Kléber Square

Like all main squares in France, this is where the crowds meet, whether for a World Cup victory, a gigantic Christmas tree or a protest. The square was named Kléber in honor of the Strasbourg general assassinated during the French campaigns in Egypt. There’s also a statue of him; at his feet, you’ll see a mini sphinx, a symbol of his victories in Egypt. This former parade ground was once adorned with military buildings. Taking up the entire north side of the square, you’ll see a large building of classical architecture. It’s known as the Aubette, a word derived from “aube”, which translates to daybreak, as orders were given at dawn. This palace, built in pink Vosges sandstone just like the cathedral, did a complete 180 in the mid-19th century. Over the years, it housed a dinner theatre, a museum, shops, leisure activities and more. Then, in the 1920s, the right wing turned into a major avant-garde project by a trio of artists who set out to create a full-scale, floor-to-ceiling work of art. Since 2008, there’s a shopping mall in the left wing and a contemporary cultural center on the second floor, both allowing you to see the fantastic decor up close! Behind the commemorative monument to the general is a building that somewhat clashes with the architectural style of the square, featuring rows of large rectangular windows, one atop another. Today, all you see is yet another shopping mall. However, its name, Maison Rouge, that is, the Red House, tells a story that goes back to the 13th century. In fact, it’s said that there was a small inn on this site as early as 1253. The establishment grew over the centuries, until eventually, 600 years later, it became a complex of 5 buildings: a key landmark in the city’s history. In the 19th century, the inn became the Hôtel de la Maison Rouge, sporting a beautiful imperial style of architecture. In 1900, a fire ravaged the hotel; its façade is then rebuilt in true Parisian fashion, modelled on the Ritz, and the building is given the title of palace. It is said to have welcomed many prominent personalities, from the famous cabaret dancer Mistinguette to politicians De Gaulle and Churchill. In 1970, fate struck again, and yet another fire destroyed the famous hotel. Despite fierce opposition from local residents, the city decided to demolish it and build the shopping center you see today. Such is the story behind its enigmatic name. And if you take a closer look at the building, you’ll notice that its structure reminds us of traditional half-timbered houses, while its roofing  is reminiscent of the presence of the five buildings of yesteryear. There’s still a luxury hotel with the same name a little further down on rue des Francs-Bourgeois. It’s an annex of the original hotel, opened in 1927.