Strasbourg is the ultimate European city. It has flavors of France and Germany and is located right on the border of the two countries in the new Grand Est region of France. Geographically strategic, it was fought for centuries between the French and the Germans and Alsace and Lorraine.
Home to the European Parliament, this often overlooked and surprisingly cosmopolitan destination is home to the oldest Christmas market in France and features an impressive cathedral. And if you want more, the Black Forest and the legendary River Rhine are just on the other side of town.
It can be difficult to guess which country you are actually in when visiting the city. The signs are in both languages; beer and wine are wildly popular and there is a communal kitchen with dishes like sauerkraut in German or sauerkraut in French. And the architecture is clearly German, almost like Hansel and Gretal.
Memorable kitchen
This is one of the best regions in France when it comes to excellent cuisine, and that’s pretty important considering this is, well, France. The Alsatian dishes here have a bold and earthy feel reminiscent of their German roots, while attention is paid to quality and detail that is the epitome of French gourmet philosophy.
Some local cooking experiences you shouldn’t miss include:
- Visit a local wine tavern (wine bar) to enjoy the best experience in France / Germany. The wines that are most popular here are whites, light, and tart, such as Rieslings and Gewurztraminers. The Alsatian beers are also wonderful.
- Sampling of the local eau de vie . It literally means “water of life”, this is fruit liquor to the extreme. Unlike the liqueurs of many other countries that are generally made with sugar, the Alsatian eau de vie is completely sweetened by fruits.
- Stuffed with baeckoffe and coq au Riesling , some of the fabulous local specialties. Baeckoffe is a pork, lamb and beef stew marinated in wine and baked for hours with potatoes. Coq au Riesling is very similar to the more popular coq au vin, but it is made with Riesling. It is usually served over freshly made spaetzle , a German noodle.
- Alsatian desserts and cakes are another specialty, with tarts made with all kinds of fruits, from rhubarb to Mirabelle plums.
How to get there and move
You can fly to Strasbourg, or fly to Paris or Frankfurt and take a two-hour (from Frankfurt) or four-hour (Paris) train ride to the city. Once you arrive in the city, there is a clean and reliable trolley line, as well as extensive bus routes. Check out detailed information about traveling from London, the UK, and Paris to Strasbourg to prepare for your trip.
Main attractions
- Notre-Dame de Strasbourg is one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in Europe. The impressive pink sandstone facade is unique and impressive. Be sure to step inside to see the intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Every day at 12:30 pm, visitors can view the 1842 astrological clock in its special and extensive show. The outer courtyard houses the city’s huge Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe.
- Petite France is the most beautiful and charming neighborhood in Strasbourg. Stroll through its streets and walk on the bridges that cross the River Ill. Breathe in the scent of freshly baked gingerbread from bakeries in half-timbered buildings where window boxes overflow with brightly colored plants that earned this city the prestigious ranking of four flowers.
- Strasbourg’s museums are concentrated near the cathedral, with 3 of them housed in the Palais Rohan, which was once the home of the powerful Rohan family.
- Just to the southwest, you come across Gutenberg Square , with a statue in the middle that reminds you that the movable type printer and inventor, Johannes Gutenberg, lived in the city in the early 15th century.
- Shop and people-watch at Place Kleber , a busy square lined with popular shops and an activity center.
- If you are interested in how the European institutions work , head to the Palace of Europe, the headquarters of the Council of Europe built in the 1970s, the European Parliament building inaugurated in 1999, and the European Court of Human Rights. You can visit all of these; Get all the information and maps from the Tourist Office.
When to go
The climate of Strasbourg is very German. It can be quite cold and snowy in winter, but the city is most beautiful at Christmas. Spring is a lovely time to visit as the flowers begin to bloom. Summer can be warm but cozy. Fall is splendid as the fall colors come to life.
Great day trips
This is a prime location for excursions in France or Germany (which is across the river). Some options include:
- Colmar , a charming Alsatian town, just 50 minutes by train to the south. It is famous for the magnificent Isenheim Altarpiece by Mathias Grûnewald housed in the newly opened Unterlinden Museum.
- Route des Vins . Alsace is known for its wines, so head out to the picturesque wine villages with ruined castles that overlook the Vosges countryside.
- Car enthusiasts should visit the exceptional Cité de l’Automobile, the Schlumpf National Collection in Mulhouse . The Bugattis, made locally, are impressive.
- Center Pompidou-Metz . This outpost of the Center Pompidou in Paris has excellent exhibitions that change regularly. It’s very close and it’s a nice side trip. As a bonus, you are in the charming city of Metz.
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
