The city of Strasbourg is located on the Ill River where it converges with the Rhine in the Alsace region of northeastern France near the German border. It is the capital of the Bas-Rhin department and the port here is the second largest on the Rhine River, while the city has gained distinction as a tourist destination and also as the seat of several important European Institutions in recent years.

While visiting Strasbourg, one of the main attractions is undoubtedly the extraordinary historic city center. Dubbed the Grande Ile, or ‘Grand Island,’ it is a visual and physical representation of the fusion of the Franco and Germanic cultures over the centuries. Of particular note, the University of Strasbourg has worked to bridge the gap between cultures and ultimately succeeded in establishing the peaceful co-existence of Catholics and Protestants here. In recognition of its historical significance, UNESCO named Strasbourg a World Heritage Site in 1988.