including Greater Strasbourg and the Arrondissement of Strasbourg, has a population over 500,000, while the wider Strasbourg metropolitan area reached 860,744 persons in 2020, establishing it as the eighth-largest metropolitan area in France.

This dynamic metropolis, characterized by its intricate blend of Franco-German culture, exemplifies the lasting influence of cultural amalgamation and global collaboration. Strasbourg’s distinctive geographical and political situation has influenced its fate, establishing it as a crucial hub for European government and transnational cooperation. The transnational Eurodistrict Strasbourg-Ortenau, emblematic of Franco-German collaboration, with a population of almost 1,000,000 as of 2022, highlighting the city’s contribution to promoting international harmony and comprehension.

Strasbourg’s significance on the international scene is particularly apparent in its role as one of the de facto capitals of the European Union, alongside Brussels, Luxembourg, and Frankfurt. This distinction is attained due to its status as the headquarters of many essential European institutions. The European Parliament, a fundamental institution of EU democracy, assembles in Strasbourg, uniting politicians from over the continent to deliberate and influence Europe’s destiny. The city is home to Eurocorps, a military unit of the European Union and NATO, as well as the office of the European Ombudsman, an independent entity that ensures accountability among EU institutions.

In addition to its importance to the European Union, Strasbourg hosts several other internationally significant institutions. The Council of Europe, an international institution separate from the EU, is headquartered in the city. This institution, committed to promoting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Europe, encompasses the European Court of Human Rights, the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines (referred to in French as “Pharmacopée Européenne”), and the European Audiovisual Observatory. These institutions jointly enhance Strasbourg’s standing as a center for international law, human rights advocacy, and cultural interaction.

The city’s global identity is further accentuated by its hosting of non-European international organizations. Strasbourg is home to the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, which oversees navigation and environmental protection on a significant European river, as well as the International Institute of Human Rights. The concentration of international institutions positions Strasbourg among a select group of global cities, including Basel, Geneva, The Hague, and New York City, that accommodate premier international organizations without being national capitals.

Strasbourg’s importance beyond politics and government, encompassing cultural and heritage dimensions. The historic heart of the city, referred to as the Grande Île, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, with the title extended in 2017 to encompass the adjacent Neustadt region. This acknowledgment highlights the remarkable worldwide significance of Strasbourg’s urban landscape, which harmoniously integrates medieval and early modern buildings with contemporary advances, forming a dynamic museum of European architectural styles and urban planning.

The city’s cultural wealth is profoundly anchored in its historical role as a confluence of French and German influences. Notwithstanding episodes of violent conflict and fluctuating national loyalties, Strasbourg has become a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and a conduit between these two significant European civilizations. The cultural synthesis is seen in the city’s linguistic heritage, culinary traditions, and educational institutions, particularly the University of Strasbourg. As the second-largest university in France, it serves as a symbol of intellectual distinction and global cooperation, drawing students and scholars from across the world.

The cultural environment of Strasbourg is characterized by religious diversity. The city has historically served as a site of coexistence between Catholic and Protestant traditions, reflecting its significant significance during the Reformation. Strasbourg has recently adopted its expanding multicultural character, exemplified by the Strasbourg Grand Mosque, the biggest Islamic worship facility in France. This architectural and spiritual edifice represents the city’s dedication to religious tolerance and cultural diversity in the 21st century.

Strasbourg significantly excels economically, functioning as an essential center for industry, engineering, and transportation. The city’s advantageous position on the Rhine River has significantly contributed to its economic growth, with the port of Strasbourg being the second-largest on the Rhine, following Duisburg in Germany, and the second-largest river port in France, after Paris. The marine infrastructure, along with comprehensive road and rail networks, establishes Strasbourg as a crucial nexus in European logistics and commerce.

Euro (€) (EUR)

Currency

12BC

Founded

+33 3

Calling code

291,313

Population

78.26 km2 (30.22 sq mi)

Area

French

Official language

132 m (433 ft)

Elevation

CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2)

Time zone

Read Next...

Located in the Pyrénées-Orientales department in southern France, Vernet-les-Bains is an enchanting hamlet that attracts visitors with its scenic beauty and cultural legacy. This picturesque community, called [vɛʁnɛ le bɛ̃]…

Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda, a charming commune located in the Pyrénées-Orientales region in southern France, with a population that integrates seamlessly with its breathtaking natural environment. This appealing area, located at the junction…

Aix-les-Bains, a scenic commune located in the southeastern French department of Savoie, with a population of 31,100 in 2020, rendering it the second-largest city in the area. This picturesque resort…

Arles, a city rich in history and culture, is located in the scenic region of Provence in southern France. Arles, as a sub-prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte…

Avignon, a city rich in history and cultural importance, is located in southern France as the capital of the Vaucluse department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This historical city is…

Bordeaux, with a population of 259,809 as of 2020, is ideally located along the banks of the Garonne River in southern France. This port city functions as the capital of…

Caen, a commune located in the northwestern area of France in Normandy, with a population of 108,200 residents, rendering it the most populated municipality in the Calvados department. Located with…

Cannes, an idyllic commune located on the French Riviera, is a gem of the Alpes-Maritimes department in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Located around 45 kilometers southwest of Nice, this renowned…

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, often known as Chamonix, is a French alpine commune located in the Alps, with a population of around 8,906 according to the most recent census. This charming town is…

Amnéville, a commune in the Moselle department of France's Grand Est region, with a population of around 10,000 inhabitants. This appealing area, located in the historical and cultural region of…

Situated in the core of the Pyrénées mountains, Ax-les-Thermes is an enchanting commune in the Ariège department of the Occitanie region in southern France. This scenic alpine hamlet, located at…

Niederbronn-les-Bains, a commune located in the Bas-Rhin department of Grand Est in northeastern France, with a rich history and a vibrant spa culture that consistently draws visitors from afar. This charming village, located between Bitche and Wissembourg adjacent to the German border,…

Rennes-les-Bains, a French commune located in the southwest of the Aude department within the Occitanie region, has a population of 210 residents as of 2021. The charming town, referred to…

Le Monêtier-les-Bains, a charming French commune located in the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, with a population that flourishes within the breathtaking alpine scenery. This picturesque town, located…

Enghien-les-Bains, an appealing commune located in the Val-d'Oise region of France, with a population of roughly 11,000 inhabitants. Located in the northern suburbs of Paris, this charming village is just…

Divonne-les-Bains, an attractive commune located in the Ain department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Eastern France, has a significant history and a lively contemporary atmosphere. This scenic spa town, commonly…

Dax is a notable commune located in the Landes department of Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southern France. This appealing city, with a population of 21,347, functions as the core of an urban…

Located in the Massif Central area of Aubrac, Chaudes-Aigues is a notable commune in the Cantal department in south-central France. This little village, with its limited population, has achieved fame…

Bagnoles-de-l'Orne, an idyllic commune located in the Orne region of northern France, with a storied past and is recognized as a prominent spa town. The precise population statistics are not…

Bagnères-de-Luchon, a French commune located in the Haute-Garonne department in the Occitanie region, with a population of 2,152 residents as of 2021. This charming town, often known as Luchon, is…

Corsica, a captivating Mediterranean island situated southeast of the French mainland, with an estimated population of 355,528 as of January 2024. This scenic island, the fourth-largest in the Mediterranean Sea,…

Located in the French Alps, Courchevel is a premier ski resort, enchanting guests with its immaculate slopes and opulent facilities. This globally recognized location is situated in the scenic Tarentaise…

Val Thorens, situated at an elevation of 2,300 meters (7,500 feet) in the French Alps, exemplifies human creativity and the appeal of alpine exploration. This notable ski village, with around…

Nancy, with a population of 104,260 as of 2021, is strategically located in northeastern France and functions as the prefecture of the Meurthe-et-Moselle department in the Grand Est region. Nancy,…

Morzine, located in the French Alps, is a scenic alpine commune that borders Switzerland in the Haute-Savoie department of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in Southeastern France. In 2020, this picturesque mountain…

Montpellier, a dynamic city in southern France, is ideally located on the Mediterranean Sea and has a population of 299,096 according to the 2020 census. This vibrant urban center, the…

Marseille, the dynamic prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône department and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, is the second most populous city in France. As of the January 2021 census, this Mediterranean locale…

Méribel, an idyllic ski resort located in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps, is a premier winter sports destination. Located at 45.401°N 6.5655°E, this captivating area has around 2,000…

Lille, a city of considerable historical importance and modern significance, exemplifies the intricate cultural fabric of northern France. Lille is strategically located along the Deûle River, adjacent to the French-Belgian…

Lyon, the third-largest city in France and the core of the nation's second-largest urban region, exemplifies the profound heritage of French history and culture. Situated at the junction of the…

La Plagne, located in the French Alps, exemplifies the appeal of winter activities and alpine scenery. Located in the scenic Tarentaise Valley of Savoie, this prestigious ski resort attracts over…

Nantes, a dynamic commune located in western France, is the sixth most populated municipality in the nation, with a population of 323,204 as of 2021. This vibrant city is conveniently…

Nice, a lively city situated on the French Riviera, serves as the prefecture of the Alpes-Maritimes department in France. With a population of approximately one million distributed across an extensive area of 744 km²…

Paris, the capital and greatest city of France, serves as a symbol of culture, history, and innovation in Western Europe. As of January 2023, Paris has an official projected population of 2,102,650 individuals and covers an area exceeding…

Val-d'Isère, situated in the French Alps, is a scenic commune in the Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. This alpine locale, with…

Toulouse, the fourth-largest city in France, is a dynamic metropolis located in the Occitania region, with a population of 504,078 residents inside its municipal limits as of 2021. This prosperous…

Toulon, an important city on the French Riviera, is located in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur area of southeastern France. As of 2018, with a population of 176,198, it is the 13th…

Tignes, a commune located in the scenic Tarentaise Valley of the Savoie department in southeastern France, with a population of over 2,200 permanent inhabitants. Located in the Rhône-Alpes region, this…

Serre Chevalier, an impressive ski resort located in southern France, is strategically situated near the Italian border inside the Hautes-Alpes department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. This extensive resort, with…

Rennes, located in the core of Brittany in northwestern France, represents the profound heritage of French history and culture. Rennes is situated at the junction of the Ille and Vilaine…

Reims, a city rich in history and cultural importance, ranks as the twelfth most populated commune in France, with a population of 179,380 as of 2021. Located in the Marne…

Saint-Tropez, a scenic commune located in the Var department of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region in Southern France, has a population of 4,103 in 2018. This captivating seaside town, located 68…

France, predominantly located in Western Europe, has a population of around 68.4 million as of January 2024, rendering it one of the most populated countries in the European Union. This…

Most Popular Stories