Strasbourg For Christmas
Watercolor on Paper, Travel Journal, 5 x 8”, 2020. Click here to purchase Fine Art Giclee Prints of “Strasbourg, France”.
Bonjour! This year I spent the weekend before Christmas in Strasbourg, France. Being the Capital of Christmas, Strasbourg did not disappoint, and even with the lockdowns in place, was a true joy to see during the Christmas season.
I was so lucky this year to stay at The Bouclier d’Or in Strasbourg. Five years ago my family and I stayed here during Christmas and it was wonderful. Since I couldn’t be with my family this year do to Covid and other circumstances, I decided to splurge, spend some Christmas money, and stay here as an homage to that first trip we all took to Strasbourg together.
My favorite Christmas photo of the trip! I just love this German style architecture, and the wreath framing the shot. Dark, somber and beautiful was the style of this trip undoubtedly.
With my new blog posts, I’m going to make art from each place I visit. I made this art from my favorite Strasbourg scene - a little cozy wintery courtyard right near the cathedral.
My view from the Bouclier d’Or was perfect. I spent a LOT of time staring out this window, day dreaming and taking photos, especially as the weather this time around was rainy which called for many cozy hours spent in my room.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame in Strasbourg is my favorite cathedral in the world to visit. In the Romanesque and gothic style, it combines many elements of each as its construction took centuries, and went through many phases, as many cathedrals of the middle ages did. Construction began in 1015. There’s a beautiful museum that goes with this cathedral which sadly, was closed this trip, but definitely worth a visit if cathedral construction and medieval art interests you.
The lobby and bar at the Bouclier d’Or: last time we came here we spent every night and many days drinking in this perfect lobby bar. This time it was quiet and serene as Covid regulations were in place. I did get a few good hours here though and a nice drink or two.
If you’re living in Europe or France, check out Volotea for cheap flights to and from Strasbourg. I was able to fly roundtrip for around $80, which was cheaper than combining many French low cost train fares. Just make sure you’re very good at reading fine print and skipping the “Deals” with which most low cost airlines like to harangue you.
So there we have it! Strasbourg was lovely to stroll through, take photos, gaze longingly at the cathedral and drink many many vin chauds in to-go cups. If you go during non-Covid times, obviously there’s much more to do and the Christmas Market is famous. However, I’m content to have a rainy, lovely, cozy weekend at a beautiful hotel, and take a break from a lot of activities for a change.
Have you been to Strasbourg? What are you favorite memories? Comment or get in touch with your stories, I always love to hear from you.