# one of the Pont Couverts trio of 13th-century
towers
STRASBOURG could
be forgiven for having an identity crisis. Hugging the eastern border of
France, the Alsatian Capital is a fusion of French and German culture, from the
pastel hued houses perched above winding canals to the hearty cuisine. The late
winter is an ideal time for a brisk stroll around the historic Grande lie. The
World-Heritage-listed cit ycentre is indeed a large island and the medieval
Notre-Dame cathedral looms at its core. For an eye opener into life in the 18th
and 19th centuries, head to the Musee Alsacien – rickety
staircases lead up through three interconnecting town houses, with more than
1,000 exhibits on display-including kitchen equipment, children’s toys and
colourful furniture. There’s more history to revel in at the Cour du Corbeau –
a 16th-century coaching inn, accessed through an impressive original
courtyard.
Built in 1580 and beautifully restored, the Cour du Corbeau
was once a favourite of royalty, and has open-air timbered walkwasy leading to
rooms decorated wit h18th-century (cour-corbeau.com).
Local institution Chez Yvonne serves classics like smoked
sausage wit hsauerkraut, and chicken in Riesling sauce (restaurant-chez-yvonne.net).
The Musee Alsacien is open 10am-6pm, daily except Tuesdays *musees.strasbourg.eu.
Ryanair flies to Strasbourg from Stansted and easyjet is
soon to fly from Gatwick. Strasbourg is six hours by train from London, changing
in Paris *eurostar.com
