Strasbourg: 10 Things That SHOCK Tourists about Strasbourg, France

[@andrewburns5697]

I visited Strasbourg and Colmar a few years back. I would highly recommend visiting both places. Absolutely gorgeous. Mark really has captured the essence of the area. I will definitely return.

[@kenreilly5308]

Spent about a total of a week and a half in Strasbourg, beautiful city. Spent the first wo weeks in December in Kehl across the Rhine and went to the Christmas markets and they are wonderful as are the Christmas markets in Germany, Offenburg, Baden Bade and Kehl.

[@panamericaco]

My wife and I are lucky to have landed in Strasbourg because of work and have been enjoying every minute living in France! Strasbourg has become our new adopted home. Every time we go to the inner city we leave energized by its beauty.

[@zyrtec57]

Strasbourg, ma ville ! La plus belle du monde ! Merci de ta visite !

[@Nychoo213]

Thank you very much to highlight our beautiful city this way ❤️❤️❤️ ! If you like sports, I'd highly recommend to book tickets for a football game in Strasbourg, we're probably one of the most enthusiastic crowd in France, and the experience is always incredible ! Thank you once again for your video and such kind words about our city, hope you enjoyed your stay here, have a nice day !

[@andygordon2599]

Hello Nychoo213, I have tried getting tickets for Strasbourg games but found it quite difficult coming from the U.K. Are tickets available on matchdays around the stadium? Thanks!

[@TMD3453]

It really looks so beautiful, like it has a medieval, hand made feel. I’ve got to get there. Have been to Colmar. Thanks, Wolter!

[@duncandixon4202]

I just wanted to say my wife and I have been watching your videos for three years. We are both taking a deferred leave from our teaching jobs starting in a month. We will be taking our kids (10&12) around the EU and several other destinations outside of the EU. We want to thank you and your family for inspiring the trip and giving such great tips, tricks, ideas, and safety information. We appreciate you so much.

[@haramea]

As a french i've already been to strasbourg and i couldn't agree more, it's like if france and germany had a child, this city is so different from the rest of france and it's hella cool. By the way, love the way you talk about your subject, glad i found such an interesting chanel today!

[@fckfck4181]

Hey I'm french from Paris visited lot of cities in France and Strasbourg is definitely one of my all time favorite! I love how laid back it felt, I really think I will try to move out there honestly, I was a lot in the south and it felt far more hostile compared to Strasbourg or Angers to give another example, loved the Germanic culture if I can say it like that, will try job hunting there for sure

[@mohamedaminechahboun8992]

I'm Moroccan and I've been doing some research about this topic , because it intrigued me how a French city could have a German name like Hamburg for an example, and by the looks of it , the city used to belong the holy roman empire before it was annexed by France in the late 17th century by Louis XIV , if you guys know any more information about this topic, please do share it with me .

[@haramea]

@@mohamedaminechahboun8992 Yeah! from what i remember of history classes, the "Alsace Lorraine" region became french under Louis 14, then some of it became Prussian, and the rest of it was lost after the second world war, and once the war ended people from these regions voted to chose whether they wanted to be french or german. (sorry it's not really clear, but i'm sure wikipedia knows a lot on the subject! (i just hope it's been translated in english;; ))

[@tixien]

@@mohamedaminechahboun8992 Hi:-) It’s a long story really but here are the latest episodes: after French Emperor Napoleon III started then lost the 1870 Franco-Prussian war (the Emperor himself was captured on the battle field), the French brought down his regime (called Second Empire), established the 3rd Republic and « gave » Alsace-Lorraine to the Prussian as settlement for the war. It caused quite a trauma across France, with many songs, pamphlets and literature deploring such a loss. Unsurprisingly the french were very very keen on getting back these two regions so when France came out of WWI as a winner, they did exactly that. Twenty years later, France-invading Nazis made a point to force people from Alsace to join the German army. These forced recruits were called « Les malgré-nous » (=against our will) and added to the overall trauma the region experienced from switching hands every few decades. Quite symbolically Strasbourg now hosts the European Parliament, the European Court of Human Rights and the Council of Europe.

[@neilhupping9106]

Great video. Did 5 days in Strasbourg this summer and fell in love Baden Baden is a great day trip too Strasbourg at night is absolutely gorgeous with the lights

[@severine5310]

I am from Strasbourg and live just next to la Petite France, I honestly feel lucky to live in such a nice city, sometimes I even forget how nice the city is so thank you for the video !

[@jkd246]

Are there any nice towns in Switzerland and Germany that close to the borders that we can visit since we're planning to stay in Strasbourg 5 nights. Thank you

[@alyssej.6046]

Tarte flambe was the most important thing I ate in Strasbourg! We found a hole in a wall down an alley, to the point that locals heard us speaking English and asked out how found it. I absolutely loved the city.

[@JulsMWK1995]

My grandpa’s family came from this region. Adding this to my list of places to visit!

[@Chbcfjkvddjkiuvcfr]

Thank you for presenting so well our beautiful city ❤️

[@traykunn8531]

some tips about strasbourg, as a wailter. if you want to take a reservation call the restaurant the night before if you can, it makes things easier for us and you'll likely get your reservation noted and not refused because the restaurant can't take more for the day. also, if you want to eat some "tarte flambée/flamenkueche" do not EVER go to "the flams" it's a famous touristic restaurant but you'll pay too much to eat cold food and waiting 20-30 before someone will take your order

[@GeographRick]

Love seeing this. My maternal grandmother's family came to the US from Alsace. J'adore voir ça. La famille de ma grand-mère maternelle est venue d'Alsace aux États-Unis.

[@JetsetJose]

Strasbourg is definitely high on my list for when I visit France. 🇫🇷

[@TMD3453]

Thanks Wolter! Probably the weirdest culture shock I’ve ever had is the cross over with German and French speaking cultures in Alsace. It’s like you don’t need to have a physical place to have culture. Crazy. But I love it of course. You feel the weight of history and all that has changed. Thanks.

[@SherriLyle80s]

You make the food always sound so amazing.

[@StamfordBridge]

He does!

[@Jacobdemery]

Just went to Strasbourg and Colmar just a few weekend ago because of your channel and wow what a spectacular place! The cathedral looks fake in person, it’s crazy. Highly recommend.

[@TheSimmpleTruth]

I have been there twice and I love it. So picturesque, beautiful and the bakeries are well worth spending time them because the food tastes so good.

[@jeanschmitt9020]

I'm glad you enjoyed Strasbourg, it's a marvelous city in a marvelous région !

[@elan3035]

Elle est très belle ma ville 🥨🇫🇷

[@susanmance9436]

I went on a day trip to Strasbourg 7 years ago with a friend that lives in Zurich. I loved it! Wish I could have stayed longer

[@rossbernhardt4796]

Check out Kehl, the German town right across the Rhine. Short team ride from Strasbourg. My great grandfather came from Kehl. It's not as spectacular visually as Strasbourg, but there are nice churches, the shopping and dining are much less expensive, and the outlying villages annexed by Kehl are very picturesque.

[@williampeter6593]

Born and raised here, best time to visit the Cathedral is in the morning lights, the sun makes everything shiny and its kind of mesmerizing

[@frenchcookerysnob8251]

Actually frog legs is a speciality of the Alsace. Due to the swampy nature of a good part of the region it became very common to eat frog. Today it is on the menu of many good Alsatian restaurants like the Buerehiesel (1 Michelin Star).

[@sachamuller4624]

Bro i live here for 17 years old and never ate frog legs xD

[@DuffleKerfuffle]

No bro, I'm from strasbourg and it actually traditionnally comes from Franche Comté, Bourgogne, but yeah, you can eat frog legs in Alsacian restaurants.

[@blumthomas3783]

@@sachamuller4624 moi aussi et j'en ai déjà mangé plusieurs fois, notamment au Buerehiesel ;)

[@EVL-xj5vc]

French eat a lot of exotic food similar to Asians. We eat frog legs too but after hearing how the legs are chopped off, skinned alive and leave to die. I got traumatized and stop eating . I know it’s delicious 😕

[@Fan652w]

Public transport both in and around Strasbourg is very good. Eg, the city has one of the best 'second generation' tramcar systems in the world; fast trains to Colmar, Mulhouse and Basel are every hour and take less than 80 minutes to get to Basel.

[@dusttodust4295]

😊 can’t wait to visit

[@bugswife_8x8]

I went to Strasbourg back in June and loved it there! Based on recommendations from your earlier video on Strasbourg, I ordered the picon with my beer, tried choucroute (delish and super filling), was able to see the astronomical clock while avoiding the long lines, etc. There happen to be a music festival at the same time. I definitely want to go back again and maybe add a day trip to Colmar. Great video!

[@laurelpeddie9787]

How was the weather in June?

[@bugswife_8x8]

Sunny, mid/high 80s with some humidity. There was one cloudy day where it poured rain in the evening though.

[@krunoslavkovacec1842]

Double upload from Mark. Awesome

[@mimelejeune6237]

So that was you! I live two streets away from the cathedral (you actually showed my street!) and me and my American girlfriend saw you. I knew I had seen you somewhere, man! Damn! Thank you for painting such a beautiful picture of our city. Next time you’re here, I won’t miss the opportunity. I’m buying your ass a beer!

[@lupstremac]

Absolutely gorgeous

[@lynettedoyle4338]

J’aime cette ville! Elle est si belle et authentique

[@abooogeek]

I have to say, I really enjoyed this video, not only because it is my hometown, but also you highlighted the uniqueness of the region and the main city (including the food). Thank you :)!

[@streondal]

I lived in Strasbourg for almost 40 years and this vidéo pointed out things i never thought about ! Thanks for sharing these impressions, it was fun and very informative !

[@DAMfoxygrampa]

Why'd you leave?! It's so pretty

[@streondal]

@@DAMfoxygrampa i went to a village close to Strasbourg, there are a LOT of these, very close and all around Strasbourg. Public transports are very developped so you're never too far from it^^

[@cafepainbeurre0]

Hi everyone, i come from alsace, i recommend you some small villages in the wineroad which are as beautiful as strasbourg is ; riquewhir , kaysersberg, ribeauvillé, molsheim, obernai, you can also take a look at the château du haut-koenigsbourg which is something like the third most visited castle of france but you will definitly see a few medieval castles along the road, the wine road is approximativly from Strasbourg to Colmar... I wish you a greet trip and schmoutz to everyone !

[@margailchristelle7074]

Magnifique vidéo ! c'est vrai qu'elle est belle notre ville , capitale de l'europe !! bravo

[@lafeeerine2482]

contente que votre visite a strasbourg vous ai fait decouvrir notre alsace et aimé tous les plats typique de chez nous.

[@MrPtittomtom]

Just thank you for sharing all the beauty of Strasbourg. Picon with beer is always enjoyed by US people ! Thanks a lot

[@Chris-pf8by]

Studied here, fantastic city with the perfect size. Bike everywhere, great variety in neighborhoods. Germany next door.

[@woltersworld]

It's amazing. We love it

[@michellaneousmama]

We're visiting in December and I'm taking notes from your videos. Thank you!

[@jennyoshea1958]

Always concise and informative.

[@sulongmandaluyongcity7550]

Btw, from Nuremberg, we are making a day trip, or maybe stay a night or two in Bamberg…😊😊😊

[@peterbushby9009]

Best city in France

[@VenusEvan_1885]

Thanks to Germans

[@reginadispagna]

Great video! Thank you! 🙂

[@SD-cs1ti]

When I was a kid there were not many people in town in the evening at least, today we meet the whole world and that's magical, it makes you want to see where all these people come from, little advice for those who have time the tarte flambée must eat it in the villages and there it will be total immersion among the population, Friends

[@pauladams7344]

Have been many times. Fabulous place.

[@SkulShurtugalTCG]

My wife and I are getting ready for our first trip to France in just two months and I've been doing lots of research to prepare. I am VERY grateful for your various videos on France (and especially Paris) and I just wanted to say, thank you! Your videos are both informative and entertaining, which means the information is a lot easier to absorb and will likely stick in my mind a lot longer.

[@woltersworld]

That is really nice of you. Thank you. Have a great trip!

[@at5839]

Maybe Arles or Carcassonne South Nîmes if you like old beautiful building. The bridge Le Gard or in thé south west thé Périgord with Sarlat la Caneda... I am french but i think Paris/Strasbourg (by train) then go to thé South Nîmes Arles by flight from Mulhouse to South to look old romanian city then going to Carcassonne by renting a car riding still along the coast then to Périgord (foi gras) drive through Bordeaux. If you still have Time , the Mont Saint Michel stop is recommanded. Keep in mind France is thé size of us states. Car is a good and cheap way to Travel in France if you like landscape Then from

[@faisalsaber7092]

I live in strasburg as well

[@gonzalesfrederic6213]

I am from Alsace. It is a wonder.

[@Mr.Aspirin3]

Thanks for this nice video dude I live in Strasbourg and you give her much love Thanks for the city

[@camillep.2801]

I live in Strasbourg and i'm more aware and worried about bicycles than cars. Look every direction haha.

[@ashitaka2755]

Ribeauvillé for in medieval week is one of the best places in the world

[@tobiojo6469]

Awesome video

[@elliotsmith9812]

Baden Baden is close. It has a great castle ruin most people miss.

[@scottlindsly]

Sometimes I wish Mark would do a video @ Baden-Baden, but then I think it's best to keep a "secret" from throngs of tourists...perhaps a bit selfish! We're returning for a few days' visit in April...love the quiet elegance of this charming upper Black Forest mountain spa-town, where another 1/4 of my ancestors came from (& I often wonder why they left!)

[@fayedelgrande7177]

My husband and I will be visiting Strasbourg from Munich in October, we are so excited. Any suggestions on how to bus or train from Munich to Strasbourg ?

[@basictoglamchictravels]

The architecture is unique 👌 😍

[@hollyludlow2460]

I’m going early December for the markets this year!

[@evelyngrammar]

We were there in July. Special.

[@mattball2700]

One branch of my family is from that area, too.

[@mmc9828]

Going to Strasbourg in November. Any idea if they have designer shopping? Thank you.

[@faithartman3038]

I often pass exaclty where you stand during your presentation, if I meeted you, it would be a pleasure to show you some place and tell you some fact, or to guide you / help you during you trip !

[@OnTheGoWithCarson]

I want to get here so badly!!!

[@Caspirated]

love your videos about my own city! thank you for having such a good pov, i’ve watched your older video about Strasbourg giving it pros and cons. great opinions. where are you from?

[@2935Alucard]

I alrdy see some of your vidéo and like it a lot! but didnt realise u make one on my own city Thanks you realy much!

[@rhondapetsch9646]

I just wanted to comment and say that out of all your videos (and I’ve watched a lot) your passion and love came through so much in this one. It actually made me tear up a bit. I wasn’t surprise AT ALL when you said your family is from there. Your pride was evident. Will be stopping here during our trip for sure because of your videos.

[@andeeharry]

the crusine does look lush

[@liebet9491]

We really enjoy your videos. Heading to Germany in a week for a month. Our 1st European trip. We will be staying in Baden Baden for 3 days and want to visit Strasbourg and Colmar. It’s pricey to get a train to them so we were thinking visiting both in a day. Can we see both towns in a day? Thank you for any help you can provide.

[@thomascook578]

Strasbourg looks good, we were trying to work out where to go in 23, we've decided another of your ideas Colmar but with a trip to here, 👍

[@sulongmandaluyongcity7550]

Hi Mark! Can I get some advise from you on choosing among Colmar, or Frieburg, or Strasbourg as our (me and my wife) base when we try to make that swing this coming February through those Alsace towns you recommend highly? We are coming from Nuremberg (we are attending an expo there from Feb 13-17) and I am convincing my wife to go to Munich (from which I hope we can make a daytrip to Salzburg), then those Alsace towns from which we can make a daytrip to Basel, and then go to Paris maybe from Strasbourg or Colmar…(we are flying back to Asia from Paris, at least that’s my plan) I guess it’s obvious I have been watching your videos hehe

[@Shaz924]

10 facts about the place I live I did not know. If you're still in France, Le Havre has a lot things to tell ;)

[@KnowoneHFRC]

In 5 weeks I'm taking a 3-week journey starting in Amsterdam and ending in Frankfurt. As a part of this trip I've decided to spend a week in Freiburg and use it as my home base but now I'm starting to doubt my choice. And consider maybe spending the week in Strasbourg and using that as a home base instead. Any thoughts from folks who have experienced in the area?

[@jfrancobelge]

Alsatian food is the successful marriage of the generosity of German food with the refinement of French cuisine.

[@nicolevega-m9u]

first time i see one of ur videos, i lowkez want to be ur friend ur so sweet!

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

Hey Mark! We're going to strasbourgh for the Christmas markets thanks to your advice 😁 just wondering, what would be a good amount of cash to bring to the Christmas markets?

[@ewilansoleil]

Hi there! Living in Strasbourg, I would say it depends on what you wish to bring back. Simple Christmas ornaments can be at reasonable prices (less than 10€), but if you wish to bring back wooden carved decorations, things that light up, etc… plan that most are above 30 up to more than a 100€. Of course, it depends on the size and the artisan you’re buying from ^^ It’s totally possible to bring back stuff at a reasonable price! Also, you have tones of non Christmas related things! I’m thinking about blown glass jewelleries (think normal hand made jewelleries’ prices), sculptures (fun little ones of moles in outfits, family portraits to compose using little flat sculptures… these two are there every year), tones of plushies, hand made wooden toys and puzzles (those are expensive), etc. To that, add the food! Mulled vine (or warm orange/apple juice for non-alcoholic options) is a must, you have to try bretzels (especially if it’s your first time there, tho I would recommend buying from a local bakery instead of the market for cheaper options that are just as good), baguette flammenküchen (the sort of pizza talked about in the video but on a baguette, to eat while walking around the market ^^), candies, bredele (traditional Christmas cookies), gingerbread, … Lots of option xD They are usually more expensive than normally, more themed-parks’ prices for example. Btw, most stalls accept cards (not all of them!) I know it’s not a precise answer, and there is a lot of things I haven’t listed since the Christmas market literally takes half the historical center of town, but I hope it helped! PS: try to go to the smaller markets, still in Strasbourg but a bit hidden. They are magical to go to and makes you explore the old city further. Just ask at the tourist information center (right next to the Cathedral). I would also recommend the light show on the Cathedral certain nights. Don’t hesitate if you have questions! I also know interesting places to visit, I love the history of this city x)

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

@@ewilansoleil oh my this was soooo helpful! Thank you!! Especially with the good which is what I'm most looking forward to lol! Any must sees or favorites?

[@ewilansoleil]

@@ccccccchhhhhh808 I'm glad I was able to help! There are a lot of must sees xD The historical center as a whole is one of them. Not only is the WHOLE Petite France protected by UNESCO, but so is the Cathedral and the Neue Stadt (German for new city)! First of all, la Petite France is the part of town that is inside the historical borders : it's an island you will reach by crossing bridges avoir the Île, which is the river surrounding it. I recommend simply walking around, especially at night. Try to go in the evening/night up to the Ponts Couverts! They were designed by Vauban as a mean to protect tje city and are illuminated at night. Also, note that the buildings next to them build with the same stone used to be... a women prison x) (now it's mostly a pretty building but not a lot of people know this). Cross the Ponts Couverts (litteraly 'covered bridges') to see sculptures from the Cathedral that are stored there! Speaking of the Cathedral, know that it is the oldest gothic cathedral in Europe, and was for the longest time the highest building of Europe! Its peculiar colour is due to the stone used, the pink sandstone, which is from the region and can be found in a lot of building. The Cathedral was build on swamps, which complicated its construction a lot. Fun fact: a team of workers work all year round on the Cathedral to keep it in its best shape! You can learn more about them in the Museum of "l'oeuvre Notre-Dame" (right next to the cathedral). The Cathedral is well known for its stained-glass rose, beautiful especially from the inside. Now I'll give you some extra fun facts about the place most locals don't know! When facing the cathedral, look right. On the side of the building, high in the air and amoung the statue is one peculiar subject: a stork! Once inside, on one of the pillar (one the left if I recall properly, it's the 2nd or the 1st from the entrance) you will find a little carving of a man supporting the pillar: the legend says that if you take him out, the whole Cathedral will collapse. Walk around up to the little circular stairs, on the side of one of the pillar. Search the stairs: on the side, you'll see a sleeping dog. Why is it here? No one knows! But it sure is fun! Go now to the astronomical clock, and look left. On the railing of the balcony, notice the sleeping figure: it's the architect of the cathedral, who devoted his life to this project, but could never see it finish. He was added to be finally able to see everything he created. The clock now! Try to stay up until a round hour to see the little figures on it move. The clock has a peculiar story: a king asked a clockmaker to make him the most beautiful clock possible, but once he was done with this masterpiece, the king ordered his eyes to be bursts so that he'll never be able to make one ever again, and for the king's clock to remain unique. The clockmaker, as revenge, made the machine stop working for a 100 years. (cool legend right?) Last but not least (there are a lot more but hey, this comment is already way too long), in one of the last stained-glass window, leading to the exist, look at the bottom right corner to find the devil, trapped inside. Some say that if the window was to be broken, he would escape, and that the strong winds surrounding the cathedral are the devil trying to escape his prison. I'm gonna do an other comment for the other places xD

[@ewilansoleil]

While going to the Cathedral, you will probably pass by the Halberds' street (recognisable by the mosaic of halberds at its entrance). Why is it interesting, apart from the fact the street is pretty? Because this was one of the main street of Strasbourg when it was only a roman town! It was called Argentoratum. You will most likely pass by Gutenberg's square to go to the cathedral (it's the one with the carousel). On it, look for the statue: because yes, Gutenberg was Alsacian and created there the concept for his greatest invention: printing! From there, go the Brooglie's square (you'll find another Christmas market there) and look for the building (there is a bank in there), along the tramway: you'll find a little metal sign with an interesting information, because it's here, in Strasbourg, that Rouget de Lisle composed the French hymn 'La Marseillaise' (yes it should have been called the Strasbourgeoise but the platoon who sang it first was going to Marseille so... they kept it as such). Keep going from Brooglie to arrive at the Republic square. Welcome in the Neue Stadt! It was build when the city became German for the 2nd time. You have to know that due to its history of going from one country to the other, the culture of Alsace is very diverse. But it also led to cool architectural things, since when one of the 2 country got the region back, they tried to show the other they were doing better stuff there, leading to lots of beautiful buildings being build. That's exactly what happened at this specific location! Place yourslef in the little park in the middle, facing the street in between the two big buildings. Behind you is the Rhin's Palace, build initially for the Kaiser when he was visiting the city. Then, it became (and still is) the home of the oldest international organisation of the world, which focus on trade on the Rhin. In front of you, on the right, is the TNS (national theater of Strasbourg), which became "national" when France got the city back once more. It's the only National Theater that isn't in Paris! Still in front of you, on the left, is the National Universitarian Library (same story for the 'national' denomination). Fun fact: when the Germans build it, they asked for each university of the German Empire to send documents from their personal collections. But when the city went back to France, these documents remained here, which is the reason why lots of them are still, to this today, not translated (from latin) and have never been studied. Fun fact in the fun fact: it's the students of Strasbourg's university who study these documents to get extra credits x) Facing you, at the end of the road right in front of you, is the old university (nowadays the one for history and art studies), which makes knowledge (the university) answer to power (the palace). If you go to the uni, look inside, in the entrance on the left, for a metal sign: this is where the 1st meeting of the Assembly of the European Council was held! Back to the square, pay attention to the statue in the middle of the park. It's a memorial for the victims of different wars France fought in. However! It has a specificity. On it, you'll read "for our dead" and not "for our dead, who gave their lives for France" like everywhere else in the country. Why? Because due to its peculiar history, Alsace wasn't always on the French side of the different wars, sometimes even forced to fight against it like in the 2nd World War where Alsace was annexed by the Nazis. This is a way to honour everyone, and the reason why the statue is how it is: a mother, holding her two sons, dead in a war: France and Germany. If you're interested by the European institutions, go visit the EU Parlement! We also have the European Court of Human Right. The buildings are very recent, but it's interesting to see how the history of Europe was tied with the EU and Europe in general. Also, I forgot this one fun shop in the Petite France: the Christmas shop. They sell Christmas stuff all year round, and it's beautiful. I definitely recommend trying to go there! There are a lot of other cool places to visit. So walk around the city! If you have a car or are willing to take the bus, try to visit at least one of the numerous castles around Alsace (the Haut-Koenigsbourg is the most famous one), and a few museums. Speaking of which, I would recommend doing the free 5e Lieu (next to the Cathedral also), which present in French, English and German the history of Strasbourg from the Roman Empire to nowadays in a great permanent exposition! You can also go to Germany (Kehl to be precise) by simply using the tramway! It'll make you cross the border without any control (welcome in the EU!) and is a quick way to visit an other country during your stay. Btw, I would recommend getting day-long tramway tickets, because with the bike, it is the main transportation in the city and allow you to go pretty much everywhere in less than 20 minutes. The public transportations here are very efficient! I hope it helped :D

[@gabrielle9702]

@@ewilansoleil Vous êtes merveilleux. Je viens de déménager ici et j'ai envie d'aller TOUT voir maintenant !

[@bgoldfan]

THank you for the video we are comming around Christmas this year any restaurants you can recommend?

[@ewilansoleil]

The most famous would probably be the Maison Kammerzel, right next to the Cathedral in a beautiful building that is one of the oldest in town. For flammenkuchen, Flams in the most well known and is affordable. The atmosphere is nice (traditional Alsatian house) and they ONLY sell those, so they have a lot of variety (even sweet versions! The white chocolate raspberries one is amazing). Apart from that, I recommend walking around the Petite France to find some gems. Hope it helped! Don’t hesitate if you have other questions, living there, I got to learn the history of the place first hand. Have a great trip!

[@celestebnt418]

@@ewilansoleil Flams?? C’est une chaîne 😭

[@ewilansoleil]

@@celestebnt418 Vrai x) Mais pour goûter de tout (en terme de flammenkuchen) tout en ayant un budget serré, c'est une bonne alternative (^-^') Je voulais contrebalancer le super cher de la Maison Kammerzel, mais je suis d'accord il y a mieux ailleurs x) Si tu as des propositions please go ahead! Je voulais aider mais j'ai réalisé un peu tard qu'être étudiant à Strasbourg n'aide pas à connaitre les endroits un peu plus chic... xD

[@eaglenoimoto]

I really wonder what is the "French cuisine you think of" (for what I take to be the major part of your audience, ppl from the US)? Asking as a North German who's lived all over Europe and Asia... when I think "French food", I think "cream, cheese, wine, heavy meats, extreme desert-ness, dairy and meat overload". Exactly what's common in Alsace and pretty much 70% of France. I struggle with it and mostly go for Vietnamese and North African food when in the "heavy meals" parts of France. So if you are from the US, what do you think is typical for French food? The Mediterranean diet? +100% heads up for Christmas markets in Alsace, it's a dream!

[@estelle8457]

As a french/alsacian/german person, I would say you may be right, but you can still but all those things together differently. For example, there is a lot more sauce in french cuisine than in alsacian one I think (or to be honest, that the part I don't like about typically french dishes) like with bœuf bourguignon, blanquette, bouchées à la reine (which is common here, but originates from "inside" France . On the other hand sauerkraut, Bäckeoffe are not dry but there is no sauce. And tartes flambées are not drowning in cream :) Oh und kartoffelpuffer findet man hier auch überall :)

[@jfrancobelge]

That's not a shock but I found very funny, and a bit weird, there that the local souvenir shops sell small Eiffel Towers... when Strasbourg is hundreds of kilometers away from Paris.

[@neilhupping9106]

Another thing about Strasbourg is that it’s not a big city but not a small city either. 275k population. So there’s enough culture but not crazy busy

[@holoflynn8158]

*293 000 now 504 000 if you take into account the metropole population

[@henriohl3278]

Le plus choquant, à Strasbourg, c'est que sur le monument de la place Gutenberg, ( situé à quatre-vingt mètres de la cathédrale), il n'y ait aucune inscription : même pas le nom de Gutenberg !!! Parce que les catholiques de la cathédrale ne veulent pas que l'on se pose de questions : à savoir, que Gutenberg était protestant et qu'il a dû fuir ( à Mayence), avec sa famille pour ne pas être assassiné par les catholiques, comme le fut son assistant. Et, c'est ainsi que la première Bible Imprimée, le fut à Mayence et non à Strasbourg : alors que c'est ici qu'il inventa l'imprimerie !!!

[@scottlindsly]

Brilliant & informative video, Mark! #1 is only a shock to those who don't know the history, which I suppose is most folks: Elsaß was Germanic for over a millennia (HRE & before), which explains the beautiful old classic Germanic architecture you shared. It started to be stolen ("conquered") by France in 1648 following the 30-Year War and the remainder in subsequent years (including Straßburg)...thus the "back & forth" (1871, 1919, 1940) until it was "given" again to France after WW2 and the national government shamed and/or outlawed certain Germanic traditions (including language, which is now thankfully making a comeback there). It's no wonder that the citizens have developed the attitude & culture of unique regional--rather than national--pride, and gives clues as to perhaps why our (1/4 of my ancestors, too) decided to look for greener pastures in the US. Thanks again for your insightful videos, here & elsewhere!!

[@brigittelacour5055]

It's not so simple ! Before 1648 Alsace wasn't unified, it's was a mix of free cities like Strasbourg, church possessions Catholic first then Catholic, Lutheran, Calvinist, and then you have the feodal counties badish, Habsburg... Different languages too, some parts only spoke french ( Belfort area, some Vosges valley) some speak a dialect more badish, south more allemanic. You can't compare the Alsace before 1648 to a modern state. In fact the unification came with 1648 and the annexion to the french kingdom, Stil some churches possession stays out. In 1871, Alsace was annexed by Germany and ruled from Berlin, and that was a massive culture shock as Alsacian have far more linked with the badish or black forest people, Prussian was a completely different world,for the south Germany people too ! And more Alsace wasn't really integrated to Germany with different laws, different rights, jobs restrictions for Alsacians ! And re in 40-45 ! Does Alsacian feel German or french ? They feel Alsacian first, french second and European. Fun fact, a part of France never in Alsace, Montbéliard, was a possession of the Duke of Württemberg until after the french Revolution. But nobody there speak an allemanic dialect (it's near the Swiss border) nor feel "German" or even people of Württemberg.

[@brigittelacour5055]

The "shame" of the dialect wasn't only against the Alsacian dialects but against all dialects in France, breton, picard, occitan... Now you can choose between bilingual school and only french one. Dialects are spoken before 6-7 years old and Hochdeutsch after. But sadly it doesn't have a great success among the population ! By the way, I'm from the part of Alsace who stay french after 1871, due to the impressive defences of the Belfort fort ! We never spoke dialect here, some part was Habsburg possession, some others. But we still have some old tradition of Sankt Nikolaus, the Easter rabbit and so.

[@scottlindsly]

@@brigittelacour5055 thank you for the additional insight! Indeed a complex & very deep history & I was merely touching a basic/contemporary level as most folks may not be interested in a deeper dive...but I certainly am & really appreciate your lesson!! Nothing changes the historical fact that the Kingdom of France stole ("annexed" as you say) this Free Imperial City (and before HRE a very diverse history too) of predominately Germanic culture, first in its modern history at least, instigating the past several hundred years of "back & forth" Mark mentioned, with very hard feelings among inhabitants & nations for centuries. And undoubtedly the pre-WW1 citizens didn't care to be dominated by either empire. Sentiments may have been forcibly changed post-WW2 with France's retaliatory actions/laws (and thank you for elaborating on their actions in your second note, I wasn't aware of the current options), but my understanding was for long prior to WW2 they had felt Alsacian first AND second AND third, as many still do. I can understand how people with such an interesting & colorful history of relative independence would not care to be dominated by far-away tyrants or any nationality/empire. And of course, you would know far better than I how they feel now! I speak merely as a history-nerd with an unquenchable thirst for understanding, as my family migrated away from there a few generations ago. Best wishes to you & all there, thanks again for the lesson(s), and I look forward to visiting your beautiful Elsaß again & again in the future, enjoying the best of both worlds that your rich culture provides!

[@jonathancatz6432]

Nothing wrong with frog legs but i reccomend foie gras d'oie. Very expensive but in case you are there after new years eve you can enjoy it for half price because it's perrishable and they want to get rid of it.

[@Braun30]

There is no "typical French food". Regional influences are very specific and one can not expect Bouillabaisse in Caen or Abats de volaille au Medoc on the côté d'Azur.

[@marmite-land]

Of course it is traditional French cuisine, but it's strasbourgeoise cuisine, more precisely. Indeed, the warm and dry-soiled region of Provence-alpes-côte-d'azur is not gonna have the same dishes as the cold Nord. As France contains a variety of biomes in its territory, the cuisine is very varied too

[@Stache987]

"Up next on the Cathedral Channel, we'll return in a minute, but first, let's have a beer"

[@chriskabout4556]

Three days ago, I visited Strasburg as final stage of an Alsace vacation. Except for two nice neighborhoods (Petit France and the area around the cathedral), the city was a major disappointment. Colmar was much more beautiful.

[@abivenlouan5309]

Super video ! Gg my lord

[@lupinlapin]

Et ouais mon gars, vive ma ville. Jamais je déménage.

[@bcperry1973]

2:23 please tell me what this is!

[@eleanessa_]

It is most certainly a Streusel :)

[@DuffleKerfuffle]

it is our regional "crumble" :))

[@1991ROLEX]

I had fun doing the "polygot" thing with a tour shop keeper. (Switching languages several times) Hands down this is my absolute favorite city in the Rhein region! Spent a great many days here, enough that I became for a time a "regular" at a few places. (It is about 2 hours from where I was living in Germany).

[@sharkozz83]

my city?

[@bigdchi]

Like his vids but does Wolters work?

[@heidihall4591]

He’s a professor in Illinois

[@litalpeled2055]

And his first name is Mark. Wolters is his last name

[@jmlepunk]

My dude, Wolter probably makes $30k a month with all his KZbin views

[@bigdchi]

@@jmlepunk 30k per month! really ??

[@bigdchi]

@@litalpeled2055 Obviously

[@_Der_Nebel_]

Apparently he didn't visit the no go zones otherwise he would have been really shocked😂

[@Swiss918]

We visited Strasbourg during Christmas a couple years in a rental car. Bad idea! Don’t try to drive through Strasbourg!

[@jmlepunk]

Cars are a plague. The future is carless. Please leave you car in a parking garage away from the centre.

[@wiffy-animation]

Wtf this is my dad at 4:20

[@gwegowy7056]

On dirait les vidéos que nos profs mettraient en compréhension orale d'anglais zéro vannes mdrr

[@lupinlapin]

euuuh picon is not the "way we drink". Picon is very popular in the west and south France. You can drink a picon for appertif, but IT'S never the way you drink beer here. Michel Deneken is the man who invented desperados. We have Heinken, Meteor, etc. And we respect our beer

[@AlainSeront]

Alsace is not in France nor in Germany: Alsace is in ..Alsace 😅

[@francinemuller2358]

Ham on a flammekueche, come on you must be joking

[@michaelamatter6070]

Bitte auf deutsch

[@nickhayley]

It's unnerving when people speak about eating animals like they have no value than that which pertains to killing it and shovelling it into one's mouth. I was reluctant to comment, but when I saw Mark's salivation and over the top behaviour regarding pig body parts, I had to speak up. What I love about France after recently visiting again just this month is their willingness to progess into modern times where eating vegan food is becoming more common. What a positive step forward in a culture!

[@MaxPulse1]

Come on Wolter! Click bait "SHOCK" isn't necessary. Surely "EXCITE" should be more appropriate, and given your enthusiasm, would be better. Agree with all the thoughts, but hardly shocking

[@hoganavajo]

It's interesting why the French never got rid of that architectural style as it's an eyesore to latine sensibilities I gather.

[@antoinedubocq2052]

In fact only the south of France is of Mediterranean sensibility most of Northern part is closer to the frankish origin and even celtic in the west, this kind of architecture was normal during middle age and its beautiful so why changing it 😊