Explore the unique culture of Strasbourg
Straddling France and Germany well inland from the ocean, Alsace is a picture-perfect region with its own individual character that manifests in the striking architecture, unique cuisine and familiar language spoken. by the inhabitants. A true blend of the two countries, Alsace offers tourists a taste of French and German culture in addition to its spectacular countryside.
The main city in this region is Strasbourg, an incredibly beautiful place that seems straight out of a fairy tale. Crossed by the Rhine which extends from the Netherlands to Switzerland, Strasbourg has been an important city since the height of the Roman Empire. Travelers can take a river cruise through Strasbourg for an enviable view of the city from the water. Expect to see striking medieval buildings perched along the river, juxtaposed against a backdrop of majestic modern landmarks such as the European Parliament building.
Use this guide to explore the best of Strasbourg, a fascinating city that not only borders France and Germany but also between the old world and the new.
The Notre-Dame cathedral
Often confused with the cathedral of the same name in Paris, also built in medieval times, Strasbourg Cathedral is a masterpiece of Christian Gothic architecture that took over 400 years to complete between the 11th and 15th centuries. Its 142m spire atop the bell tower seems almost weightless, while hundreds of sculptures adorn the exterior walls. Inside, admire century-old stained glass windows and climb to the top of the bell tower for incredible views of the city.
Little France
The Petite France district is undoubtedly the most picturesque part of the city of Strasbourg. Once home to the main working industries, from fishermen to millers and tanners, this riverside community is now a well-preserved collection of half-timbered houses with stylized exteriors characterized by criss-cross wood, tiny balconies adorned with fresh flowers and painting in pastel colors. . Recognized by UNESCO due to its historical importance, this district of Strasbourg will take your breath away and provides an attractive environment for photographs.
The German Imperial Quarter
Also listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Neustadt district (or German Imperial Quarter) gives you a taste of the other key country in Strasbourg’s contested history. In contrast to the simple charm of Petite France, the city’s German Imperial Quarter has a stately elegance with wide, tree-lined avenues and open plazas showcasing grand buildings in eclectic contemporary styles such as neo-Gothic and neo -Renaissance. The place of the Republic is in the center of the district, and here you can see the huge Rhine Palace, the National Theater of Strasbourg and the Church of Saint-Paul which all date from the 19e century.