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Audio Walking Tour Guide

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Ed Hahn
Ed Hahn
First Reviewer
4 out of 5
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1
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4
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Audio Walking Tour Guide

  • February 20, 2006
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Ed Hahn from Hong Kong, China
Audio Walking Tour Guide

I don’t usually use audio guided tours because I often find them a distraction rather than a help. They also provide far more information than I usually want, particularly in art museums. In this case, Tom and I decided to try the Audio Guided tour of the city for two reasons. One, we had limited time, and two, the Cathedral was closed and we had a couple hours to kill before it opened, just about the same amount of time the audio-guided tour covered.

The audio-guided tours last from 90 minutes to two hours, depending on how fast you walk. I understand they are available in three or four languages, and are accompanied by a very nice brochure that supplements the cassette. We rented both the cassette and tape for €6 from the Tourist Office, right across Guttenberg Square from the Cathedral. You must make a deposit of €30, or let them hold your passport. You can keep the tape for 24 hours.

The only problem we had was that the clerk, who was most likely a summer hire from an influential family, was as much of an uncooperative smart-ass as I have encountered in all the TI offices I’ve visited in Europe and Asia. Nevertheless, we got our guides, but not a lot of information as to how to use them. We figured that out for ourselves.

As it turns out, Strasbourg is an ideal city for sightseeing on foot. The tour starts and ends at the Cathedral, which was closed for unknown reasons. We figured we’d be back, so we tuned in carefully and set out—our ears glued to the commentary. It’s a wonderful experience. The guide is complete, without being overly long and boring, and it takes us to a number of places we might have missed.

Our first stop is the courtyard of the Palais de Rohan. At one time, it housed the Bishop of Strasbourg. Now, it is a museum. This courtyard is often the site of free concerts. We next walk to an adjoining monastery herb garden and cemetery—a totally peaceful spot in the midst of the city. We continue down to the river, and walk along the banks to St. Martin’s Bridge. Crossing over to the opposite bank we stroll past the Guild Hall, the old City Hall, and St. Nicholas church where Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Albert Schweitzer preached as a young theologist. We hang a right and make an extended stop at St. Thomas' church, where he gave his first organ concert.

We also visit and learn all sorts of interesting facts about La Petite France, which is described elsewhere in the journal. Our last stop is the Cathedral, also described elsewhere. The audio guide provides a human touch to this impressive place.

Overall, the audio guided tour was a good experience, educational and interesting. I recommend it.

From journal Surprising Strasbourg

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