Added: 09/29/2005 |
Strasbourg and its thruwaysStrasbourg, the capital of Alsace during centuries, is situated in the very center of Europe in the junction of Latin and German cultures. You need only several hours to get to Strasbourg from Germany, Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg - countries, signed Schengen agreement and also from Switzerland and Austria by car. It certainly lies at the very heart of Western Europe, closer to Frankfurt, Zurich and even Milan than to Paris.
Alsace is always surprising. With its characteristic distinctiveness and its time-old traditions, Alsace is a region sure to be mentioned whenever the French talk about their gastronomy, art, history and culture. This is a land of adventure, a land of colour and warmth, with a surprise around every corner. During the centuries the capital of Alsace changed its homeland several times. Strasbourg belongs to France since 1918 (excepting 1941-1945 years). After the World War II the Rhine became a frontier between France and Germany.
Strasbourg is not only the capital of Alsace; it's also "the capital of United Europe" and the seat of the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights and it hosts the new seat of the European Parliament (with Brussels) after the asbestos scandal in the 1980s.
There are a lot of thruways that connect Strasbourg with all Europe. Not in vain name of the city means "castle (at the crossing) of roads". Strasbourg became trade junction and one of the leading centers of business life in France and Europe. Moreover it wealth to its position on the west bank of the Rhine, long the great natural transport artery in Europe. Port traffic of Alsace exceeds 15 million tonnes, of which about three quarters is centered on Strasbourg, which is the second busiest French fluvial harbour.
Strasbourg is an important centre of manufacturing and engineering, as well as of road, rail and river communications. It takes the first place between all regions in France in volume of export. Twice a year here take place trade-industrial fairs of European scale, numerous exhibitions, and the greatest in Europe international beer exhibition. In December in "city of the roads" take place Christmas fairs.
Spaghetti-junctions (built in the 70's and 80's) are prominent in the comprehensive system of thruways in Alsace, especially in the outlying areas of Strasbourg and Mulhouse.
Besides important thruways in Strasbourg there are two notable roads: wine trail and road of beer. The wine trail is 120 km long and lies through vineyards, picturesque villages, beautiful valleys and high mountains. It's famous for its selected white wines. The road of beer tells us about tradition of making beer. Its history goes back to the tenth century.
If you'd like to dip into the history and have a look to Strasbourg from within you should take an easy walk around the city. The walk will help you to look into the most secret and interesting corners of Strasbourg. "City of the roads" invites you to make an unforgettable trip!
Paraphrasing the famous statement, we can say: ALL THRUWAYS RUN TO STRASBOURG!
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