Strasbourg – the capital of Alsace, home to the European Parliament, and one of Europe’s most beautiful historic centers. This UNESCO World Heritage Site on the German-French border blends two cultures into something truly unique: Alsatian cuisine, medieval half-timbered houses, canals, and a vibrant history that can be felt on every corner.
It’s the perfect place to celebrate 20 years of BEX Components – chosen by the team, planned by the team, and experienced by the team.
From the Ostalb to Alsace
Saturday morning, 7:30 a.m. The bus is waiting, and we’re all really looking forward to it. Just under three and a half hours later, we pull into the main bus station in Strasbourg and the city welcomes us with bright sunshine. And warmth. A lot of warmth.
Strasbourg was at the very top of the list of suggestions the team had submitted themselves – a volunteer organizing team turned it into a weekend no one will forget anytime soon. We dropped off our luggage at the Ibis Styles Strasbourg Centre Petite France – our home for the night, right in the city’s most picturesque neighborhood – and then: off on an adventure.
Old Town, Cathedral, and Life-Saving Fire Towers
Strasbourg’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and you can tell with every step you take. Narrow alleys, half-timbered houses, canals, history around every corner. And right in the middle of it all: Strasbourg Cathedral, one of the most impressive places of worship in Europe.
We stepped inside – and were overwhelmed not only by the architecture but also by the sounds of a choir that was rehearsing. In the cool shade of the cathedral, we listened reverently for a moment. A small, unforgettable moment in the midst of a busy day.
Less reverent, but just as welcome: the sprinkler towers in the pedestrian zone. With the temperatures this weekend, they became the secret star of the trip. Once you’d walked through one, you wanted to go right back.
A Culinary Journey Through Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a city for food. The Alsatian tradition of tarte flambée, French brasserie culture, and German influences – it all comes together here on the plate. We worked our way through the menu, didn’t turn down a cool drink or two, and rounded out the evening together at La Corde à Linge – a charming restaurant right on the water.
A Bar Behind a Secret Door
That’s all we’ll reveal here. Just this much: If you’re out and about in Strasbourg, keep your eyes peeled. Sometimes, an unassuming door leads to one of the most wonderful evenings of the year.
Sunday: A Journey Through History on the Water
Sunday morning was dedicated to the Batorama boat tour – and it was quite an experience. From the water, Strasbourg reveals a completely different side of itself. We glided past the European Parliament, the ARTE headquarters, the medieval Ponts Couverts, the imposing Palace of Justice, and, of course, the enchanting La Petite France district with its canals and half-timbered houses.
Strasbourg is no ordinary place. It’s a city that embodies two cultures – German and French – and has forged something entirely unique from them. You can feel it everywhere: in the architecture, the language, the food, and the atmosphere.
The day concluded with lunch at Brasserie Au Dauphin, right on Münsterplatz – before we headed back toward Aalen.
20 Years – and What’s Yet to Come
In 2006, BEX Components started out as a small startup. Today, we’re part of AEB SE – who would have thought that back then? Two decades filled with development, growth, and above all, amazing people who have walked this path together.
Strasbourg was the perfect setting to pause, look back – and at the same time look forward with great anticipation. Here’s to the next 20 years!
