USEFUL INFORMATION

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Currency
France's currency is the Euro, and most garages, hotels and shops in Strasbourg accept credit cards, though may not always accept swipe cards without a microchip.

Language
The official language is French, though regional languages such as Breton and Alsacian are making a comeback. English is also spoken throughout Strasbourg

Climate
Strasbourg's climate is classified as Oceanic, with warm, relatively sunny summers and cold, overcast winters. on the whole a bit warmer than the UK, a bit cooler than Spain

Working Hours & Holidays
Most major international banks have offices in Strasbourg. Banks are open weekdays, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Banks are closed Sundays, holidays, and the afternoon before holidays.

Post offices are marked PTT and are open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays but all will usually be closed on public holidays.. Stamps can be purchased at tabacs, hotels, and some newsstands.

Communications
Using the telephone, internet or other telecommunications services in France is very easy. The French network is 100% digital, quite high tech and provides services similar to those found in any other part of Western Europe and North America.
Country Code: +33

Time Zone
Like most states in Europe, Summer (Daylight-Saving) Time is observed in Strasbourg Time, where the time is shifted forward by 1 hour;  2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).  

After the Summer months the time in Strasbourg Time is shifted back by 1 hour to Central European Time (CET) or (GMT+1)

Electricity
220/240 volts (50 cycles) is the standard electrical current and a 2-pinned adapter is required.

Driving Licence
Vehicles drive on the left in France and road signs comply with international rules. Car rental companies require a valid national or international license. Remember to use your seat belt at all times.

Health Services
There are no serious health risks associated with travel to Strasbourg and to France. No vaccinations are required for your travels.

Facilities for Disabled
If you require disability specific facilities, please notify the secretariat by indicating your needs on your registration form.

Safety & Security
Strasbourg is a safe and welcoming city. The city is one of the friendliest in Europe and maintains a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Local Cuisine
Strasbourg is one of the best areas in France when it comes to delectable cuisine, and that's saying quite a bit considering this is, well, France. The dishes here have a boldness that is reminescent of the German roots, while there is attention to quality and detail that is the epitome of the French gourmet philosophy.
Some local cuisine experiences you shouldn't miss include:

  • Visiting a local winstub for the ultimate France/German experience. The wines that are most popular here are white, light and tart, such as Reislings and Gewurztraminers. The Alsatian beers are also wonderful.
  • Sampling the local "eau de vie." Literally meaning "water of life," this is fruit liquor to the extreme. Unlike American liquors that are typically made with sugar, the Alsatian eau de vie is sweetened entirely by fruit.
  • Filling up on baeckoffe and coq au Reisling, some of the fabulous local specialties. Baeckoffe consists of a stew of meats, potatoes and spices. Coq au Riesling is much like the better-known coq au vin, but is made with Riesling (and, in my opinion, tastier). It is usually served over fresh-made spaetzle, a German noodle. There are many other local dishes that are divine as well, so be sure to experiment! The Alsatian desserts are among the world's best!

Tipping
A normal tip for good service in Strasbourg restaurants is between 10%-15%. Service charge is normally automatically included for groups of six or more.

Public Transportation in Strasbourg
With its 6 lines (A/B/C/D/E/F), 56 km of tracks in commercial operation, 69 stations and 300,000 daily users,Strasbourg's tram system is the largest in France.
The City's bus system has 30 urban lines, with 283 buses, and 11 interurban lines with 57 buses, which together carry passengers over 11,000,000 km every year.
Bus / Tram interchange stations are specially designed to facilitate fast and safe switching between different modes of transport, and are easily accessible for special-needs passengers.

With the Park-and-Ride network, motorists can park near a tram station and be in the city centre within a few minutes, without having to worry about traffic or parking. The driver and passengers can buy a flat-rate group ticket that covers both parking charges and a return ticket with the Tram. Park and Ride car parks are open Mondays to Saturdays, from 7 AM to 8 PM. Outside these hours, parking is free but users need to buy a ticket for the Tram.

Tram lines

  • Tram A: from Illkirch Lixenbuhl to Hautepierre Maillon
  • Tram B: from Hoenheim station to Lingolsheim Tiergaertel
  • Tram C: from Neuhof R. Reuss to the central railway station
  • Tram D: from Rotonde to Aristide Briand
  • Tram E: from Robertsau Boecklin to Baggersee
  • Tram F: from Place d'Islande to Elsau

Bus lines

  • lines to the city centre: 4, 6, 10
  • lines running between districts: 2, 7, 14, 15, 30, 40, 50, 70
  • lines running alongside the tram system: 12, 13, 15a, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 31, 62, 63, 65, 66, 71, 72
  • shuttles: the Neudorf Marché shuttle, the Robertsau shuttle, the civil Hospital shuttle

To find out more about bus and tram times, routes and season tickets, go to the CTS website

Shopping
Luxury shops and little boutiques cater to all tastes in the historical centre, a semi-pedestrian precinct, which is Strasbourg's main shopping area. Rue des Grandes Arcades, between Place Kléber and Place Gutenberg, is, with Grand'rue, your best bet for clothes, gifts and decoration. All the alleys starting from these streets are chock full of small shops. Further east starts "le carré d'or," between Rue du dôme and Rue des Orfèvres, where main luxury stores (fashion, perfumeries, jeweller's) are clustered. 

You can find some of the finest Strasbourg's groceries, with foie gras, liqueurs, kougelhopfs, macaroons, gingerbread and many other traditional biscuits. Coco LM, rue du Dôme, is one of the most famous biscuit shops. 

A market and a massive shopping centre with two carparks are also located north of the historical centre, "place des Halles". It's a great place for getting all your shopping done under the same roof - from food to computers and sportswears.