Located halfway between Paris and Prague on the left bank of the Rhine, Strasbourg is often known as the crossroads of Europe. It is the seat of the European Parliament, the capital of Alsace and the Département Bas-Rhin, seat of a bishop and a university. Its well known Cathédrale Notre Dame has catered to both catholic and protestant congregations and is famous for its stained glass windows, astronomical clock and organ. With its tall cathedral and the numerous houses of the 16th and 17th centuries Strasbourg still retains its German heritage of an imperial city but also shows the French influences in the many 18th century buildings and Mansard homes. A fun way to tour the city is to take a boat ride along the Ill and the canals which encircle the old part of town. Along the way you will pass the Ponts-Couverts, bridges linked by medieval towers that provide an excellent observation point for the Ill canals, the scenic Petite France (the former tanners'district) and the cathedral.
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