This was the central point of the Conrath development plan, named Conrath after the architect that conceived it, that planned the development of the town from 1870. The victorious German Empire wanted to create a new part of town based on the Haussmann Parisian model with long, wide avenues and monumental buildings. The Place de la République, formerly Place de l'Empereur, is the starting point for the Avenue de la Paix, the Avenue de la Liberté, which leads to the university also built by the Germans, and the old town via the Place Broglie. The square was also conceived as being the central point for several different thing. These were central power because of the Palais Du Rhin, the former Imperial Palace; regional power, because of amongst others the Landtag of Alsace-Lorraine, the former parliamentary assembly that today houses the National Theatre; and German culture, because of the library. These five massive buildings mark out the German presence in the countryside of Strasbourg. In the centre of the square there is a garden, which is full of flowers even in autumn and is home to a statue by Drivier, who was a colleague of Rodin. This sculpture was erected in 1936 in honour of those soldiers who died in World War One.
This is one the largest buildings in the Petite France quarter. It was built at the end of the 17th century by Tarade, but designed by Vauban. This building towers over the Ill river, with its pillars plunging into the river. At that time, the 'large lock' was used to complete the defence system of the covered bridges, making it possible to flood the region and to block possible assailants at the same time. Today, it is possible to climb up and admire the astonishing view from the terrace, through the telescopes and viewpoint indicators. The view overlooks the covered bridges opposite, the old quarter and the cathedral. Admission free.
A route between the towns of Hundseck and Untersmatt was constructed in 1930, which came to be known as Schwarzwaldhochstrasse. It was extended in 1952 to the cities of Baden-Baden in the north and Freudenstadt to the south to provide an easy access to hotels and scenic spots on the high altitude Black Forest mountains. The 60 kilometer (37 miles) stretch of the road provides a great opportunity for nature trails and winter sports at an altitude that ranges from 700 to 1100 meters (2296 to 3609 feet).
Step into the enchanting Europa Park for an experience like no other. Travel enthusiasts are sure to love the city themed areas, where you can drop in to Portugal or Spain, or visit Scandinavia, among the dozen other cities recreated. Larger-than-life roller-coasters, crazy carousels and whirlwind water-rides will get your adrenaline pumping and leave you excited for more. As one of the country's largest of its kind, this park promises an exhilarating and memorable time and will far from disappoint. It makes for a great getaway from mundane city life and is best enjoyed with family and large groups.
The 2.3 kilometer (1.42 miles) long Lichtentaler Allee along the river Oos was developed as an exceptional park in the middle of 19th Century. The park is also a well-groomed arboretum with oak trees that have existed for more than 300 years along with various other shrubs and trees. An ideal place for a stroll at any time of the day, the beauty of Gönneranlage (added in 1952), which comprises of a rose garden and fountain, is breathtaking. With a number of hotels and mansions along the avenue and an art museum inside the park, this place makes for a serene green spot in the town.
One of the top attractions of Baden-Baden is the Merkur Funicular Railway. Not only is it a great way to travel up the Merkur Mountain, the railway car also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding region and all the verdant scenery the town has to offer. For a nominal price, the Funicular offers a novel experience.
The neo-classical building which houses la bibliothèque nationale universitaire (B.N.U) - National University Library - is one of five very large structures on the place de la République built by the Germans after the defeat of 1870. They wanted to make Strasbourg a symbol of the power and culture of the Reich; they constructed a number of grandiose buildings, whilst implementing cultural policy in Alsace-Lorraine. The current library was created between 1889 and 1894. This followed the destruction of the municipal library in the bombardments during the siege on the town in 1870. It was immediately very well-equipped by the Empire. Today it is the second best library in France, holding more than 3 million manuscripts on 55 kilometres of shelves. It is practically exhaustive on such subjects as Alsace, Germanic and religious culture.
This mini-farm is a real delight for the youngsters because besides enabling them to have physical and olfactory contact with the animals, it also gives them the opportunity to feed the animals themselves and ask the guides a thousand and one questions about the lives of some of the animals that the younger children, for example, are not in the habit of seeing very often. Besides being able to observe at close quarters, without any fear of danger, animals such as pigs, geese, monkeys and so on, for the modest sum of 3F (EUR 0.45) your children will be able to feed them. The farm is situated in the ideal setting of the Parc de l'Orangerie and when you leave you will be able to spot here and there some of the animals observed earlier during your visit, but this time in their natural surroundings! Enjoy your visit!
Its stunning green dome and Art Nouveau elements is a striking feature in city's landscape. St. Bernhard or Bernharduskirche is a Catholic church and was built in 1914. One has to climb many stairs to enter the church. Its entrance is bounded by two free-standing pillars with engraved images of Apostles Peter and Paul on either side. Its star shaped design creates an impressive facade while its Art Nouveau interiors will fascinate you.