What to do in Strasbourg for 10 days. What is worth seeing in Strasbourg? Enjoy your stay in Strasbourg

Sights of Strasbourg

1. Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg)

Strasbourg Cathedral -roman catholic cathedral,one of the most outstanding examples Gothic architecture in the world. The height of the cathedral is 142 meters means that from 1647 to 1874, it was the tallest building in the world. Currently, it is the second tallest cathedral in France, higher only than the cathedral in Rouen, which was built in 1876 and the second most visited temple in France after Notre Dame de Paris.

While the cathedral's history dates back to 1015, much of it was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, resulting in a mixture of architectural styles, from Romanesque to late Gothic. The main attractions of the cathedral are: stained glass windows from the 12th century, a magnificent 18-meter astronomical clock and an observation deck at an altitude of 66 meters, where a spiral staircase leads.

Strasbourg Cathedral is located on Place Grande Ile in the city center and can be reached on foot from all the central attractions of Strasbourg.The cathedral is open daily from 7 am to 7 pm.

2. High Koenigsbourg Castle

The main attraction of Alsace and the surrounding area of ​​Strasbourg is the Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle, which rises above the Alsace plain at an altitude of more than 700 meters. This beautiful pink sandstone castle is hard to miss.

Although it was built in the 12th century for the German Hohenzollern family, much of the current castle dates back to the 19th century, when it was completely renovated for the Prussian Emperor Wilhelm II.

During a guided tour of the castle you can enjoy With its romantic spiers and ornate façade, the castle's interiors are also accessible, where tourists can explore the mill, wine cellars, living quarters and medieval gardens.

Konigsbourg Castle offers impressive views of the Vosges mountain range, the German Black Forest and in the distance, in clear weather, you can see the Swiss Alps.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle is located 55 kilometers southwest of Strasbourg, along the Alsace wine route, and can be reached by bus from the neighboring town of Selestat.The castle is open all year round from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm in winter or 6:00 pm in summer. Tours are in English only.

3. Christmas market (Christkindelsmarik)

Strasbourg Christmas Market (Christkindelsmarik) is the oldest in France and one of the oldest in Europe, with more than 2 million tourists a year visiting it. The market dates back to 1570, when it first opened its gates to the local population. GA giant Christmas tree is being erected on Place Kleber, and an open-air ice skating rink is opening on Place du Chateau. Rozhdestvenskythe market, however, is the focal point for the city's seasonal entertainment.

Starting at the end of November each year, more than 300 traditional wooden chalets set up shop on Place Broglie, selling a huge range of handmade gifts, Christmas decorations and seasonal products such as warm wine.

4. Gutenberg Square

The square took its name from the city's most famous son, Johannes Gutenberg, who famously invented the printing press in 1439. Place Gutenberg remains an important shopping and navigation center in Strasbourg's Old Town, located near the famous Notre Dame Cathedral.Today the square is best known as a meeting place where you can relax in a large number of cafes and restaurants.

Place Gutenberg is also famous for its half-timbered houses, dating back to medieval times, of striking architecture, primarily in the Renaissance style.

5. . Tanners' Quarter

A picturesque area popular among tourists for its many restaurants and half-timbered houses, the real Venice of the North in France with its canals, narrow streets and charm. Apart from antiquity. The main attractions of the area are the old church Saint Martin, which is located near the bridge of the same name and Zion Methodist Church right at the beginning of the area. This is the most picturesque area of ​​old Strasbourg and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

6. Maison Kammerzell

The old burgher's house in the city, considered the pearl of Alsatian architecture, the Kammerzell House is one of Strasbourg's most famous buildings, and one of the most ornate and well-preserved medieval secular buildings in the city in the late Gothic style, formerly belonging to the Roman Empire. Kammerzell's house was Built in 1427, but rebuilt twice in 1467 and 1589. The ground floor is made of stone, the upper floors are half-timbered, have traditional leaded windows and rich carvings.

7. Church of St. Thomas (Eglise de Saint-Thomas)

The Church of St. Thomas was built on the site of an ancient church, which is believed to have been built in the 6th century and dedicated to the Apostle Thomas. After a fire that destroyed the old church, a new Church of St. Thomas was built in the 12th century. The building is a prime example of the Alsatian Gothic style of architecture with five naves of equal height. The church was the center of the Lutheran movement in Alsace.

8. Church of Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune (Eglise Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune)

Built in 1031 on the site of a Merovingian chapel, this Gothic church was consecrated in 1053 by the Alsatian Pope Leo IX. The church nave has beautiful vaults with carved consoles depicting St. Mark slaying the dragon. During the Reformation, starting in 1524, Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune became a Protestant church, currently used for both Protestant and Catholic worship. Saint-Pierre-les-Jeunes is considered one of the oldest landmarks in Strasbourg.

9. Notre Dame Museum (Maison de l "Oeuvre Notre-Dame)

Notre Dame Museumdedicated to fine and decorative arts on site Reina. The museum is located in the historic Notre Dame Foundation building, which was built in 1246 and the main focus of the fund wascollection of donations and bequests necessary for restoration and maintenance Cathedral of Our Lady in Strasbourg.

10. Palais Rohan

The elegant, 18th-century Rohan Palace is the former residence of the Bishop of Prince from 1732 to 1742, before the French Revolution. Now the palace houses museums, including M Museum of Fine Arts, on the ground floor of the Rogan Palace, it has an excellent collection of paintings by Italian, Spanish, Flemish, Dutch and French masters from the Middle Ages to the present, there are works by Botticelli, Courbet, Delacroix, Giotto, Goya, El Greco, Rubens, Veronese and others. Museum of Decorative Arts, located in the former apartments of the Rogan cardinals. Visitors can see the bishop's luxurious apartments, including a library, hall and chapel, as well as a collection of decorative arts. The collection includes ceramics, porcelain and jewelry. AND Archaeological Museum, which has one of the best collections of antiquities in France.

11. Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien)

Housed in a house built by a patrician in 1620, the Alsatian Museum displays a collection of folk art, furniture, costumes and household items of ordinary Alsatians. The museum also has rooms that present the interiors of houses from different regions of Alsace. A tour of the museum gives visitors a sense of the charm of Alsatian houses.

12. Quartier Krutenau

One of Strasbourg's liveliest districts, Krutenau, it combines old world charm with trendy restaurants, trendy shops and art galleries. The area is located southeast of the Big Island. This is an area of ​​canals and half-timbered houses where boatmen and fishermen once lived.

13. Palace of Europe (Palais de l'Europe)

Strasbourg was chosen as the capital of the European Union because the city became a symbol of reconciliation after World War II. The ultra-modern Palace of Europe was built from 1972 to 1977. To visit All the attractions of Strasbourg you should book a city tour.

The cost of a flight always depends on the time of travel. The chart will allow you to compare prices for air tickets to Strasbourg, track the dynamics of changes in their cost and find the best offer.

Statistics will help determine the season of low prices. For example, in June prices reach an average of 17,822 rubles, and in February the cost of tickets drops to an average of 13,344 rubles. Plan your trip now!

We analyze this information and create charts to make it easier for you to plan your trips.

What is more profitable – to buy air tickets in advance, avoiding the general rush, or to take advantage of a “hot” offer closer to the departure date? The chart will help you determine the best time to purchase airline tickets.

See how the price of air tickets to Strasbourg has changed depending on the time of purchase. Since the start of sales, their value has changed by an average of 96%. The minimum price for a flight to Strasbourg is 56 days before departure, approximately 11,545 rubles. The maximum price for a flight to Strasbourg is on the day of departure, approximately 33,570 rubles. In most cases, early booking helps you save money, take advantage of it!

Airfare to Strasbourg does not represent a fixed and constant amount. It depends on many factors, including the day of departure. The dynamics of changes are visible on the graph.

According to statistics, the most affordable option for flights to Strasbourg is on Fridays, their average cost is 14,324 rubles. The most expensive flights are on Sundays, their average cost is 18,332 rubles. It is worth considering that flights on holidays are usually more expensive. We hope this information will help you plan your travels more effectively.

The cost of air tickets depends not only on the date, but also on the time of departure. An airline can operate several flights on one day, and they will differ in price category.

The graph shows the cost of departure depending on the time of day. For example, the average cost of a ticket to Strasbourg in the morning is 16,099 rubles, and in the evening 21,924 rubles. Evaluate all conditions and choose the best offer.

The graph shows comparative prices for air tickets to Strasbourg on the most popular airlines. Based on this information, you can plan your trip and buy air tickets to Strasbourg from the carrier that suits you.

Statistics will help you choose a flight based on your financial capabilities, as well as your wishes in terms of comfort and flight conditions. The lowest prices for air tickets to Strasbourg are offered by Volotea, the highest prices are offered by Air France.

Still tormented by questions: what to do in and what to see here? Let's find a use for this city other than filing an application with the Strasbourg Court of Human Rights. You can go to Strasbourg from Paris for 1 day. The journey takes less than 2 hours. Train tickets to Strasbourg can be found here.

View the Cathedral

The Cathedral of North Dame de Strasbourg is one of the main ones. This is a beautiful Gothic church with an original pink-brown color and only one tower. Notre Dame itself is beautiful, and the area around it is wonderful. But go inside and go deeper, there you will find an ancient clock that shows not only the time, but also the month, year, zodiac sign, planetary positions, and a small show every half hour.

We also advise you to go up to the observation deck of the Cathedral. From here you have a very good view of the city. Just remember. That you have to climb on foot. The entrance to the climb is on the right side of the cathedral.

Ride along the canals on a river bus

The river bus in Strasbourg practically replaces a city tour. You will sail along the canals and see almost all the main attractions of the regional capital. There is also an audio guide in Russian. Which is compiled extremely well and interestingly, although not without inaccuracies. In addition, during the excursion you will find several surprises: locks and movable bridges.

The waterbus ride is also included in the Strasbourg City Pass, which also includes free entry to one of the city's museums and much more. Find out more information and purchase a card.

Try local cuisine

Strasbourg is an amazing mixture of different cultures. This can be seen in the appearance of the city, but also noticeable in its cuisine. For example, choucroute is considered the main Alsatian dish. Shukrut is pickled fried cabbage with different types of meat. This dish is rather German, and it is served with beer. In a good restaurant, it’s better to take one for two, otherwise you won’t be able to handle it. Foie Gras and sweet white wine are also inventions of the people of Strasbourg and we recommend you try them.

Read more about Alsatian cuisine in.

Have coffee or dinner in Petite France

Petite France is the most beautiful area of ​​the city. There may not be the most pleasant story associated with it, but now it’s very nice to stop or take a walk here. Choose a cafe overlooking the canal and enjoy the beauty around you!

Walk from France to Germany and back

Have a picnic in the Orangery

Strasbourg is rich in its parks. But the favorite among city residents is the Orangerie. It was built by order of Napoleon for his wife, Josephine. She never stopped here, but the park remained for the people of Strasboug. There is beautiful landscape architecture and something is blooming all the time. And having a picnic in this garden is a pleasure.

View list of events

Strasbourg is one of the three capitals of the European Union. In honor of this and more, a lot of interesting events are held here. In the city, the main ones open in due course, there is a fountain festival, a street theater festival and much more. Before traveling to Strasbourg, it is better to check if there is anything interesting today.

Stay in the old part of the city

Settle in the very center of the city - on the island. It may be more expensive than other areas of Strasbourg, but it is much more pleasant. The Old Town is not only an amazing architectural style, but also a garden city. Magnolias and flower beds bloom here, and residents decorate their windows and balconies with flowers. This is one of the most picturesque corners. Perhaps you will be lucky and you will live in such a nice little house, like in the picture, admiring the spire of the cathedral, the roofs of the city and the blooming flowerbed on your balcony. See the list of the best hotels in Petite France and the old part of the city at this link.

Visit one of the museums in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is rich in its museums. The best of them are the Museum of the History of the City, the Alsace Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. There are quite interesting collections and a lot of interactive things here. This won’t take much time, but it will leave a pleasant feeling.

Enjoy your stay in Strasbourg!

Strasbourg is located in France. Did you know about this? Congratulations! 90% of respondents are sure that Strasbourg is in Germany! To be fair, it should be noted that Strasbourg has passed from France to Germany and back over the centuries. But since the Second World War it belongs to the French state.

The French national anthem "La Marseillaise" was written in 1792 in Strasbourg, and not in Marseille, as its name would logically suggest. The author of the Marseillaise is Roger de Lisle, it was he who wrote the future anthem in Strasbourg, and performed it there for the first time. It is curious that the anthem of France, La Marseillaise, was used as the anthem of Russia for some time after the 1917 revolution.

1. In Strasbourg, near the European Parliament building, there is a statue of the “Heart of Europe”, which is the official symbol of the European Union. It is interesting that the author of the sculpture is Lyudmila Cherina, a famous French ballerina of Circassian origin. After finishing her career, the ballerina was engaged not only in sculpture, but also in painting and modeling. “The Heart of Europe” is her most famous work.
2. In Strasbourg, several bridges are called covered, but none of them have a roof. Once upon a time, each of the four bridges actually had a roof, but over time the roofs became dilapidated and they were removed, and the bridges were rebuilt.
3. One of the most beautiful and romantic quarters of Strasbourg is called “Little France”. However, the history of this name does not carry anything romantic: in ancient times there was a hospital here that treated syphilis, then called the “French disease”. This is where the name of the area came from.
4. Tram lines in Strasbourg are designated by letters, from A to F, and not by numbers, as is usually the case. Trams are silent, convenient and comfortable. One ticket is valid for all types of public transport. The fines for traveling without a ticket are very high, but inspectors are extremely rare on trams.
5. Strasbourg is home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, and the city has the status of “parliamentary capital of Europe”. If a person has suffered from actions incompatible with the Human Rights Convention, he finds himself in Strasbourg legal assistance. Russia ranks third in the number of appeals to the Strasbourg court!
6. A bottle of wine in Strasbourg can cost less than tea in a cafe. It is a must-have drink during lunch. Strasbourgers generally love to drink wine. They don’t associate the word “drinking” with drunkenness – good wine with a meal is a necessity!
7. Strasbourgers are patriots, they love it when foreigners speak French to them. And they don’t really like it when it’s in English. And they don’t like it at all when they’re on something else. Strasbourgers are proud of their past, their country and their culture. As a matter of principle, they drive only domestically produced cars from Peugeot, Renault or Citroen.
8. Homeless people in Strasbourg are clean and intelligent, they often sit with dogs, also well-groomed. An allowance is paid for the maintenance of dogs. It can be very difficult to identify a homeless person by appearance, especially since among young people, and even among older generations, it is customary to sit on the sidewalks, on the floor in public places, on lawns and generally anywhere where you can sit. Social assistance to the poor is provided at a very high level. They gather 2-4 times a week to distribute high-quality products. A family of such “poor” people can live in a large, renovated apartment with excellent equipment.
9. Strasbourgers are very polite and unusually sociable: they say hello and goodbye even to strangers in line. They always smile, although not always sincerely.
10. In Strasbourg it is customary to have dinner in a cafe. There are a lot of cafes in the city; most often the owner of a small cafe works there as a bartender. It is common to smoke in the cafe. A lot of people smoke there, although cigarettes are expensive.
11. Strasbourgers try to look stylish. They like to stand out with brightness, non-standard combinations of clothes and colors. They love to wear massive jewelry, watches and chains.
12. There are few people working in Strasbourg. And they don’t stay late at work. Lunch breaks can last two hours. The working week is one of the shortest in Europe. After nine in the evening it is almost impossible to find an open store in the city. Strasbourgers say without hesitation that they do not live to work.
13. In Strasbourg, as throughout France, unusual laws apply. For example, it is prohibited to use Twitter and Facebook in the press and on television. And you shouldn’t give piglets the name Napoleon. Or make and sell dolls with “non-human faces.”
14. All Strasbourgers have a cup of coffee and a croissant for breakfast. Sometimes all this is washed down with orange juice. No other breakfast items are provided. In general, they drink a lot of coffee here and for any occasion.
15. Strasbourgers love sales and can wait for six months for them. They are obsessed with discounts. Special discount days occur in winter and summer: during this period, buyers storm stores and grab everything they can from the shelves.
16. In Strasbourg, they strictly monitor the appearance of buildings. It is strictly forbidden to place old rubbish on the balcony; there are large fines for this. Because of this, almost all balconies in the city look very neat, but at the same time completely empty and uninhabited.
17. Strasbourg is rightfully considered the French capital of Christmas. From the end of November, pre-Christmas markets take place in the city squares; the city is transformed and decorated in a few days. During this period, there are especially many tourists in Strasbourg.

A border city, a cosmopolitan city, a crossroads city... When I first arrived here, I was pleasantly surprised how Strasbourg, located on the border of two countries, is charming in the French way and strict and orderly in the German way. Here they speak French with a German accent, drink French wine and eat German pretzels, stroll through a traditional German Christmas market while discussing French politics. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this city!

The turbulent history of the “city of roads” (German: Straßburg) began in the 12th century BC. e. The city survived the conquests of the Romans, constantly passed either to France or to Germany, for 12 days it was part of the Soviet republics and, finally, became the pan-European capital, where the Council of Europe settled, as well as the famous Court of Human Rights and the European Parliament.

A dense network of canals, ancient locks, Alsatian half-timbered gingerbread houses, decorated with geraniums, reflected in the green waters of the Ile River, incredibly beautiful majestic pink sandstone create a fabulous urban landscape. Perhaps this is why Strasbourg, among other things, is the capital of Christmas!

How to get there

At first glance, it may seem that getting to Strasbourg is not easy. Despite the fact that the city is located in the very center of Europe, the airport does not accept, for example, flights from Russia. But believe me, everything is much simpler than it seems!

By plane

Shuttle train ( navette train) from the main station, located a 10-minute walk from the city center, and the appropriately named tram stop ( Gare Central) departs daily from the city to the airport 4 times an hour from 5:20 to 22:35 (on Saturday until 21:15). Travel time is 9 minutes, the cost of travel on such a train plus a tram ticket ( Le billet combination TER+CTS) will be 4.30 EUR. You can buy a ticket either at the station at automatic ticket offices of blue color (Titre de transport TER), or at any tram stop.

Lufthansa business class shuttle buses run from the airport to Strasbourg. The road will take 3 hours, given the constant repair of German autobahns, perhaps 3.5, but it will be a very comfortable and convenient trip! Tickets can be purchased from the driver or in advance on the Lufthansa website. In Strasbourg, the shuttle stops to the left of the main railway station and at the Hilton Hotel.

In addition, if you arrive at an inconvenient time, you can use the services of the German railway, but you will need to make two transfers along the way, which, for example, can be a negative factor for travelers with children. Therefore, I recommend thinking through the route in advance and choosing tickets so that you can catch the bus.

By train

It is also possible to get to Strasbourg by direct train from Moscow. Train - with a stop in Strasbourg runs from Moscow ( Belorussky railway station) in the winter months three times a week: on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays at 22:15 Moscow time.

Travel time will be 37.5 hours with intermediate stops in Minsk, Brest, Warsaw, Frankfurt, Berlin, Karlsruhe. Such a trip, in my opinion, can become a real adventure! A ticket in a compartment will cost 18,600 RUR, in a suite - 25,000 RUR. You can find out about all existing discounts on the Russian Railways website.

By bus

There are several international bus stops in Strasbourg. One of them, the largest, is located on 1, Place de l'Etoile. Tram lines A and D stop here, connecting the train station and the city center (Etoile-Bourse stop ( Etoile/Bourse)).

There are several bus companies serving 82 destinations. Although there are no direct routes from Russia to Strasbourg, there are bus options from Finland, Lithuania, Poland or Ukraine.

Company FlixBus It is considered the cheapest (ticket prices from 5 EUR), comfortable and reliable. Please pay attention to the rules for transporting children! Depending on the age of the child, you must have a car seat or booster with you.

Company Eurolines also known for its long-distance routes, including to Ukraine.

If you travel by bus, always take with you full set of documents! Buses are often stopped at the border, and all passengers undergo customs control.

By car

It is quite possible to get to Strasbourg from Russia by car; you will only have to make one or two stops overnight, depending on your route. My friends have traveled this way many times!

The road from Moscow to Strasbourg will take 27 hours without stops, which is not surprising, since you will have to cover 2,500 km.

When planning your budget, keep in mind that in Europe there may be tolls on highways, and gasoline is more expensive than in Russia.

Please be careful when planning a trip by car through Germany. Very often, German motorways are closed for repairs, naturally offering other route options.

By ferry

Despite the fact that Strasbourg is a port city located on the banks of the Rhine, in fact, it is impossible to get here by ferry.

Clue:

Strasbourg - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Strasbourg is beautiful at any time of the year!

Most tourists prefer to come here in summer time, from May to September, when it is quite warm here, rains are infrequent, and people are careless in summer; or during the Christmas market from the end of November to the end of December, when the city lights up with a thousand lights, the smell of mulled wine, honey, tarte flambé and sweet mannels smells everywhere.

My favorite time in Strasbourg is early autumn, that is, September - October. There are significantly fewer tourists, the markets are truly full of seasonal vegetables and fruits (and strawberries!), the weather is summery, but the nights are no longer stuffy, and the children are off to school.

Among the months when you should not come, I would probably highlight August. This is the month when all the French go on vacation, which means that from the end of July their favorite bakeries, restaurants and even shops close for a long time.

Strasbourg in summer

Strasbourg in the summer is wonderful both for walking and cycling outside the city, and for sitting on the terraces with a glass of chilled white wine or local beer, and endless barbecues, places for which are provided even in the very center of the city!

There are no sudden temperature changes, but for the last few years July has been incredibly hot. When choosing a hotel, check if the rooms have air conditioning.

Among the disadvantages of this season, it is worth highlighting the extremely large influx of tourists and, as mentioned above, the departure of a large number of artisans, bakers and restaurateurs in August.

Strasbourg in autumn

Autumn, in my opinion, is the best time to visit Strasbourg. The flow of tourists is significantly reduced, and the city seems to be resting after the hot summer before the winter holidays.

In September, the weather in Strasbourg is still quite summer (on average +20 °C during the daytime), and the vegetables and fruits in the local markets are amazing in their variety and quantity!

October symbolizes a real golden-crimson autumn and paints the city in corresponding colors. An incredibly beautiful month!

November in Strasbourg, like everywhere else, is a little depressing, but in the last days of the month the whole city begins to prepare for the famous Christmas market, so the abundance of New Year's decorations, signs and mannels and ginger bread that appeared in bakeries undoubtedly add elegance to this month and brighten up the anticipation of the upcoming holidays.

Strasbourg in spring

Spring is also a great time to travel to Strasbourg. Magnolias, cherry and apple trees, chestnuts and lilacs are blooming in the city! Daffodils, tulips and crocuses appear in parks, gardens and flower beds. Roses bloom in late spring. Believe me, the city looks incredibly elegant, and the air is permeated with exceptional aromas!

From mid-April, the weather indulges in frequent sunny days, although the air does not warm up above +15 °C. Few tourists will not interfere with your walking and exploring the main attractions.

Strasbourg in winter

Strasbourg in winter is a fairy tale! In December, the city hosts the traditional and, please note, one of the oldest in Europe, Christmas market Christkindelsmärik with the same noisy market gaiety with which, in my opinion, it is worth seeing off the outgoing year and welcoming the new one.

There are so many tourists that it seems as if rivers of living people are flowing through the streets of the city. But it’s worth it to come and immerse yourself in what’s happening and feel the atmosphere of real Christmas!

In January and February the temperature is around 0 °C. The Strasbourg winter rarely pleases with precipitation, especially snow, and if this happens, especially before the New Year, there is a real holiday in the streets.

Once, a few years ago, so much snow fell that the cars turned into snowdrifts, and the French wondered how to clear them. On such days, transport stops completely, but people continue to use bicycles! However, it is worth mentioning that due to the closest neighbor, the deep Rhine, the air humidity in winter is quite high, so, frankly speaking, it can be chilly outside. But it's clean. There is no nasty slush, the roads are only sprinkled on ice, that is, once every five years, and only with sand, so the condition of the shoes is excellent.

Strasbourg - monthly weather

Clue:

Strasbourg - monthly weather

Districts. Where is the best place to live?

If you are traveling to Strasbourg for one or two days, I suggest, no matter how trite it sounds, to stay in the city center, the so-called Big Island (Grande Ile), where major attractions are located, including Notre-Dame de Strasbourg.

The railway station is located in the same part of the city. GareCentrale. Station area (quartier de la gare), as often happens, is quite unpleasant; it will be quite safe to walk in the evening, but the overall impression of visiting the city can be greatly spoiled.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

There are 10 municipal museums in Strasbourg. Full information, descriptions of collections and opening hours can be found. I will tell you, with your permission, only about a few.

As you can see, the themes of the museums are quite diverse. An inquisitive mind will surely find a plot to study from the list provided.

To visit museums and other attractions of the city, I recommend purchasing three-day tourist card (Strasbourg Pass). Such a ticket will cost 18.90 EUR for an adult. It includes a public transport ticket and discounts to state museums.

Parks

It is almost impossible to imagine Strasbourg, like any city in France, without gardens and parks. Within the city there is even a real forest called forêt de Robertsau. The favorite pastime of French families on weekends is a leisurely walk in the park, perhaps lunch on the veranda of a restaurant or, as strange as it may sound, working in the countryside and in the garden.

Tourist streets

It is difficult to single out just a few streets in Strasbourg, because the entire city center, located on the so-called Grande Ile, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Besides Cathedral Square (Place de la Cathédrale), it’s probably worth highlighting two others: Place Kléber (Place Kleber), where there is a monument to the famous commander, and Gutenberg Square (Place Gutenberg), bearing the name of the first book printer.

On Square Kléber Dissenters constantly hold rallies, during Christmas they erect the tallest Christmas tree in France, and Hitler spoke from the balcony of the former Aubett guardhouse.

On Gutenberg Square There is a carousel of incredible beauty and size, and during the December fair this is where the Christmas village of the resident country is located, which is chosen every year.

It is also worth paying attention to Republic Square (Place de la République), around which such public buildings as the Prefecture, the Rhine Palace, and the Opera are concentrated. These buildings were built by a German architect in the characteristic Prussian imperial style.

Installed in the center of the square Pmonument to the fallen, and the square around it is planted with magnolias that bloom so beautifully in early spring.

What to see in 1 day

If you are in Strasbourg for just 1 day, I suggest starting with the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam, then a walk through Little France and a cup of coffee in a wonderful Cafe Bretelles by the address 36 Rue du Bain aux Plantes. Then take a photo against the backdrop of the famous Tanners' House. Further past the mint, where the school is located today, to the Church of San Toma and, guided by the spire of the cathedral, go to Gutenberg Square. This walk will take you an hour and a half. Further along Rue Mercière, go to the main facade of the cathedral, freeze in surprise, raising your head. About 15 minutes will pass. To see everything inside the cathedral you will need half an hour. If you are full of strength and fighting spirit, I suggest you climb to the observation deck; it will take 20–40 minutes, depending on your physical fitness, because you have to climb 332 steps along a spiral staircase. Then I propose to go to the Roan Palace, go around it to the right and, having bought a ticket at the box office, board the boat. For an hour and 15 minutes you will look around and listen to an interesting excursion.

After a walk on the river bus, I suggest you return to the Cathedral, go around it and go to Place Broglie, gaze at the city hall building, where on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, couples marry, and try tarte-flambé in a small brasserie Binchstub located at: 28 Impasse de l'Écrevisse. Next, go to Republic Square, take tram E and get to the European Parliament and the Court of Human Rights. If you still have energy, you can walk to the Orangerie Park and have dinner there!

Food. What to try

In Strasbourg, it is undoubtedly worth trying not only classic French cuisine, but also local Alsatian cuisine. I wouldn’t call these dishes exquisite, no, rather dense and heavy. People in Alsace love to eat well and eat a lot. There is a strong German influence, so Alsatian cuisine is famous for its meat delicacies, pies, cheeses, delicious local beer and white wine.

The price range for lunch ranges from 9.5 EUR if you limit yourself to tarte flambé or order the dish of the day, which I will talk about below, to 20–30 EUR if you choose a dish from the menu. But let's take a closer look at the so-called specialties or features of the cuisine of our region.

In addition to all of the above, it’s worth trying in Strasbourg foie gras(the liver of a fat goose), because Alsace produces a significant part of France's foie gras. When purchasing in a store, please note that a whole piece of goose liver is called foie gras entier, costs more, but the quality is beyond praise. It's called duck pate pâté de foie gras. In restaurants, foie gras is served with onion marmalade or fig jam and pieces of fried bread.

Wines of Alsace- that's a different story. If you like white wines, try Pinot Gris ( pinot gris) and, of course, Gewürztraminer ( gewurztraminer), they will not leave you indifferent! They say that a woman after Gewürztraminer will agree even to what she did not agree to after Chardonnay or Merlot.

Alsace is also where most of the brewing takes place. beer France. It is in Strasbourg and its outskirts that all the main breweries are located, including the well-known Kronenbourg And Fisher. There are many small breweries in the city called bierstub or brasserie, where you can try fresh beer and also eat delicious food. By the way, at the factory Fisher there is a wonderful restaurant with affordable prices and gigantic portions, a huge terrace and very tasty traditional cuisine.

Well, the last chord will be the story of cheese. If you are familiar with French cheeses and don't mind strong smells, Strasbourg is worth a cheese try Munster.

It is produced in the town of the same name and is sold both in regular stores and in markets. This cheese simply needs to be eaten with lettuce, a fresh baguette, sprinkled caraway seeds (kumin). The smell of this cheese can be shocking. But I'll tell you a little secret. If you find yourself very sensitive to this smell, cut off the orange peel. The cheese may lose some of its aroma, but you will be proud to say that you have tasted the most fragrant cheese in France!

In Strasbourg you will find restaurants and cafes to suit every appetite and budget. Both world and traditional French, as well as local Alsatian cuisine are presented here.

If you want to save money, during lunch, any restaurant offers dish of the day (plat du jour), which depends on the mood of the cook and the availability of seasonal products on the market. It will cost a little more set menu(formule), which includes two or three items from the restaurant’s main menu. Usually this is a salad plus a main course or a dish plus dessert, a glass of wine or beer and a cup of coffee.

Don't forget that there are specific hours set aside for each meal in France. The French have lunch from 12:00 to 14:00, dinner - from 19:00 to 22:00. And be patient - lunch or dinner can really last several hours, because the attitude towards food here is reverent and is expressed in a whole ritual in serving and eating food.

Budget

I would like to suggest bakeries as the most budget-friendly places. They are open from 6:00 without breaks during the day, some have the opportunity to drink tea or coffee. And, of course, we couldn't imagine France without sandwiches! Proper sandwiches: land mines with olives, delicious baguettes baked in small bakeries. Here are some addresses:

• Au Pain de Mon Grand-Père: the largest and most varied selection of bread from different types of flour, some of the best eclairs and baskets with raspberries and cream.
• Les Mains Dans la Farine: the most delicious and crispy baguette in town.

In addition, there are a couple of places with a very pleasant atmosphere, serving simple but satisfying dishes that are often prepared in French homes, such as quiche, soups, salads, pies.

• L"Artichaut: in addition to food, a large selection of delicious beer, interesting interior, live music in the evenings.
• PUR etc. Grand Rue: The menu is constantly updated depending on seasonal products.

• Le Tarbouche: Lebanese cuisine, proper hummus, incredibly tasty flatbreads with cheese and tomatoes.

Expensive

• Le Buerehiesel(Chief Eric Westermann)
  A three-star Michelin restaurant located in a classic farmhouse in the Parc de l'Orangerie. The average price category with a choice of dishes on the card is 80 EUR. The daytime menu without drinks costs 37 EUR, while the evening menu will cost approximately 100 EUR. There is a special menu for young people la formule Jeunes(up to 35 years old, by reservation).

• Le "1741"(chef Guillaume Scheer)
  Won 1 Michelin star, specializes in seasonal Alsatian cuisine. The lunch menu will cost 45 EUR, the dinner menu - 110 EUR.

• Le Crocodile(chef Ludovic Kientz)
  Changed owner, lost 2 Michelin stars out of 3, but still remains one of the most respectable gastronomic restaurants in Alsace. Famous for its complicated history and a stuffed crocodile brought from Egypt. Average price with a choice of dishes on the card: 105 EUR. One of the best wine lists in Alsace. There is a possibility of a 30% discount.

Holidays

In France, in addition to public holidays (jours fériés), there are also events that are celebrated only in certain regions. It is worth warning you that during national holidays all municipal offices, as well as many bakeries, restaurants and shops are closed.

We have already written about national holidays. But in Alsace there are several additional Catholic holidays: Holy Friday (March - April, depending on Easter) and Saint Etienne's Day (December 26).

For the past 15 years, the event has been held in Strasbourg in October. charity race, which is called "Strasburgian".

This event is organized to discuss, diagnose and fight breast cancer. All race participants are dressed in pink. Often the race involves not only women, which seems logical, but also men in pink, wearing wigs or elegant hats.

Twice a year they take place in Strasbourg wine and gastronomic salons, and these are events that attract both the French and Germans from nearby lands and provinces.

One of them takes place at the end of October and is called Salon Mer & Vigne et Gastronomie , and the second in February or April and is called Salon des vins des Vignerons Indépendants. Both salons are held in Parc des expositions du Wacken(tram lines B and E, stop Wacken).

More than 500 winemakers from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Jura, Champagne, Alsace, Languedoc and other famous regions present their products, which you can try completely free of charge and, if desired, buy in unlimited quantities. My friends, for example, collect wine and take away at least 200 bottles from each exhibition!

Safety. What to watch out for

Strasbourg is a safe city for tourists if you follow the minimum standard rules.

To be honest, only in the Cathedral did I see a warning sign that pickpockets were operating. And personally, once in 5 years my wallet was pulled out at the market in a crowd at lunchtime.

It is safe to be alone in the city center at night, whether you are a woman or a man, but again, stay on the illuminated part of the street and do not trust everyone you meet. Unaccompanied children under 7-8 years of age will most likely be stopped and escorted home.

Things to do

River walks

In addition to visiting the main attractions, leisurely walks around the city, you can see the city and listen to an exciting excursion while riding a boat Batorama. This excursion lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, an adult ticket will cost 12.5 EUR, a child ticket will cost 7.20 EUR.

Seeing the city from the water is always interesting! The pier is located at the Roan Palace ( Palais de Rohan), tickets can be bought right there at the ticket office, at the main tourist office near the Cathedral or online.

In addition, every Tuesday of the month there is the opportunity to dine at the company's restaurant-ship Bateaux de l'Ill, making a promenade along the rivers and canals of the city. Such a walk, an aperitif, a glass of wine and dinner will cost 47 EUR.

Shopping and shops

Shopping in France is an incredible pleasure, but it is worth noting that prices are quite high compared, for example, to neighboring Germany. Therefore, pragmatic French people often wait for the sales season. There are 2 of them in France:

• The winter season begins on the second Wednesday of January and ends on the 20th of December.
• summer begins on the last Wednesday of June and ends in early August.

At this time, discounts can reach 70%, but it is worth remembering that stores reduce prices three times: the closer to the end of the sales, the lower the prices.

Usually the French go shopping in advance, look at the assortment and try on the things they like, and on the first day of sales, which is always Wednesday, they take the day off and shop.

Among the stores I will highlight Galeries Lafayette(34 Rue du 22 November) and LePrintemps(1 Rue de la Haute Montée, tram stop Homme-de-Fer). These are two famous shopping centers, occupying several floors, where various brands of clothing, shoes, accessories, perfume, and everything your heart desires are presented.

Brand stores are concentrated in the city center on the following streets: Rue du 22 November, Grande Rue, Rue Gutenberg along the tram line Rue de la Division Leclerc, around the cathedral on the streets Rue des Hallebardes, Rue du Dome, Rue des Juifs. There are shops for every color and budget.

In addition, the city has several large shopping centers such as Les Halles(tram lines A and D, stop Ancienne Synagogue/Les Halles) and Center Commercial Rivetoile(tram lines A and D, stop Etoile Bourse).

50 km from Strasbourg there is an outlet called Roppenheim The Style Outlets(1, Route de l'Europe, 67480 Roppenheim).
During the discount season, prices here are very low. The place is very pleasant to visit even with small children. There are restaurants, cafes, playgrounds.

Bars. Where to go

Bars in Strasbourg are open until 00:00, maximum until 01:00. However, practically in the city center there are a couple of places that are open until 04:00.

Among them it is worth mentioning a small pub "Nelson" (Pub Nelson), which is located at 20, Rue des Couples.

There are some great Irish pubs that serve real dark Guinness. One of them, The Dubliners, we love you very much! In addition to various types of proper beer, Irish cider and other alcohol, the food there is very tasty. Be sure to try their Fish & Chips! There are several screens on display during football and rugby matches, and live music concerts take place on Fridays and Saturdays. Address: 7, Rue du Vieux Marché aux Poissons.

Brasserie Le Bartholdi by the address: 31, Rue du Vieux Marché aux Vins, specializes in Belgian beer: bottled and draft. Be careful, Belgian beer is easy and relaxed to drink, but it is very intoxicating.

Strasbourg has many small brasseries scattered around the city, where they brew local beer. Around Christmas, for example, these brasseries introduce new beers with caramel flavors and spices like ginger and cinnamon. In one of these places, Au brasseur, by the address: 22, Rue des Veaux, You can taste several types of fresh beer brewed on site and try traditional Alsatian cuisine. The service leaves much to be desired, but the beer is really tasty!

The average price for a glass of beer in Strasbourg is 2.5–3 EUR, wine - 4 EUR. However, bars often have so-called happy hours ( happy hours), usually from 17:00 to 19:00, when beer prices are lower than usual.

Clubs and nightlife

There are not many nightclubs in Strasbourg. Here are some of them:

• Popular with local youth Le Seven located at: 25, rue des Tonneliers. They play hip-hop and house music here, and there is a VIP area for those who prefer to sit and drink champagne.
• In the very center of the city ( 3, rue Paul-Janet) there is a club La Salamandre, which hosts live concerts or theme parties: salsa, 60s, 80s, hard rock or rock and roll. The prices are good, there's a lot of space.
• For lovers of chic and disco music, I suggest spending a night in Retro Club (24, Place des Halles).
• One of the most popular venues for live concerts and festivals - La Laiterie (13, rue du Hohwald). They play electronic music, indie, folk and rock.

The clubs are open until 05:00. Unfortunately, I can’t give you any guidance on prices; having a two-year-old son, I haven’t been out to clubs for a long time. I know that entrance to them is paid, there is face control.

Have a fun evening!

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Let's start with the fact that the French and food are concepts that do not just go hand in hand, but rather live in an embrace. Therefore, in my opinion, gastronomic souvenirs specific to the region you have chosen to visit will be the best choice in terms of gifts. In our case it is .

The Alsace wine road, which runs through small villages framed by vineyards, is what millions of tourists come here for. Therefore, the first souvenir on the list may be Alsatian white wine(Vin d'Alsace). There are six types of white wines in Alsace: Silvaner, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Gewürztramiren. I've listed them in order from drier to sweeter. In my opinion, it is the last two varieties that the Russian tourist will most likely like, since we are more accustomed to sweetish wines. The best wines are labeled with words Grand Cru. If the grapes are left on the vine until frost, when they have time to dry out, then the name of the wine contains Vendange tardive. Once you try this wine, you will never confuse it with any other again! In addition, sparkling wine is produced in Alsace Crémant d'Alsace.

Can be a good gift classic glasses for Alsatian wines, which have a light green stem. The main thing to remember is that the glass should never be empty or full, so a glass filled two to three is the ideal maximum!

I don’t recommend bringing Alsatian cheeses as a souvenir; they are either too aromatic or too soft. And here foie gras, produced in Alsace, will be an excellent gift, especially for the New Year's table.

In Strasbourg there are two wonderful and very original ceramics shops:

• Atelier céramique Pierre Roux is located at 5 Quai Charles Altorffer
• Poterie d'Art Kathi Fausser et Bertrand Lorca is located in Petite France at: 32 Rue du Bain aux Plantes.

Alsatian traditional ceramics, such as the Küglof baking dish ( Kougelhopf), can be bought in the block around the cathedral.

The emblem of Alsace is the stork, whose nests can be seen in the most unexpected places. That's why souvenir with a picture of a stork could be a great idea. Many such souvenirs are sold in shops in Little France and near the Cathedral.

For newborns or toddlers you can purchase dudu (doudou) in the shape of a stork - a rag with an animal head and knotted handles, which French children take with them to kindergarten in order to miss their parents less.

At the Tanner's House in Petite France, every day throughout the year the artist paints and sells miniature watercolors with views of Strasbourg.

How to get around the city

The public transport system in Strasbourg includes trams and buses. Background information on schedules, strikes and routes can be obtained on the website of the management company CTS. In my opinion, the most convenient way to use trams in Strasbourg.

Five tram lines converge at the main station on Place de l'Homme de Fer in the very center of the city. The square received the name “Iron Man” in those days when, at the sound of the alarm bell, townspeople had to gather in this square to join the ranks of the militia. The pharmacy still has a sign in the shape of a man in iron armor.

The last bus from the city center leaves at 23:30, the last tram leaves from the final stop at 00:00.

If you've been out on a night out and are a little late, don't worry! There are special night buses in the city Hibus, which on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 23:30 to 5:30 serve 5 main quarters of the city. These buses depart from the central stop on Vorona Square ( place du Corbeau).

Taxi. What features exist

The taxi service in Strasbourg operates 24 hours a day.

However, it is worth remembering that it is impossible to catch a car on the street; you need to go to the taxi parking lot and contact the driver whose car is first in line. In Strasbourg, I know of only two taxi stands: one on Place Gutenberg, almost opposite the main facade of the Cathedral, and the second on Place de la Gare. There is also a taxi rank at the entrance/exit of Strasbourg Enzheim Airport.

Identification marks, except for the white box with the inscription Taxi and registration number, not on cars.

There are a few unspoken rules when calling a French taxi. Firstly, passengers are often seated not in the front seat, but in the back seat. This is most likely done for the safety of both parties. Secondly, the taxi driver can turn on the meter while waiting. Thirdly, all passengers and the driver must wear seat belts. Fourthly, travel with small children must be reported in advance. In France, children are transported in special car seats, and in principle you may be refused to transport a child without a seat or booster.

Taxi fares may vary depending on the time of day, whether it is a holiday or a weekday, and, of course, on the number of passengers.

In a taxi you can pay either in cash or by card.

For example, a taxi ride on a Friday night from the train station to an area of ​​the city such as Nieudorf could cost you 30 EUR.

Trams

Strasbourg has 6 tram lines that start operating at 4:30 am. Tickets can be purchased from the machine ( distributeur automatiques de titres) at each tram stop, you can pay either with coins or with a card.

There are several types of tickets for public transport. Single ticket (aller simple) worth 1.70 EUR will be valid for an hour, starting from the moment you validated it in a special machine right there at the tram stop. You must validate your ticket. If you are checked by inspectors during your trip, the fine may be more than 30 EUR, despite the fact that you have a new, but not validated ticket.

Two-way ticket" (aller-retour) includes travel in one direction and travel in the opposite direction within 24 hours. Such a ticket must be validated both times; its price will be 3.40 EUR.

Children under 4 years old travel free of charge.

There is also ticket (24H ALSA or 24H TRIO), which acts exactly one day and allows travel on trams and buses for one or a maximum of 3 persons. This ticket is relevant for those who plan to use any public transport several times during the day, for example, if you plan to see the main attractions and get to the European Parliament or your hotel is located far from the city center. Such tickets cost 4.30 and 6.80 EUR respectively.

The layout of Strasbourg tram lines is as follows.

Buses

Bus network of the Strasbourg transport company CTS ( Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois) includes 29 routes and covers almost every corner of the Strasbourg Eurometropolis. Buses run every 15 minutes.

Buses No. 4, 6 and 10 serve the city center, the latter stopping at the railway station. The remaining bus numbers connect the city center and some fairly remote areas.

Information about tickets is described in the section above, but I would like to clarify that tickets aller simple And aller-retour can be purchased directly from the bus driver. I would like to draw your attention to the fact that drivers do not accept for payment of banknotes more than 20 EUR!

When boarding the bus, you must go to the front door and validate your ticket at the entrance. To exit, you need to press one of the red square buttons on the handrails. You need to go out through any door except the front door.

Transport rental

In Strasbourg, as throughout France, renting a car is very easy. The easiest way to do this is online in advance, but it is also possible to be present in person at the office. It is worth highlighting three main companies:

• Avis;
• Europcar;
• Herz.

You can compare rental prices from companies.

The car rental conditions are as follows: age from 19-24 years old depending on the rental company, driver license, identification And driving experience from 1 year. My husband says they can ask insurance, which in principle you will apply for a visa in any case. Most often, payment is made by credit card or check.

The daily rate for renting a car depends on the class of the car and will range from 50 to 600 EUR. There is a special rate (40% cheaper) for renting a car on weekends weekend tariff, when you rent a car on Friday evening and return it on Monday morning.

When renting a car, I would advise you to carefully study the rental agreement. A difficulty may be the fact that most often the contract is drawn up in French. Demand the English version! All existing damage to the car must be included in the contract. Specify the telephone number to call in the event of a breakdown or accident. If you plan to change driving, be sure to ask to enable the “additional driver” option. This service will cost about 25 EUR per week.

The cheapest fuel is at gas stations of large supermarkets, such as Cora, Marche U, Auchan.

Driving in France is on the right.

There are several types of roads, which are designated in Latin letters on maps and road signs:

• A - expressway,
• D - regional road,
• N - national road.

The speed in populated areas is not higher than 50 km/h, on regional roads 90 km/h, on national roads 110 km/h, on highways 130 km/h.

Seat belts must be fastened by all passengers. The lane allocated for buses can only be used by buses, taxis and cyclists. In case of police check, you must present driver license, registration certificate And insurance.

Sunday is the best day to travel by car; there are few trucks on the roads. During French national holidays or during the summer holidays from July to August, traffic will be difficult due to endless traffic jams.

Strasbourg - holidays with children

It’s worth going to Strasbourg with children, for whom this city opens its arms! Interesting, well-thought-out, safe playgrounds can be found in every quarter; one of the best is located on the island of Square des Moulins in Petite France.

The restaurants provide a children's menu, there is always a high chair and the opportunity to change diapers.

Strasbourg has many parks, children's activities, media libraries, and there is a wonderful children's museum, Le Vaisseau. Moving with a stroller will not cause any problems; in public transport no one will reprimand you, but on the contrary, they will help you. At the station and in shopping centers there are elevators and places for feeding and changing babies for parents with strollers.