Strasbourg in 3 days

Pink Vosges sandstone, a single 142-metre spire that made it the world's tallest building until 1874, and a west front carved like lace.

The cathedral's third clock, built in 1842, shows solar time, planetary positions and eclipses, and works out the date of Easter.

Three museums on three floors; the ground-floor state apartments, with the crimson King's Bedroom and Hannong faience, are the highlight.

The fullest circuit takes in Petite France and its lock, the Ponts Couverts, the Neustadt and the European Parliament, all seen from the river.

The Ill splits into four channels among 16th-century half-timbered tanners' houses; the name comes from a former hospice for syphilis patients.

Three square 14th-century watchtowers on the old western defences, and behind them a 13-arch dam built to flood the land against besiegers.

Wooden chalets spread across several squares in the centre, each with its own theme; go early, as late afternoons and Saturdays are packed.

Airport-style security, then the public gallery over a chamber of more than 700 seats and the Parlamentarium's interactive screens in 24 languages.