Strasbourg's Grande-Île: central and charismatic

To the delight of visitors, this area is completely pedestrianised. The half-timbered houses and intertwining alleyways are part of the charm of this district. A warm atmosphere hangs in the air, tempting you to stroll around and enjoy the outdoors for an afternoon. And that's just as well, because most of these streets are shopping streets.

It's the perfect place to pick up a few souvenirs from the city. As well as the shops, there are also the famous local bistros: the Winstub. A traditional restaurant where you can enjoy a delicious sauerkraut or a buttery streusel. Luckily, it's all within walking distance!

Just a stone's throw from the cathedral, head for the Rue des Orfèvres. This area is more commonly known as the 'Golden Square ' of the city. It owes its nobility to the prestigious boutiques that populate the street. Fine groceries, regional crafts and other high-quality products are sold in this street. During the Christmas period, the shop fronts are decked out in their most beautiful decorations to amaze passers-by. In the space of a moment, the alleyway is transformed into a veritable Christmas story.

This Strasbourg house extends over several floors. Its woodwork is in the Renaissance style and dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the city's most popular residences. And once you're there, it's easy to see why. The rich details leave you in awe. The building has been converted into a restaurant. Inside, pretty rooms with an intimate atmosphere welcome diners in a warm setting offering a view of Notre-Dame Cathedral.

📍 Address: 16 place de la Cathédrale, Strasbourg (67 000)

👉 The establishment includes a restaurant area and rooms for rent. For more information, visit the website.

Just a few minutes from Notre-Dame, a sublime baroque building stands proudly on the quays. The Palais Rohan was built by the architect Robert de Cotte on the instructions of Cardinal Armand-Gaston de Rohan-Soubise, the prince-bishop of Strasbourg at the time. Construction began in 1732 and was completed around ten years later. It has served a variety of functions: residence, town hall and royal palace.

A testament to the past and to the princely "French art of living". Its design was directly inspired by the great Parisian hotels. A symmetrical and very well designed architectural ensemble with 17 windows. Its façade faces the River Ill.

In 1889, the Musée des Beaux-Arts was opened on the first floor. Works by Botticelli, El Greco and Goya can be found here. A prehistoric collection was added in 1913, bringing together pieces from prehistory to the Middle Ages. Finally, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs took over part of the premises in 1924.

📍 Address: 2 place du Château, Strasbourg.

⏰Opening times:

• every day from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm,
• closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 11 May and 25 December.

A little further on, this church, built in the 7th century, has been a listed monument since 1862. It is one of the oldest in Strasbourg and the only hall church in the region. This large, well-preserved building is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. It is beautifully proportioned, with a delicate architecture of 5 vessels topped by two towers. Its organ, statues and stained glass windows are impressive. The luckiest visitors can attend an organ concert during their visit.

📍 Address: 11 rue Martin Luther, Strasbourg.

⏰Opening times: every day from 10am to 6pm and Sunday from 12pm to 5.30pm.

Strasbourg'sChamber of Commerce and Industry now occupies this historic building, known as the "Neue Bau". Originally, it was an extension of the Hôtel de Ville. Located on the Place de Gutenberg, it faces Notre-Dame Cathedral, which can be seen from the corner of one of the buildings.

The materials used, such as ashlar, which you'd think would have been classic for the time, were in fact revolutionary, as the architecture did not follow the Alsatian tradition of half-timbered houses. As the festive season approaches, the monument is magnificent. The lighting brings out the pretty modelling on the façade.

More discreet, this Lutheran church is nonetheless magnificent and certainly the prettiest in Strasbourg. Its construction began at the same time as Notre-Dame. Some historians even believe that it served as a draft for the cathedral. Once you enter the parish church, the walls, rood screen and stained glass windows are adorned with numerous frescoes and paintings. Palm archways overlook the nave.

📍 Address: 7 rue Saint-Léon, Strasbourg

La Fignette is a restaurant that smells of Alsace. Locals come here to enjoy a meal or a simple aperitif with friends over a tarte flambée. Good quality local produce is cooked every day and served from midday until... until it runs out. A good place to try during your stay!

Another address whose concept appeals to us is an Alsatian-style tapas bar. Les Fines Gueules offers dishes to share (or not!), a good wine list and flambé tarts. For lunch, try their "coup de feu " formula for a quick but quality lunch.

With its range of local beers, some of which can only be found here, the Meteor is one of the Christmas capital's most emblematic venues. A warm atmosphere, large spaces where you can come with pushchairs or suitcases, and they also accept pets. A friendly team who give advice to suit your tastes.