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Strasbourg is located in northeastern France near the German border. It lies within Alsace and is the principal city of the region. France consists of a total of 26 regions which make up the country. Strasbourg is the 9th largest metropolitan area in France. Strasbourg has a heavy German influence due to its proximity to Germany as well as the fact that the region has changed hands between France and Germany on several occasions beween the 17th and 20th century. Since Strasbourg is in the northeastern region of France it experiences a full array of the seasons unlike one finds in the South of France, in towns such as Nice and Antibes. A Strasbourg winter is not terribly cold but does demand a suitable winter coat, scarf, gloves and hat. You could say a winter in Strasbourg might be comparable to a New York City winter. Although it gets rather nippy, it is bearable. Although it snows, the snow is not inclined to stick. Strasbourg is said to be a rather conservative region. Some people say it is one of the two most discriminatory regions in France. This influence is said to come from Strasbourg's proximity to the German border and an effect left over from the Nazi regime. Strasbourg is considered to be an 'International City' and is often referred to as the 'European capital'. This is largely due to the several European institutions which reside in Strasbourg, such as the Council of Europe with it's European Court of Human Rights as well as The European Parialment. One of Strasbourg's finest attributes is the Strasbourg Cathedral which is the fourth tallest church in the world. It began construction in the 12th century and was completed in 1439. Although there are many distinguishing features to the Cathedral de Strasbourg (as it is called in French) such as it being a fine examples of Gothic architecture what stands out the most is that only one of the two towers was every completed. The Strasbourg Cathedral is striking and on a foggy night in the middle of winter it tends to be quite the ominous captivator. In warmer weather the square around the cathedral fills with outdoor cafes and the lively hustle and bustle of the tourist season in full swing. The cathedral sits in the center of the old part of Strasbourg, the historic center which is called the Grande Ile ('Grand Island') and has the distinction of being the first city to be honored as a World Heritage Site. Although the entire historic center of Strasbourg is stunning many tourists, and locals alike, find their way to La Petite France. A lovely little area lined with quaint restaurants, owner run shops and half-timber buildings. Strasbourg is a walking city. There is plenty of parking at the rim of the historic center. The streets are too long and too narrow for regular traffic. It is also very difficult to find parking in the older part of the city. There is a tourist office directly across from the cathedral which offers headsets at a reasonable price and which guide the visitor to many of the more interesting sites Strasbourg has to offer. The workers are friendly, helpful, well-informed, patient and speak fluent English. I love giving to you. I also love receiving. All the best! 
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