Relaxing in Strasbourg

Alsace (France) – Wed 7th Sept 2016 – Rest day in Strasbourg

Weather: 14⁰C min – 26⁰C max, fine, clear blue sky

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“Death may have no master, but the bicycle is, most emphatically, not its slave” ~ James E Starts

When in France do as the French do, so the day must always start with a stroll to the boulangerie to buy a fresh loaf of bread for the day. I am really settling into the French way of life now, with some of the French I learnt at school 60 years ago starting to come back to me … bonjour mademoiselle … du pain s’il vous plait … merci beaucoup … au revoir.

Breakfast finished and correspondence attended to, it was time to hop on the bike for more exploration of magical Strasbourg. This time I had no plan of attack, just zig-zagging randomly across the city on the good bicycle paths enjoying whatever comes next. I am staying in the Krutenau area near the university so after leaving the apartment I found myself cycling through the impressive university campus. Strasbourg has a student population of over 50,000 which explains why the town has so much youthful energy. Everywhere you go there are young people strolling around, smiling, chatting, contented and happy. One day they will look back and realise that these were the best years of their life.

Bicycles are accepted as an important means of transport here. Motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians mingle co-operatively together, with no animosity towards each other and no draconian penalties necessary. I admired one father riding with his two young sons, patiently teaching them how to ride safely on the bike path. The system just works and as a result there is a relaxed atmosphere … and no sign of grid-locked traffic. Sydney could be like this too, if only NSW had a government with vision.

Everywhere I went there were fabulous cafes, restaurants, brasseries, pizzerias, creperies, and ice cream shops. One street was even closed off for purposes of a fresh food market, selling meat, fish and cheeses from special caravans. Another street market specialised in ornaments and glassware (even chandeliers).

But what really gives Strasbourg its character and charm is the lovely German-style, timber-framed houses throughout the city, influenced no doubt by the proximity to the German border. It is wonderful that this traditional method of construction has been preserved.

Sadly I must say goodbye to Strasbourg in the morning, but I am looking forward to staying tomorrow night in Obernai, a small commune of about 12,000 people in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace. No doubt it will have its own charm too, only on a smaller scale.