Elle vit à STRASBOURG depuis 8 ans, voici son témoignage

Summary

In this video, Coraline shares her experience of living in Strasbourg, a city that straddles the border between France and Germany. She reveals the city’s unique charm, from its picturesque districts like Petite France to its vibrant student life in La Krutenau. Coraline discusses both the joys and challenges of living in Strasbourg, such as the long winters and high living costs, while also highlighting the advantages like proximity to Germany and a strong cycling culture. She offers practical tips for newcomers and shares why, despite its quirks, Strasbourg remains a city she’s fallen in love with.

Takeaways

• 😀 Strasbourg is a city that blends European history, picturesque canals, a stunning Gothic cathedral, and magical Christmas markets, making it a great place to live year-round.
• 😀 Coraline moved to Strasbourg over eight years ago, initially due to love, and fell in love with the city itself, making it her permanent home.
• 😀 Strasbourg's unique appeal lies in its proximity to Germany, giving it a European vibe while still feeling like a small village where people can walk or bike everywhere.
• 😀 The 'Petite France' neighborhood, once a less desirable area due to its association with disease, is now one of the city's most iconic and picturesque spots.
• 😀 Strasbourg is full of hidden gems and quiet corners, like quaint courtyards and small local spots, waiting to be discovered by those who look beyond the touristy areas.
• 😀 The city's Gothic cathedral has an unusual sculpture, featuring a depiction of a backside on its facade, which is linked to an old local legend involving a clergyman's inappropriate behavior.
• 😀 Strasbourg has a vibrant student culture, with neighborhoods like the Krutenau area offering a mix of small cafés, bars, and local shops popular among university students.
• 😀 Despite its proximity to Germany, the cost of living in Strasbourg can still be relatively high compared to other regions, which encourages locals to shop across the border in Germany for cheaper goods.
• 😀 The city is bike-friendly, and cycling is a common mode of transport, thanks to well-established cycling infrastructure and bike-sharing systems.
• 😀 The climate in Strasbourg can be quite cold and long during the winter, which is a downside for those used to milder climates, but the city offers sunny, warm summers and beautiful outdoor activities like hiking in the Vosges mountains.
• 😀 Strasbourg's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe provides great opportunities for travel, with easy access to neighboring countries and the ability to visit places like Germany on foot or by tram.

Q & A

Why did Coraline choose to move to Strasbourg?

Coraline moved to Strasbourg because of love. Initially, she was with a German partner who lived near Strasbourg, and to be closer, she decided to relocate there. Although they eventually broke up, Coraline fell in love with the city and decided to stay.

How would Coraline describe the city of Strasbourg to someone who has never heard of it?

Coraline describes Strasbourg as a European city with a blend of modern European influence and a small-town feel. The city is easy to navigate on foot or by bike, and its unique mix of cultures, being on the border between France and Germany, makes it a very vibrant place.

What is the history behind the name 'La Petite France'?

The name 'La Petite France' dates back to the medieval era when the area housed soldiers infected with syphilis. It was originally called 'the French box' ('La Petite Verrole') and was a malodorous, often dangerous area. Over time, the name evolved to its current form, despite the dark history.

What is the peculiar feature on the facade of Strasbourg's Cathedral?

On the cathedral’s facade, there is a depiction of an anus. According to legend, it was included by the sculptors in response to a pedophile in the clergy at the time, adding an unusual and somewhat macabre touch to the architectural decoration.

How is Strasbourg a bike-friendly city?

Strasbourg is known as the 'capital of cycling' with an extensive network of bike paths, bike-sharing services, and infrastructure supporting cyclists. The city's design and policies make it very convenient for residents to use bikes for daily commuting.

What is a significant cultural difference Coraline noticed between Strasbourg and Brittany?

Coraline noted that while Strasbourg is more orderly, with regulations and a certain discipline akin to German culture, it is still a very vibrant and festive city. The strictness was a bit of a cultural shift for her, especially when compared to the more relaxed atmosphere in Brittany.

What are some of the local advantages that Strasbourg offers to its residents?

Strasbourg offers several benefits, such as the proximity to Germany, making it easy to visit nearby cities. The city also has two additional public holidays not found elsewhere in France, a unique local health insurance system that provides better reimbursement rates, and a high standard of living with good infrastructure.

What are the drawbacks of living in Strasbourg according to Coraline?

Coraline mentions that the winter in Strasbourg is long and cold, with daylight hours being very short. Additionally, the lack of proximity to the sea is something that she misses as a Breton, though the surrounding mountains and natural parks provide some compensation.

What advice would Coraline give to someone moving to Strasbourg?

Coraline advises newcomers to be curious and explore the city, especially the hidden gems around Strasbourg and the wider Alsace region. She also recommends connecting with local digital communities for advice, like the 'Étudiant Strasbourg' Facebook group, and using platforms like Pokaa to discover good local spots.

How does Coraline feel about her decision to move to Strasbourg after 9 years?

Coraline feels proud of her decision and is grateful for her journey. Despite initially fearing the change, she now feels deeply connected to Strasbourg, describing herself as an ambassador of the city after nearly a decade of living there.