The 11 must-do things in Strasbourg

Strasbourg Cathedral (Notre-Dame) is one of the great masterpieces of Gothic art. An earlier cathedral stood here around 1015; the present Gothic building was begun in 1176, and its 142-metre spire was completed in 1439 by Jean Hültz. That spire made it the tallest building in the world from 1647 to 1874, and it remains the second-tallest cathedral in France after Rouen.

The pink Vosges-sandstone façade is covered with hundreds of carvings and tympana depicting biblical scenes. Inside, the highlights are the Gothic vaults, the Pillar of Angels and, above all, the astronomical clock, whose procession of apostles comes to life every day at 12:30pm.

The cathedral sits at the heart of the Grande-Île, the historic centre inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988 (extended to the Neustadt in 2017). It is the symbol of Strasbourg and the natural starting point for any visit.

The Petite France district in Strasbourg is one of the city's most charming and picturesque areas. Located on the eastern side of the Grande Île, this neighborhood is famous for its half-timbered houses, canals, and cobbled streets.

Features of the Petite France District:

1. Traditional Architecture: The half-timbered buildings, often painted in vibrant colors, give the area a medieval charm. These houses were once home to tanners, millers, and fishermen.
2. Canals and Bridges: Petite France is crisscrossed by several canals, providing beautiful views and peaceful spots for strolling. Notable landmarks include the Vauban Dam and the Covered Bridges.
3. History: This district has been a strategic location for centuries, especially during the medieval period. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.
4. Restaurants and Shops: The area is filled with traditional Alsatian restaurants where visitors can enjoy local specialties such as choucroute, baeckeoffe, and Alsatian wines. Artisan shops and souvenir stores add to the neighborhood’s charm.
5. Tourist Activities: Visitors can wander along the canals, visit the Alsatian Museum, or take a boat cruise on the Ill River to admire the district from the water.
6. Atmosphere: Petite France is particularly magical in spring and summer, with lively terraces and blooming flowers, but it also has a unique charm in winter, especially during the Christmas markets.

This district is a must-visit for anyone exploring Strasbourg, offering an authentic experience of Alsatian culture and history.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market, known as "Christkindelsmärik," is one of the oldest and most famous Christmas markets in Europe. It takes place annually from late November until December 24, transforming the city into a magical Christmas village.

Key Features:

1. History: Established in 1570, the Strasbourg Christmas Market is one of the oldest in Alsace and is a significant part of the region's Christmas traditions.
2. Location: The main market is located in the picturesque Place de la Cathédrale, with the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral as a backdrop. Other markets can be found throughout the city.
3. Handcrafted Goods: Visitors can find a wide range of handcrafted products, including Christmas decorations, wooden crafts, toys, and local culinary specialties such as mulled wine, bredeles (traditional Christmas cookies), and sauerkraut.
4. Festive Atmosphere: The market is adorned with thousands of lights, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Various performances, concerts, and entertainment events are often organized, enhancing the festive spirit.
5. Cultural Attractions: In addition to the market stalls, Strasbourg offers cultural activities, including Christmas concerts and guided tours of historical sites.

The Strasbourg Christmas Market attracts millions of visitors each year, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the magic of the holiday season in an enchanting setting.

The European Parliament, whose official seat is in Strasbourg, is one of the European Union's main institutions. Since the June 2024 election it has 720 directly elected Members, who gather in Strasbourg for twelve plenary sessions a year to debate and vote on EU legislation and the budget.

Strasbourg was chosen as the seat for its symbolic value: the city embodies Franco-German reconciliation after the Second World War. The Louise Weiss building, with its deliberately unfinished tower suggesting a work permanently under construction, is a striking example of contemporary architecture, next to the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights in the European Quarter.

The Ponts Couverts are an iconic group of three bridges and four watchtowers, remnants of Strasbourg's medieval fortifications. Built in the 13th century to defend the city, they span the branches of the Ill at the entrance to Petite France. The wooden roofing that gave them their name is long gone, but the square sandstone towers remain and give the ensemble its distinctive outline.

Today the site is one of the most photographed in Strasbourg, especially from the neighbouring Vauban Dam terrace, which offers the best overall view. It is a natural gateway to the lanes and canals of Petite France.

The Vauban Dam is a fortified weir built from 1686 to 1690 to plans by Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, at the entrance to Petite France. Made of pink Vosges sandstone, 120 metres long and pierced by thirteen arches, in case of attack it could close its sluices to flood the land to the south and block an enemy advance.

A listed historic monument, it now houses a freely accessible panoramic terrace that offers one of the finest views in the city, over the Ponts Couverts and the rooftops of Petite France.

The Alsatian Museum, at 23-25 quai Saint-Nicolas along the Ill, was founded in 1907 by the Société du Musée alsacien. It occupies several half-timbered houses linked by wooden galleries and staircases, a setting that is itself a showcase of the region's traditional architecture.

The collection is devoted to the popular arts and traditions of Alsace from the 18th to the 20th century: costumes, painted furniture, toys, religious objects, tools, ceramics and reconstructed farmhouse interiors. Each room tells the story of everyday Alsatian life, shaped by both French and German influences. It is one of Strasbourg's most endearing museums for understanding the regional identity.

The Parc de l'Orangerie is the oldest and largest public park in Strasbourg, laid out from 1692 and redesigned in the 19th century. Over 26 hectares it combines French formal gardens and English-style landscaping, with a lake where you can rent a rowing boat, shaded paths and the Joséphine pavilion, which hosts exhibitions.

It is also the city's great family park: it has a stork enclosure, the emblem of Alsace, a small farm and playgrounds. Next to the European Quarter, it is easily reached by tram from the centre.

The boat trips on the Ill, run by Batorama, are a pleasant way to discover Strasbourg from the water. Departing from the landing stage by the Palais Rohan, behind the cathedral, the route follows Petite France, passes through the locks and reaches the European Quarter, with an audioguide commentary in several languages.

The trip lasts about one hour and ten minutes and suits families and couples alike, and is especially lovely at the end of the day when the light turns the façades golden.

Alsatian gastronomy, on the border between French and German traditions, is one of the great pleasures of a stay in Strasbourg. The emblematic dish is choucroute garnie, fermented cabbage served with sausages and meats; tarte flambée (flammekueche), thin and crisp, is shared with cream, onions and bacon, and baeckeoffe slowly stews meats and potatoes in an earthenware dish.

For something sweet, the kouglof cake and Christmas bredeles go well with a coffee. These dishes are best enjoyed in a winstub, the region's typical tavern, paired with local white wines — riesling, gewurztraminer, pinot gris — or Alsatian beers.

Beyond its famous Christmas market, Strasbourg is a city of festivals all year round. In February, the Strasbourg Mon Amour festival celebrates love through concerts and events; on 21 June, the Fête de la Musique fills the streets and squares with free performances.

Summer brings a run of open-air concerts and music festivals, while autumn is marked by cultural and food events tied to the Alsatian grape harvest. This packed programme reflects the city's cultural identity, at the crossroads of French and German influences.