Town: Strasbourg

Town: Strasbourg

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is,  considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

Looking at the climate of France as a whole, in order to give you a general notion of this town’s climate factors (sun,rain,heat, cold,wind, snow) we use three categories (most, mid, least) . So, the label above is telling you what this factor is (most, mid-range, least) considering the whole of France.  For a much more in-depth understanding of the weather, go to the site  weatherspark.com.  Be sure to use the feature they offer to compare towns.  

 

Rating is 1 – 4 (1 being most friendly)

  1. Known to be a favorite for internationals and/or Anglophones; English heard frequently
  2. Substantial international community; hearing English is not unusual
  3. Some expats, or other international populations, occasionally you might hear English spoken
  4. Not especially international; English rarely heard spoken”

 AVF stands for Accueils des Villes Françaises (roughly translated ‘Home of French Cities’ From their website: The national network of Accueils des Villes Françaises “offers new residents and anyone looking for social connections friendly activities that allow them to discover their new environment and make new friends.” 

They are particularly helpful as you meet newcomers, both French and English-speaking.  Most branches provide a robust range of classes (including French) and activities, for an incredibly small annual membership fee  (35 Euro?)    Here’s their national website, which will connect you to the branch in the town you are looking at https://avf.asso.fr/

 This category differs with each town.  One town might have a large international industry (Bordeaux: aerospace) or govermental HQ (Strasbourg: EU) while others are simply perennial favorites for internationals (like Nice, or any nice spa town, like Jonzac or Bagnoles-de-l’Orne) 

 We feel that a large university is a marker of a town used to newcomers and at home with a range of cultures and ideas. 

A town that attracts retirees is more likely to be safe, affordable,temperate in climate, offer good health care options  and be welcoming

 We use three categories: least, mid, or most expensive.  For wonderful details and ability to compare costs of  different French towns, see villedereve.fr

Data from the site villedureve.fr.  Range from 0  to 100 with 100 the best

*More than 30 days, less than 90. Off-peak season, prices & features vetted for this kind of stay.

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

Small towns population: 15,00 – 7,500 Big towns population: 7,500 – 50,000  City: 50,000 – 250,000 Big City: 250,000 +

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 (On a scale of 1 – 5, 1 easiest)

 A robust train station is in or nearby this town

Strasbourg is such a bike friendly city that …”  one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe, which essentially means that pedestrians are always at risk of being run over. Always make sure to be aware and look both ways before crossing any street or sidewalk-seriously! “(Ashley Abroad)

  • “The pace of life in Strasbourg is pretty laid-back the romantic architecture and canals really do a lot to contribute to the relaxed and pleasant city atmosphere.””Strasbourg has a huge community of expats! It’s an incredibly international city due to the fact that the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the University of Strasbourg draw people from all over the world” (Ashley Abroad)
  • Cuisine is definitely bi-cultural: a mix of Germanic and French incluences;  specialties to try include tarte flambée, choucroute and the Riesling wines
  • “It’s well-known that France has some of the best healthcare in the world. In fact, it’s one of the biggest pros of living in France. But the healthcare system in Alsace, the region where Strasbourg is located, is even better. There’s a unique social security system whereby residents of Alsace receive extra coverage compared to the rest of France.”
  • “Strasbourg is a popular city and attracts a lot of expats, so you would expect the cost of living to be high. But this is not the case. In fact, Strasbourg is far from being one of the most expensive cities in France. Compared to Paris, the cost of living in Strasbourg is about 15% lower…To give you an idea, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Strasbourg is €700 per month, excluding the utilities. For gas, electricity, and internet, it’s roughly €175 per month.”
  • Minimal Language Barrier
  • One of the most beautiful cathedrals in Europe
  • Less bad bureaucracy: “Luckily, the process in Strasbourg is much more efficient. I’ve been through two long-stay visa renewals, and, I can, honestly, say that it’s been a pleasure. The individuals working at the prefecture are helpful, kind, and patient. They are even, dare I say, efficient.”
  • Superlative local public transport: “Strasbourg has a network of buses and trams that run throughout the city. There are even some trams to go all the way to Germany.They run every five to ten minutes and are almost always on time. Not only that but they are clean and comfortable with ample seating…Of course, you could walk, but a tram/bus ticket is only €1.90! It’s actually much easier to get around with public transportation than with a car. Public parking in Strasbourg is almost non-existent and expensive. (“Dabbling in Jet Lag”)
  • Electricity is Expensive,
  • High Resident Tax
  • Not always a minus but…”Alsatian food is a combination of French and German cuisine. It often contains some form of pork with a large helping of potatoes, all covered in a rich, creamy sauce.”(Dabbling in Jet Lag)
  • Being one of the European Union de facto capitols  (alongside Brussels, Luxembourg and Frankfurt) and the home to a large university(42,000 students)  means accommodation is difficult to come by in Strasbourg.
  • The culture of Alsace is uniquely French and German
  • More extremes of temperature, not particularly sunny    (Like the culture, you might think you’re in German weather some days as well)

Who recommends it?

Ashley Abroad likes:

  • "The pace of life in Strasbourg is pretty laid-back."
  • The food: tarte flambée, choucroute and the Riesling wines
  • The welcome to English speakers & making friends
  • The cost of living
  • Safety
  • Fashionable (not quite Parisian, but still 'put-together')

And   writing on Dabbling in Jet Lag

  • Well-located
  • Strong expat community
  • Extra healthcare benefits
  • Low-cost living
  • Nearby nature
  • and more (Languages, bureaucracy and public transport all get high marks!)

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