http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16149
Tablecloths, napkins and lampshades are made from locally-woven linen with embroidered monograms reflecting traditional motifs. Red, white or écru throws and cushions in top quality cotton often feature heart shaped "relief" pattern embroiderery. Glassware and pottery is also attractively hand painted with local, traditional motifs. A souvenir shop for people who never buy souvenirs.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16149 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16147
The atmosphere in the restaurant is friendly and family orientated. Superb food at very appealing prices. 4 rue des Charpentiers, Strasbourg.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16147 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16146
Enjoy a Turkish bath, sauna, thermal bath or a swim in opulent surroundings unlike anything available in Britain all for a very reasonable entrance fee.

A perfect and affordable pick-up, particularly revitalising during the winter months.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16146 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16144 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16144 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16143
There are beautiful gardens, stately buildings,a small zoo, an aviary,a boating lake, an unusual outdoor planetarium and a stylish cafe and restaurant.

A lovely place to spend an afternoon away from the busy city centre.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16143 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16141
Hire from just up the canal (Saverne or Lutzelbourg) and stay moored free just before the Rhine lock gates.

Five minutes from the centre by bike (hired with the boat) and you get to see the Alsatian countryside.

Try a night moored at Saverne, looking up at the Bishop's Palace where Cagliostro studied and Cardinal Rohan welcomed Marie Antoinette as she arrived to make a doomed marriage. Beats a static hotel room any day.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/16141 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15792
It offers clean, comfortable en-suite hostel accommodation, which is often booked up by MEPs.

For the best tarte flambees go to Les Trois Brasseurs at 22 Rue des Veaux. It often has special deals on tarteflambee and beers.

For great beers, go to Academie de la Biere on Rue Adolphe Seyboth. It is a great place to have a few drinks after wondering around beautiful Petite France.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15792 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15791
Tell him/her you want to meet him/her in session in advance and you get a tour round the European Parliament, the debating chamber, listen to the MEPs argue in multi-lingual debate (pretty impressive), since you just can't just turn up to see the Parliament (for security reasons) most tourists miss out on what makes Strasbourg most famous.

You'll probably get a free lunch thrown in too!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15791 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15790
Passing through a passage opposite the Cathedral you will find the restaurant, situated in an immense arched cellar.

The ambiance in the restaurant is excellent - dimly, atmospherically lit, and decorated with dark wooden furniture. The restaurant offers all the local specialities, wonderfully cooked, and despite the excellent location the prices are reasonable.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15790 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15789 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15789 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15787
This offers a nice gentle walk, it is well sign-posted and you can see the Rhine in the distance.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15787 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15786 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15785
If you're recovering from the night before, try the vast breakfast, served with steaming bowls of hot chocolate/coffee.

Beware though - this place is extremely popular with the locals and its wooden benches fill up quickly.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15785 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15784 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15783 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15783 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15782
August is the best time to visit for cultural events and street theatre.

As to getting familiar with the local cuisine, I came unstuck at trying their famous Alsace sauerkraut. They say you've got to try anything once, in the case of sauerkraut, once is enough in my lifetime no matter how many Michelin chefs prepare it.

Apart from that little hiccup I will recommend Strasbourg to anyone who'd like to experience the French/German melting pot.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15782 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15781
Visit the European Court of Justice, and end your day with an aperitif and meal at the Petite France Hotel on the balcony by the river.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15781 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15779 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15779 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15778
The ‘Channel 4’ of the European world, they bring ambitious, cultural programming to France and surrounding countries.

Check out their website in advance to see if there is a themed evening of films and discussions showing when you are in town. If you are lucky you may even catch a live opera broadcast!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15778 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15776 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/15776