Strasbourg, France – Medieval Charm with Wonderful Architecture

With historic streets lined with timber framed buildings, Strasbourg is a beautiful city that will transport you back in time. Sitting on the border of France and Germany, the city has been under the control of both nations at different times in it’s history, but it maintains a uniquely independent nature. Strasbourg is also the largest city in Alsace and it is the official seat of the European Parliament.

Buildings Along the Canal
The Tower of the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg
Decorated for the Holidays
Medieval Architecture
Sunset in Strasbourg

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg dominates the skyline of the city and its tower made it the tallest building in the world for hundreds of years. Although less famous than the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Paris, it is a beautiful example of the classic Gothic architecture. In addition to the stained glass windows and religious artwork, the cathedral also houses an astronomical clock that was built in the 1800’s. The current clock is the third to be built in the cathedral and is as fascinating as the one that can be found in Prague.

Inside the Cathedral
Astronomical Clock
Gothic Architecture
Stained Glass Windows
The Cathedral Tower Can Be Seen for Miles

Without a doubt, the highlight of visiting Strasbourg is simply walking the streets of the old town and seeing the medieval architecture. Sitting on the Rhine river, there are many canals within the city and we would certainly recommend taking a river sight-seeing tour of Strasbourg to gain a different perspective. Although not as ornate as the cathedral, St. Thomas’ Church in the heart of old town is just as fascinating with its clock tower and unique architecture.

Courtyard in Old Town
River Boat Tour
View from a Bridge
Timber Framed Buildings
Walking the Streets

There are many options for dining in Strasbourg as well, whether you are in the mood for classic French cuisine or would prefer some authentic German dishes. If you are a fan of wine, you won’t be disappointed as the city is close to the start of the Wine Road of Alsace with many vineyards in the region. Even if you don’t drive down the entire route, it is certainly worth going for a wine tasting while you are in the area.

Holiday Spirit
Sidewalk Artwork
Palais Rohan
Cathedral Sculptures
Classic Gothic Window

Obviously, there are many towns that maintain their medieval architecture, but Strasbourg is certainly one of the prettiest. We happened to visit during the holiday season and many of the various shops and hotels were adorned with elaborate, festive decorations. Regardless of the time of year, you should expect large crowds of tourists in the area, but especially during the summer when people flock to the area because of the wine road.

Scrumptious Jambalaya with Roasted Red Pepper Sausage Recipe

When visiting New Orleans, you will have the option to try a variety of wonderful regional dishes, including Jambalaya. Jambalaya is a rice dish that usually has Andouille sausage, but we’d gotten a roasted red pepper sausage from our butcher and decided to use it instead. It turned out to be delicious and was really an easy recipe for a weekday dinner. Shrimp, chicken, or pork can also be added in addition to the sausage, but we chose to keep it simple and just use the sausage. If you like it spicier, you can also add more cayenne pepper.

Everything Needed for Jambalaya

INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 lb Roasted Red Pepper Sausage (or Andouille sausage) – cut into slices
  • 1 cup Uncooked Rice
  • 1 Red Bell Pepper – diced
  • 1/2 Yellow Onion – diced
  • 2 stalks Celery – sliced 1/4 inch thick
  • 1/2 cup Diced Tomatoes
  • 3 cups Chicken Stalk
  • 2 tbsp Ground Smoked Paprika
  • 1 tbsp Ground Cumin
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
Roasted Red Pepper Sausage

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine the paprika, cumin, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Heat the butter and oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Cook the sausage in the butter and oil until it is golden-brown. Stir in the spices and cook for another minute before adding the tomatoes, onion, celery, and red pepper. Continue to sauté for about another 5 minutes until the vegetables become soft. Turn the heat down to low and add the chicken broth and rice, cover, and cook for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to keep the rice from sticking. Serve in bowls.

Adding the Vegetables to the Sausage
Cook the Rice in the Broth
When the Rice is Fully Cooked
Enjoying a Nice Bowl of Jambalaya with Roasted Red Pepper Sausage

Interacting with History in Williamsburg, Virginia

When we visited Williamsburg in Virginia back in June of 2001, it was a fascinating experience with many different reenactments and interactive activities. From what we have read, it seems to still be the case today as well. Williamsburg was once the capital of Virginia and was also one of the wealthiest colonies in America. Many of the historical buildings remain in tact such as the governor’s palace while some have been rebuilt like the original Capital building. There are also plenty of recreations to represent what life would have been like hundreds of years ago.

Working Windmill
Construction of a Building Underway
Hall Where Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Others Met and Debated Independence

It was the delegation from Williamsburg that first introduced the resolution for independence from British rule. You can even visit the room where it was signed by some of the founding fathers of the nation. There are plenty of activities for people of all ages as well as places to eat and have a local ale. Expect to enjoy hands-on experiences involving some of the many actors and historians that are there to inform and entertain people who visit.

Children Working Clay to Make Bricks
Governor’s Palace
One of the Many Actors

We have gone to many different locations with actors dressed in historic clothing meant to represent the people of the time, but we have to admit that the people who work in Williamsburg are some of the best we’ve encountered. Considering that our trip was well before cell phones and digital cameras, our photographs might seem as antiquated as the period being reenacted. Be sure to enjoy seeing the militia marching and don’t be surprised if you aren’t conscripted to join in.

Operating the Mill
Native American Hut and Farm
Historic Building

Visiting Williamsburg is a wonderful experience, especially for families, with an incredible history and an opportunity to immerse yourself into the culture of the era. It can be quite hot and humid during the summer months and you can expect there to be plenty of visitors during the tourist season. We found that a full day there, including eating and shopping, was enough to do and see everything that we wanted.