Strasbourg: A Symphony of Cultures and History

• HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh-re-vwar]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [noh]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryen]
• Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kyoo-zay mwah/dey-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
• Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byen. ay voo]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-leh voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahnd pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
• I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyand]
• Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
• I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]

• Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
• Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo ahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin!
  [ah-peh-lay uh meh-deh-sahn]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
• I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]

• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray zah-shtay...]
• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhust]
• How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
• Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]

• What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kehl uhr eh-teel]
• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ehz oon uhr]
• Half past (10)Dix heures et demi
  [dee-uhrz ey duh-mee]
• MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
• AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-preh-mee-dee]
• EveningSoir
  [swahr]
• YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
• TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
• TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
• 1Un
  [uhn]
• 2Deux
  [duh]
• 3Trois
  [trwah]
• 4Quatre
  [katr]
• 5Cinq
  [sank]
• 6Six
  [sees]
• 7Sept
  [sept]
• 8Huit
  [wheet]
• 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
• 10Dix
  [dee]

• Where's a/the...?Où est un/le...?
  [oo eh uh/luh]
• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kehl eh la-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus)?
  [kahnd eh luh proh-shahn (bus)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ...)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

Strasbourg's history dates back to Roman times when it was known as Argentoratum. Founded in 12 BC, it served as an important military outpost in the Roman Empire. The strategic location along the Rhine River made it a vital hub for trade and defense.

In the Middle Ages, Strasbourg emerged as a significant economic center. By 1262, it became a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, granting it relative autonomy. The city thrived on trade, particularly in textiles and wine, bolstered by its membership in the Hanseatic League.

The construction of the Strasbourg Cathedral began in 1015 and spanned several centuries, finally completing in 1439. This Gothic masterpiece, with its iconic single spire reaching 142 meters, remained the tallest building in the world for over 200 years. The cathedral is renowned for its intricate astronomical clock and stunning stained glass windows.

Strasbourg was a key center during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Influential theologians like Martin Bucer and John Calvin spent time in the city, which embraced Protestantism and became a haven for religious reformers. The city's university, founded in 1538, played a crucial role in disseminating Reformation ideas.

Strasbourg's location on the border between France and Germany has made it a focal point of conflict. The city changed hands multiple times, particularly during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-1871) when it was annexed by Germany, and again after World War I when it was returned to France in 1918. These shifts have deeply influenced the city's cultural and architectural landscape.

During World War II, Strasbourg was annexed by Nazi Germany. The city suffered significant damage and its Jewish population faced persecution. Strasbourg was liberated by the French 2nd Armored Division in November 1944. Post-war, the city experienced a period of reconstruction and renewal.

In the post-war era, Strasbourg has become a symbol of European unity. It hosts several key European institutions, including the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, and the European Parliament. The city's commitment to international diplomacy underscores its role as a bridge between nations.

Strasbourg boasts a rich cultural tapestry, evident in its well-preserved historic center, Grande Île, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city's unique blend of French and German influences is reflected in its cuisine, language, and architecture. Annual events like the Christmas Market, one of the oldest in Europe, highlight Strasbourg's enduring traditions and vibrant community life.

Strasbourg is accessible by air, train, and road. The nearest international airport is Strasbourg Airport (SXB), located about 10 kilometers southwest of the city center. From the airport, you can take a shuttle train to the main railway station (Gare de Strasbourg) in just 9 minutes. High-speed trains (TGV) connect Strasbourg to major French cities like Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, as well as international destinations such as Frankfurt, Stuttgart, and Basel. If you prefer driving, Strasbourg is well-connected via the A35 and A4 motorways.

Strasbourg has an efficient public transportation system, including trams and buses operated by the CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois). The tram network is extensive and covers most of the city, making it easy to get around. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transportation, with numerous bike lanes and rental options available through services like Vélhop. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available, though they can be more expensive.

The official currency in Strasbourg is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout the city for cash withdrawals. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, local markets, and tipping.

Strasbourg is generally a safe city for tourists. However, like any urban area, it's important to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places like the Gare Centrale, Place Kléber, and during major events. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur, so keep an eye on your belongings. Areas to be cautious include the Neuhof and Hautepierre neighborhoods, especially at night.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in Europe. Strasbourg has several hospitals, including Hôpital de Hautepierre and Hôpital Civil. Pharmacies are widespread and can provide over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress smart-casual, especially when dining out or visiting cultural sites. Don't wear overly casual or revealing clothing in religious places. Religion: Do respect religious customs, especially when visiting churches and the Strasbourg Cathedral. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding trams or buses. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Bonjour' and a handshake. Don’t forget to say 'Merci' when someone helps you. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like Tarte Flambée and Choucroute. Don’t rush your meal; dining is a leisurely activity.

To experience Strasbourg like a local, visit the Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) if you're there during the holiday season. Take a stroll through the Petite France district, known for its charming half-timbered houses and canals. Enjoy a boat tour on the Ill River for unique views of the city. For a quieter experience, explore the Orangerie Park, popular among locals for picnics and leisurely walks.