The Neustadt, Strasbourg's Prussian-style district

Organised in the shape of a perfect circle, this square, formerly known as Kaiserplatz, grew out of the fervent desire to found a new political and administrative headquarters. It links the centre of Strasbourg to the New Town. A magnificent garden sits at the centre of the esplanade.

On the left, you can see the splendid Rhine Palace, which was built in 1880 as the Emperor's residence. Imposing and made of noble materials, the building is topped by a pretty dome and covered in traditional tiles. Eventually, it was destined for a completely different use, acquiring its letters of nobility by housing the Central Commission for Navigation on the Rhine, a decision voted by the Treaty of Versailles in 1919.

On the other hand, Strasbourg's national and university library is well worth a visit. It is a splendid building containing over 3 million books and documents. This makes it the second largest library in France. Under German rule, it became the regional library of the Reichsland for Alsace-Lorraine, contributing directly to the prestige of the town planning of the time.

Cross the Place de la République and follow the huge Avenue de la Liberté. Along the way, you pass the Théâtre National de Strasbourg, whose facade adjoins the Avenue Victor Schoelcher. A little further on, the Hôtel des Postes stands on the right.

This historic building still bears witness to the annexation of Alsace to the German Empire. It first housed the Post Office, telegraphs and telephones, then the two French institutions: La Poste and France Télécom. It was home to Strasbourg's very first Biennial of Contemporary Art before undergoing a facelift. Recently refurbished, it didn't need much work, given its solid, well-built structure.

Just before the Pont d'Auvergne, turn right onto the Quai Koch to admire the Fontaine des Désillusions. Nestling in a pile of stones, this water source is one of the city's little secret spots. Virtually hidden from view, you have to go around the grove to reach the banks of the Ill and follow the lapping of the water.

When you reach the end of the Pont d'Auvergne, an immense palace stands proudly facing its opposite end, the Palais du Rhin. This neo-renaissance building was built to house a modern university. Today, it houses the University of Strasbourg. Its interior is as majestic as its façade. It features a black granite statue of Ramses II. The complex is complemented by a botanical garden and a planetarium.

If you want to go a step further, head to the outskirts of the Neustadt on the Boulevard de la Victoire, which borders the New Town, to visit the former Grand bain municipal. The project was launched in 1879 as part of a major health policy. As well as its exterior architecture, which was quite innovative for its time, the interior features are unique. These include luxurious materials such as marble and ceramics, as well as nods to Antiquity, the Renaissance and the Baroque style. Architect Fritz Beblo conceived the Bains Municipaux as a complete work of art.

📍 Location: north of Strasbourg

🚌 Getting there:

• On foot: 10 minutes from Notre-Dame de Strasbourg cathedral.
• By bus: line 72 "République" stop
• By tram: lines B, C or F, "République" stop

A charming establishment with the warm atmosphere of a Viennese café, Café Brant is located at 11 place de l'Université and is named after the German writer Sébastien Brant. You can sit back in the velvet armchairs and enjoy a cup of coffee in the morning with a slice of jam, a quick lunch at midday, or an aperitif with friends in the evening.

Pont des Vosges is one of the city's must-visit addresses. Annie Voegel, who runs the restaurant with the help of her maître d', does everything she can to offer her customers a unique experience. In the kitchen, the seasons are the primary concern of chef Jean-Philippe Schubnel, who uses only the freshest produce to bring out the best in his dishes. His passion and strong taste for Alsatian tradition are evident in his suggestions.