Tour of Strasbourg, France

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• published: 16 Oct 2013
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http://www.europeanwaterways.com/ - Tour of Strasbourg, France including its Gothic Cathedral - Strasbourg Cathedral - Strasbourg Alsace - Strasbourg, France During our classic Alsace & Lorraine cruise we enjoy a tour of Strasbourg, France, including of course, a visit to the 12th century Gothic pink sandstone cathedral, home to an astronomical Renaissance clock and a soaring spire. We visit Place Gutenberg and explore La Petite France, a pedestrian area brimming with half-timbered houses, boutique shops and cafes. Situated at a meeting point of the North-South and East-West communication routes, Strasbourg, ("the town at the crossroads") has benefited from commerce of all kinds and also encouraged the free movement of ideas. Founded by the Romans in 12 BC, Strasbourg has always occupied a strategic position in Europe. From the 17th to the 20th century Strasbourg changed hands many times between the French and the Germans. Following WWII Strasbourg was chosen as the European capital. New York, Geneva and Strasbourg are the only cities in the world which are home to international institutions without being national capitals. The whole of Strasbourg's town centre, the "Grande Ile", has been listed as a World Heritage of Humanity site by UNESCO thanks to the richness of its architectural heritage. On this island in the Ill River, the covered bridges and old bridges of the mills of Strasbourg offer an exceptional walk. More than 20 bridges cross the River Ill and its artificial arm "the canal of the false ramparts". Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is an outstanding masterpiece of Gothic art. The first stone was laid in 1015 and the spire was completed in 1439. Up until the 19th century, the cathedral was the highest building in the whole of the Christian world and is still the highest medieval building in Europe. A Renaissance masterpiece, the Astronomical Clock is a result of the combined work of artists, mathematicians and technicians. The current mechanism dates from 1842. The main attraction of the clock is its animated figures which come out to delight the public every day at half past noon. What is hotel barging? Despite the growing popularity of cruising, especiallly on large river vessels, hotel barging is still a little known niche concept. Most hotel barges started life as cargo vessels but have since been painstakingly converted to offer luxury boutique accommodation for small groups of up to 20 passengers. This is cruising, but in a very different style to ships plying the big rivers or oceans. The pace is slow, with a 6 day cruise covering maybe just 50 miles along a rural canal. Passengers can walk or bike the towpaths as their floating hotel glides gently along. Guests enjoy an intimate atmosphere, high levels of personal service and immersion into the culture, history and gastronomy of regions of Europe such as Burgundy, the Midi, or the Italian Veneto. Every day there is an excursion, perhaps to a chateau, a vineyard for a wine tasting, or some other ‘off the beaten track’ location. About half of European Waterways’ bookings are for whole boat charters, ideal for families. Otherwise, clients book a cabin to join other like-minded people. A ‘slow boat’ European Waterways barge cruise offers the ultimate in experiential travel. A truly unique experience! European Waterways offer luxury hotel barge cruises on the beautiful canals and rivers of Europe, such as through Burgundy, the Midi, Alsace, the Po Valley, Holland and the Scottish Highlands. The exclusive collection of hotel barges accommodate up to 20 passengers who may charter a whole barge with family or friends, or join a small group of like-minded travellers on an individual cabin basis. Each barge is fully crewed with a Captain, chef, hostesses, deck-hand and tour guide. The 6-night cruises include gourmet meals, fine wines, open bar, excursions and the use of facilities such as bicycles and spa pools. Find out more here: http://www.europeanwaterways.com/ *Music by Flush Audio - https://soundcloud.com/flushaudio *Video Production by Kit Forman Image from © C.FLEITH