Strasbourg's 2000 year history has taken it from being a prosperous Alsatian merchant city to its current position as European capital, from a centre for humanist thinking to a thriving hub of creators and entrepreneurs. With its blend of cultures, innate tolerance, ecological awareness and embodiement of the European spirit, Strasbourg is a highly attractive, yet contemporary city. A multifaceted image, which is the basis of its originality.
From the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral to the picturesque old districts and the works of art in the city centre, inscribed on UNESCO's world heritage list, Strasbourg proudly exhibits its history. At the heart of Europe, Strasbourg is also home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, the European Court of Human Rights, the European Pharmacopoeia, the European Science Foundation and the International Space University.
A cultural mix nestling deep within the cradle of Europe, Alsace has always shared its culture with France, Germany and Switzerland. Its inhabitants enjoy a flourishing economy that is fed by numerous sectors and industries: automobile, petrochemistry, agriculture, agri-food, medicine, physical sciences and earth sciences, etc. Watered by the Rhine and surrounded by natural spaces, the 2 million inhabitants of Alsace enjoy an exceptional quality of life. Regional specialties, cultural heritage and traditional festivals: every reason for celebrating life and pleasure.