Car rental Strasbourg
Getting the services of a car hire company on your next visit to Strasbourg can give you the flexibility you need to explore the city. Luckily, most car rental firms have websites which makes it easy to book your car of choice ahead of your arrival. This article serves as a guide to help you explore this city with your rental car.
Strasbourg miniguide
Strasbourg serves as the capital of the Grand Est region of France. This is where the European Parliament sits and therefore an important city not only for France but to the entire region. The city started as a Roman Celtic village and later survived two invasions by Germany during WWI and WWII but remained part of France. Most of the old town is found on the Grand Île (Big Island) which is located at the centre of the city.
This island is surrounded by Ill River a major tributary of the Rhine. In 1988, this island was made a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is where you can find the famous Cathedral of Notre-Dame which was built between the 12th and 14th centuries. This magnificent building is a rare exhibit of the French Gothic architecture. The hundreds of sculptures that adorn the cathedral give it a magical appearance. It’s built with pink sandstone which appears to change its colour depending on the time of the day.
Other major structures that may want to explore include the Raven Bridge which was built in the 12th Century, the Old Butchers House (1587), the Old Customs House (1358), the Chamber of Commerce building (1585) and Kléber Square among others. These monuments carry the history of the city from the past and visitor have the opportunity to discover the rich heritage of Strasbourg. Every monument has a unique story but the Old Butchers House houses most of the tales of the old city. Over 200,000 artefacts are kept here and maybe, they will be on display some to visitors.
Today, Strasbourg is both a cultural and business centre. It has a population of 473,000 and covers an area of 78.26 km² (31.21 sq mi). There is a lot to explore in the Alsace region. With a rental car, you can take a break from city life and drive across the countryside. Some of the medieval towns you can explore in the region include Obernai, Guebwiller and Colmar which are 28.1 km (17.46 miles), 103.9 km (64.56 miles) and 73.6 km (45.73 miles) from the city centre respectively
Explore with your rental car
In the past, the control of the Alsace region has been alternating between the French and Germans. But the history of the region dates back to the medieval times. More than 400 medieval feudal castles have been discovered in the region. Having a rental car can help you explore the region extensively as you indulge in various local activities. For starters, you can head to 55 km (34.17 miles) south of the city to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.
From this medieval castle, you will have a magical view of the Alsace valley, Swiss Alps and the dense black forest spanning deep into German. The building that stands here now is not the original one. It has been rebuilt twice in the 15th and 19th Centuries after destruction during wars. It is a major tourist attraction that attracts over 500,000 visitors every year. You can also explore the Castle of Wangenbourg which lies 77.1 km(47.9 miles) from Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle.
Feel free to explore the 170 km (105.6 miles)long Wine Road which starts at the small town of Thann and winds up the Vosges Mountain. This will give you an exceptional tour of the wine-growing area of Alsace. There are other castles you can explore in this region depending on how much time you have for your vacation.
Airports
Strasbourg Airport connects this great city to the rest of the world. The airport website brings together all the essential information a traveller would require. For instance, it provides details on how to get to the airport, car parking and rental information as well as linking clients with hotels in the city.
This makes your search for a rental car and a place to lodge easy. Since the website gives you options to pick from, you can compare rates and choose a service provider with positive reviews and affordable rates. Some of the car hire firms operating from the airport include Avis, Sixt, Hertz and Thrifty.
Some of the destinations that you can fly to from Strasbourg Airport include Barcelona, Amsterdam, Bastia, Budapest and Tel Aviv just to mention a few. There are also lots of airlines that operate from this airport. This ensures that clients get the most competitive rates possible in the market.
Traffic
As you drive through Strasbourg, it is important to be aware of the traffic rules and regulations. This will allow you to avoid breaking the law unknowingly. Also, observe speed limits – 130 km (80 mph) on high-speed motorways and 110 km/h (70 mph) on dual carriageways. Be keen to observe other road signs and watch out for cyclists as many people in this region love cycling.
Roads in this part of the world are well done. Therefore you don’t have to worry about bumpy rides. As you explore the city, it’s important to note that parking can be expensive if you are not keen on the places you park your car and for how long. Explore the available option both for free and paid parking and align your tours accordingly.