7 places in Strasbourg not to be missed

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Are you about to discover the charming and authentic Alsatian capital? Don't miss the famous squares of Strasbourg! Jewels of this city, they each tell a story, breathe Alsatian culture, and reveal a particular ambiance. Explore these urban spaces to understand the past and present of Strasbourg. Follow us on this guided tour!

• Cathedral Square

Located in the heart of the historic city center, Cathedral Square is a true symbol. In its center proudly stands the Notre-Dame de Strasbourg Cathedral for over 1000 years. With its breathtaking Gothic architecture, it offers a beautiful spectacle to its visitors. It is also the most visited in France, after Notre-Dame de Paris. Just opposite, you can see the sumptuous Rohan Palace (Place du Château).

Cathedral Square is also surrounded by majestic historic buildings. Among them, you can admire the most beautiful residence in the Alsatian capital: the Maison Kammerzell. Classified as a historical monument, it features the most richly decorated half-timbering in the city. You will also find the Cerf pharmacy, in Renaissance style, one of the oldest in France.

In December, the square is transformed to host a Christmas village. Picturesque chalets stand in front of the Cathedral.

In addition, it is a prime shopping destination to bring back a small travel souvenir!

• Gutenberg Square

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A few steps from the majestic Strasbourg Cathedral, you will find Gutenberg Square, formerly Saint-Martin Square. This place steeped in history was named Gutenberg in honor of Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of printing, who lived in Strasbourg between 1434 and 1444. A bronze statue of Gutenberg, created by the sculptor Pierre Jean David d'Angers, is erected in the center of the square.

In the Middle Ages and until the 18th century, the square was the political and administrative center of the city. Today, it houses Renaissance-era buildings, including the Neue Bau, the current Alsace Eurométropole Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

• Kléber Square

Kléber Square is the most emblematic and touristy in Strasbourg. It owes its name to the Strasbourg general Jean-Baptiste Kléber, a hero of the French Revolution wars. A statue in honor of General Kléber stands in the center, with a vault containing his ashes.

This vast pedestrian square is the place for major events and demonstrations of all kinds. It is particularly lively during the holiday season, as it hosts the huge Christmas tree.

It is a very pleasant square with its flower beds and water jets. It is marked by a variety of buildings dating from different eras. Take a tour of the Aubette 1928 museum, formerly intended to house soldiers!

• Broglie Square

Broglie Square, located on the Grande Île, is a multifaceted place. Its name comes from the Broglie family, of Italian origin, who played an important role in French military history during the 17th century.

The square is distinguished by its long promenade bordered by trees. Discover 18th century mansions (the town hall, the prefecture, the Banque de France and the Strasbourg opera house) as well as remarkable monuments and statues (Marshal Leclerc monument, Marseillaise monument, Marshal Kellermann statue, etc.).

It is particularly known for its Christmas market, the Christkindelsmärik, considered by the American media CNN Travel as the best Christmas market in the world.

• Austerlitz Square

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Austerlitz Square was built on the banks of the Ill at the end of the 18th century. Formerly known as Dauphine Square, it became Austerlitz Square in 1837. The name of this square evokes the memory of the victory at Austerlitz, where Napoleon triumphed over the Russians and Austrians in 1805.

Over time, the square has evolved. It was a livestock market, then it was lined with barracks. Today, it is designed to be used by pedestrians or cyclists. The Austerlitz district has also reached 6th place in the ranking of the most frequented districts in France (study carried out by the Mytraffic research office and the Institute of Advanced Metropolitan Studies).

• Gayot Market Square

Gayot Market Square is located just behind Notre-Dame Cathedral. It is named as such in homage to its creator François Marie de Gayot. In the 18th century, the square was intended to become a market for herbs and poultry. Quickly, half-timbered houses lined the square, including an inn and shops. Later, the square served as a market for butcher's meat.

It is currently a friendly and lively place with many cafes and restaurants. Students and young people from Strasbourg meet there for warm moments.

• Republic Square

This large square with the appearance of a park is located in the German district. It serves as a link between the historic city and the new city.

Republic Square has had various names, going from "Kaiserplatz" (Imperial Square) to Republic Square in 1919. Its current name symbolizes the change of power from Germany to France.

The square is adorned with five emblematic buildings, including the Palais du Rhin or the National Theater, and a central garden, decorated with hundred-year-old trees.

This square is also a popular meeting place.

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