Summary
The capital of the Alsace region features one of Europe’s most extensive medieval quarters. In Grand Île and Petite France, cobbled streets meander between age-old timber-framed houses that have withstood the test of time.
Strasbourg has experienced a prolonged historical tug-of-war between France and Germany, which has enriched its allure and aesthetic. The city showcases exquisite turn-of-the-century districts developed by Germans alongside advanced 17th-century fortifications conceived by Vauban. This cultural cross-pollination is also evident in the local cuisine and wine, as well as in the presence of international entities such as the European Parliament.
Let us examine the premier attractions in Strasbourg:
1. Strasbourg Cathedral
For 227 years, culminating in 1874, this remarkable sandstone cathedral held the title of the tallest building in the world and remains the highest surviving structure exclusively from the medieval period.
For centuries, its grandeur has captivated writers, and it is impossible not to be awed by the western facade or the breathtaking vaults upon entering.
Additionally, a significant portion of the cathedral’s structure originates from the 1100s, including the entirety of the apse on the eastern side of the edifice.
A visit to the top of the north tower, which was completed in 1439, is indispensable, offering panoramic views extending up to 30 kilometers away, all the way to the Black Forest.
2. La Petite France
Recognized as the most picturesque area in the city, this district historically served as a hub for millers, fishermen, and tanners, distinguished by its elaborate waterways, weirs, and locks, bordered by charming half-timbered houses.
These quaint structures date back to the 1500s and 1600s, and one can observe the openings in the roofs where animal hides were once sun-dried.
Strolling along cobbled streets, such as Rue du Bain aux Plantes, visitors can marvel at the notably top-heavy houses, with traditional restaurants featuring Alsatian specialties like choucroute garnie at regular intervals.
3. Parc de l’Orangerie
Situated just across the Ill from the European Parliament and the Court of Human Rights, Parc de l’Orangerie was established during the French Revolution, when the city was allocated 140 orange trees confiscated from Château de Bouxwiller.
Presently, only three of these trees endure, and some days allow for viewing in the park’s greenhouses.
However, this splendid park offers much more: it features a large boating lake, numerous leafy pathways, expansive lawns, along with a mini-zoo and farm designed for children.
Notably, it also provides a stork reintroduction center, as these birds hold a special place in the local folklore, symbolizing good fortune for households when they perch on rooftops.
4. Barrage Vauban
Constructed in the 1600s, this fortified bridge and weir on the River Ill played a pivotal role in the city’s defenses during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870. Crafted from pink sandstone sourced from the Vosges, it was designed following plans by Vauban, the esteemed French military engineer. The structure was intended to raise the level of the Ill during sieges, thereby flooding surrounding lands and deploying barriers to inhibit invaders.
Visitors can access an internal corridor stretching the length of the structure and ascend to the roof for stunning views of the Ponts Couverts and the cathedral.
5. Ponts Couverts
Marking the entrance to Petite France, this ensemble of three fortified bridges is characterized by its four prominent square towers.
Constructed during the 1300s, these bridges formed part of the original city ramparts.
Although the name implies otherwise, the bridges no longer feature roofs; previously, long roofs provided protection during sieges until the 1700s.
The bridges remained relevant until the completion of Barrage Vauban upstream, after which the roofs disappeared nearly 300 years ago, yet the original name persists.
6. Église Saint-Thomas
Demonstrating Strasbourg’s cultural crossroads, this Protestant church served as the primary Lutheran place of worship after Strasbourg became part of France in 1681. Completed in the 1520s, Église Saint-Thomas stands as the region’s only example of a German-style hall church.
This architectural style dictates that the nave and aisles maintain equal height, unified under a single roof, lacking clerestory windows. Visitors can discover an extensive interior, including a large Gothic fresco of St. Michael and the exquisite Romanesque sarcophagus of Bishop Adeloch from the 1100s.
Notably, the gallery organ from 1741 was highly regarded by Mozart when he performed on it in 1778.
7. Musée Alsacien
Boasting a prime location in a 17th-century house along the River Ill, the Musée Alsacien serves as a remarkable venue to learn about local customs and artistry.
The galleries feature multiple reconstructions of historical home environments and workshops, presented alongside authentic ceramics, costumes, furniture, tools, toys, and daily utensils.
Particularly fascinating are the exhibits highlighting the traditional “savoir-faire” of the Alsace region, which illustrate wine production processes from the 1700s and explore the Roman roots of viticulture.
8. European Parliament
Given the city’s historical significance, it is only fitting that Strasbourg hosts the European Parliament, a symbol of cultural and linguistic reconciliation.
Strasbourg ranks as one of the three non-capital cities globally housing an international institution, and visiting the European Parliament is essential.
Advance arrangements are advisable for those seeking a tour of this modern cylindrical structure that accommodates a 750-seat debating chamber, featuring three “internal streets,” one of which contains a winter garden with a thriving philodendron forest.
9. Palais des Rohan
This baroque Episcopal palace was erected in the 1720s following the designs of Robert de Cotte, the esteemed architect for Louis XV. It is an impressive structure commissioned by Cardinal Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise, the Prince Bishop of Strasbourg, and is admired for its classical facade.
Inspired by the grand mansions of Paris from that era, the interior is adorned with lavish decor.
Within, three museums await exploration: an archaeology exhibit in the basement, decorative arts on the ground floor, and a fine arts display on the first floor.
10. Neustadt
Between the Franco-Prussian War and the conclusion of World War I, Strasbourg expanded significantly, tripling in size within 34 years.
This period of German influence led to the rapid development of districts characterized by unique architectural consistency seldom seen elsewhere.
These neighborhoods were conceived to serve as the new city center, featuring wide boulevards arranged in a grid pattern, deemed more hygienic and efficient than the medieval layouts of Grand Île and Petite France.
The crescent-shaped Neustadt encompasses the western, northern, and eastern segments of Strasbourg.
A few noteworthy areas to explore include those surrounding Parc de l’Orangerie, the University, Place de la République, and Île Sainte-Hélène.
11. Le Vaisseau
This interactive science museum, Le Vaisseau, serves as an excellent option for families visiting Strasbourg on a rainy day. Designed for children aged 3 to 15, language barriers are mitigated, as all exhibits are available in English, French, and German.
The goal is to engage children actively and encourage enjoyable learning experiences.
For younger visitors aged 3 to 6, the museum features a construction site where they can engage in building activities while learning about design and construction processes.
There are 130 interactive displays, along with a 3D movie that is routinely updated.
12. Musée Historique de Strasbourg
Located along the River Ill, the Musée Historique de Strasbourg is situated in the city’s former slaughterhouse and focuses on the period spanning the Middle Ages to the 18th century.
The collection includes weapons, maps, clothing, sketches, and sculptures that depict the intricate history of a city positioned at a notable crossroads of geography, society, economy, and politics.
The highlight of the museum is a plan relief from 1727—a detailed 1/600 scale model of Strasbourg and its surrounding areas, encompassing nearly 80 square meters. The intricate representation enables visitors to identify all significant landmarks, with the Ponts Couverts still covered at the time of its creation.
13. Eglise Saint-Pierre le Jeune
Saint-Pierre le Jeune is noteworthy for its historical division between Protestants and Catholics for 200 years: the Protestants occupied the nave, while the Catholics utilized the choir.
This building is a testament to varied architectural styles encompassing multiple eras.
In the crypt, remnants of a Columban Church from the 600s can be found, and the cloister predominantly showcases Romanesque elements dating back to the 1000s.
Conversely, the nave and its vibrant frescoes date from the 14th and 15th centuries.
The gallery boasts an 18th-century organ crafted by Johann Andreas Silbermann, the same artisan renowned for the organ at Strasbourg’s Church of Saint-Thomas. This instrument, celebrated nationally, was utilized by organist Helmut Wacha to produce Bach recordings.
14. Alsatian Food
If Strasbourg’s culture and architecture embody the synthesis of German and French influences, this culinary aspect aligns perfectly. Choucroute stands out as the quintessential dish, featuring sauerkraut (fermented cabbage with a tart flavor) paired with various sausages, including frankfurters and smoked Morteau, complemented by cuts of pork and potatoes.
Another traditional dish offered in “stubs” throughout the historic quarters is tarte flambée, which involves bread dough spread with fromage frais and garnished with onions and lardons.
During April and May, Strasbourg takes pride in its white asparagus obsession, mirroring similar enthusiasm in German cities during asparagus season. In Strasbourg, it is roasted and served alongside lentils and poached eggs.
15. Wine and Beer
Alsace stands out as the sole French wine region predominantly producing varietal wines, crafted exclusively from the grapes that bear their names.
The two most prominent varieties are Gewürztraminer, known for its spicy and sweet characteristics, often served as a dessert wine or aperitif, and Riesling, which is dry, complex, and pairs excellently with Alsatian dishes like choucroute and pan-fried carp.
Moreover, Strasbourg is located amid France’s most productive beer region, with hops cultivated to the west and north of the city.
Household names in the beer industry include Fischer, Karlsbräu, and Kronenbourg, while Meteor stands as an independent brewery operating just northwest of Strasbourg since 1640. Following September 2016, Meteor commenced a 90-minute guided tour, concluding with a tasting session.
