Strasbourg, metropolis intellectual and economic of Alsace, is an at the same time traditional and contemporary city, crossed by Ill river, equipped with an animated river port and a famous university.

Rich town of art, built around its cathedral. Since 1949, Strasbourg is the seat of the Council of Europe.

The history of Strasbourg is rich of many facts and anecdotes.

Beginning of the Christian era : Roman camp " Argentoratum ". Famous crossing point, it is the " city of the roads " (Borough and Strass). Crossroads of Christian civilizations.

XVth and XVIth centuries : Strasbourg, prosperous city is removed from the supervision of the bishops, the commercial middle-class affirming itself like truth capacity. Adhesion with the Reform. Invention of printing works by Gutenberg.

XVIIth century : the city escapes to destruction from the Thirty Years War. In 1681, Strasbourg becomes French (Alsace was it already since the Treaty of Westphalia into 1648).

XVIIIth century : influence of the University. Goethe studies in Strasbourg. The " Marseillaise " is made up in Strasbourg by Rouget de Lisle. Clausse invents the receipt of the foie gras of Alsace. During the Revolution, the cathedral becomes the temple of the reason.

XIXth century : with Napoleon, Strasbourg finds his prosperity thanks to the continental blockade. In 1871, annexation of Alsace in Germany.

XXth century : in 1918, Alsace becomes again French. From 1940 to 1944, the Germans take again possession of Alsace. In November 1944, release of Strasbourg by the armoured tanks of General Leclerc. In 1949, creation of the Council of Europe.

Political characters of Strasbourg of national and international scale :

- Pierre PFLIMLIN, mayor, President of the Council

- Daniel HOEFFEL, Minister for Transport

- Catherine TRAUTMANN, mayor, Minister for Culture