Strasbourg, Capital of Christmas

Posted by TravelKorner on December 18, 2015 in Destnation - France, English | Leave a comment

Savoury Bredele Cinnamon Stars. Photo by Philippe de Rexel/Strasbourg Tourist Office

In 1570, guilds and craft producers of Strasbourg held the first Christmas market in France. European Best Destinations, a Brussels based marketing organization, recently awarded ‘Best Christmas Market’ to this traditional, warm, generous and authentic Alsatian event.

Following the online polling of 71,622 web users in 83 different countries, Alain Fontanel, vice mayor of Strasbourg, can boldly state that, “This vote awards our continuous effort to offer a genuine and quality market, that defines the city as the Capital of Christmas.”

During Advent, eleven Christmas markets flood the streets with the smell of fresh pastries and the area enclosed by the Ill River is decorated with colourful festive lights create ignite a special evening atmosphere. Each of the markets are unique and draw many visitors during the season into the enchantment of the atmosphere of the city.

 

Christmas market sheltered beneath the Cathedral. Photo by Christophe Hamm/ Strasbourg Tourist Office

Rising 30 meters above ‘The Market of Sharing’ in Place Kleber square, over 90 charity and humanitarian organisations and service clubs group together inviting the public to take part in a joint effort of generosity. A homage to Strasbourg’s historic past, when in 1605 festively decorated fir trees were first raised in the Guild Halls helped collect food for the poor.

At Place des Meuniers, handmade glass Christmas tree ornaments glitter beneath the eaves of the tiny wooden kiosks in the Market known as the Irresistible Craft Producers of Alsace. The seductive smell of plum jams, mulled wine, soaps, local cheeses and pastries spreads across the square.

The picturesque narrow cobblestone alleys of the city centre, between the Grand Rue and the southern arm of the River Ill, are lined with timber frame buildings. Known as ‘Petit France’, it was honour by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1988. The odours of 17th and 18th centuries were not as delightful when hides and skins were hung by tanneries to dry, have given way top restaurants, like Maison des Tanneurs. This former tannery where floor boards creak as patrons jostle for a chance to dine on the famous Alsatian sauerkraut, Choucroute, with pork knuckles and garlicky Alsatian-style escargot, from a menu rounded off with local top-notch pinots and rieslings.

 

Christmas market sheltered beneath the Cathedral. Photo by Daniel Schoenen/ Strasbourg Tourist Office

Just south of the historic center in the Place d’Austerlitz, pastries and other goodies piled high in stands are offered at the traditional ‘Market of Christmas Delights’. Baked Saint Nicolas lying on the trays along with Christmas cookies Bredele there in several variations, with aniseed, cinnamon, or orange flavouring. Buche de Noël (Yule Log), a high-calorie chocolate sponge roll is one of the traditional Christmas delights.

Thousands of small clay figurines series, painted or plain terra cotta together, angels, shepherds, farmers, market women, laden donkeys or pastor are stack high in other kiosks. Every year many visitors return to purchase new characters, stable items and a crib to complete Christmas decorations under their Christmas tree.

The primer for the city’s Christmas markets was in 1570 and continues to day spread beneath the dramatic Romanesque and Gothic architecture of the Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.

Glittering Christmas crafts and treats always catch a child’s interest. Photo provided by Strasbourg Tourist Office

Entrance to the Cathedral is free, getting in early before half past midday when hundreds gather to watch the astronomical clock’s procession of Christ and the Apostles figurines. Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué, along with 30 workers, laboured five years to complete the gigantic clock on June 23, 1843. Oddly this was almost six months after its inauguration on December 31, 1842.

The Cathedral took 263 years to complete from 1176-1439, and has a legacy of being the world’s tallest remaining medieval built structure. Entrance is free and visitors bearing the Strasbourg Pass can climb 66 meters to the observation deck to enjoy the shimmer Christmas lights of Strasbourg.

Place Kleber Market dominated by the 30 metre tall Christmas tree. Photo by Philippe de Rexel/Strasbourg Tourist Office

INFO BOX

General information: Atout France, www.uk.france.fr. Strasbourg Christmas markets www.noel.strasbourg.eu/en/marches-de-noel. European Best Destinations, www.europeanbestdestinations.com.

Getting there: Flights by Jet Ways and Air Brussels from Toronto to Strasbourg with a layover in Brussels in mid-December are offered at $1,095.

Accommodation: In the heart of downtown, yet peacefully situated, is the l’ETC Hotel. It is located between the Cathedral and La Petite France. The motto of Hotel based on the four elements, which have been assigned to the four available levels. A double room is 70 Euro including breakfast available for booking, rue chain 7, F-67000 Strasbourg, phone 0033 388 326 660, http://www.etc-hotel.com www.etc-hotel.com.

The Cour du Corbeau Hotel with a historic atmosphere from the 16th century and modern guest rooms, a double room starts at 140 euros bookings, Rue des Couples 6-8, phone +33 (0) 390 002 626, www.accorhotels.com.

Food and Drink: In the Muensterstuewel enjoy traditional Alsatian dishes, well prepared and modern. The restaurant is located in the city center, Entrecote steak, sautéed potatoes and green salad 22 euros, location Place du Marché aux Cochons de Lait 8, F-67000 Strasbourg, phone 0033 388 321 763, www.muensterstuewel.fr. French cuisine In La Carambole, main courses start at 20 Euros, 14 Avenue Pierre Mendes, phone +33 (0) 388 474 444 www.restaurant-lacarambole.com. La Maison des Tanneurs, 42 Rue du Bain aux Plantes, phone +33 (0) 388 327 970.