Six quirky things to do in strasbourg

ADMIRE PASTEL-COLOURED TIMBERED HOUSES, VISIT A VOODOO MUSEUM OR TAKE A BATH... IN BEER 1. VISIT ONE OF THE CITY'S MOST UNIQUE BARS La Mandragore bar is decorated with stuffed birds and

fish, magical symbols, shells, stones, curiosities and animal skeletons. The bar itself is zigzagged and the stools are covered in animal print.  The menu includes a fine range of draft and

bottled beers as well as local wines and spirits. Check out the snacking menu too; as well as cheese and charcuterie to share, they have Carambars (chewy caramel sticks).  Read also: Why

Strasbourg is a great destination all year round, not just for Christmas 2. EXPLORE LA PETITE FRANCE This neighbourhood is the heart of the tourist trail. The name is not as pretty as it

sounds, however.  Look up and see the open windows set into the steep roofs. These were used by the tanners who traditionally worked here because tanning leather is a malodorous business,

and the workers needed all the fresh air they could get.  Because of the smell, the area was unpopular, and was chosen as the site of a hospital treating people suffering from 'the

French disease', ie syphilis. Which is how it became known as La Petite France. Read more: Festivals, workshops and gardens: Things to visit in Strasbourg this spring 3. HEAD TO A BEER

SPA You can bathe in beer at the Taaka Beer Spa. For €60, you can immerse yourself in a wooden tub big enough for two people filled with bubbling water, hops, yeast and malt.  Drinking beer

while you bathe is also an option, as is sharing your bubbly tub with a friend. 4. VISIT ANOTHER COUNTRY FOR LUNCH Take the tram to Kehl and have lunch in Germany.  The shopping street is

lined with bargain stores, bakeries and restaurants offering goulash from €13.  Read also: Strasbourg: An EU capital that offers history, culture and international flavour Otherwise head for

the food trucks on the marketplace, and sample street food from places including Turkey, Vietnam and India. 5. LOCATE THE LUCKY PUPPY In the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, walk around

the pulpit until you find the very small carving of a puppy's face peeking at you, more or less at head height.  Legend says that stroking him will bring you good fortune. The

cathedral itself is a masterpiece of Gothic art, and is also worth taking the time to visit. 6. SEE THE WORLD'S LARGEST VOODOO COLLECTION The Château Musée de Voudou was founded by the

CEO of the Fischer and Adelshoffen Breweries.  Fascinated by voodoo, Marc Arbogast and his wife Marie Luce collected more than 1,500 items relating to the religion, which are now on show in

a former water tower. The collection is the largest in the world, and the museum is currently assisting historians in Benin, West Africa (one of the birthplaces of voodoo) to found a museum.

  A haunting visit, not suitable for young children. Read more: What you need to know before visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg