From the earliest centuries AD, Strasbourg has always been considerated as a Europe crossroads. In the fifth century, Franks already gave it the name of Strateburgum, "the roads fortified place". So it's not by chance if the European parliament, a symbol of the town cosmopolitan spirit, is built there, very close to the Rhine and german boundary. This special atmosphere is also discernible in houses and churches architecture and audible in the alsatian dialect, which is a french and german mixture. The historical centre, surrounded by the charming river Ill, is as for it the real marvel of Strasbourg. It comprises the "Petite France", "la place Kléber" and the cathedral area, which are both perfect places for strolling, improving one's mind, shopping, relaxing outside cafés or even having parties. And above all, those areas are heavens for sweet wines, biers and haute-cuisine lovers.