ABOUT STRASBOURG

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From the earliest centuries AD, Strasbourg has always been considered as Europe's crossroads. In the fifth century, Franks already gave it the name of Strateburgum, "the roads fortified place." So, it's not by chance if the European parliament - a symbol of the town cosmopolitan spirit - was built here, very close to the Rhine and German border. The special atmosphere is also discernible in the architecture of the houses and churches, and is audible in the Alsatian dialect, which is a mixture of French and German. 

The historical centre, surrounded by the charming river Ill, is the real marvel of Strasbourg. It comprises the "Petite France," "la place Kléber" and the cathedral area, which are all perfect places for strolling, improving one's mind, shopping, relaxing outside cafés or even having parties. And, above all, heaven for sweet wines, beers and haute-cuisine lovers.

Strasbourg is the capital and principal city of the Alsace region in eastern France and is the official seat of the European Parliament. Located close to the border with Germany, it is the capital of the Bas-Rhin département. The city and the region of Alsace were historically allemanic-speaking, explaining the city's Germanic name. 

With its monumental cathedral featuring carvings as delicate as any piece of lacework, Strasbourg is one of Europe's most attractive cities. Thanks to the richness and sheer density of its heritage sites, the entire town centre has been listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Strasbourg is definitely well worth a visit, to discover its history, its cuisine and its unique atmosphere.

VISITOR ATTRACTIONS / SIGHTSEEING / SOCIAL EVENTS IN STRASBOURG

  1. Cathédrale Notre Dame - The pink sandstone cathedral is a marvel both outside and inside. It houses an old astronomical clock and a top platform to gaze at the whole city.

    2. Place de la cathédrale, Strasbourg

  2. La Petite France - This is the most picturesque and romantic district of Strasbourg. The alleys offer a succession of old half-timbered houses and, thanks to canals, the river Ill gives visitors the feeling of strolling in Venice. Fluvial tours of 70 minutes with explanations in several languages are available.

    3. Place du marché aux poissons, Strasbourg

  3. European Institutions - This is one of the major political places of the European Union, with Council of Europe, Palace of Human Rights and European Parliament all clustered close to the Rhine. Visits upon reservation only, but even a walk around those huge buildings is worth seeing.

    4. Avenue de l'Europe, Strasbourg

  4. Maison Kammerzell - Maison Kammerzell is nowadays turned into a restaurant. This house is definitely the most beautiful one in Strasbourg thanks to the marvellous sculpted framework ornating the upper floors. The architecture is late Gothic and simply a must to visit.

    5. 16 Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg

  5. Audio-guided tours - An audio-guided tour is one of the best ways to discover all of Strasbourg at its own rhythm. The guides take about 90 minutes and are available in five languages.        

    6. 17 Place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg

  6. Le musée Alsacien - Le musée Alsacien is located in former Strasbourg homes, this museum is a must for discovering Alsatian traditions. The museum gives a great insight of Strasbourg´s art and folk tradition.

    7. 23-25 Quai Saint-Nicolas, Strasbourg

  7. Heineken brewery - Welcome to an interesting journey into beer world, in this still-active factory. Of course you will be able to sample at the end of the visit (French, English and German tours).

    8. 4 rue Saint Charles, Schiltigheim, Strasbourg

  8. Les Secrets du Chocolat - Les Secrets du Chocolat is 800 m² entirely devoted to cocoa. One of the best things is that 100 grams of chocolate is offered to each person at the end of the visit.

    9. rue du Pont du Péage, Strasbourg

THE CATHEDRAL OF NOTRE-DAME

Strasbourg cathedral is an outstanding masterpiece of Gothic art. The construction of the Romanesque cathedral, of which only the crypt and the footprint remain, began in 1015. The spire of the current building, in a Gothic style, was completed in 1439. Described as "a skilful combination of monumental size and delicateness" by Victor Hugo, its facade offers a fantastic wealth of ornamental features. The 142 m spire is a masterpiece of architectural elegance and intricacy. Up until the 19th century, the cathedral was the highest building in the whole of the Christian world.

THE KAMMERZELL HOUSE

A genuine "jewel in the crown" of Strasbourg's architecture, this house once provided income for several generations of merchants. During the 15th century, people would sell their goods under the carved stone arches of its ground floor. The intricately carved half-timbered frames decorating the upper floors date from 1589.

THE BOTANICAL GARDENS, A POETIC JOURNEY INTO THE HEART OF SCIENCE

The University's Botanical Gardens are at the heart of Strasbourg and cover an area of 3.5 ha 1 km to the east of the athedral.

The current Botanical Gardens date from 1884 and include 6,000 plant species. A tropical greenhouse houses a collection of remarkable plants, including several palm trees, over two storeys. It is also home to several cycases perched atop rocks, covered on the south-facing side with bromeliads and on the north-facing side with ferns. In winter, a 207 sq. m cold house shelters more than 500 plant species from regions with warm winters: conifers from the Southern hemisphere, bulb plants and a collection of cacti and succulent plants. 

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