Strasbourg

Strasbourg is the capital and largest city of the Grand Est region of France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany in the historic region of Alsace, it is the capital of the Bas-Rhin department.

History

Strasbourg's historic city centre, the Grande Île, was classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1988, the first time such an honour was placed on an entire city centre. Strasbourg is immersed in Franco-German culture and although violently disputed throughout history, has been a cultural bridge between France and Germany for centuries, especially through the University of Strasbourg, currently the second largest in France, and the coexistence of Catholic and Protestant culture.

Geography

Strasbourg is situated on the eastern border of France with Germany. This border is formed by the Rhine River, which also forms the eastern border of the modern city, facing across the river to the German town Kehl. The city is located at the western end of the Upper Rhine Plain, approximately 20 km (12 mi) east of the Vosges Mountains and 25 km (16 mi) west of the Black Forest.

Economy

Strasbourg's economy is shaped by its status as a capital and regional centre. The city's economy is dominated by the tertiary sector, while the secondary sector is dominated by industry. Strasbourg is a major centre of manufacturing and engineering, as well as a hub of road, rail, and river transportation.

Culture

Strasbourg is known for its beautiful historical and cultural sights. The city's historical centre, the Grande Île, features medieval buildings, picturesque canals, and the impressive Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the tallest medieval buildings in Europe. Strasbourg is also famous for its Christmas market, which is the oldest and one of the largest in Europe.

Education

Strasbourg is the seat of several European institutions, such as the Council of Europe (with its European Court of Human Rights, its European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and its European Audiovisual Observatory) and the Eurocorps, as well as the European Parliament and the European Ombudsman of the European Union. The city is also the seat of the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine.

Strasbourg's educational institutions include the University of Strasbourg and ENA (National School of Administration). Strasbourg is also home to the National and University Library.