Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est region in northeastern France and the prefecture of the Bas-Rhin department. Located on the Ill River at its confluence with the Rhine, near the Franco-German border, it has long served as a crossroads of European and Alsatian culture. The city’s population is around 280,000 in the city proper, with a larger metropolitan area.

Historically, Strasbourg grew from a Roman settlement (Argentoratum) into a major medieval and early modern city. It was part of the Holy Roman Empire for many centuries and was definitively incorporated into the Kingdom of France in 1681. It changed hands several times in the modern era, most notably during the German annexations of 1871–1918 and 1940–1944, before being restored to France after World War II. The city’s historic core reflects a blend of French and German influences, visible in its architecture and urban layout.

Key landmarks include the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a late Gothic masterpiece whose spire and astronomical clock are among the city’s symbols. The Petite France neighborhood, with its half-timbered houses and winding canals, is a popular historic district. The Grande Île, the island at the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site together with the nearby Neustadt, reflecting the city’s architectural evolution from the 17th to the 20th century.

Strasbourg hosts several major European institutions, including the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. The European Parliament also holds plenary sessions in Strasbourg. The city is home to the University of Strasbourg and a strong research and biotechnology sector, contributing to a dynamic cultural and educational environment. Alsatian culture, language, cuisine, and bilingual signage reflect the region’s cross-border identity.