France Grand Est

Strasbourg

A historic city in northeastern France, known for its Gothic cathedral, seat of the European Parliament, and blend of French-German culture.

Tips from the community

A quick 2-hour train ride from Paris transports you to the capital of France’s Grand Est region, more commonly known as Alsace. With an architectural heritage marked by Franco-Germanic influences, a visit to the city of Strasbourg feels equally exciting and exotic. Known for its cuisine, taste local specialties including choucroute garnie and tarte flambée at one of many eateries in the picturesque Petite France neighborhood. With its medieval half-timbered houses, cobblestone streets, and canals, this quartier resembles a village within a city. The famous astronomical clock within the grand Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame comes alive with daily shows, while part way up the 142-meter high spire you can catch views of the Rhine River. Visit during the winter holidays and you’ll discover the Strasbourg Christmas market, one of the oldest and most famous in Europe.

kasiadietz 2 years ago

For four centuries, Christkindelsmärik, France’s oldest Christmas market, has been the ‘Capital of Christmas’ in Alsace. First opened in 1570, the sprawling Strasbourg Christmas market features 300 wooden chalets spread around the city’s Strasbourg Cathedral and different squares. One of the most illuminated places in Europe during the holidays, the market features a 98-foot-tall Christmas tree in Place Kléber and stalls selling ornaments, gifts, and seasonal treats like bredalas and mulled wine.

laurenmack 2 years ago

Something I have always wanted to do is visit the Christmas markets in France and Germany! Along with the beautiful lights, I would love to wander around looking at all the beautiful hand crafted items sipping on a delicious warm wassail!

mustangdmv 3 years ago

France’s ‘Capital of Christmas’ looks like a real-life nativity scene at this time of year. You’ll find 300 traditional market stalls crowding the city’s central squares. That's a lot of them! I would love to see this one.

reinacartagena 3 years ago

Strasbourg Guides

Strasbourg Articles

  • 16 Cozy Christmas Markets in Europe

    It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Since the Middle Ages, Christmas street markets have delighted locals and visitors with food, ornaments, gifts, and entertainment. The start of the Christian Advent season in late November ushers in the opening of festive Christmas markets across Europe, which help revelers prepare for the holidays.  Lasting a […]

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  • 8 Top Weekend Trips from Paris

    While most visitors arrive to Paris with no intentions of departing for greener pastures or smaller urban scenes, more than a few of the weekend trips on this list might just inspire a change of plans. Some of these destinations include castle hopping amidst rich French history, bicycling through verdant vineyards, sipping on Grand Cru […]

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