Petite France: Strasbourg's Enchanting Historical Gem

• HelloBonjour
  [bohn-zhoor]
• GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
• YesOui
  [wee]
• NoNon
  [nohn]
• Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît/De rien
  [seel voo pleh/duh ryehn]
• Thank youMerci
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• Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ehk-skew-zay mwah/deh-zoh-lay]
• How are you?Comment ça va ?
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• Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi ?
  [byen. eh twah]
• Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
• I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir la carte, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwahr lah kart, 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!Au secours !
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• Go away!Allez-vous-en !
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
• Call the Police!Appelez la police !
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• Call a doctor!Appelez un médecin !
  [ah-peh-lay ahn mayd-sanh]
• I'm lostJe suis perdu
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• I'm illJe suis malade
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• I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
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• I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
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• How much is it?Combien ça coûte ?
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• That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
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• 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 ?
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• It's one o'clockIl est une heure
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• Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
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• MorningMatin
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• AfternoonAprès-midi
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• EveningSoir
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• YesterdayHier
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• TodayAujourd'hui
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• TomorrowDemain
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• 1Un
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• 2Deux
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• 3Trois
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• 4Quatre
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• 5Cinq
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• 6Six
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• 7Sept
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• 8Huit
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• 9Neuf
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• 10Dix
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• Where's a/the...?Où se trouve...?
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• What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse ?
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• Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte) ?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (sir lah kart)]
• When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (bus) ?
  [kahn eh luh proh-shahn (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-ay (poor)]

Petite France, known as 'La Petite France' in French, derives its name from a historical hospital for those afflicted with syphilis, established in the 16th century, which was often referred to as 'the French hospital'. This area became a bustling hub in the late Middle Ages, characterized by its picturesque half-timbered houses and canals, which were essential for the tanners and fishermen who settled here.

In the 17th century, Petite France flourished as a significant industrial center, particularly for the tanning industry. The architecture from this period reflects the unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles. The area's layout, with its narrow, winding streets and charming bridges, was designed to facilitate trade and transportation along the waterways, including the Ill River.

During the Franco-German War of 1870-71, Strasbourg, including Petite France, faced significant upheaval. Following France's defeat, the region was annexed by Germany, leading to a period of cultural and administrative changes. The influence of German architecture and urban planning began to reshape the neighborhood while the historical identity remained intact, creating a unique blend of styles.

Petite France experienced devastation during World War II, particularly during air raids that targeted Strasbourg. However, post-war reconstruction focused on restoring the neighborhood’s historical character. The rebuilding efforts highlighted the resilience of the local community and contributed to the preservation of its cultural heritage, which would later be recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Today, Petite France is not only a picturesque neighborhood but also a cultural landmark of Strasbourg. It hosts numerous art galleries, museums, and restaurants that celebrate the region's culinary traditions. The annual events, such as the Christmas market, further enhance its charm, drawing visitors from around the globe and ensuring that the rich history and culture of this enchanting area remain alive.

Petite France is easily accessible from various parts of Strasbourg. If you are arriving by train, the Strasbourg railway station is a short walk from Petite France. From the station, you can take tram line A towards 'Illkirch Lixenbuhl' or tram line D towards 'Hoenheim Gare' and get off at 'Schaeffersheim.' Alternatively, bus lines 10 and 11 connect the area with other neighborhoods. For visitors staying in the city center, a leisurely 15-minute walk will lead you directly to the picturesque canals and half-timbered houses of Petite France.

Petite France is a pedestrian-friendly area, making walking the best way to explore its charming streets and canals. Bicycles can be rented from various locations throughout Strasbourg, and there are dedicated bike paths. Public transport options, including trams and buses, are also available, with tram line A and D having stops near Petite France. Be sure to validate your ticket before boarding.

Petite France is generally safe for tourists, but standard precautions should be taken. While violent crime is rare, petty crime such as pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. It’s advisable to stay vigilant, especially near popular tourist spots like the canals and restaurants. Avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical assistance in France. For non-urgent medical issues, there are pharmacies nearby, and the nearest hospital is the Hôpital Civil de Strasbourg. It is also advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets. Don't wear overly casual attire when dining in fine restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be polite and offer your seat to those in need. Don't use your phone loudly on public transport. Greetings: Do greet locals with a friendly 'Bonjour' (Good day). Don't forget to say 'Merci' (Thank you) when receiving service. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like tarte flambée and Alsatian wines. Don't drink alcohol in public areas that prohibit it.

To experience Petite France like a local, start your day with a coffee and a pastry at a café along the canals. Visit the local shops for handmade crafts and souvenirs. Explore the area during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the peaceful ambiance. Don't miss the chance to take a boat tour on the Ill River for a unique perspective of the district. Engage with local artisans and ask about their crafts, as many are eager to share their stories.