As a border city between France and Germany, Strasbourg is at the crossroads of Europe and open to the outside world. It's not unusual to hear several foreign languages on a street corner. Its status as European capital is at the heart of the city's economic life. Many European institutions have taken up residence here. Some are housed in magnificent private mansions, while others have taken up residence in futuristic buildings. Two rooms, two atmospheres in the heart of the business district. Created in the aftermath of the Second World War, the European quarter is a visit not to be missed during a stay in the capital. There is a walking or cycling route around the European institutions, covering a reasonable distance of around 3 km. With excellent public transport links, you'll have no trouble getting there. Here's a route to follow when visiting the district.
The European Parliament in Strasbourg, allée du Printemps, France.
- © olrat / Shutterstock
The tour starts here. The tram drops visitors off at the Boecklin stop, just a stone's throw away. The Lieu d'Europe is housed in an attractive 18th-century mansion designed to raise Strasbourg's profile at European level. Activities, events and exhibitions take place throughout the year. Outside, there's a lovely, well-kept garden.
📍 Address: 8 rue Boecklin, Strasbourg
⏰Opening times : Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm
A little further on, a more modern building stands at the edge of the quays. This is the Human Rights Palace, which houses the headquarters of the European Court of Human Rights, an international court created in 1959. It is a bold architectural statement, resembling an enormous glass boat. It's a daring piece of infrastructure that can't be missed. The ruins of the Berlin Wall can be seen at the foot of the building, quite a symbol!
📍 Address: allée des droits de l'Homme, Strasbourg
The European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg, France.
- © Hadrian / ShutterstockThis all-glass building with its imposing curves is a very impressive sight. A superimposition of glass, metal and wood once again takes on the shape of an ocean liner sailing on the waves. An architectural feat to be admired day and night. The European Parliament is lit up every evening. For the more curious, the hemicycle can also be visited.
📍 Address: allée du Printemps, Strasbourg
The Louise Weiss building housing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France.
- © Leonid Andronov / ShutterstockWe continue our exploration by passing by the headquarters of the Franco-German television channel Arte. Located on the Quai du Chanoine Winterer, you have to cross a pretty garden behind the European Parliament. At the entrance, we see an original sculpture, it's the Giraffe Man by German artist Stephan Balkenhof.
📍 Address: 4 quai du Chanoine Winterer, Strasbourg
The entrance to the headquarters of the television channel Arte, Strasbourg, France.
- © Hadrian / ShutterstockHoused in the Vaclav Havel building, which belongs to the European Parliament, the Ombudsman is one of the oldest buildings in the district. At first glance, the name doesn't sound very familiar, but it's clear that the Ombudsman is an arbiter between the various European institutions. On closer inspection, the jigsaw puzzle on the route is located in front of the building and explains what this institution is really for. Quite simply, it acts as a link between all the organisations and operates a check to ensure that each does not exceed its powers.
📍 Address: HAV, Vaclav Havel building, allée Spach, Strasbourg
This institution currently has its headquarters in the Palais de l'Europe. It is linked to the European Parliament by a footbridge spanning the River Ill. It is in this hemicycle that human rights are discussed. Other issues are addressed, such as education and the environment.
We end our tour at the European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and Healthcare (EDQM), which is part of the Council of Europe and is responsible for drawing up standards to ensure the quality of medicines. The building stands out a little from the others with its turquoise blue cladding, which brightens up the urban landscape a little.
📍 Address: 7 allée Kastner, Strasbourg
La Vignette is a bar run by two Alsatian local enthusiasts. In the dining room, Florian welcomes gourmets and advises them on the wine list, which he compiles himself. In the kitchen, Valentin concocts some lovely dishes that are sure to be talked about. A great place to try.
Strasbourg
