Travel diary :  As a couple, Culture & Heritage, In town

2 days in Strasbourg: stay in the capital of Alsace

The beating heart of Europe, capital of Alsace and gateway to the Rhine, Strasbourg is a perfect blend of modernity and authentic charm. With its pretty facades and canals, Strasbourg knows how to win our hearts and stay there!

La Petite France

DAY 1 - 10.00 am

Stop at Notre-Dame Cathedral

Cathédrale de Strasbourg
Cathédrale de Strasbourg

The immersion in Alsatian traditions continues, especially at lunchtime, when you're spoilt for choice: in Strasbourg city centre, many typical restaurants offer tempting menus. This is the perfect opportunity to try a real Alsatian sauerkraut accompanied by a real Strasbourg sausage, or to indulge in the famous tarte flambée, aka flammekueche made with cream, onions and bacon - the perfect gourmet combo! For meat lovers, we opt for waedele: a delicious knuckle of pork cooked in court-bouillon or au gratin with munster cheese, accompanied by sautéed potatoes.

If there's any room left for dessert, we'll be tempted by a delicious Alsatian fromage blanc tart: melt-in-the-mouth, creamy and comforting, we'll be asking for more!

Quartier Petite France

15h00

A stroll through the Petite France district

A stroll through the picturesque Petite France district is the perfect way to unwind! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the charm of this district of old Strasbourg lies in its narrow streets, magnificent half-timbered houses and little bridges spanning the canals, all adorned with sublime vegetation. As you stroll around, you can still feel the soul of the fishermen, millers and tanners who once lived in this part of the city's history.

19h00

Tour and aperitif on a private boat

Strasbourg by night is the theme of this evening cruise on a cosy yacht. With its lights reflecting on the River Ill, its medieval decor and modern architecture, you'll discover a different side of Strasbourg, while enjoying a glass of delicious Crémant d'Alsace. An invitation to let go, with a hint of romance!

21h00

A rejuvenating night on the banks of Petite France

Back to the Petite France district we visited earlier in the day: so charming and endearing, it's the perfect place to spend the night! So we opted for a hotel in this picturesque district: some opted for the view of the sublime half-timbered houses, others for the Ill, sparkling with the lights from the street lamps... magical in any case! After taking in the sights all day, you fall asleep with all the wonderful memories you've created.

Parlement européen, Strasbourg

DAY 2 - 10.00 am

Visit to the European Parliament

A European city par excellence by virtue of its geography and history, Strasbourg is the lungs of Europe. Chosen as a symbol of reconciliation to host the fledgling European institutions, it naturally became the seat of the European Parliament, which is now open to the public: all glass and metal, the building is a real architectural gem! As you walk around the building, you'll notice the reflection of the immense 13,000 m² glass façade, a symbol of the democratic transparency of the European Union, in the water that surrounds the building. We will also have the chance to visit the Grand Plenary Hall, the largest hemicycle in Europe, used for the most important debates. We finish our visit with the Simone Veil parlamentarium: an immersive exhibition that teaches us more about how Europe works. At the end of our visit, we hop on a bike and head for the Parc de l'Orangerie!

Pic-nic Grand Est
Parc de l'Orangerie
Parc de l'Orangerie

12h00

Walk and picnic in the Parc de l'Orangerie

While you're in the neighbourhood, take a bucolic stroll through the Parc de l'Orangerie, the perfect place to enjoy a picnic! One of Strasbourg's favourite walking spots since the 18th century, the park has been a listed historic monument since 1993.

As the city's green lung, the 26-hectare park is a great place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of its green landscapes: from the French-style promenade to the English-style landscaping, dotted with works of art and enhanced by a lake and waterfall, it's easy to feel at peace here!

15h00

Discover the Neustadt district

A must for history lovers! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, this district is a real gateway to 19th-century German town planning. A testament to Strasbourg's attachment to Germany, the district stands out with its wide avenues and imposing neo-renaissance and neo-baroque buildings. Architectural gems include the Opera House, the Palais du Rhin and the Palais Universitaire: a modern district combining culture, history and remarkable architecture.