The 2006 PSF Group Workshop October 23-26 2006 Mont Sainte Odile, France

Tips and ideas for Activities in

Strasbourg Pass

The Strasbourg Pass is valid for three days, so probably it is a good idea for those of us who plan to visit Strasbourg for both free afternoons (Tuesday & Wednesday).

You can visit the museum of your choice, take a boat trip, climb to the cathedral viewing platform, and hire a bike for a day. It's all included (according to the advertisement).

The Strasbourg Pass is valid for three days and includes: Free admission to one museum and 50% off admission to a second museum from the following list: * Oeuvre Notre-Dame Museum * Rohan Palace * Alsatian Museum * Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art * Zoological Museum Also • Free admission to the cathedral platform and astronomical clock • Free boat trip • Free one-day bicycle hire • 50% off ticket for the mini tram ride • 50% off admission to the Naviscope Alsace • 50% off a guided walk • 50% off an audio-guided tour

Cost: 10,- Euros Note: All museums are closed on Tuesday, except for the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and the Oeuvre-Notre Dame Museum.

Places to visit in Strasbourg

Cruise on the Ill River and city-tour in a mini-tram

Visit the city along the river in a guided cruise, or in a guided tour by mini- tram. More in “Strasburg in your pocket” PDF brochure.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

The (Notre Dame) is built of red sandstone, principally in Gothic style, with some Romanesque features. It is noted for its 142 m spire, one of the tallest in Europe. The construction of the cathedral was begun around 1015, but only the crypt and part of the choir still exist from the original church.

The tracery spire, designed by Johann Hultz of Cologne (Koln - ) was completed in 1439. The cathedral's magnificent is 15 m in diameter and was designed by Erwin von Steinbach. The interior is notable for its richly sculptured pulpit, dating from 1486, and for its stained glass. In addition to many 13th century stained glass windows, the Strasbourg Cathedral has a sophisticated 16th century astronomical clock, an 18th century organ and a set of fourteen 17th century tapestries which represent the life of the Virgin, most likely designed by Philippe de Champaigne.

Theatre National de Strasbourg

The TNS (Theatre National de Strasbourg) presents a special status among French theaters: It is one of the 5 "théâtre national" in France, but is the only regional one (The other four are in Paris).

The theatre building hosts the theatre's permanent troupe, the Ecole supérieure d'Art dramatique (one of only two national drama schools in France). On average, the TNS produces 15-20 productions per season, including performances by its permanent troupe, co-productions and guest productions by visiting companies, some in other languages than French. All in all, there are about 150 - 200 performances in Strasbourg and another 50 to 100 on tour.

The Petite France

It is the most picturesque district of old Strasbourg. Previously the fishers', millers' and tanners' district, it is a haven of peace at the heart of the city. The alleys of the Petite France offer a succession of half-timbered houses of the XVIth and XVIIth century, with vast interior courts, large sloped roofs, and open attic areas where the pelts were once dried...

The Covered Bridges

In the extension of the Petite France district are the Covered Bridges. They kept their name in spite of the disappearance of their roofing in the XVIII century. They are dominated by four towers of the XIV century, vestiges of the former battlements, guarantors of the independence of the Strasbourg republic. Immediately after the uniting of Strasbourg to France in 1681, a new belt of fortifications was constructed by Vauban.

The Vauban Barrage

A few meters from the Covered Bridges is the Vauban Barrage. It permitted to flood the whole south front of the city when necessary and was constructed in approximately 1690 by Tarade, according to the plans of the military engineer Vauban. At the summit of the building is a pleasant panoramic terrace, from which one can contemplate the city skyline and its channels.

Opera du Rhin: Opera and Lyric Art

Strasbourg is a prime spot in France for classical music and opera, music helds an important part in the city life. In such a context, it was nearly impossible not to have an opera in the town. The Opéra du Rhin was created in 1972 when the Opera in France was facing a considerable disinterest in the general public.

It has hosted some of the greatest voices of the century, like Teresa Berganza, Régine Crespin, Montserrat Caballe, José van Dam and others. It offers an annual program of over 130 performances orchestrated around various themes. A central theme is beeing chosen for each season. The Opera du Rhin is also the homebase of the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra. Beside seeing and listening the performances in the opera house, you can also find a cafe (very nice service) with a terrace (with authentic opera plush chairs on the Opera steps) when the weather is fine.

Café/Bars in Strasbourg

There are quite few Café/Bars in Strasbourg, where you may enjoy a relaxing coffee or refreshment. Here some of them:

Aux Bureau ('at the office!') Great cafe/bar in a square of Petite France. Absolutely heaving on a weekend evening. Directions: Place Bejamin Zix, Petite France area.

Place Marche Gayot Lively square, quite near to the University sector, so with a good student-y sort of crowd. The square is taken up almost entirely by cafes and bars, and you can just flit from one to the next. Directions: Midway between Place de la Cathedral and Place de la Republique. If you reach Place St. Etienne, you've gone too far and missed it!

Cafe Brandt Very 'french' and very 'studenty' cafe/bar. Attractive glass frontage gives way to a typically smokey and spartan interior that has a lot of charm and oodles of character. Directions: Place Sebastien Brandt, near St. Pauls church and the University.

Don’t forget to download also: The “Strasbourg in your pocket” and “Strasbourg’s map” PDF files from the Workshop web page!