Strasbourg

Franco-German-influenced Strasbourg is distinguished by its intellectual and political history

Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, is one of France's greatest cities; it was here that Rouget de Lisle first sang "La Marseillaise," the French national anthem. One of France's major ports, less than a mile west of the Rhine, Strasbourg is the site of the Council of Europe, as well as home to the European Parliament, which convenes at the Palais de l'Europe.

In 1871, Strasbourg was absorbed by Germany and made the capital of the territory of Alsace-Lorraine. It reverted to France in 1918. One street is a perfect illustration of the city's identity crisis: More than a century ago it was avenue Napoléon. In 1871, it became Kaiser-Wilhelmstrasse, and then boulevard de la République in 1918. In 1940, it became Adolf-Hitler-Strasse, and today’s travelers will see signs that name it avenue du Général-de-Gaulle, the name it took on in 1945.

One of France’s most happening cities, Strasbourg is home to the University of Strasbourg, once attended by the likes of Goethe, Napoleon, and Pasteur. Today, some 40,000 students follow in these luminaries’ footsteps.

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