Welcome to Strasbourg, the city with one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in France! The capital of the
Alsace-Champagne-Ardenne-Lorraine region has a lot to offer. Here are 10 things you must do if you visit!
1. La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
Don’t miss the Cathedral of
Strasbourg,
one of the city’s most famous attractions. The streets around the church offer an amazing view of the Gothic architectural façade.
Another must-see at this monument is the huge clock that comes to life every day at 12:30 PM. You can even go to the top of the cathedral
for a breathtaking view of the city!
2. La Petite France
After visiting the cathedral, take a walk around the La
Petite France
neighborhood! This charming area, with its medieval character, is surrounded by old houses with timber-framed sections. Enjoy the
historic atmosphere along the different canals. Guided
tours
are also available if you want to learn more about this neighborhood.
3. Barrage Vauban
Whether you walk there or admire it from afar, the Barrage
Vauban
is the perfect place to take amazing pictures. If you cross the barrage, don’t miss the rooftop! Also, consider visiting at night to see
everything beautifully lit up.
4. City-centre of Strasbourg
Take a stroll around the city
center of Strasbourg
to see medieval sites, including the historic houses and the La Petite France neighborhood, which leads to the canals. If you visit in
December, the city transforms into a magical Christmas market.
5. Marché de Noël
During winter, this large city turns into a fairy tale with its Christmas
Market
and beautiful decorations. Enjoy a hot glass of mulled wine and browse the artisanal products on sale. The market is only a 2-hour train
ride from Paris—definitely a must-see!
6. Parc de l’Orangerie
If you want to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere, visit this vast, peaceful park—it’s the perfect place to relax.
Follow the paths and discover the abundant greenery!
7. Musée Alsacien
To dive into the life of a Strasbourgeois and the history of the city, the Musée
Alsacien
is the perfect place to learn about its culture. It recreates the life of a traditional household. There’s an audio guide to help you
better understand what you’re exploring.
8. Le Gruber
This brasserie is typically “Alsatian,” located not far from the Cathedral of Strasbourg. It’s a
must-visit if you want to try traditional dishes like the famous Flammekueche, sauerkraut, or a dish of cheese spaetzle!
9. Le Troquet des Kneckes (kid in alsacien)
This very nice restaurant doesn’t take itself too seriously. Instead of looking at your phone while waiting for your meal, you can read the
wall, which displays some of the main "Alsatian" expressions! (You can find the most ribald ones in the restroom.) If you want to learn more
about this regional dialect, the restaurant organizes a fun language course every Saturday night! Le Troquet
des Kneckes
offers a fusion of Alsatian and German cuisine, so you can enjoy traditional dishes from both France and Germany. No matter what you
choose, make sure to try their amazing beers!
10. Au Dauphin
This restaurant is part of the
region's history. The building was a hotel during the Middle Ages and was converted into a restaurant in 1770. It was bombed during World
War II and had to be rebuilt and modernized. It offers different dishes every day, mostly Alsatian specialties like “coq au Riesling” or
“sauerkraut duck.”
11. Chez Yvonne
This restaurant
also has a rich history! It opened in 1873 under the name S’Burjerstuewel. Yvonne Haller then took over the place for 45 years until
2001. The restaurant has hosted many personalities, including Johnny Hallyday and former French President Jacques Chirac. It is renowned
for its amazing cuisine, with dishes like lewerknepfle and coq au Riesling with spaetzle.
Strasbourg is a beautiful city and is really liked by the French people! With its amazing architecture and dishes, we assure you,
you’re going to fall in love with the city! And what better way to fully immerse yourself in French culture than by learning the
language? At Alliance Française, we offer a range of courses and events to help you learn French and celebrate all-things French. So why not
plan a visit to Strasbourg and start your French language journey today?