Petite France, Strasbourg's Venice par excellence

They consist of three aqueducts spanning the Ill. Originally, they formed a set of four wooden arches covered with a tiled thatch. Despite the lack of a roof, the inhabitants have kept the name. The galleries, built by Strasbourg's elite, were intended to defend the city. Today, this complex is part of the identity of the Petite France district.

The bridges were linked by five massive towers, of which only four survive. After being razed to the ground in 1865, they were rebuilt identically but in stone. The remains of these ancient ramparts have been listed as historic monuments since 1928 and bear witness to the architectural wealth of the city of Strasbourg.

Located just a few metres from the Ponts Couverts, the Vauban dam, also known as the Grande Écluse, is a military structure built in the 17th century, once again to protect the town and flood the southern part in the event of enemy intrusion. When the sluice gates were closed, the level of the river rose, drowning the surrounding fields. The land became a veritable swamp, in which enemy troops would get bogged down.

The building, built on top of the dam, has two storeys and a panoramic terrace at the top. The terrace offers a breathtaking view of the city and its canals. Admission is free. Inside, you can see gargoyles and other objects from Strasbourg cathedral. Finally, there's the magnificent roof terrace.

For more information: visitstrasbourg.fr.

Petite France is a district that lives to the rhythm of the water. The river is everywhere. Various bridges and locks line the perimeter and add to the charm of the area. It's for this reason that the district is known as the Venice of Strasbourg. As you cruise along the canals, you'll be carried away by the beauty of the setting. Boats are available for hire for those wishing to discover this district by boat.

Marin d'Eau Douce hires out boats that are easy to handle and do not require a licence. It's an original way to discover Strasbourg from the canals. The base is closed during the winter season.

As the district is full of footbridges, strolling along the quays and letting yourself be carried along by the water remains the best option. After some work, a new footbridge has been installed next to the Place Benjamin Zix. The Anciennes-Glacières footbridge welcomes residents and visitors alike for a stroll through the area.

It owes its reputation to the building directly opposite, the present-day Hôtel Régent Petite-France, which once housed the town's ice-cream parlour, a production line for ice-cream bars sold to shopkeepers and restaurateurs. The arrival of the freezer wiped out the profession.

Not far from there, you can take the more discreet Moulins footbridge, used mainly by local residents and little-known by tourists. It links the rue des Moulins with the Pont Saint-Martin. Pretty cobbled streets, a balcony overlooking the river and a breathtaking view of the traditional half-timbered houses make up the neighbourhood's scenery. We highly recommend a visit!

The tanners' house, the era of the leather workers

Petite France is also known as the old working-class district, where tanners, millers and fishermen lived. The river that borders this picturesque little district was their main source of work. Today, the unappetising smells of skins have been replaced by mouth-watering aromas that whet the appetite. The tanners' house has been listed as a historic monument since 1927, and this former residence was converted into a large restaurant in 1949. The business has been handed down from generation to generation with the aim of perpetuating the Strasbourg tradition. Generous dishes based on local produce await customers in search of local flavours.

Le Pont Tournant, a culinary journey on the River Ill

In the heart of Petite France, this restaurant with a varied menu offers its customers succulent, well-prepared dishes. The staff are pleasant, smiling and prompt. During the warmer months, you can enjoy the pretty terrace overlooking the River Ill. For early risers, breakfast is served every morning from 7am to 10.30am in the restaurant or in your room (for guests of the Régent Petite-France hotel).

⭐Hôtel Régent Petite-France

This 5* establishment is home to the Pont Tournant table. Ideally located close to tourist sites, it provides top-of-the-range services in luxurious surroundings, with pleasant staff playing an important role.