Strasbourg

Thanks to the French striking like madmen last week our trip to Strasbourg was a little more complicated than anticipated.  Instead of a relaxing 2 hour train ride there and back, Matt drove 500 miles each way. It took 5 hours to get there but about 8 hours to get home on the Friday as the strikes had commenced and the traffic in Paris was horrendous.  Matt was exhausted on our return but Ruby was very pleased to see us - she had stayed with Charles as usual and had a great time.

Strasbourg was fantastic - the weather was dry and sunny but very cold.  Not getting much above 2c  but we had taken plenty of warm clothing and the airbnb we stayed in was warm and comfortable.  It was a little out of the city centre so on Thursday when the strike started we had to walk in.

We booked two guided walks  - one for Wednesday and one for Thursday.

Wednesdays walk was more based on the history of Strasbourg and our guide, Maxime, took us around areas we certainly would have missed to see the sights and tell us the rich history and stories of the city.  The walk was 3 hours and ended at the Cathedral which is beautiful - very ornate and huge!  We were VERY cold by the end (the tour started in the afternoon and we spent the morning browsing the Christmas markets) so we quickly headed back to the apartment to warm up.

Thursday walk was a Christmas special gourmet walking tour with Pierre - this tour was also historic but with lots of food and drink included.  We started at 10am and again it was bitterly cold.  Pierre was a great tour guide and although we went to similar areas as the previous day he had different stories and a different view on areas.  We stopped along the way at various shops he had organised for us - we visited a high end gingerbread shop where we were talked through the products and did some tasting.  He then took us around some of the smaller Christmas markets where we tasted some hot mulled apple juice and had a brioche with crushed imp jam (don't ask!).  

Already we were getting full but it was off to a local shop which specialised in Brioche and at this time of year they sell Mannala (and ours had praline on) .  

Off we went to see various areas of the city - sadly as the strikes had started there was also a large demonstration/march occurring so we were unable to go to certain areas.  There was a large police presence too which was reassuring and also a bit scary!

We stopped for lunch at a micro brewery where the beer is literally brewed in the pub and you can see all the equipment.  We shared a Flammkuchen - this is a pizza base with sour cream, onion and bacon lardons.  Totally delicious - then we had one with apple on instead of bacon.  Matt had a Christmas beer and Pierre and I enjoyed just a blanche type beer.

We moved on (barely able to walk we had eaten so much) and finally ended up at Pierre's favourite chocolate shop which also sold Eclairs.  I had a lemon one and Matt had a coffee one - again amazing.  Though we took those home as we were so full up by that point.

Just remembered we also had a Bretzel (like a pretzel but made of Brioche) covered in cheese which we got at an amazing saucisson shop.

After what I think was 5 hours we were not only full up but very cold again.  I cannot recommend doing tours like this enough - its such a great way to see a city and get detail you may never find out normally.  A tour with food is an extra bonus!

Matt is now back at work - battling on limited trains and trams when able.  We all hope these strikes stop soon but its not looking hopeful.