Strasbourg

Strasbourg must-sees

Strasbourg, a city of history and beauty, offers a multitude of fascinating places to explore. Here are just a few of the gems that underline the city's charm and diversity.

Visit Cathedral Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

Emblème de Strasbourg, cette merveille de l’architecture gothique se distingue par son grès rose et sa flèche unique s’élevant à 142 mètres. L’intérieur abrite des trésors tels que l’horloge astronomique, un grand orgue, d’exceptionnels vitraux et sculptures.

The platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of Strasbourg and the surrounding area, not to be missed.

La Petite France and its picturesque canals

Strasbourg's emblematic district, La Petite France, with its half-timbered houses, covered bridges and locks, evokes a medieval and romantic past. Stroll along the canals, admire the flower-filled facades and period signs, or opt for a cruise on a bateau-mouche for a unique perspective on the city.

The European Parliament and the European quarter

The heart of Europe, Strasbourg is home to important institutions such as the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. Explore these imposing modern buildings, symbols of the city's international influence.

The European district is also a green space, with the Orangerie park and the Jardin des Deux Rives, linking Strasbourg to Kehl in Germany via a picturesque footbridge.

One of Europe's oldest Christmas markets

In December, Strasbourg is transformed by its Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in Europe. The city lights up with a thousand lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Taste local specialities such as mulled wine, bredele or kougelhopf, and find unique gifts in the chalets scattered around the squares and lanes.

Explore the heritage cultural

Strasbourg se distingue par la conservation et la mise en valeur de son riche patrimoine culturel, reflet de son histoire complexe et de son esprit d’ouverture. Amateurs d’art, de littérature, de musique ou de gastronomy, Strasbourg saura ravir votre curiosité et éveiller vos papilles. Découvrez ci-dessous quelques incontournables pour plonger dans la diversité culturelle strasbourgeoise.

Not-to-be-missed museums

The city of Strasbourg is home to a multitude of museums covering a wide range of fields, testifying to its cultural diversity. Among them, the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain exhibits works by Picasso, Kandinsky, Monet and Klee. The Musée Alsacien offers an insight into regional folk life and traditions. The Musée de l'Œuvre Notre-Dame presents medieval and Renaissance masterpieces. Finally, the Musée Tomi Ungerer celebrates the work of the Strasbourg illustrator, renowned for his satirical drawings and children's books.

Events and festivals must-haves

Strasbourg is a dynamic city with a wide range of events and festivals all year round. The Music Festival, for example, attracts international artists to exceptional venues such as the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès and the Cathedral. The Fantastic Film Festival seduces fans of the genre with its screenings and animations. The Street Arts Festival transforms urban spaces into open stages offering circus, dance, theater and music. The Festival du Livre, meanwhile, celebrates literature with book signings, conferences and workshops.

Culinary traditions and where to enjoy them

Strasbourg, a city of taste, offers a rich gastronomy, the fruit of a union of French and German influences. Specialties include sauerkraut, baeckeoffe, flammekueche, kougelhopf and bredele, ideally accompanied by Alsace wines. There are several options for enjoying these dishes. Winstubs, traditional brasseries, serve generous dishes in a convivial atmosphere. Michelin-starred restaurants, such as Au Crocodile, offer a refined gastronomic experience. Finally, local markets, such as the one on Place Broglie, are ideal for discovering fresh regional produce.

Practical tips for your stay

Exploring Strasbourg is an adventure in itself, but a few practical tips can enrich your experience. Here are some essential tips for navigating the city, finding accommodation to your liking and exploring the treasures of the surrounding area.

Getting around Strasbourg: options and tips

Strasbourg is a great place to explore on foot, especially in the historic center where the main sights are concentrated. For more distant destinations, such as the European Quarter or the Rhine port, the modern and extensive streetcar and bus network is at your disposal.

A single ticket costs €1.80 and is valid for one hour on the entire network. The 24h (€4.60) and 3-day (€12.40) passes offer unlimited access, ideal for unrestricted exploration. Further information is available on the Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois website.

Cycling is an attractive alternative, thanks to over 500 km of cycle paths and numerous pedestrian zones. The Vélhop service provides self-service bicycles or bicycles for hire for various lengths of time. Visit the Vélhop website for more details.

Hosting : comment choisir selon votre budget

Strasbourg offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from hotels and campsites to apartments and youth hostels.

Here's how to choose:

• Location: For total immersion, the historic center, such as Petite France or Place Kléber, is ideal. For more tranquility, consider the Orangerie or Neustadt. The European Quarter or Wacken will appeal to fans of the European ambience.
• Price: Rates vary according to period, category and location. Expect to pay between €40 and €80 for a 2- or 3-star hotel, €80 to €150 for more luxury, €20 to €40 for a youth hostel, €50 to €100 for an apartment, and €10 to €20 for a campsite.
• Services : breakfast, wifi, parking, air conditioning, pool, spa... your preferences will determine the best choice. Compare offers and read reviews before making your decision.

The Strasbourg Tourist Office website is an excellent resource for finding accommodation and special offers.

Day trips: discoveries near Strasbourg

Strasbourg has a lot to offer, but the surrounding area is also full of sites to discover:

• Colmar : about 70 km to the south, this charming town boasts a medieval historic center, the Unterlinden Museum and Little Venice.
• Haut-Koenigsbourg : 50 km to the south-west, this fortified castle offers spectacular views over the region. A visit here is like stepping back in time.
• Obernai : This town, located on the wine route, has a charming heritage and picturesque streets, just 25 km from Strasbourg.

For more ideas and information, the Office de Tourisme du Grand Est website is a valuable resource.

Conclusion

It goes without saying that Strasbourg offers a rich and diversified experience to its visitors. Whether you're a history buff, culture buff, nature adventurer or food lover, Strasbourg has something for everyone. The city is best explored on foot, by bike or from the deck of a boat, and promises tasty moments in its typical restaurants, welcoming winstubs or on the stalls of its colorful markets. The many events and festivals that punctuate the year invite you to experience its traditions to the full.

Strasbourg saura vous étonner et vous charmer, que vous prévoyiez un court séjour le temps d’un weekend, une escapade d’une semaine ou une immersion plus longue. Ne remettez pas à plus tard : planifiez dès aujourd’hui votre voyage à Strasbourg, une ville aux mille et une facettes.

FAQ

Where to go for a walk in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg offers a variety of walking options, to suit your preferences and the time you have available. Here are a few suggestions:

• For lovers of historic charm, head for Petite France, the city's most emblematic district, renowned for its half-timbered houses, canals and covered bridges.
• For those seeking tranquillity and nature, explore Strasbourg's parks such as the Parc de l'Orangerie with its Josephine pavilion, the Parc du Heyritz and its pond, or the botanical garden and its greenhouses.
• Si vous êtes passionnés par l’architecture et la culture, ne manquez pas d’admirer la cathédrale Notre-Dame et son horloge astronomique, de vous promener dans la Neustadt aux monuments néo-classiques, ou de visiter les musées de la ville, comme le musée alsacien ou le musée d’art moderne et contemporain.

What's so special about Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is distinguished by its triple identity:

• As a historic city, it boasts a remarkable architectural heritage, with a UNESCO World Heritage city center and a Gothic cathedral symbolizing religious art.
• As a European city, it is home to major European institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of Europe, positioning itself as the capital of Europe and a center for dialogue between member countries.
• As an Alsatian city, Strasbourg is the heart of the region's culture, reflected in the Alsatian language, gastronomy and festive traditions.

What is the nearest city to Strasbourg in France?

Strasbourg's nearest city is Schiltigheim, about 2.6 km from the center. Part of the Strasbourg Eurometropolis, Schiltigheim is a commune in the Bas-Rhin department of the Grand Est region.

What are we doing in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg is bursting with cultural, historical and gastronomic activities. Here are two must-sees:

• Discover Strasbourg Cathedral, a jewel of Gothic art, famous for its 142-meter spire, astronomical clock, stained glass windows, organ and panoramic view.
• Stroll through the Petite France district, a picturesque area that has preserved the essence of the past with its half-timbered houses, flower-filled bridges and canals.