The name Strasbourg comes from Strateburgum, ‘the city of the roads’, because of its strategic geographical position on the west bank of the Rhine. Due to its excellent location at the crossroads of major waterways and land routes, this city has been prized since the Romans first settled here in 12 BC. The Romans established a military outpost and named it Argentoratum, it belonged to the Germania Superior Roman province. Before the creation of Argentoratum, the origins of Strasbourg may be traced back to the existence of Argentorate. Argentorate was a large celtic village with at least one permanent activity.
Strasbourg has a continental climate. Summers are hot and humid, but not oppressive, averaging around 20°C (70°F). In terms of temperature, the hottest months of the year in Strasbourg are July and August. Spring is very pleasant, with its blooming flowers and mild temperatures. Winter is cold and damp, with an average of 83 days of frost and with snow cover for several weeks, although the weather is often sunny. It rains throughout the year in Strasbourg, with a slight increase in the spring and a slight decrease in the summer.
Symbolic significance of Strasbourg as a major European city was confirmed when it was chosen as the seat of the Council of Europe in 1949, the European Court of Human Rights in 1994 and the European Parliament, the position of which was finally guaranteed in 1992. The economy of Strasbourg is essentially based on the growth of its service sector. After Paris, it is the most important centre for financial and banking activities in France. The manufacturing sector is very competitive with regard to food and drink commodities and pharmaceuticals. Research and development activities are equally important in the fields of biotechnology and pharmacy.
Strasbourg has an international airport and is well served by the French road and rail networks. Set in France, but located near to the German border and to Switzerland, Strasbourg is accessible from all directions. Tram is the most popular, most effective and by all means the most comfortable way of transport in Strasbourg. Four tram lines (A, B C and D) connect all corners of the city and make city traffic more fluid. There are 27 bus lines in Strasbourg. Strasbourg is France's most bicycle friendly city, with more than 300 km of cycle paths, and cycles available for hire.
Strasbourg offers a large diversity of schools, middle schools, secondary schools, professional training, grandes écoles and universities. Strasbourg also has a rich educational tradition with many unique universities that are rooted in its international atmosphere and diversity. There are three universities in Strasbourg: The Université Louis Pasteur is a science and medical school known for its research having won a Nobel Prize and boasting nine members of the Academy of Science; The Université Marc Bloch provides arts and sciences classes in 25 foreign languages; The Université Robert Schuman is a law-oriented school specializing in International and European Law.
City offers a range of historical sites and tourist attractions. Cathedrale Notre-Dame (Notre Dame Cathedral) is the world's tallest building from 1647 to 1874, and the world tallest church building until 1880, this richly decorated gothic masterpiece of pink-tinted Vosges sandstone stands proud with its steeple reaching 142m (466ft). The interior of Strasbourg Cathedral has beautiful coloured glass windows, including representations of 21 German emperors and kings in the north aisle, a Late Gothic pulpit and an organ. In the south transept are the "Angels' Pillar" and the famous Astronomical Clock. The climb to the top platform, from which there is an outstanding view over the city, takes 330 arduous steps.
The outstanding Musee d'Art Moderne et Contemporain displays a permanent collection of 'modern' art representing all the major movements (including impressionism, symbolism, Fauvism, cubism, Dadaism and surrealism) and hosts temporary exhibits of contemporary works. Of particular interest are the rooms devoted to Hans Arp (1887-1966), a native son who was a member of the Constructivist group before taking up surrealism.
Palais de Rohan was built from 1732 to 1742. It's an example of supreme elegance and proportion. Noted for its facades and rococo interior, it's one of the crowning design achievements in eastern France. The Classical palace houses three museums: the Musee des Beaux Arts, the Musee Archeologique and the Musee des Arts Decoratifs. On the first floor is a fine-arts museum (Musee des Beaux Arts) with works by Renoir, Rubens, Van Dyck, Watteau, Rembrandt, Goya, El Greco and Monet. Museum of decorative arts (Musee des Arts Decoratifs) is divided into two parts – one is representing the apartments of cardinal Rohan and the other offers a rich collection of decorative artifacts dating from 16th century, found in Strasbourg. The basement is devoted to the Musée Archéologique and covers the period from the Palaeolithic Age to AD800.
Annual festivals and events in Strasbourg include a Film Festival in March, an International Music Festival in June, International Mime and Clown Festival in November and a Christmas Fair in December.
Journees europeennes du Patrimoine (European days of heritage) are held in September. Traditionally, for one weekend, all the museums and other institutions of state heritage in France are open to free and guided visits. Additionally, during these two days, Strasbourg opens the door of all the European institutions and offers all curious visitors a free tour.
Strasbourg Christmas Market is the biggest Christmas market in France and attracts thousands of visitors each year who flock here to do Christmas shopping and soak up the festive atmosphere. The market dates back to 1570 and is known in the local Alsatian dialect as Christkindelsmarik. There are hundreds of stalls selling speciality food and drink, including gingerbread, spiced sausages and vin chaud (mulled wine). Other stalls specialise in handicrafts and handmade Christmas decorations. The market itself is set in a beautiful location around the the Cathedrale Notre-Dame and along Place Broglie. Other activities include choir singing and nativity performances.
The International Music Festival in Strasbourg is an annual two-week festival that takes place in June. The repertoire focuses on well-known classical composers such as Bach and Beethoven, but some contemporary and new works are also featured. The venues are equally impressive and include the Strasbourg Cathedral, local churches and other historical buildings.
