Remembering Strasbourg

Now that I’m back in the States and settling into my new home in Santa Barbara, I’m finally starting to process (just barely) the last three and a half months in France. I haven’t even been back a month, yet France already seems like a lifetime ago. I did a little recap of Strasbourg as I took a stroll down memory lane.

Strasbourg’s Notre Dame

Church has never been where I find connection—I’ve always found that in nature. But the cathedrals in Europe still stop me in my tracks. Strasbourg’s Notre Dame especially—her exterior dazzles in the sunlight.

It reminded me of living in San Francisco. Locals know there are certain days when the city sparkles—you only see it when you’re looking back at it from Marin. It feels like you’re witnessing something larger than yourself. That’s exactly what it felt like when the Strasbourg cathedral caught the light. Paris’ Notre Dame is breathtaking too, but Strasbourg’s hand-carved, ancient beauty is something else entirely.

A Saturday Night to Remember

One of my favorite memories was wandering Strasbourg at 9pm after a Battorama tour. The city was alive; picnics by the river, packed restaurants, everyone just enjoying the summer night.

9:00PM in Strasbourg

The sun doesn’t set until just before 10pm in July, so it felt more like early evening. Normally, I’d never eat gelato that late, but when in Rome… I joined the line. Walking through the streets with gelato in hand, I thought: my life isn’t perfect. My marriage is over. I miss my best friend. I’ve blown up my life only to realize this isn’t where I want to be. But this moment right here—this is perfect.

That night was pure bliss, and I’ll never forget it.

Mornings, Rain, and Rhythm

It took me a week to realize that mornings are the secret to French cities. With everyone on a late-night schedule, early mornings belonged to Copper and me—the streets were empty. It was something beyond special to experience.

I also loved Strasbourg’s weather. It rained every day, but never all day. You simply learned to plan around the storms. I kept my windows wide open, soaking in the sound of rain. Copper, however, did not share my enthusiasm.

River Walk/Swan siting

River Walks

My favorite thing to do was walk along the river with Copper every morning. We would set out with no direction in mind and walk until it felt like we should maybe head back, or it was getting hot. The river in Strasbourg was hard to leave. Getting lost wandering in a town has become my very favorite thing.

Favorites & Recommendations

Strasbourg is a city where reservations are essential—everything books up quickly! Here are my highlights and a few “musts” I didn’t make it to:

• My best tarte flambé: Elsass Food by Moritz. Best Tarte flamé’s recommended that I didn’t try: Mama Bubble and La Binshtub

• Green juice fix:

  • Le Paradis du Fruit (excellent green juice + great menu—loved the lobster roll and fish & chips)

  • Verti Ici (the BEST watermelon/apple/mint smoothie—so good I went daily once I found it)

• Ambiance + experience: Le Drunky Stork Social Club (great salad bar and menu; I imagine Sunday brunch is amazing)

• Fresh pizzas: Le Square Delicatessen

• Pastries (dangerous territory):

  • Avellina — the lemon tart, shortbread cookies, tiramisu… all to die for. I literally told strangers outside to go in. Life’s too short not to.

  • Au Fond de La Théière — beautiful teas and cakes.

  • On Rue de la Carté d’Or near the cathedral: two incredible pastry shops worth every bite.

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I also had some of the richest food of my life in Strasbourg—so rich my body rebelled. I won’t name names, but let’s just say moderation is key.

While I am so happy to be in Santa Barbara, Strasbourg was a beauty!