Strasbourg
My first venture into France a while ago happened to be Strasbourg - a city with a deep European Union heritage, home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights and a wonderful historic centre featuring the charming Petite France quarter. If it weren't for the modern day taverns and souvenir shops and the multinational faces along the cobblestone streets of Petite France, you might actually think you've travelled back in time. Waterfront brasseries, restaurants and cafés are plenty if you felt inclined towards French delicacies and delights (who doesn't?!), though the German proximity definitely shines through the Schweinshaxen in some of the menus. It is all very Strasbourg - a Frenchly European ambiance in a historically modern setting - a mix of everything in one of Europe's true hearts.
