Summary
Strasbourg is the ultimate European city. It has flavors of both France and Germany and sits right on the border of the two countries in the new Grand Est region of France. Geographically strategic, it was fought over for centuries between the French and Germans and Alsace and Lorraine.
The home of the European Parliament, this often-overlooked and surprisingly cosmopolitan destination hosts France’s oldest Christmas market and features a stunning cathedral. Moreover, if you want more, the Black Forest and the legendary Rhine River are just at or just beyond the city’s edge.
It can be hard to guess which country you are really in when visiting the city. The signs are in both languages; beer and wine are both tremendously popular, and there’s a common cuisine with dishes like sauerkraut in German or choucroute in French. Furthermore, the architecture is distinctly German, almost Hansel-and-Gretel like.
Memorable Cuisine
This is one of the best regions of France for great cuisine, which is quite a statement considering this is, well, France. The Alsatian dishes here possess a boldness and earthiness reminiscent of their German roots, while maintaining an attention to quality that epitomizes French gourmet philosophy.
Some local cuisine experiences you shouldn’t miss include:
- Visiting a local winstub (wine bar) for the ultimate France/German experience. The wines that are most popular here are white, light, and tart, such as Rieslings and Gewurztraminers. Alsatian beers are also wonderful.
- Sampling the local eau de vie. Literally meaning “water of life,” this is fruit liquor to the extreme. Unlike many other countries’ liquors that typically incorporate sugar, Alsatian eau de vie is sweetened entirely by fruit.
- Enjoying baeckoffe and coq au Riesling, some of the fabulous local specialties. Baeckoffe is a three-meat stew of pork, mutton, and beef marinated in wine and baked for hours with potatoes. Coq au Riesling is similar to the better-known coq au vin but is made with Riesling wine, usually served over freshly made spaetzle, a German noodle.
- Indulging in Alsatian desserts and pastries, with tarts made from a variety of fruits, including rhubarb and Mirabelle plums.
Getting There and Getting Around
You can fly into Strasbourg or fly into Paris or Frankfurt and take a two-hour (from Frankfurt) or four-hour (from Paris) rail ride into the city. Once you arrive in the city, there is a clean and reliable tramway line, as well as extensive bus routes. Therefore, check out detailed information on traveling from the UK and Paris to Strasbourg to prepare for your trip.
Top Attractions
- Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of Europe’s most beautiful examples of gothic architecture. The stunning pink sandstone façade is unique and breathtaking, inviting visitors to explore its intricate carvings and stained glass windows. Each day at 12:30 pm, visitors can witness the 1842 astrological clock showcase its lengthy performance. The courtyard outside hosts the city’s immensely popular Christmas market, one of the oldest in Europe.
- Petite France is Strasbourg’s most picturesque and enchanting neighborhood. Stroll along its streets and walk over bridges that cross the Ill River. Breathe in the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread coming from bakeries in the half-timbered buildings, where window boxes overflow with vibrant plants that earned this city a prestigious four-flower ranking.
- Strasbourg’s Museums are concentrated near the cathedral, with three of them housed in the Palais Rohan, once the home of the mighty Rohan family.
- Just southwest, you’ll find Place Gutenberg, featuring a statue that reminds you of the printer and inventor of movable type, Johannes Gutenberg, who lived in the city in the early 15th century.
- Shop and people-watch at Place Kleber, a busy square lined with popular shops and a hub of activity.
- If you are intrigued by the workings of the European institutions, make your way to the Palais de l’Europe, the home of the Council of Europe built in the 1970s, the European Parliament building that opened in 1999, and the European Court of Human Rights. You can visit all these institutions; gather information and maps from the Tourist Office.
When to Go
Strasbourg’s climate is very much German. It can be quite cold and snowy in winter; however, the city is at its most beautiful during Christmas time. Spring is a lovely season to visit as flowers begin to bloom, and summer can be warm yet inviting. Consequently, fall is splendid as the autumn colors come into their own.
Great Day Trips
This area is a prime spot for excursions in both France and Germany (which is just across the river). Some options include:
- Colmar, a charming Alsatian city, just a 50-minute train ride to the south. It’s famous for Mathias Grünewald’s magnificent Isenheim altarpiece housed in the newly reopened Musèe d’Unterlinden.
- Route des Vins. Alsace is renowned for its wines, so consider trips to the picturesque wine villages decorated with ruined castles dominating the stunning countryside of the Vosges.
- Car enthusiasts should visit the astounding Cité de l’Automobile, the National Schlumpf Collection in Mulhouse. The Bugattis, made locally, are simply stunning.
- Centre Pompidou-Metz. This outpost of the Pompidou Centre in Paris has exceptional exhibitions that regularly change. It’s conveniently located nearby and makes for a great add-on trip. As a bonus, it’s situated in the charming city of Metz.
