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European capital but also Christmas capital when winter comes, Strasbourg multiplies the invitations to come and discover its wide range of riches. A city of Art and History renowned for its exceptional buildings, Strasbourg is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in particular thanks to its architecture, which bears witness to its current medieval and Renaissance period.

Crossed through and through by the Ill river, Strasbourg is made up of several islands. The best known is certainly the Big Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. Historical centre, you can admire most of the monuments contributing to the reputation of the Alsatian capital. If there is a place not to be missed during your visit to Strasbourg, it is its cathedral. A masterpiece of Gothic art, "Prodigy of the gigantic and the delicate" according to Victor Hugo, Notre-Dame Cathedral is in Strasbourg what the Eiffel Tower is in Paris. Built on the foundations of an ancient Rhineland basilica between the 11th and 15th centuries, this imposing building of rare beauty was long considered one of the tallest religious buildings thanks to its huge spire perched 142 meters high. Linger in its square to admire its exterior façade : considered by some to be one of the most beautiful picture books of the Middle Ages, this sculpted façade contains many historical details, from Judah to Eve, including many representations of the devil. Depending on whether you watch it in the morning or in the evening, the colour of its pink will never be the same, changing according to the light and the sun. Enter its lair to admire its nave, its majestic big rose window, its magisterial stained glass windows, its monumental organ and above all, its mythical Astronomical Clock. Dating from the Renaissance, it is known for its mechanism with intact precision designed in 1842. We advise you to attend the parade of the Apostles: every day at 12:30 p.m. precise, his game of automatons is triggered under the wide eyes of many visitors, representing the different ages of life as well as the parade of the Apostles before Christ. After this visit, take the time to contemplate the beauty of the Cathedral square, on foot or from one of the many terraces of the cafés that dot the square. You can admire the pharmacy of the Deer, or the Kammerzell House, famous for its magnificent facade inspired by Greco-Roman Antiquity, the Bible and the Middle Ages. Now a restaurant, we advise you to taste the sauerkraut with three fish, a speciality of the house. Other religious buildings make the reputation of Strasbourg : so, we advise you to visit the church Saint-Thomas, the church Saint-Etienne, the church Saint-Paul and the churches of Saint-Pierre-le-vieux and Saint-Pierre-le-jeune.

Then continue your visit towards Place Gutenberg (in honour of the inventor of printing who lived for 10 years in Strasbourg), then the most picturesque and most representative district of Strasbourg : Petite France. Situated in the old town of Strasbourg, this picturesque, bucolic neighbourhood built along the river was once the home of millers, tanners and fishermen. You can see magnificent half-timbered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries, and enjoy the quiet pedestrian streets and paved for a stroll in the heart of this charming place. Known throughout the world, half-timbered houses are one of Strasbourg's symbols : don't forget your camera to capture the panorama! Take advantage of your stay in Petite France to dine in a Winstub, these traditional Alsatian restaurants where sauerkraut, baeckeofe and tarte flambée are in the spotlight. The restaurant "La Petite Mairie", "Le Mun's" (like Munster) and "Tire-Bouchon" are to be added to your list of places to test absolutely. For a cultural break after a gastronomic break, take the direction of the Palais Rohan : historical monument of the Grande-Île, it shelters today 3 museums which are the museum of Fine Arts, the museum of decorative arts and the archaeological museum. In the extension of Petite France, the covered bridges are not to be missed: although having lost their roof, they have kept their old name. Built to serve as ramparts to reinforce the river fortifications, they connected three medieval towers. Not far from these bridges the Vauban dam is worth a visit. Also built to protect the city, it can now be visited from the inside, thanks to a huge corridor lined with statues of gargoyles. Climb on its roof terrace in the evening to enjoy a panoramic view over the covered bridges, the illuminated Petite France and the canals of the city.

Stroll through the Parc de l'Orangerie to observe the storks that live there, cycle through the city (via some 500 kilometres of cycle paths in Strasbourg), and follow the 2.5 kilometre long European route, ideal for discovering the European quarter. You will see the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights. Then take a boat trip along the canals of the city to discover all its secrets, go to the German Quarter (Neustadt) for its Central Post Office, its university palace and its famous Place de la République.

Finally, much awaited throughout the world, the Christmas market in Strasbourg is the oldest and most famous in France. With more than 300 chalets spread between Place de la Cathédrale and Place Broglie, you will find Christmas decorations and gifts for the whole family thanks to the presence of local artisans. For Christmas delicacies, head to the terrace of the Palais Rohan for a good mulled wine and some sweets, perfect to open the festive season. With its streets adorned with countless lights and its decorated facades, Strasbourg attracts in this period more than 2 million visitors.

Activities and Events

Admire the half-timbered houses of the 16th and 17th centuries, from the most picturesque of the districts of old Strasbourg.

This zoo houses the 2nd largest collection in France and thousands of species often extinct.

Instructive & fun, this mythical place of visit presents you the making of beer in the heart of arched cellars.