LUXEMBOURG - CITY OF CONTRASTS

Since 1994, historical Luxembourg City has been on UNESCO’s world heritage list. And quite rightly so, when you consider that the Burgundians, the Spanish, the Austrians and the brilliant French military architect Vauban have in turn all left their mark on the place, creating in the process what is known today as the "Gibraltar of the North". The area’s top attraction is an extraordinary network of 23 km of subterranean galleries, the famous Casemates which have been carved out of the city’s cliffs. What makes Luxembourg City exceptional is its combination of a cosmopolitan atmosphere with a keen sense of well-being. This international, active, lively city which has managed to remain on a human scale is best explored by foot: its enchanting green spaces are perfect for strolling through with plenty of stops on the way. The terraced orchards on the rocky spur of the Bock where the thousand-year-old city of Luxembourg originated and the vegetable gardens of the Pétrusse valley are home to an abundant flora and fauna, including a number of unexpected exotic species. The Wenzel and Vauban circuits are ideal routes of discovery for those wishing to explore the wonders of the old city on foot, and feature superb views of the fortifications. For cycling fans, four cycle routes have been brought together under the Bike Promenade label. More details about all walking and cycle routes across Luxembourg City can be found at: http://www.lcto.lu/fr/fi/5/74/promenades. The city also offers a help-yourself bike service, 24/7 (25 stations and 250 bikes, at intervals of 500 m to 3 km; safe cycle paths across the parks and down the boulevards). For more information: www.veloh.lu Luxembourg, the green European city with plenty of heart! www.lcto.lu