Never Get Enough of Strasbourg
- Find me in France
- Jul 21, 2025
- 3 min read
I’m finding these last three weeks in France a bit of a struggle. I’m incredibly excited to start my new life in Santa Barbara—my friend picked up the keys to my apartment yesterday!—but I’m also completely in love with Strasbourg, and it will be hard to say goodbye to this amazing adventure.
Strasbourg and I are just beginning our relationship, I think. I’ll definitely be back. This city has so much life, charm, and beauty that if I’m not outside from morning until dark, I feel a little guilty. Which, of course, isn’t realistic—there’s the rain, and my feet would revolt. Still, I find myself needing at least three outings a day just to soak it all in.
I did the Batorama boat ride through the city—absolutely beautiful. That said, skip the audio guide. It’s a pirate and a parrot, and… need I say more? I did learn that Strasbourg has 27 bridges, all unique and lovely.
What really surprised me, though, was how the people on land and on the boats wave to each other. At first, I thought it was ridiculous—if they were standing next to each other, they wouldn’t be waving. When I got on the boat, I ignored the waves for the first 15 minutes. But then I noticed how genuinely happy people looked while waving, and I thought, why am I dismissing something that brings people joy? So I joined in—and honestly, it was really fun.
When I got off the boat around 9 p.m., La Petite France was buzzing. People were out at dinner, grabbing gelato (I obviously had to join in—I didn’t want to be rude), just enjoying life. I took a leisurely stroll back to the apartment, feeling this mix of belonging and loneliness. Everyone here is so social. I wished I had friends here.
As I walked, I passed—yet again—the Notre Dame of Strasbourg. That cathedral never fails to take my breath away. Honestly, I think it’s even more stunning than the one in Paris (I feel like might be slightly blasphemous, but I swear I speak the truth). I haven’t been inside yet, and to be honest, the exteriors usually impress me more than the interiors.
We’ve had storms all week. Today, it hailed—no joke—for about five seconds, then it rained for a couple more minutes and stopped. The rain here comes and goes so unpredictably, you can’t be without an umbrella. But if you do get caught, like I have, it doesn’t last long. I kind of love the rain here. Maybe because it never overstays its welcome.
Sunday, I mostly stayed in—watched Netflix, planned for my new apartment, took a nap. Around 4:30 p.m., it started raining again, so I opened the shutters and leaned out the window in my tank top and underwear… only to lock eyes with my neighbor across the way. I’m sure they’ve seen it all before. A few minutes later, I noticed armed police officers patrolling the street—for the second time this week. Apparently, they keep a strong presence here, especially after the 2018 Christmas market attack where five people were killed and eleven injured. I have to say, seeing men with machine guns walking around makes me think twice… and I wasn’t even thinking once! I hope it really does help prevent crime.
As for Copper—she’s thriving. She has two new BFFs and we’ve only been here a little over a week. BFF #1 is Vania, a sweet little border collie I’ve posted about. But her true BFF might be Frieda, a little doodle service dog, from Germany. They are in love. Sadly, Frieda is only here for a few days with her family. I’ve met so many people through Copper. She has been my ride-or-die on this adventure. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without her.
The clock has begun for my trip home. August 9th. Lots to do before I leave. Fun to have, things to organize. Once I am home I am sure there will be lots to unpack emotionally from these past months. So while I won't physically be in France, part of my heart always will and I will still have much to share.
A little photo dump from my 9:30PM stroll
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