Discover Strasbourg's Grande Île

    Passing through the Alsatian capital? Don't miss the Grande Île of Strasbourg! This historic center is the starting point for discovering all the treasures of the city. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Grande Île is surrounded by the Ill River and is a perfect example of a medieval Rhenish city. Between half-timbered houses from the Renaissance, historic buildings, religious and architectural gems from the 18th century, discover the tourist points of interest not to be missed.

    Notre-Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg 

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    Emblem of the city, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, located in the southern part of the Grande Île, is a must-see during your visit. With its 142 meters of height, it has dominated the entire plain of Alsace since the 14th century. 

    This religious building is a true masterpiece of Gothic art. Visitors from all over the world come to admire its pink sandstone facade from the Vosges, adorned with multiple figures, its unique bell tower, its remarkable stained glass windows and its rose window 14 meters in diameter. Inside, you can also contemplate its astronomical clock, in Renaissance style, created in 1574. 

    In addition, the cathedral offers a breathtaking experience with its platform at an altitude of 66 meters. After climbing 330 steps, a panoramic and breathtaking view of the rooftops of Strasbourg will be offered to you!

    In this welcoming pedestrian district, you will find many traditional restaurants where the best Alsatian specialties are served. A few steps from the cathedral, you can go to the Musée de l’œuvre Notre-Dame (Museum of the Notre-Dame Work) as well as the Palais Rohan (Rohan Palace).

    The main squares of the Alsatian capital

    The city has many squares, each more beautiful than the next, and bearing witness to its rich historical heritage.

    We recommend that you go through the Place Gutenberg to discover sumptuous Renaissance buildings, such as the Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie Alsace Eurométropole (Chamber of Commerce and Industry Alsace Eurométropole). This Renaissance building, called Neubau, is the oldest in Strasbourg.

    Not far away, join the Place Kléber, the largest in the city. Do not miss the visit of l’Aubette, an avant-garde leisure complex, classified as a Historic Monument. Place Kléber comes alive over the seasons, and especially during the holiday season, because this is where the huge Christmas tree is installed.

    Just like the Place Broglie which hosts the famous Christmas market: Christkindelsmärik. On this square, find mansions from the 18th century (town hall, prefecture, Banque de France) as well as the Strasbourg Opera House, a classical-style building.

    The picturesque district of Petite France

    Then set off to discover the most famous and picturesque district: Petite France, classified by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Like a postcard, enjoy the beauty of this charming district with its cobbled streets, on foot or by boat!

    Formerly, it was the district of fishermen, tanners and millers. This is explained by the presence of the Ill River, cradled by the Rhine. The Ill surrounds the district and therefore allows its visitors pleasant walks along the canals.

    This historic district is often compared to a little Venice. A true treasure of authenticity, Petite France reveals pretty medieval streets and beautiful half-timbered houses with flowers typical of the region. 

    Head towards Rue Benjamin Zix or Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes to observe magnificent historical monuments as well as the Pont Tournant (Swing Bridge), a real tourist attraction and photo spot.

    The historical treasures of Strasbourg 

    Then explore the historical treasures of the Alsatian capital! The city is full of architectural gems.

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    Among them: the Covered Bridges, historical vestiges of the city dating from the 14th century. With their three high guard towers, they protected Strasbourg from attacks. To strengthen the defenses, the Vauban Dam was built. This bridge-lock nowadays offers a striking view of all the sites of interest thanks to its panoramic terrace.

    Do not miss the Maison Kammerzell (Kammerzell House), a typical example of a 16th century half-timbered house with its carved beams and wooden sculptures. This building, a jewel of the Renaissance, is considered one of the most beautiful in the city. It is classified as a historical monument and has now become a restaurant with traditional cuisine.

    Continue your visit within the Neustadt district. This place, steeped in history, highlights the dual culture of the city, French and Germanic. There are buildings with an eclectic architectural style: neo-style, art nouveau, Haussmann.

    Strasbourg churches from medieval times

    End your discovery of Strasbourg with a visit to 4 churches dating from the Middle Ages in the heart of the Grande Île: 

•         Saint-Thomas: this Romano-Gothic style church is nicknamed "the cathedral of Protestantism in Alsace". It is the only hall church in the region.    
•         Saint-Pierre-le-vieux (Old Saint Peter's): this temple is a church used for Catholic worship on one part and Protestant on the other. It has been listed as a historical monument since 1981.    
•         Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune (Young Saint Peter's): this Protestant parish of Gothic architecture is one of the most remarkable in the city with its cloister and its rood screen.    
•         Saint-Étienne (Saint Stephen's): this Romano-Gothic style church, classified as a historical monument since 1862, is located inside the Episcopal College of Saint-Étienne.    

    After having enjoyed your day in the historic center, join one of our hotels in Strasbourg:

•         B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Schiltigheim,    
•         B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Mundolsheim,    
•         B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Industrie,    
•         B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Artisans    

    Enjoy a comfortable room to rest before setting off again on the roads of the region!