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 The
capital of Alsace, Strasbourg is one of France's greatest cities and
the birthplace of paté de foie gras. It was in Strasbourg that
Rouget de Lisle first sang "La Marseillaise," the French national
anthem.
Strasbourg is one of France's major ports, only 3 Kms. (2 miles)
west of the Rhine. In addition to being host to the Council of
Europe, Strasbourg is 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, but 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, then boulevard de la République in 1918. In
1940, it became Adolf-Hitler-Strasse, and ended up as avenue du
Général-de-Gaulle in 1945.
One of the most happening cities of France, Strasbourg is the seat
of the University of Strasbourg, once attended by the likes of
Goethe, Napoléon, and Pasteur. Today, some 40,000 students follow in
their footsteps.
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