Visit stunning Strasbourg by train

Strasbourg, in eastern France, is the official seat of the European Parliament and many other European institutions, such as the Council of Europe and the European Ombudsman. However, Strasbourg is much more than that. In 1988, the historic city centre became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and rightly so! It is located on the Grande Île, an island in the Ill River. The most beautiful of the bridges leading to the island are the Ponts Couverts, a set of three bridges and four towers dating back to the 13th century. The centre itself is dominated by Strasbourg Cathedral, which is the sixth-tallest church in the world and constitutes a stunning example of Gothic architecture.

Strasbourg boasts a large number of fine art and other museums for a city of its size. The University of Strasbourg is also worth a visit, with its botanical garden and museums exhibiting all sorts of scientific artefacts. With train connections to Germany, Switzerland, Paris and other cities in France, it is easy to get here. However, when you arrive in or depart from Strasbourg, don't forget to take a good look at the railway station. Its historical façade was built in the 19th century, but in 2006-2007 the station was refurbished and covered by a huge glass dome. The result of this combination of old and new is simply stunning!