Discover Strasbourg's most picturesque district: Petite France

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What would a stay in Strasbourg be without visiting the very famous and typical district of Petite France? It is a must during your trip! Built on the water, this 16th century heritage is renowned for its historical value and its captivating charm. Between canals, locks, narrow cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, enjoy a total immersion in Alsatian culture.

The history of Petite France in Strasbourg

Petite France is a historic district nestled in the heart of Grande Île. Nowadays, it is a very famous tourist attraction. It is also listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. But it has not always been so popular.

Let's go back to the Middle Ages, and more precisely to 1494 to discover its origin. At that time, during the first expeditions to America, a major epidemic broke out following the return of French troops. Syphilis spread rapidly and was thus named the "French disease". The sick were isolated in a hospital nicknamed La Petite France.

This district was once that of fishermen, tanners and millers. The nearby Ill River explains the presence of these activities and professions. The canals were used to supply the factories with water and to evacuate waste. Some streets today bear the name of these professions: rue des Moulins, rue du Fossé.

After being completely destroyed during the Second World War, Strasbourg undertook a restoration of the district. La Petite France has thus become a residential area with half-timbered houses typical of Alsace. These have retained their medieval character and delight architecture and history buffs.

You can reach the district from the city center or the train station. Several underground car parks are also available nearby.

A charming stroll along the quays

La Petite France offers a postcard-worthy setting. The district is surrounded by the Ill river, lulled by the Rhine. Ill is divided into 5 distinct arms, surprisingly resembling the fingers of the hand. 

Take a stroll along the water's edge to admire the reflection of the colorful, richly flowered houses dating from the 16th and 17th centuries. The visit can be done on foot, by bike or on board a river boat for an unusual experience. You will thus reach two major axes, rue Benjamin Zix and rue du Bain-aux-Plantes.

Place Benjamin Zix dominated by the famous Maison des Tanneurs

An emblematic place in the district, place Benjamin Zix invites you to take a refreshing break in the shade of the plane trees. This square is bordered by one of the arms of the Ill, near the Faisan swing bridge.

It is a very lively place where you can once again observe sumptuous picturesque houses, including the famous Maison des Tanneurs. This building built in 1572 is the main attraction of the square. Its perfectly preserved facade bears witness to its industrial history, as do its galleries, intended for drying skins.

Formerly, it was the seat of the city's tanners' guild. Today it has become a restaurant renowned for its Alsatian gastronomy. You will thus be able to taste the specialty of the region: sauerkraut!

Continue your visit with the Methodist church of Sion just opposite the Maison des Tanneurs.

Note: this church is distinguished by its place of worship, located on the first floor.

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Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes: former public baths

Now, head for rue du Bain-aux-Plantes. The latter presents a homogeneous visual ensemble. Indeed, each house, immaculately white, highlights the geometric half-timbering. A real journey through time awaits you with these remarkable architectures, the drying attics, the staircase roofs and the cobbled streets of yesteryear.

Among the most beautiful houses: the Maison Haderer with Rhenish Renaissance architecture.

Formerly, this street was dedicated to public baths. It housed steam baths. At that time, the waters were used to treat and cure various ailments.

Bridges: vestiges of the medieval history of Petite France

When visiting Strasbourg, the Pont du Faisan, also known as the "Swing Bridge", is a must! It is in itself a real tourist attraction and a photo spot. It stands out for its pivoting mechanism. During each passage of a pleasure boat, it performs a horizontal rotation, thanks to a hydraulic system, to allow it to be crossed.

A few steps away, discover the pont Saint-Martin with its two arches. It offers a view of the mills and dams. A church, of the same name, stands nearby, and today houses the Théâtre Jeune Public.

Not far away, you can admire the Covered Bridges and their three high guard towers. They are among the most emblematic monuments of the region. Erected in the 14th century, they made it possible to strengthen the city's defenses. Let's not forget the Vauban dam, a bridge-lock, offering a spectacular view of all the places of interest in Strasbourg, thanks to a panoramic terrace.

Typical Alsatian restaurants: Winstubs

La Petite France is a must-see for lovers of Alsatian cuisine. It is full of Winstubs, traditional restaurants.

Savor delicious authentic dishes at: 

• La Corde à Linge at the water's edge;
• La Maison des Tanneurs in a medieval setting;
• Le Baeckeoffe d'Alsace in a rustic setting.

Have you planned to stay in Strasbourg in winter to discover its majestic Christmas market? Small festive chalets in the district invite you to taste local sweets!

As you have seen, Petite France has a lot to offer its visitors. To enjoy its warm atmosphere and the beauty of its heritage, stay in one of our budget hotels in Strasbourg nearby. We welcome you to B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Schiltigheim, B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Nord Mundolsheim, as well as at B&B HOTEL Strasbourg Aéroport.