Strasbourg ...

Why we haven't been to Strasbourg before baffles me; it is purely magical and must be on the list for next time. A day just isn't long enough!! After hitting speeds of 308 kms/hr in the TGV we arrived in time to drop our bags and take a quick walk into the world famous Christmas Market. Strasbourg had the record for the best market in Europe and it is easy to see why. Despite the backdrop being so amazingly gorgeous, the market (or markets) are also immense and beautifully decorated. Each square has a different market throughout the city centre. Each one has a different feel or theme or speciality. One was the guest nation, Portugal, one decorations, one alternative (we might call it a bit greenie, they used recycled shipping containers rather than the cute wooden stalls and sold recycled gifts) another might be found oriented: although food and mulled wines weren't far from any of the markets.

You can see the weather is decidedly more wintery than it was in Paris and cooler too!!!

You can see where the inspiration for ginger bread houses comes from. 

The main city square hosts the famous Strasbourg Christmas tree

Yes. It's us ...

The decorating of shops is exceptional

Dinner that night was a traditional Alsace-Lorraine meal starting with flambee tarte. Like a pizza but different bacon, onion and Munster cheese. 

I think we approve of the flambee tarte!!

Our neighbours during dinner!!!

The next day we walked through Petite France and we were blown away at the beauty of it.

Strasbourg's own Notre Dame looms over everything.  

I think it is even more impressive than the one in Paris

Even at night time the shops are amazing and the street lighting is exceptional be too. Everywhere you look there is Christmas decoration.