Travel Guide to Strasbourg

Indian Embassy Near Strasbourg

Address: 13-15 Rue Alfred Dehodencq, 75016 Paris, France

Contact Number: +33 1 40 50 70 70

• Original passports with six months validity from date of arrival in Strasbourg along with the old passports
• The passport should have two blank pages for stamping purpose
• Visa application forms
• A cover letter mentioning the details of the traveller, type of travel, and details of the visit.
• Confirmed hotel reservation for the complete stay
• Confirmed air tickets
• Day-to-day itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Income tax returns or Form 16 for last three years
• Original and updated personal bank statements for last six months

The time required: 15 working days

Strasbourg is positioned on the border of both France and Germany and is lovingly called the ‘Ultimate European city’. The place has an extra European flavour since it is geographically strategic and culturally influenced by the two border countries. Strasbourg is officially the capital of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in north-eastern France. It houses the European Parliament and sits close to the German border.

Its border confluence puts Strasbourg under the cultural and architectural influence of German and French style. So much that it may appear difficult to find which country you are in, exactly. For example, the city shows signs in German and French both, and there is even a common cuisine. The reason being; Strasbourg has been fought over by the two nations for many centuries, with France gaining dominance towards the end of World War II. During this time, the city design changed to cobbled street lanes, half-timbered houses and produced many local Alsatian dishes and impressed with its art museums.

Strasbourg is cosmopolitan, and besides its history, culture, art and architecture, another key Strasbourg points of interest are its Christmas market. It currently hosts France’s oldest Christmas Market and has special cathedral settings too. These are enough reasons to say; there are many things to do in Strasbourg.

Moreover, if you still wish for some more local action, there is the Black Forest and the Rhine River at the city-corner. The sweeping views of the Rhine River are one of the many tourist places in Strasbourg. The city is also popular for its stunning historical centre - the Grande Île - it's first city centre to be declared the World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The one among the other famous places in Strasbourg- Notre-Dame Cathedral (Strasbourg Cathedral) - is the most stunning Gothic architecture marvel. It is an exquisite pink sandstone façade, which looks unique and stunning together. A visit inside the cathedral will leave you equally mesmerised with its intricate carvings and stained-glass windows taking credit for the complete glory of the place. The courtyard of the Cathedral hosts the famous Christmas Market, thus, making the Notre-Dame Cathedral its much-acquired status of the best places to visit in Strasbourg.

Petite France is an elegant and charming neighbourhood of Strasbourg. It is a pedestrian heaven way as its visitors stroll the streets, cross the bridges on-foot, over the Ill River. Running along the neighbourhood length are the timbered buildings which bake fresh gingerbread. Fill in your lungs with the fresh aroma of the baked bread or the colourful plants which make Strasbourg earn its brownie points- with the four-flower ranking.

Lying slightly ahead of the cathedral are several Strasbourg’s Museums. One such famous place is the home of the Rohan family in the Palais Rohan.

Place Gutenberg city location has a statue of Johannes Gutenberg in the centre. Johannes is a public-figure who lived in Strasbourg at the beginning of the 15th century. He is recognized for his work as the printer and inventor of moveable type.

A grand local walk-through is Place Kleber. Shop and observe the life around you in the busy city square. It has many famous shops and is always a bustling sight.

The city is home to many European Institutions and if anyone is interested to see the functioning of these European Institutions, head straight to the list of these famous buildings: Palais de l'Europe, the home of the Council of Europe, the European Parliament building, and the European Court of Human rights.

Another popular tourist site in Strasbourg is the towering astronomical clock inside Strasbourg’s iconic medieval Notre Dame cathedral. A 16th century built and presently running on a mechanism since the 18th century; the clock is surrounded by biblical automatons, Zodiac imagery, elemental motifs, religious statues and moving dials, fittings. Every day, at 12:30 p.m. the ritual of striking the bell by an angel and the turning over of an hourglass is a sight to admire followed by a sequence of events.

Strasbourg is centrally positioned, so it is easy to access the city from other major towns and cities. It is a few hours’ drive from Paris, Lyon and a few German cities. However, it is quicker to reach Strasbourg by plane. The city is well served by motorway, train and air travel. Strasbourg has high-speed rail connections to Paris and rest of the towns in France and its adjoining countries.

Strasbourg has been about cars and now, it is also about a fully-developed network of trams, bus, cycling and walking through the length and breadth of the town. It is a perfect, leisurely and pleasant experience for tourists of all sorts.

The summer months of May, June, July and August count for the best time to tour Strasbourg. December is the Christmas time, and the festive cheer can be felt all across the Strasbourg streets. It is never too hot here. July is considered ad the hottest month and during this time, the average temperature is around 20c. May is rainy and the wettest month in Strasbourg.

September is typically the pre-autumn, and during this period, grape harvesting is done. Living up to the spirit, the city has many interesting activities conducted during September. Following which, October marks the beginning of autumn, and the city weather takes an even more pleasant course of the turn. There is less tourist crowd at the time, adding to the at-leisure vibe in Strasbourg.

January is freezing with the temperature plummeting to 2°C.

There are Christmas markets set up across the city, and the most prominent of the lot is- Broglie and place de la Cathédrale, although they are crowded. December in Strasbourg is all about extravaganza of lights, concerts, gift bazaars and mulled wine.

There are other cultural events such as operas, ballet, cultural and museum rendezvous and so on. They happen throughout the year. In the summertime, Strasbourg gives you a further reason to explore the city since there are unique market setups to indulge in local foods, local art, flea-sorts and shopping for old books.

• To fit in, opt for a smart, stylish look
• Black is the colour to be worn anywhere here in comfort
• When in the countryside or on the beach, the dress is conservative outside Paris. However, you can still keep it stylish and smart.
• Carry a comfortable pair of sneakers or flipflops to walk the city
• Keep the heels for evenings or in a visit to restaurants
• When visiting restaurants, leave sneakers behind; this is a time to get those stylish shoes on
• Use neutral shades of lips balm
• If you want to blend in and feel at your most comfortable, then pack a smart casual dress
• For evenings, the dress code is smart casual. Wear simple, elegant dresses and wear minimal jewellery, a scarf and minimal makeup to impress.
• Keep a soft, winter coat
• Good umbrella and sunscreen

Plan a visit to winstub (wine bar) to get an authentic flavour of France/German experience. Sip the white, tart and light like the Rieslings and Gewurztraminers, or the Alsatian beers.

Try the local eau de vie- a fruit liquor or a country liquor- to the extreme. This drink is entirely sweetened with fruit without sugar. Baeckoffe and coq au Riesling are local specialities. Baeckoffe is a stew of pork, mutton and beef. It is marinated in wine, and then, it is put to bake with potatoes. Coq Au Riesling is made with Riesling and served over a German noodle called fresh-made spaetzle. Alsatian desserts and pastries are popular, and so are tarts made with a variety of fruits.

Cinnamon

• Address: 15 rue de la Division Leclerc, 67000, Strasbourg, France
• Contact Number: +33 3 88 32 89 79

Le Namaste

• Address: 11, rue du Faubourg-de-Pierre, 67000, Strasbourg, France
• Contact Number: +33 3 88 23 00 58

Le Madras

• Address: 7 rue des Dentelles, 67000, Strasbourg, France
• Contact Number: +33 3 88 22 01 50

Strasbourg has general market conducts now and then. Several street vendors offering a variety of products and shops participate in the discount-centred market setups. These markets are organised in the city centre.

There is a special flea market, and antique sellers called marché aux Puces. There is, the Place des Halles, 24, place des Halles, a popular local shopping centre with more than 100 shops.

A recently opened shopping centre Rivetoile has high- budget shops. Rue Hellebardes and Gutenberg are a must visit for designer clothes and men's clothes. Bruno Saint Hilaire in houses designer clothes for men. There is an affordable, second-hand clothing shop in rue de la Lanterne and various gadget shops in rue des Juifs.

It is advisable to keep the list of popular healthcare centres to be always prepared for any emergency that may encounter during the trip. As a measure, one should always invest in a travel insurance policy to keep the journey secured from all sides. Here is a list of popular healthcare centres of Strasbourg.

• Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg
• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Hautepierre
• Nouvel Hospital Civil
• CLINIQUE TOUSSAINT (STRASBOURG)
• Clinique Sainte Anne

The stück is an area in and around Strasbourg. Which means stuck local currency is used alongside the Euro - the official currency of Strasbourg. Stuck and Euro have an equivalent value. One stuck = one Euro.

You can use an ATM to withdraw cash instantly. However, foreign transactions are chargeable. You can use your debit or credit card. Carry some Euros with you. Traveller's cheques are not accepted here in Strasbourg.

The locals probably speak Alsatian, French and German. The historical language of Strasbourg is Alsatian, a Germanic (mainly Alemannic) dialect, which is spoken along the Rhine. However, today the locals here prefer speaking French. However, they speak German as they learn it in school too. It is still wise to converse in French here. Here are some common phrases to help you do that (in French).

English : French

Hello : Bonjour

Thank You : Je vous remercie

Yes : Oui

No : Non

I am Sorry : je suis désolé

Help : Aidez-moi

Do You Know This Address? : Connaissez-vous cette adresse?

How Much? : Combien?

The following medical expenses are covered: 

• Travel insurance includes medical expenses, repatriation, and emergency medical evacuation. Even dental care expenses such as acute anesthetic treatment of teeth are covered.

“Deductible”means a cost-sharing requirement under this policy, that provides that the insurer will not be liable for a specified rupee amount or percentage of claim amount or number of days or number of hours, as specified in the policy schedule and which will apply before any benefits are payable by the insurer. A deductible does not reduce the sum insured and is applicable per event, upto the specified limits mentioned.

• Medical Expenses (inclusive of Repatriation and Emergency Medical Evacuation), Daily Allowance in case of hospitalization, Compassionate Visit benefits, the following will not be payable for Any pre-existing condition, Routine examinations, Expenses for rest or recuperation at spa/ health resort/ sanatorium, Pregnancy (including childbirth, miscarriage, abortion or related complications ) or treatment relating to the removal of physical flaws or anomalies (cosmetic treatment or plastic surgery).
• Cosmetic surgery, unless such cosmetic surgery is rendered medically necessary as part of treatment for accidents and burns whilst being abroad.
• Suicide, attempted or wilfully self inflicted injury or illness, mental disorder, anxiety, stress or depression, venereal disease, alcoholism, drunkenness or the abuse of drugs, or any loss arising, directly or indirectly, from any injury, illness, death, loss, expense, or other liability attributable to HIV and/or any HIV related illness including AIDS and/or any mutant derivative or variation thereof however caused.
• Treatment which could be reasonably delayed until the Insured’s return to India, which will be decided jointly by the treating Physician and the Emergency Assistance Service Provider and shall be in accordance with accepted standards of medical care.
• The Insured taking part in naval, military or air force operations; war and nuclear perils.
• Insured engaging in air travel unless he or she flies as a Fare Paying passenger in an aircraft licensed to carry passengers.
• Participation of the Insured in winter sports, mountaineering and such other professional sports or any other hazardous or potentially dangerous sport for which the Insured members are adequately trained, physically fit and using proper equipment. and that too only if specifically agreed and mentioned in the policy schedule.
• Hazardous occupation, or if engaged in any criminal or illegal act.
• Medical Expenses in respect of Experimental, investigational or unproven treatments or treatments which are not consistent with or incidental to the diagnosis and treatment of the positive existence or presence of any Illness for which confinement is required at a Hospital. Any Illness or treatment which is a result or a consequence of undergoing such experimental or unproven treatment.
• Naturopathy treatment.
• Non Allopathic treatment e.g. - Ayurvedic, Yogic, Homeopathic, Unani treatment(s).
• Under no circumstances shall this insurance contract be deemed to provide cover and no liability be incurred to pay any claim or provide any benefit hereunder to the extent that the provision of such cover, payment of such claim or provision of such benefit would expose us to any sanction, prohibition, or restriction under United Nations resolutions or the trade or economic sanctions, laws or regulations of the European Union, United Kingdom, United States of America & India

You can avail the Travel Insurance online and enjoy the benefits offered by ICICI Lombard General Insurance (Bharti AXA General Insurance*)

Loss of passport and documents:

Reimbursement of actual expenses incurred in connection with obtaining a duplicate or fresh passport or reasonable cost of replacing/obtaining the stolen documents/ tickets if the passport belonging to the Insured / Insured Person be lost

Home Fire Insurance Contents & Home Burglary Insurance (contents):

Cover against any loss or damage of the Contents at Home of the Insured in India caused by Fire and Allied perils or through burglary and/or housebreaking while the Insured is on a trip abroad.

Hijack Distress Allowance

Payment of distress allowance in case of hijack of a common carrier for more than certain number of hours whilst on the trip. You can easily avail the allowance by filing a claim online through Travel Insurance cover online process.

Medical Expensesinclusive of Repartration  and Emergency Medical Evacuation

If you are sick or injured during the journey, your medical expenses can prove to be costly. In such cases,  Travel Insurance cover greatly helps. The insurance company also offers a cashless settlement with the network hospitals or you can also opt for the reimbursement process within 30 days of hospitalization.

Legal Expenses

Payment of legal costs and expenses incurred by the Insured towards claims from third Parties for compensation in respect of death or disablement arising due to an injury whilst on a trip abroad.

Personal Accident

Payment of compensation if the Insured sustains accidental bodily injury during a trip resulting in death or Permanent Total Disablement or Permanent Partial Disablement within 12 months of occurrence of such injury.

Trip Cancellation/Or Interruption

Payment towards the non-refundable prepaid payments incurred on the trip being cancelled and additional cost of transportation in case of Interruption: due to medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters or other listed reason in policy wordings.

Trip Delay

 Reimbursement of additional expenses if trip is delayed beyond a period, due to airline problems, medical problems, personal employment problems or natural disasters.

 Daily Allowance in case of Hospitalisation

 Payment of daily allowance for the days the Insured is hospitalised beyond a specified number of days, as mentioned in the Policy Schedule, for which a valid claim is admissible under the Policy whilst on a trip abroad.Emergency Accommodation

 Payment of compensation for the additional cost of emergency accommodation if the Insured/ Insured Person could not stay in the accommodation originally booked due to ­fire& flood, earthquake, storm, hurricane, explosion, outbreak of major infectious diseases.

During a trip there are chances of unfortunate events such as loss of checked in baggage, medical emergency, loss of passport that can spoil your international trip, be it business or leisure. Travel insurance can protect you from such events ensuring that you are left stuck in foreign land.