Alsace Day 16: Colmar and Strassbourg
There's really nothing specific to see in Colmar, though there is a museum of Frederic Bartholdi's works. He's the guy who designed the Statue of Liberty (I was wondering why there was a replica on the way over) and who was born in Colmar.
Take a map from the tourist office and just do a walking tour. Every sight is laid out quite clearly and is very walkeable. And if my lazy ass says it's so, it must be. Because really, Colmar is a small village that is meant to be enjoyed for its ambiance... cobblestone streets which lead to charming shophouses, medieval era Normandie houses and even some surprises here and there. Like Little Venice,
a house that is painted on the side with scenes from the Bible,
a guy with an accordion :),
and even an Egyptian museum. Don't ask me why.
Loooovely!
While trying to find the famous Route de Vin (wine road), I ended up in Strassbourg. Haha! How fun and unexpected.
Unlike Colmar, Strassbourg is much bigger and teeming with life from the large student population and the presence of the EU parliament. A different ambiance and feel to the city, but just as nice. They have a section called Petite France, which is an amazing quarter. I was there at dusk and the lighting was just perfect.
Another Notre Dame Cathedral. I think there's one in every city. I have a feeling the name is reserved for those cathedrals which leave you a bit awe-struck at first sight. It's not an overstatement to say the building is magnificent and the size just a tad intimidating.
There's an astronomical clock inside which is said to be a couple of hundred years old. I'm not quite sure how it works or why it's inside a church. I waited 15 minutes for the clock to strike 6, but the performance was quite disappointing.
It would have been great to study here, with the scent of romance so thick in the air. On second thought, I might not have done much studying!
posted by moan @ 8:50 PM
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