Go on. You know you’ve always wanted to visit Strasbourg. It’s an extraordinarily beautiful place and an experience you won’t regret. It also has a very different ‘feel’ when compared with many other cities in France.

A little history

There are probably a few locals who would tell you quietly that the explanation for its ‘differences’ is that Strasbourg is quite ‘Germanic’; others will strongly maintain it’s nothing of the sort. That’s because the whole area has had an interesting history, with various influences shaping it.

Along with the rest of Alsace, Strasbourg was German-speaking, even when it became French in 1681. From 1871 to 1919 and from 1940 to 1945 it was under German control. France got it back but there’s no mistaking the Germanic influence in some of the architecture, the food and the wine. 

The amazing dancing plague

In July 1518, Strasbourg was the scene of an intriguing phenomenon. It was known as the Dancing Plague because, for no apparent reason, about 400 people took to the streets and danced – for days and days without rest. Some eventually collapsed from exhaustion and others suffered heart attacks, strokes and even death.

There has been no definite reason why it happened. Some say the convulsive ‘dancing was caused by mass demonic possession. A more rational suggestion was that there was something in the bread – possibly a fungal growth that can produce these symptoms.

You can read more at the History Channel.

The Cathedral

Strasbourg’s skyline is dominated by its magnificent Cathedral – Notre Dame de Strasbourg.

It is a superb example of Gothic architecture and is a must-see when you visit Strasbourg. In fact it’s pretty hard to miss, wherever you are in the the city.

It is free for sightseers to visit, except during religious services.

You can also climb the spire to the viewing platform. The view from there is spectacular.

Read more in our article on Strasbourg Cathedral: A High Point.

The religious theme is evident around the city. Strasbourg was an important centre for the growth and spread of Protestantism during the Reformation.

The Église Saint-Thomas, completed in the 1520s, was the chief place of worship for Lutherans after Strasbourg became part of France in 1681.

The great Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart played the beautiful Silbermann organ there in 1788. Visitors to St Thomas can see it today.

More to do when you visit Strasbourg

In Strasbourg there’s something around every corner.

Close to the Cathedral forecourt, there are plenty of restaurants, bars and shops.

Not far away from the cathedral is the picturesque La Petite France. Modern tourist ferries glide through ancient canals and locks, and it’s a good way to see the area in all types of weather. You can also walk, of course.

In the cobble-stoned streets, such as Rue du Bain aux Plantes, the half-timbered houses look unfeasibly top-heavy. Most date back to the 16th century, and once housed tradesmen such as tanners and millers. Many are now restaurants that serve traditional Alsatian specialities, such as choucroute garnie, which everyone should try. It’s packed with ham, bacon, spiced sausage and loads of sauerkraut. Be a devil; just dig in. You’ll certainly want to sample the superb Alsatian wines and beer, too.

Next to the Cathedral is the Palais Rohan. The Palace, completed in 1742, was designed by Robert de Cotte and is renowned as a classic of French Baroque architecture. It was once the residence of the prince-bishops and cardinals of the House of Rohan, an ancient French noble family. After the Revolution it was owned by the State and was, for a while owned by Napoleon. Many famous French and international historical figures have stayed the Palace.

It now houses several of Strasbourg’s museums.

Museums and galleries

If you love to explore museums and galleries, when you visit Strasbourg there’ll be plenty to keep you happy.

Here are the main attractions:

• Strasbourg’s Musée des Beaux-Arts, housed in the Palais Rohan, features collections of paintings by the old masters 
• The Musée d’Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg, which opened in 1998, houses over 18,000 paintings, sculpture, graphic arts and multimedia created since 1870  
• You will find earlier artworks, from the early Middle Ages until 1681, in the Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame
• An excellent Musée Archéologique covers the periods from the Stone Age to the mid 8th century CE
• The Musée Historique de la Ville de Strasbourg is located in a former slaughterhouse and concentrates on the history of the city since the Middle Ages 
• Musée Alsacien has over 5000 works depicting daily life in pre-industrial and early industrial Alsace 
• For fans of taxidermy,  there’s the Musée Zoologique
• Adherents of the dark arts will appreciate the privately owned Musée Vodou (yes, Voodoo).

See the websites for opening hours and entry fees.

Further afield

Visit Strasbourg and spend at least a week in the city, if your schedule allows. Even then, you won’t see everything. You should also try to explore the wider area.

Strasbourg is the ideal base if you want to take short trips to:

• The wine regions of Alsace
• Riquewihr
• Colmar
• Mulhouse
• Baden-Baden (It’s just over the border in Germany and close enough for a day trip).

Read our articles:

Riquewihr: Medieval Magic And More

Things That Make Colmar Special.

Check out Francy That! recommendations for more Places To Go.

Information

LOCATION: Alsace – Grand Est
DISTANCE FROM PARIS: 490km (304 miles) to the East
POPULATION: 280,000+ (metro area 786,000+)
NEAREST AIRPORT: Strasbourg
NEAREST TRAIN STATION: Gare de Strasbourg-Ville (TGV)
TOURIST INFORMATION: 17 Place de la Cathédrale
MARKETS: Marché de l’Esplanade, 16 Boulevard de la Marne; Tuesday and Saturday: 7 am to 1 pm
MUST SEE: The Cathedral: Notre Dame de Strasbourg; Petite France; the museums.