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France Cities: Strasbourg
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a Strasbourg hotel
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Cosmopolitan, bustling and enclosed by the river Ill which divides
into rippling canals spanned by medieval bridges, Strasbourg absorbs
politicians and tourists alike. Visits to the European Parliament
buildings need booking in advance but the Cathédrale Notre
Dame with its sunflower shaped kaleidoscopic rose window is the
bigger crowd puller, laced with some surprising finds.
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Strasbourg Cathedral
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Inside, the 19th century astronomical clock (copied from the original
14th century design) gives a startling display, kicking off at 12.30pm
with chimes, swiftly followed by a display of mechanical figures with
crowing cockerels, bowing apostles and various pagan divinities representing
the days of the week.
Nearby is the gothic Pillar of Angels where a rather theatrical Christ
poses above bugle-toting angels and apostles - it usually has a crowd
around it.
Other city areas with pleasing discoveries include Petite France, with
cross-timbered houses in various pastel shades and Palais Rohan - carved
in typically 18th century French style white stone - which houses three
museums, including the sumptuous State Apartments.
From Place du Château there’s a tourist mini-train which
trundles round the main land sights, while various boat trips take in
the city’s traditional water features including most of the covered
bridges linked by medieval watchtowers.
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