Nancy

I will be in the Western part of Germany and am thinking about a several hour excursion into Strasbourg. How different is it culturally from Germany since it's so close? Also, is it tough to get around there by car and are there tolls or fees, etc. to cross the border? If I do go, what should I be sure to see, eat, etc.-or is it not worth the trouble for a few hours during the day? Your thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks y'all.

StCirq

I've done this the other way around - going from Strasbourg into Germany for a day or two. There are no tolls at the border - in fact, unless there is some activity having to do with animal diseases when you're there, there won't even be a border guard. Strasbourg's a lovely city and well worth a day. The architecture isn't much different but there are certainly noticeable cultural differences: language, food, and the influence of the wine industry being the most blatant. You could spend a very pleasant day there visiting the cathedral, taking a boat ride on the canal, touring the Palais de Rohan and wandering the Petite France quarter.

Nancy

Thanks StCirq, would you be OK speaking German or English in Strasbourg, or is it strictly French only? Is parking much of an issue there, and are ATMs commonly available? Can you change a small amount of German Marks anywhere? Thanks.

Rex

Well, I hate to say that German speakers or English speakers can get along without French literally ANYwhere, but it must be close to true. <BR> <BR>Friendly to German marks, ATMs readily available. All in all, Alsace is a wonderful place from one end to the other. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Lauren

In Strasbourg both French & German are spoken by all the natives. French has replaced German as the principal language due to the fact that schooling is in French. <BR> <BR>Lots of people who live in the country still speak Alsacian, a dialect very similar to Black Forest dialect on the other side of the frontier. <BR> <BR>Of course, at some point people learn English in school. <BR> <BR>You will not find many Americans in this area of France, although it certainly should get more tourism from North America than it does. The food is great, the people are friendly and the wines. . . . What more can you ask?

StCirq

It's not German that's spoken in Strasbourg, but Alsatien, a recognized minor language, not a dialect which is something different, in its own right. You would probably be understood if you spoke German, as Alsatien is closely related to it and there are many Alsatians who do speak German, but Strasbourg is part of France now (after being tossed from one side to the other 11 times), and French is the lingua franca.But you'll find lots of English speakers, too. <BR>ATMs are no problem. I haven't been to Strasbourg with a car for many years, so will defer on that question.

Nancy

Me again, thanks everybody. Am I to understand that you can use German Marks in Strasbourg, or do you need to change currency? My plan was to pop into town from Heidelberg on the way South and to head out in the afternoon. If Marks are accepted there, do they do well vs. the French Franc, or would I be smart to hit an ATM for some mess around money?

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Rex

I wouldn't say that EVERYplace will take marks - - but most likely find for postcards, something to drink, stamps, little stuff like that, they probably will. <BR> <BR>The rate of exchange for marks to francs is fixed by virtue of their ratio to the Euro, but of course, any place could charge you commission. <BR>

StCirq

I don't think I'd feel comfortable trying to pay with German Marks in Strasbourg. They might take them, but then THEY'd have to deal with getting them exchanged and would likely lose something in the transaction.

Nancy

Me again & thanks everybody. Does anyone have any experience driving in Strasbourg? Is it tough to negotiate and how hard is it to find public parking near/in the "old town"? I'll probably be there on a Thursday if that makes any difference.

Reisender

Strasbourg is worth the day trip. It would be wise to change some money (a small amount) as you'll only be able to change back the paper when you leave, not the coins. <BR> <BR>It has been a few years since I was there by car, but will be returning this April! Strasbourg is one of my day trips too, as I could return time after time. Do know that parking is not difficult. There is available parking near the old city. I would caution you, since it was my experience, that the border crossing from France into Germany can be unsafe. I once had the experience of leaving a purse (empty) in view within the locked car, and someone broke the window and stole the purse. Never fear though, it was returned to the border police.................so beware of leaving anything in view......have things that may be valuable out of sight. <BR> <BR>Have a grand time and enjoy Strasbourg......take a camera!

Nancy

Thanks Reisender. I'll be approaching from Kehl, Germany. Are there many signs, etc. directing you towards the "old town" from that approach and are they in Alsacian, French, multiple languages, or what.? Also, is there an ATM, etc. immediately across the border somewhere in order to get some cash as I presume you'd need some up-front in order to pay for parking, etc.? Or, what would you recommend is the best way to get a small amount of currency fast and conveniently? How expensive was the "expensive" parking, if you can recall? Many thanks.

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jake

<BR>Strasbourg is nice, but if you're just going into France for a few hours, I would suggest visiting Colmar...sort of due west of Freiburg. Colmar is much smaller & more charming than Strasbourg & is right in the center of the Alsace wine country. The architecture is rather German but the food & atmosphere is French.

Cindy

Hi there! Just to make a point, Strasbourg and Alsace are a part of France, and are purely French, which means that EVERYTHING from signs to menues to spoken language will be French. While some people understand German, it is not a wise idea to use it as Alsatians tend to dislike the other side of Rhine quite a bit. So try French, then English and if in dire need then German. But just to reiterate: all traffic signs are in French and will be of the same sort like in the rest of France.

Claudia

I've been to Strasbourg several times and parking can be difficult. In any case the city is quite small, so you'll be able to reach the Cathedral just by walkin a few minutes. It's definitely worth going, to me it's much better than Colmar, which is beatigul but a little bit fake. Things to eat (and drink): tarte flambée and beer(a thin layer of pizza-like dough, bacon onion and creamy cheese) at Les Trois Brasseurs (the mane means the 3 brewers Rue de Veaux); baekoffe (if you don't care about the mad cow);choucroute; don't miss a slice of cake Chez La Tante... (Means -Aunt- I don't remember exactly the name but you'll find this little gem of a café while touring La Petite France).Unfortunately tommorow is the last night to taste la bière de Mars, I miss Strasbourg so much...