A two-day itinerary in the capital of Alsace

We start at Place du Temple Neuf, near Strasbourg's Notre-Dame cathedral. The Temple-Neuf Protestant church sits in the middle, revealing its imposing pinkish-brown façade. After a few disruptions during the war and the Reformation, the building reopened its doors in 1681, nicknamed the "new church". During the festive season, don't miss the Pocus delicatessen, which decorates its façade with pretty ornaments. It is located at the end of the square on the left.

Continue your stroll along the narrow streets of Carré d'Or, an emblematic district of gourmet restaurants and sophisticated boutiques. Among the culinary addresses are Le Clou, Le Saint-Sépulcre and Chez Yvonne, three authentic winstubs serving traditional Alsatian dishes. Everything we love!

Head for the pretty Place Broglie, lined with old town houses and its three avenues of plane trees. On the way, you'll see Strasbourg's Hôtel de Ville, a prestigious building full of character and home to the city's representatives. A little further on, the Opéra national du Rhin closes the square. It is built in the neo-classical style, with an Ionic façade.

Continue along rue Brûlée to reach the river banks. We follow the Ill along the Quai Lezay Marnesia to cross the Canal du Faux-Rempart on the Pont Saint-Etienne. Take a short break on the terrace of the Le Michel café-brasserie on Avenue de la Marseillaise. Here you can eat delicious cinnamon crosses. Just opposite is the former Hôtel des Postes, which is currently being renovated and will soon become a huge restaurant covering over 1,000 m².

A few pedal strokes further on and you arrive at the Place de la République, surrounded by the Théâtre national de Strasbourg, its neighbour the Bibliothèque nationale et universitaire and, on the opposite side, the Palais du Rhin. Right in the middle of the square is a pretty garden with flowers and trees, and plenty of benches to relax on before exploring the surrounding area.

Located close to the Place de la République, the Quai Jacques-Sturm is a pleasant promenade shaded by the pretty trees on the banks of the Canal. The cycle path has been laid out so that you can enjoy the view of the waterway and the countryside (without forgetting to keep an eye on your handlebars).

It's a bucolic ride in the heart of the city. If you feel like getting closer to the water, put the bikes down and take the stairs down to the pedestrianised quays. This ride is suitable for everyone, provided you're in good physical condition, and you can also opt for an electric bike for the less courageous.

Where to sleep?

Ideal for children, this bike ride starts in Strasbourg and takes around 15 minutes. Along the way, you can take time to observe the lush greenery in the company of the charming singing birds, backed by the river Ill, which is never far away. The Civil Hospital, opposite the Heyritz park to the south of the city, is the ideal starting point for the route. The first pedal stroke is on the Menachem Taffel quay, which is very well equipped for safe cycling. It's easy to get the little ones on board for the ride.

Follow the Quai Louis Pasteur to the bridge bearing the same name. On the left, the Strasbourg Grande Mosquée points to the tip of its minaret, while the American poplar opposite on the right, dances to the rhythm of the wind that makes its leaves tremble. Native to North America, it is the only tree of this species recorded in Strasbourg. Depending on the season, it changes colour from green to yellow, before appearing completely naked in winter. Its dizzying height dominates the buildings and the local flora.

If you need a break along the way, the Eugène Imbs park runs alongside. During the journey, you may need to recharge your batteries. Head for nearby Plaisir du Pain, a bakery and patisserie with a fine selection of speciality breads, sandwiches and comforting pastries made by an artisan baker. Enough for an impromptu picnic on a bench or in the grass.

📍 Address: 56 route de Schirmeck, Strasbourg

⏰Opening times: every day from 6am to 6.30pm

👉 To see a map of the town and the different routes to take, click here.

On the road to Schirmeck, you'll find an unusual shop on the side of the road: Hozain, a Russian grocery shop, offering savoury and sweet specialities imported directly from Russia, whether for a taste or simply for the curiosity of the place.

Smile, you've arrived on the Canal de la Bruche, the water current making a huge loop through several gardens and picturesque little villages. We recommend that you pedal for a few metres, then turn around and head back towards the city. For the more courageous who haven't had enough, you can continue on to the Niederholz urban nature park, just 5 minutes away by bike.

Where to eat?

Housed in a traditional Alsatian half-timbered house, the Au Boeuf Rouge restaurant is run by Carmen and Greg. On the menu is French cuisine, prepared by the chef using the restaurant's star ingredient: meat. To be enjoyed on its own or with a good sauce.

Where to sleep?