Strasbourg, France

I awoke early today and was again off to France, this time to the city of Strasbourg.  The distance is about 55 miles, but through the winding roads, hills, and small towns it would take about 1 1/2 hours.  The drive was actually very beautiful as I headed west from Freudenstadt.  The drive was similar to that of the past few days, in that it took me through small towns and villages of the Black Forest.......which is always a treat for me.  After crossing the Rhine River and reaching France, I arrived in Strasbourg about noon (Strasbourg is about a 10 minute drive from the German/French border).  I found a convenient parking garage for the car and then walked over to see the famous Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral.  I could see the towers of the cathedral as I was approaching Strasbourg.  The cathedral is a fascinating piece of architecture and fit in my mind with some of the other classic cathedrals I have seen over the past few years, such as the Cologne Cathedral in Cologne, Germany, the York Minster Cathedral in York, England and the Lincoln Cathedral in Lincoln, England.  And of course, the most famous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris.  After taking many photos of the cathedral and the square, I walked over the section of Strasbourg called Petite France, that is a popular area of half-timbered houses, outdoor cafes and many souvenir shops.  After checking out this area I decided to have lunch.  I chose a restaurant right on the Ill River, that which was recommended in many articles I had read, as well as at the Frommer's Travel website, Brassserie de l'Ancienne Douane.  I was seated on the outdoor patio overlooking the river and had a fixed three course lunch and a carafe of Riesling Wine.  After an excellent lunch, walking a bit more around the center of Strasbourg, I took a ride to see the European Parliament, which has its official seat in Strasbourg.  After visiting this rather interesting building, I bean the trip back to Freudenstadt.  It was the same route I had taken in this morning, but getting out of Strasbourg was a bit difficult..........there was a lot of construction and traffic in the lanes that were leaving France for Germany. Perhaps the fact that it was a Sunday evening was a factor for the many cars on the road.  I arrived back in Freudenstadt by 7:30 PM and had some apple strudel and ice cream for dessert at my hotel's restaurant.........excellent way to end the day.  Tomorrow I am off to the city of Heidelberg, passing through Baden Baden along the way.