During the autumn break, my sister and I headed to the Alsace region in France. This region, close to the German border, switched nationalities throughout the ages, once being part of the German empire, then back to France. The latest decades it forms part of the French republic.
We took a hotel in Strasbourg (Hilton, as we usually do). It was situated somewhat outside the town center and was not far away from the European Parliament building. A nice, quiet neighborhood. From the hotel a short 5-minute walk brought you to a tram station, from where you could take the C-line into the center. Easy, and not very expensive, especially when you take a 3 or 5 days pass.
Being half German and half French, Alsace brings you a mixture of both cultures. The food leans more to the German side (with some French accents) and also the buildings remind more of Germany. The most authentic houses you find in the neighborhood named Petit France.
Strasbourg is not that big, and easy to walk. Places you should certainly visit are the cathedral of St. Mary, which dates back to the 11th century and once had the highest spire of Europe.
Also worth a visit are the musea, especially that of the Alsace region (in which the visitor gets to know how the houses of the region were being built and heated), and that of the city of Strasbourg, showing its evolution throughout the ages.
When we looked for some info on Strasbourg, we read somewhere online that the European Parliament could only be visited on request. So we headed towards it with the only intention to have a look from outside, and perhaps take a picture, but when we arrived we saw that visitors were allowed to enter - even for free! So we took our turn of going through the security and showing our Covid Free Pass, and were guided on a tour through the building. Certainly interesting, as it also has an interactive part.
When you have seen everything in Strasbourg, you can always take a train to Colmar. It takes about 40 minutes by rail. It's a little walk from the railway station to the town center, but it's easy to find. Colmar is smaller then Strasbourg and can be visited in just one day. There are interesting buildings and a variety of local restaurants, where you can eat Flamkuchen, the local speciality. Be aware: you have to be a good eater to finish everything you get on your plate! The most Instagram worthy pictures you can take in Little Venice.
