Introduction
Strasbourg (Straßburg in German, Strossburi in Alsatian, Stratoeburgus in Medieval Latin, Argentoratum in Latin, Argentorate in Old Celtic ; pop. 273,000, with suburbs 650,000) is capital of the Alsace region and of the Bas-Rhin departement. It is the 7th most populous city in France.
Strasbourg is the seat of one of the two European Parliaments (the other being in Brussels), the European Ombudsman, the Eurocorps, as well as the Council of Europe with its European Court of Human Rights, its European Directorate for the Quality of Medicines and its European Audiovisual Observatory.
The city's historic center (Grande Île) has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO since 1988 - a distinction only shared by two other French cities, Le Havre and Bordeaux. Apart from its sumptuous Gothic cathedral, Strasbourg is well-known for its historical timber-framed houses.
Strasbourg's bicultural heritage has owed the city to be the seat of the Franco-German TV channel Arte (along with Baden-Baden).
Interesting Facts about Strasbourg
- Strasbourg is home to the majestic Notre-Dame cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece that once held the record for being one of the tallest buildings in the world.
- The city hosts the Christkindelsmärik, one of Europe's oldest Christmas markets, dating back to 1570.
- Strasbourg boasts the longest network of cycle paths in France, making it a cyclist's paradise.
- The city is a unique blend of French and German cultures, reflected in its architecture, cuisine, and the Alsatian dialect.
- Strasbourg houses the world's oldest wine in a barrel, dating back to 1472.
- The city is home to the European Parliament, a symbol of European unity and cooperation.
- Strasbourg's Petite France district offers picturesque views of half-timbered houses and tranquil canals.
- The city's Astronomical Clock, located in the cathedral, is a marvel of medieval engineering, featuring automatons and a perpetual calendar.
European Parliament, Strasbourg
History
=> Detailed history of Strasbourg
Strasbourg's history began around 1300 BCE with the first permanent human settlements. The Romans later established a military camp called Argentoratum in 12 BCE. The city's name evolved from Strateburg, meaning 'city of roads' or 'meeting point of many roads', reflecting its strategic location.
The city gained prominence under Charlemagne, who authorised it to trade throughout the Empire in 775. In 1262, the bourgeoisie defeated Bishop Walter de Geroldseck at the battle of Hausbergen, leading to Strasbourg becoming an Imperial City in 1332.
The 15th century marked significant developments with the completion of the cathedral's steeple in 1439, reaching 142 metres in height. Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Strasbourg in 1440.
Louis XIV's army besieged Strasbourg on 28 September 1681, leading to its surrender and incorporation into France. The renowned military engineer Vauban constructed an advanced defence system, including a pentagonal citadel completed in 1685.
After World War I, French troops entered Strasbourg on 22 November 1918. The city has since become a crucial European centre, hosting:
- The European Court of Human Rights
- The European Parliament (designated seat in 1965)
- The European Science Foundation (established 1974)
Cultural Heritage
The city maintained its distinct character throughout history. In the 18th century, only 1% of the population spoke French. The world's first school for midwives opened in Strasbourg in 1728. In 1974, Johann Sebastian Bach's personal copy of the Goldberg Variations with fourteen previously unknown canons was discovered here.
Today, Strasbourg stands as a symbol of European cooperation and cultural exchange, seamlessly blending its Germanic heritage with French influence.
Attractions
Strasbourg is one of the best preserved historical city in France (and in Germany, if it was still German). The best way to visit it is to wander around the medieval streets of the Grande île ("greater island", on the Ill River), particularily the black and white timber-framed buildings in the Petite-France district.
Petite France, Strasbourg
The most famous traditional house is the Maison Kammerzell, built by a rich cheese merchant in 1427. It now houses a hotel and a restaurant.
The most impressive building is undeniably the huge Cathedral of Our Lady, which was the tallest construction in the world (142m) for over 200 years, and remains the fourth tallest church in the world (after Ulm, Yamoussoukro and Cologne).
Cathedral of Strasbourg
Another local masterpiece of architecture is the Palais des Rohan, built between 1728 and 1741 by Cardinal Armand de Rohan-Soubise (1717-1756), Prince-Bishop of Strasbourg and illegitimate child of Louis XIV. The palace now houses three museums (see below).
Palais Rohan, Strasbourg
Other notable buildings in town include the Palais du Rhin (former Kaiserpalast), the Opera House, the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie (former town hall), the Théâtre national de Strasbourg (former regional parliament or Landtag), the Hôtel de Ville (city hall), the Hôtel du Préfet, the Hôtel des Deux-Ponts, the Temple Saint-Paul (former Garnisonskirche), as well as the Art Nouveau Palais des Fêtes.
Top Museums
Strasbourg has a formidable number of high quality museums compared to its relatively small size. The most noteworthy ones are :
Strasbourg boasts an impressive array of museums that showcase the city's rich history, art, and culture. Here are some of the top museums to visit in Strasbourg:
Historical and Cultural Museums
Alsatian Museum
Located in a series of 16th and 17th-century half-timbered houses, the Alsatian Museum offers an in-depth look at historical Alsatian life. It features a rich collection of traditional costumes, furniture, pottery, and religious items, providing visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the region's past.
Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg
Housed in the former Grandes Boucheries building, this museum traces Strasbourg's history from the Middle Ages to the present day. It features a chronological tour with exhibits on the city's political, economic, and social development, including a detailed section on World War II.
Musée de l'Oeuvre Notre-Dame
This museum is dedicated to Upper Rhenish fine arts and decorative arts from the early Middle Ages to 1681. It houses an impressive collection of medieval and Renaissance art, including original sculptures and architectural elements from Strasbourg Cathedral.
Art Museums
Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MAMCS)
Established in 1998, MAMCS is one of France's largest collections of contemporary and modern art. It houses over 18,000 works from the late 19th century to the present, featuring renowned artists such as Gustave Doré, Kandinsky, and Monet.
Strasbourg Museum of Fine Arts
Located in the Palais Rohan, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of European paintings from the Middle Ages to 1871, including works by Botticelli, Rubens, and Renoir.
Tomi Ungerer Museum
Dedicated to the Strasbourg-born illustrator and writer Tomi Ungerer, this unique museum houses over 14,000 of his works, including children's book illustrations, satirical cartoons, and advertising sketches.
Specialized Museums
Voodoo Museum (Château Musée Vodou)
Set in a unique water tower, this museum showcases a collection of more than 1,000 voodoo artifacts, offering visitors a glimpse into this fascinating cultural practice.
Le Vaisseau
This science center is perfect for families with children aged 3-15. It offers interactive exhibits, a garden with science and sensory trails, and various educational activities.
Palais Rohan
This magnificent 18th-century palace houses three museums:
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Archaeological Museum
- Museum of Decorative Arts
Each offers a unique perspective on Strasbourg's rich cultural heritage.
Many of these museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of each month, making them accessible to a wide range of visitors. Whether you're interested in art, history, or local culture, Strasbourg's museums offer something for everyone.
Local Cuisine
Strasbourg's culinary heritage brilliantly showcases the harmonious fusion of French and German influences, creating a unique gastronomic identity. The city's signature dish is choucroute garnie, a hearty combination of fermented cabbage prepared with wine and aromatic spices, traditionally served with various sausages, including the local Knack d'Alsace, which is exclusively smoked over beechwood. Other must-try specialities include baeckeoffe, a rich wine-marinated meat casserole with vegetables, and tarte flambée, a thin-crusted Alsatian pizza topped with crème fraîche, onions and lardons. The local pasta variety, spätzle, offers a delightful complement to many dishes, whilst the coq au Riesling presents a regional twist on the classic French coq au vin, using local white wine for a lighter, tangier flavour. For a quick snack, the iconic bretzel (pretzel) can be found in bakeries throughout the city, offering a perfect taste of Alsatian street food.
Shopping
Strasbourg offers a delightful shopping experience with its charming pedestrianised city centre, particularly in the Grande Ile district. The main shopping arteries include Grand'Rue, Rue des Grandes Arcades and Rue de la Haute-Montée, whilst luxury brands can be found along Rue des Hallebardes and Rue du Dôme. The historic Galeries Lafayette department store, established in 1912, stands as an architectural landmark offering fashion, beauty and luxury goods. For a comprehensive shopping experience, visitors can explore Place des Halles, the city's main commercial centre housing over 120 shops and restaurants. Traditional markets add local flavour to the shopping scene, with the most notable ones held at Place Broglie on Wednesdays and Fridays, where shoppers can find everything from local produce to flowers and collectibles. Those seeking souvenirs should head to the shops around the cathedral, which offer local pottery, traditional Alsatian decorations and the city's emblematic stork-themed merchandise.
Nature in and around Strasbourg
Strasbourg offers a remarkable array of natural attractions both within and around the city. The city's commitment to preserving these natural spaces dates back to 1972, when Strasbourg initiated a comprehensive policy to protect and re-naturalise its surrounding environments.
Parks
Strasbourg features a number of prominent parks, of which several are of cultural and historical interest. The 26-hectare Parc de l'Orangerie, situated near the European institutions, was laid out as a French-style garden by André le Nôtre (1613-1700), who designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. It was later remodeled as an English garden on behalf of Joséphine de Beauharnais (Napoleon's first wife). The neo-classical Pavillon Joséphine is now surrounded by French gardens and a small zoo. The park also features boating lakes, playgrounds and a pesticide-free rose garden.
The impressive remains of the 17th-century fortress erected close to the Rhine by Marshal Vauban (Louis XIV's military architect) can be seen in the Parc de la Citadelle.
The English-style Parc de Pourtalès boasts a baroque castle (heavily restored in the 19th century), now housing the Schiller International University.
The University of Strasbourg's botanical garden, home to over 6,000 species of trees and flowers.
Forests & Nature Reserves
For those seeking larger green spaces, the Robertsau and Wantzenau forests, classified as a national nature reserve spanning 493 hectares, offer kilometres of marked trails, ponds and diverse wildlife. The Rohrschollen nature reserve, a 157-hectare island between the Canal d'Alsace and Old Rhine, provides an exceptional spot for birdwatching with 158 recorded species. Just beyond the city, the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, presents pristine forests, gentle hiking slopes and rich biodiversity.
Getting Around
Strasbourg boasts one of France's most comprehensive public transport networks, featuring six tram lines and over 35 bus routes that seamlessly connect the city centre with surrounding suburbs and even extend to Kehl, Germany. The tram system, operated by Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois (CTS), runs from 4:30 to 00:30 on weekdays and Saturdays, with a slightly later start at 5:30 on Sundays, offering frequent services every 5-15 minutes throughout the day. Visitors can purchase single-journey tickets starting from €1.90, daily passes for €4.60, or three-day passes for €10.40, with tickets being valid on both trams and buses. For those arriving by car, the city offers convenient Park & Ride facilities near tram stations, allowing travellers to avoid city centre traffic whilst enjoying special combined parking and transport rates for up to seven passengers.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Strasbourg is during late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October), when the weather is pleasantly mild and the city is less crowded than during the peak summer season. During these months, temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities like strolling through La Petite France or taking river cruises on the Ill. Spring brings vibrant flowers and returning storks nesting on rooftops, whilst autumn offers golden hues and the opportunity to explore the Alsace Wine Route. Whilst summer (June to August) can be quite hot and crowded with temperatures reaching up to 25°C, and winter brings chilly temperatures, the latter is particularly magical during December when the city hosts its famous Christmas markets. However, do note that accommodation prices tend to be higher during the summer months and the Christmas season.
