A French city with a German flair, home to the European Parliament and a UNESCO-listed island. Gothic cathedral and half-timbered houses line its medieval streets.
Strasbourg, the capital of France's Alsace region, is a city where you can climb the 142-meter spire of a Gothic cathedral, wander through medieval streets lined with half-timbered houses, and observe European Parliament sessions. The city's canals wind through neighborhoods like Petite France, while grand palaces house world-class museums. In Strasbourg, you'll taste Alsatian specialties in traditional winstubs and explore one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets.
Exploring Strasbourg's Old Town
The Grande Île, Strasbourg's historic center, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you walk through its narrow cobblestone streets, you'll see well-preserved half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. In the Petite France quarter, once home to tanners and fishermen, you can observe the canals and locks. Take a stroll along the riverfront promenades or cross the medieval bridges to view the city from different angles.
Strasbourg Cathedral
The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg stands out in the city skyline with its 142-meter spire. This Gothic structure took nearly three centuries to complete, from 1176 to 1439. Inside, you can see intricate stained glass windows, many of which date back to the 12th to 14th centuries. The astronomical clock, a Renaissance creation, puts on a show at 12:30 PM daily. For a view of Strasbourg and the surrounding Alsatian countryside, climb the 332 steps to the cathedral's viewing platform.
Alsatian Cuisine and Wine
Strasbourg's food reflects its position at the crossroads of French and German cultures. You can try local dishes like choucroute garnie (sauerkraut with various meats), baeckeoffe (a meat and potato casserole), or tarte flambée (a thin-crust pizza-like dish). The city has numerous winstubs, traditional Alsatian taverns where you can taste regional wines. Alsace produces white wines, particularly Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris. If you visit during December, you can experience Strasbourg's Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe, where you can taste seasonal treats like bredele cookies and mulled wine.
European Institutions
Strasbourg's role as a European capital adds an international atmosphere to the city. The European Parliament holds its plenary sessions here, and you can visit the hemicycle when it's not in use. You can see the Louise Weiss building, with its circular tower, from the outside. Nearby, you'll find the Palace of Europe, home to the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. These institutions represent Strasbourg's role in European cooperation and human rights.
Museums and Cultural Attractions
The Palais Rohan, an 18th-century episcopal palace, contains three of Strasbourg's major museums. At the Musée des Beaux-Arts, you can view European paintings from the 14th to 19th centuries, while the Musée Archéologique displays artifacts from prehistory to the Middle Ages. To learn about Alsatian folk traditions, visit the Musée Alsacien, located in a 16th-century house. The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art exhibits works by artists such as Kandinsky and Picasso.
Getting Around Strasbourg
You can easily explore Strasbourg on foot or by bicycle. The city has many bike lanes, and you can rent bikes at various locations. For longer distances, use the tram system, which connects major points of interest and neighborhoods. If you're staying for a few days, consider purchasing a Strasbourg Pass, which includes free public transportation and entry to many museums and sites.
