MIM104 Strasbourg supplement

D e st s ination R Ree p o r t S t r a s b o u r g i s a s p e c i a l e d i t i o n of M I M m a g a z i n e N o 1 0 4 - A p r i l 2 0 0 9 p u b l i s h e d byy M e e t i n g M e d i a CCoo m p a ny ( Bee l g i u m) - w w w. M I M m a g a z i n e.e u

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STRASBOURG A EUROPEAN SURPRISE

Strasbourg: the European Surprise Walking through Strasbourg you immediately notice the different styles and influences the city has known over the course of the years. Obviously, this is not your usual French town. Then there's the wonderful interaction between the beautifully preserved city centre and the impressive European quarter. What often gets forgotten, is the scientific side of Strasbourg, but that's not fair: they have their own Nobel science laureate, Professor Jean-Marie Lehn, who won the prize for chemistry in 1997.

REPORT STEVEN KINS

Most people may know Strasbourg as a symbol of Europe, but there's much more to it than just that, although they are the first to admit it's important for the image of the city. But did you know that twenty years ago the historic centre of Strasbourg has been listed as world heritage by the UNESCO, or that the Upper Rhine, a region that includes communes in France, Switzerland and Germany, wants to become the first cross-border metropolitan region in Europe - a Eurodistrict - with Strasbourg as the capital? The regional traditions are very similar in the French, German and Swiss part, but it would definitely be a big revolution and a new model of organization.

But that's not the only project. Alsace wants to strengthen its fields of excellence - chemistry, biology and medical techniques - through economic clusters that should help the transfer of knowledge, for example Alsace Biovalley and also the Vehicle of the Future.

Strasbourg has always been at the crossroads of many different influences, which is not only visible in the styles of architec-

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ture, but also in the open character of the 450,000 inhabitants in the Communauté Urbaine de Strasbourg who are used to travelling, trading and crossing borders.

Philippe Choukroun of the Comité Régional du Tourisme d'Alsace puts it like this: 'When you arrive here, you feel the own identity. You feel welcomed and want to stay here.' He also added that the region is perfect for incentives with its wine road and the hill tops of the Vosges, which are perfect for rallies and geocoaching.

On top of that, everything is nearby.

Strasbourg owes its European status to the many wars it has known and in the 19th and 20th century Alsace changed hands four times between France and Germany.

Also, 25% of the people are protestant and historically speaking they are a powerful group. In daily life, people keep a very strict image in their way of working and living, and if they're rich, they'll remain discreet.

Another important influence in Strasbourg is the university, the biggest one in France after the three universities became one.

More than 40,000 students colour the city, and 22% of them comes from abroad. Now there's a new building for the postgraduates, shaped like a sail and with a lounge on each floor, each with its own theme.

Strasbourg also owes its position to its location at the Ill river which made it a city

Strasbourg has always been at the crossroads of many different influences of trade. And what better way to discover that city than by boat? I took a guided water tour with one of the nine Batorama boats (of which one electric!) and found out all kinds of interesting details. Their audio comments are available in eleven languages and the kids can even opt for their own special comments, but beware, as an adult you might get jealous if you

© CRTA-Zvardon

New Convention Bureau Haut-Koenigsbourg

The Cathedral is everywhere

Mireille Dartus of the Strasbourg Convention Bureau was the one who showed us around Strasbourg and environs.

Thanks to the gracious drivers of Biribin Europe and VIP Car Solutions we got to see more than just the city itself.

They drove us to the different partners in and outside of Strasbourg. The list of partners is already extensive and still growing, although the convention bureau was only launched in 2008.

MIM: Mireille, what was the reason that triggered the launch of a new convention bureau in Strasbourg?

TGV station

hear them laughing constantly.

If you talk about Strasbourg, it's impossible to leave out the imposing Cathedral of Notre-Dame, which seems to be omnipresent - from anywhere in or around the city, you can catch a glimpse of it. If you have a minute to spare, go and see the interior and I can guarantee you'll be amazed at the ingenuity of the clock.

The Alsace region is definitely famed for its gastronomy. Of course there's the 'choucroute' but even if you're not a fan, there's certainly something that will please your taste buds, be it the wine, the 'baeckeoffe', 'tarte flambée', foie gras, or Coq au Riesling. But next to these traditional dishes, several young chefs are also creating new culinary experiences.

Contact: myStrasbourg Strasbourg Convention Bureau 4 rue du Tivoli 67000 Strasbourg, France T: +33 (0)3 88 13 41 30 contact@mystrasbourg.com www.mystrasbourg.com

Mireille Dartus: 'We want to position the city as a European economy hotspot. The convention bureau unites the complete offer for meeting and event professionals, and lets the whole region speak out as one voice. The European position of the city and region will definitely help, but so will the accessibility thanks to two international airports in the north and south, and also the TGV since 2007 and the TGV Rhin-Rhône that's coming in 2011. Support of local and institutional authorities but also of private partners. Strasbourg now has a one-stop-shop for all requests regarding meetings, incentives and events and on top of that, it's free and we guarantee an answer to any request within 48 hours.'

MIM: Is there still a lot of potential in the region?

Mireille: 'As the NATO summit shows, the city has the potential to serve as a premier meetings industry destination. First of all, the Alsace is a great area to organize playful

activities like treasure hunts, geocoaching, golf, or even winter sports, and some of our partners are specialized in organizing this kind of events. Furthermore, our region feels strongly about sustainable development, that's why we have a modern and adequate public transport system, and hotels and venues are very willing to develop their products keeping in mind the environment friendly theme.

We have our local products

Mireille Dartus

MIM: What's the most interesting new development or project you can tell us about?

Mireille: 'The convention bureau has twelve new partners in 2009 and we're very happy about these new additions. But our efforts go further than just

Strasbourg now has a one-stop-shop for all requests regarding meetings, incentives and events everyone needs to discover, with culinary specialties like kougelhopf, pain d'épices, and of course the wines and spirits, but also the pottery for kitchen or decorative use.'

MIM: What do you cherish the most in Alsace?

Mireille: 'That's a difficult question because the strength of the Alsace lies in its diversity, with three big cities with their own identities. Then there's also the rural side, and the well-preserved nature, but it's a very cultural region too, with over 200 historic and contemporary museums and I haven't even spoken about the 400 fortresses, of which the HautKoenigsbourg is the most famous one. The open, warm and trustworthy character of the Alsatians is definitely worth mentioning as well.'

Strasbourg, we aim for a regional approach, covering the Alsace from North to South.

Our partners are having a lot of renovations and product ameliorations, two new 4-star hotels are underway, there are extension projects on the table for the Exhibition Park and Convention Centre, and renovations are underway for Le Bischenberg meeting centre. Also, the wellness offer is already very extensive and new spas and hotel facilities are being planned as we speak.

'I think we can also take pride in the successful NATO summit we had in Strasbourg. The whole town really had been looking forward to it and we made the impossible happen.

If we can steer something like that in the good direction, I believe we can handle any kind of event.'

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©Strasbourg évènements - Ph Stirnweiss

Venues Being the European capital, Strasbourg of course has some large venues, but there's also the smaller type that deserves some attention. Most of those are related to the rich history of the city and can give just that extra little touch to your event.

The three big names are of course the Palais des Congrès (Convention Centre), Parc des Expositions (Exhibition Park) - both managed by Strasbourg Events and the Zénith.

The Convention Centre and the Exhibition Park are both located in the European quarter and for big events the two locations can even be used together. The Convention Centre has two entrances - because it's been built in two stages which can guarantee that two separate events can be held at the same time. The 130 employees of this city-owned building welcome around 350 events per year, or 800,000 visitors. The location of the centre makes sure that it's very accessible, also by tram. Other assets are its versatility - literally any kind of event can be held in the many rooms of this 50,000m2 venue - and its adaptability - if you wish, a mobile structure can be connected to the entrance, which can be used as a restaurant.

Everywhere inside the building there's daylight, except in the amphitheatres.

In 2008, the largest Zénith in France was built. This striking orange event hall has a capacity for 10,000 people and is mostly

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Zénith

Hoste

Cocktail at the Convention Centre

used for big concerts with for instance Bob Dylan, Lenny Kravitz or Coldplay, but it's so adaptable that it can fit all sorts of events, like product launches or seminars, or even VIP or cocktail events in the annex. The Massimilianio Fuksas design will certainly leave no one untouched.

Espace 22 is only three years old and at a mere 15 minutes from the city centre it has a private park and forest of two hectares in area, a swimming pool, and even a couple of cows next to that pool - luckily they're made of plastic. It has two smaller rooms, but also a large room for up to 550 people which can be divided in two or can be extended into the garden. Decoration is their forte and most of the equipment they have themselves. This event hall is owned by the same people as the event organizer Cast+ Production - a good address for your seminar or teambuilding in Strasbourg.

Pavillon Joséphine at the Parc de l'Orangerie is right opposite the European institutions and since its construction in 1805-1806 it has always been a place of history. The two halls of this symmetrical building are equally large but it's chiefly the left hall that's being used the most.

Château de Pourtales

The Château de Pourtalès, just outside the city, is a private property and the home of the Schiller International University but it's also a splendid location for prestigious dinners, presentations, seminars or cocktail events, be it in the castle itself or in the garden. Outside the castle where Mélanie, the Countess of Pourtalès, used to live, you can find shelter for your event in the striking extra constructions that can be placed.

Big and modern alternates with exclusive and historic The Assembly Hall of the Palais Universitaire has seen some important meetings in the history of Europe and is still available for different types of events. Passe Muraille is one of the local event agencies that has experience in organizing events this way.

©Strasbourg évènements - Ph Stirnweiss

Hostellerie des Châteaux

Hôtel Beaucour

Hotels Again, with the hotels you can see the division between traditional and modern, although you might be surprised to see what some of those old walls are hiding... You won't find 5-star hotels because 4-stars is the highest possible qualification in France, but you'll definitely agree that the quality of its 3-stars is already beyond your expectations.

Tradition Hôtel Beaucour*** is like a secret hideaway in the centre of Strasbourg.

The timber-frame hotel has 49 romantic, Alsatian-style rooms and three meeting rooms. Even in the lobby, next to the fireplace, you'll feel at home. If you're wondering what that checked material is that you see everywhere, that's the typical Kelsch.

Every one of the 61 guestrooms in the Best Western Hôtel de l'Europe*** is different. Now, some rooms are being redecorated to make them brighter.

Hôtel Régent Petite France**** is beautifully located at the riverside in the idyllic Petite France area, and all rooms look out on either the old city or the canals. Its 7 meeting rooms make it much more than the charming hotel that it already is.

Best Western Monopole*** has rooms in all kinds of styles, from classic to contemporary, some even have local artwork. If you're looking for real single rooms, this is the right place for you.

This hotel is even environment-friendly

and has earned an Eco-label, thanks to the use of renewable energy, materials like bamboo, and the reduction of waste.

Outside Strasbourg The fully renovated Grand Hôtel du Hohwald with its 87 rooms lies at the heart of the village in the Vosges mountains and has an exceptional view over the prairies and forests of Alsace. They provide a multitude of activities, like geocoaching in the forest, mountainbiking, or kitchen workshops with three chefs and a barman who teaches how to create cocktails and appetizers.

At Hostellerie des Châteaux**** in Ottrott they have mixed the traditional with the contemporary and added a pinch of art. On top of that they can offer complete wellness packages to groups in their impressive spa which is also accessible to people who are not staying at the hotel and even has a Cleopatra bath.

The city of Obernai does not only have some nice high-class shops, you can also find the charming hotel A la Cour d'Alsace**** there which consists of 6

Hôtel Hannong

different parts. Its garden behind the city walls is perfect for events but... was particularly happy to show the wonderful new spa, the new meeting room, and the new suites with Philippe Starck bathrooms.

Romantic tradition is in perfect balance with contemporary design Also in Obernai lies the rustic-chic Hôtel du Parc****, and yet again this hotel can take pride in its wellness facilities but it has some other fun secrets, like the traditional bowling alley. Traditional, modern, and 70s style rooms is what you can expect, combined with a delicious, typically Alsatian restaurant.

Modern In 1964, the Hotel Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile**** was the first Sofitel

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This region also works together with the Black Forest and Baden-Baden, which opens a lot of opportunities You can choose from 15 adaptable 'salons' and a 470m2 'Orangerie' to hold your events in.

In the Holiday Inn you can pick any one of the three room categories, exactly like in the Hilton, but it also has a separate

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DMCs D If Strasbourg and the ssurrounding area is still a bit of a mystery for you, these two people may have the key for you. They're both ey Gilbert Had experienced DMCs in Strasbourg and were more than happy to put their favourite place in the spotlight.

Gilbert Hadey of the agency Destination confirms that Strasbourg is a strong European symbol. When he has to describe a typical group that comes to visit Strasbourg, this would be it: 'Often, groups come by bus, they're mostly medium-sized and come here for incentive trips. Especially Belgian groups are really interested in gastronomy.'

He also had some recommendations: 'Go for an oldtimer rally with Bugattis or 2cv's for instance, hold your event in the car museum in Mulhouse, discover the Alsatian wine route or go treasure hunting with a Europe, wine or gastronomy theme. This region also works together with the Black Forest and Baden-Baden, which opens a lot of opportunities. The different influences this region has seen and the bilingualism are two more

aspects that make it even more fascinating to come and visit us. A la carte programmes are always available, so we can guarantee a surprising touch to every event. Ballooning, or canoeing through Strasbourg are only two examples of what we can offer.'

Isabelle Costes showed us another side of Strasbourg.

She works for CroisiRéceptif which is the incoming department of CroisiEurope, a cruise company. 'Our company is an Alsatian success story,' she told. 'The founder decided to build his own boats for Rhine cruises, and now we're represented all over Europe and Asia. From November to March - in the low season - our boats are available to complete groups on a private quay. But we work à la carte too: you can discover the Pottery Route with the two main potter's towns - Betschdorf and Soufflenheim. Or we can lead you to two of the most beautiful villages in France, Seelbach and Hunspach. Christmas in Alsace is a huge thing and it's a perfect moment to turn our cruise ships into floating hotels to complete the hotel offer in Strasbourg.'

Strategyc is the third DMC in Strasbourg with fresh ideas. They also propose wine and pottery related tours and visits to the beautiful small towns in the Alsace, but you can also look for silver in the mines of Sainte-Marie-aux-Mines, walk around in a vineyard, see the two sides of Strasbourg, or discover Strasbourg on two wheels.

executive floor and you can choose what type of pillow you prefer. This is also the only hotel with an indoor swimming pool in Strasbourg, and as if that isn't enough, it's a big one too.

Holiday Inn Strasbourg Airport, just outside Strasbourg, is a 4-star hotel that has recently expanded and has 650m2 of meeting space, but also a nice wellness offer.

Hôtel du Parc Obernai

© Crta/Hampé

ever. This 153-room hotel certainly hasn't stopped innovating since then. The mezzanine, where the meeting rooms are located, overlooks the hall and every three months a vernissage is held in the hall and the mezzanine. Its modern Goh restaurant and Link bar are definite crowd-pullers.

Hotel Hannong*** near the place Kléber may have been founded in the 20s, you can still call it modern. Since its opening, it has always remained close to the artistic world. The hotel Hannong is named after a well-known family of porcelain-makers and is built on the former factory site.

The Grand Hôtel***, right in front of the TGV station, was renovated in 2007 and is exceptional in more than one way. It has a colourful bar for clients who use one of the six meeting rooms, stairs running around the elevator, and has the feel of a boutique design hotel.

The Hilton Strasbourg hotel and Holiday Inn Centre**** are only a few steps from the Convention Centre and are large enough to accommodate big groups - as a matter of fact the Hilton is the biggest 4-star in Strasbourg. At the Hilton you have an incredible view either on the cathedral or on the European quarter and for special guests the checkin can be done in the Executive Lounge.

Grand Hôtel

© Sébastien Hanssens

In and Around: Delicious Alsace The whole Alsace region is of course synonymous to gastronomy and wine, and you can't go there without enjoying this aspect.

Restaurants can be found in all shapes and sizes and for everyone's taste, whether you're interested in the local traditional cuisine or in a more contemporary style. Just this year, another Strasbourg restaurant received a star in the authoritative Michelin guide, bringing the total number of restaurants with one or more stars to 27 in Alsace.

If that's not an indication of the quality...

The most famous typical restaurant might well be Maison Kammerzell, a well-preserved historical monument in the shadow of the cathedral and also one of the most photographed places in Strasbourg. Nevertheless, it's not a tourist trap, you can try the choucroute here in all its varieties, and there's more than enough place for groups.

La Maison des Tanneurs is in the same category. The old tannery by the water serves rich and tasty food in a warm atmosphere. If you're in equally fine company, you're bound to have a great evening here.

If you want to sit on the same spot as former President Jacques Chirac or many other famous people, go to Chez Yvonne, where you'll be welcomed as a friend. It's as if time stood still in this characteristic Winstub dating back to 1873, but you can rest assured: the products are not outdated, they're of perfect quality.

Great quality Alsatian food, that's also what they're serving in Hotel du Parc in Obernai. You'd almost want to try a bit of everything that's on the menu.

Côté Lac is quite an amazing location. It lies in a new industrial zone just outside Strasbourg, but once inside you hardly notice that. The 100m2 seminar room of the Terrasses du Lac on the first floor and the Restaurant Côté Lac on the ground floor look out over a lake. At least as surprising is what's being served on your plate. It literally tingled my taste buds, I can tell you.

The food in the Goh restaurant of the Sofitel hotel is as colourful as the restaurant itself, which is a compliment, rest assured.

A good place to try out the new style of cuisine in the heart of Strasbourg.

Old Wine Cask

Maison des Tanneurs

Chez Yvonne

Discovering the history of Alsatian wine starts with a visit to the Cave Historique of the Hospices de Strasbourg, the historic cellar underneath the hospital where the oldest wine cask in the world can be seen, and - if they really like you - can be scented too. It's also the place where the best wines of the region are stored. The profit of selling the wine is reinvested in the hospital. 'Help the needy and drink some wine', says Philippe Junger. 'But don't drive afterwards,' he adds smiling.

The wine route takes you to some beautiful locations and lets you discover innumerable vineyards, one of those being the Klipfel domain in Barr. You can taste all types of Alsatian wine and learn all about the particularities, groups can be accommodated, and the cellars or the little wine museum can be visited.

But evidently, much more is waiting for you in the Alsace. The Convention Bureau already has 92 partners and that list is still

growing, so what you've read here is merely an introduction to the Alsace. Go and see for yourself, go to www.mystrasbourg.com

The total number of restaurants in Alsace with one or more Michelin stars has gone up to 27 or get in touch with the Strasbourg Convention Bureau to create a refreshing event in this surprising region.

Contact: myStrasbourg Strasbourg Convention Bureau 4 rue du Tivoli 67000 Strasbourg, France T: +33 (0)3 88 13 41 30 contact@mystrasbourg.com www.mystrasbourg.com

Cover picture: European Parliament - © Louise Weiss Building - © G. Engel

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Partners Hotels 4 stars A la Cour d'Alsace - Château de la Couronne d'Or Château de l'Ile - Cour du Corbeau - Ermitage du Rebberg Hilton - Holiday Inn Centre - Holiday Inn Strasbourg Airport Hostellerie des Châteaux - Le Parc Régent Contades - Régent Petite France Sofitel Strasbourg Grande Ile 3 stars Beaucour-Baumann - Best Western Europe Best Western France - Best Western Monopole Métropole Bristol - Cardinal de Rohan - Cathédrale Comfort Hotel Center - Du Dragon - Grand Hôtel Hohwald - Hannong Kyriad Prestige Strasbourg Nord - La Cheneaudière La Clairière - Le Grand Hôtel Mercure Saint-Jean - Villa d'Est - Villa Novarina 2 stars All Seasons - Cap Europe Appart'hôtel Comfort Hotel Montagne Verte - Etc… Hôtel - Kléber Kyriad Centre Gare - Kyriad Strasbourg-Lingolsheim La Charrue - La Diligence - Le Grillon - Le 21ème Pax - Royal Lutetia - Suisse

A free service for all your conventions, seminars, events and meetings.

Restaurants

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A l'Ancienne Douane - Au Crocodile - Chez Yvonne - Côté Lac Kohler-Rehm - La Bourse - L'Alsace à Table - L'Assiette du Vin - Le Clou Le Gruber - Maison des Tanneurs - Maison Kammerzell - Zum Strissel

one-stop booking office

Caterers Du Côté Traiteur - Effervescence - Hilton Traiteur - Kieffer Traiteur Les Etoiles d'Alsace

Meeting & Gala Venues Bischenberg - Chambre de Métiers d'Alsace - Le Vaisseau Les Terrasses du Lac - Musée Würth - Pôle Formation CCI Strasbourg Evénements, Convention Center Zénith Strasbourg Europe - Château de Pourtalès Espace 22 - Pavillon Joséphine - Palais Universitaire Aula Royal Palace, Music Hall

extensive net work of partners

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DMCs CroisiRéceptif - Destination - Stratégyc

Event & Communication Agencies Avenue de la Pub - Cast Production - Passe Muraille

Activities & Incentives Batorama, Boat-sightseeings Wine cellar of the Hopitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg CIVA Alsace Wines - Klipfel Wineyard - Le Kempferhof Golf Il était une fois la ville, Treasure Hunt Trace Verte, Outdoor Activities

Services 1653

34, rue du Tivoli FR 67000 Strasbourg Tél. +33 (0)3 88 13 41 30 Fax +33 (0)3 88 16 56 82 contact@mystrasbourg.com www.mystrasbourg.com

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