Top Things to See
 Strasbourg’s main highlight is the huge pink Notre-Dame Cathedral; a leviathan of a church complete with one of Europe’s first astronomical clocks and offering fine views of the city. Elsewhere are brilliant art museums, river cruises, and the European Parliament building. The best thing about sightseeing in Strasbourg is that it is easy to get about on foot.
 European Parliament
Parliamentary sessions take place in this strange looking building of three conjoined structures, and tours provide an introduction to the history and role of this establishment. The building itself is fairly impressive inside, but the live debates which can be discerned from the visitors’ gallery are the main attraction. Booking in advance is recommended. Phone: +33 3 8817 2007; website: www.europarl.eu.int
 Ill River Cruises
If you are here with your significant other, what better way to explore Strasbourg than by boat along the Ill River? The river cuts right through the centre of town, just to the south of la Petite France, and boats can be boarded at Rohan Palace. Cruises featuring fine views of the city are provided, with commentary available in six languages, and take about 75 minutes.
 La Petite France
The definitive part of Strasbourg is the heart of the city, flanked on all four sides by the Ill River and a network of canals. The fine island neighbourhood is linked to the rest of the city by a series of bridges and features narrow cobblestone streets and ancient Alsatian timbered houses. Check out the reflections of the houses in the canal along rue des Moulins.
Museum of l’Oeuvre Notre-Dame
Strasbourg’s finest museum features the art of Strasbourg and the Alsace region of France from the Middle Ages up to the Renaissance period. Many masterpieces are contained in this fine museum as well as the 11th century stained glass head of Christ, a superb sculpture collection and various impressive works from Strasbourg’s early goldsmiths. Phone: +33 3 8832 8817.
 Notre-Dame Cathedral
One of Europe’s finest cathedrals of Gothic architecture has a pink sandstone façade and dates back to the mid- to late 12th century. It was more than 260 years in the making and has many fine forms including its medieval carvings. Notre-Dame’s main highlight, however, is the 1574 astronomical clock, one of Europe’s first, which still runs and draws its own daily tours. Regular religious celebrations take place at the church, and the courtyard also puts on the popular Christmas Market. Phone: +33 3 8821 4334; website: www.cathedrale-strasbourg.fr/eng
 Rohan Palace
The 18th century Rohan Palace is another of Strasbourg’s many outstanding architectural landmarks featuring elaborate façades and intricate Rococo interior. The palace has some famous attractions including a fine arts museum and the original machinery used to construct the Notre-Dame astronomical clock. Also onsite is an impressive collection of artefacts covering many stages in Strasbourg’s history.
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