What to see in France

Visit Strasbourg by camping

La magnifique place Kleber à Strasbourg avec sa lumière de coucher de soleil
La magnifique place Kleber à Strasbourg avec sa lumière de coucher de soleil

 

European capital, which over the years has become a symbol of peace and Franco-German understanding, Strasbourg is also recognised as the richest commune in Alsace thanks to its architectural and historical heritage. It is by visiting the city that you will discover Alsace and the Alsatians, a city which has been able to take advantage of its dual culture by integrating, for example, the privileged circle of the most exotic localities in France.

Campsites

In order to visit the city of Strasbourg in the best conditions, camping is often the cheapest solution but also the one that appeals to the whole family. Less than four kilometres from the centre, you will find the Camping de Strasbourg**** which offers 92 rentals and more than 180 pitches. It also has a swimming pool to cool off after a hot day and volleyball, table tennis and mountain biking to entertain and relax the whole family.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Strasbourg

A must-see in Strasbourg, the Notre Dame Cathedral, in Catholic Gothic style, is today the second most visited cathedral in France after Notre Dame de Paris. Situated in the historic centre nicknamed Grande-île, it is the emblem of the city and its 142-metre spire has long been the highest monument in the world, although it was added in 1439, more than 70 years after the cathedral's completion. Four things not to be missed inside: The superb stained glass windows, most of which are original, date from the 13th and 14th centuries. The pulpit (the surmounted seat from which the bishop gives his sermons), in flamboyant gothic style and carved. The incredible clock whose mechanism dates from 1842, animated with automatons. The show starts at 12:30 every day and will enchant the greatest number of people. Finally, there are 330 steps leading up to the platform. A breathtaking view from 66 metres high over the rooftops to the Vosges Mountains and the Black Forest.

Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg Cathedral
Notre-Dame-de-Strasbourg Cathedral© IStock

 

La Petite France

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a little over thirty years, it is the most picturesque and undoubtedly the most charming district of old Strasbourg. It is very pleasant to stroll along the quays and admire the reflection in the water of the superb colourful half-timbered houses of the 16th century and their balconies abundantly flowered with geraniums. The river Ill irrigates the whole district here. A landscape often compared to that of Venice in small format. In the past, the sloping roofs were used to dry the hides of the tanners who lived here with the fishermen and millers. You should also go and admire the Covered Bridges as well as the panoramic terrace of the Vauban Dam which will give you a magnificent view of the silhouette of the canals.

 

The colourful half-timbered houses of the Petite France district
The colourful half-timbered houses of the Petite France district© IStock

 

The Rohan Palace

Located next to the Cathedral and built between 1732 and 1742 for the Cardinal of Rohan and to replace the Episcopal Palace, this splendid 18th century building was designed on the model of the great Parisian hotels. Since 1889 it has housed the Fine Arts Museum, the Archaeological Museum since 1913 and also the Decorative Arts Museum in 1924.

 

The Rohan Palace, a splendid 18th century building
The Rohan Palace, a splendid 18th century building© IStock

 

Kammerzell House

Still in the historical centre, the façade of this typical house, entirely carved, dates back to 1589, the ground floor in stone dates back to 1467 and the three floors in wood with profane and sacred decorations. It was restored in the Renaissance style in 1892, making the whole complex darker. Inside, there are frescoes by Leo Schnug at the beginning of the 20th century, but also a gastronomic brasserie where one can eat a very famous fish sauerkraut...

 

Kammerzell House
Kammerzell House© IStock

 

The Neubau

A grandiose building from the end of the 16th century, it is located on Place Gutemberg and is part of the Great Island. Its symmetrical ashlar architecture contrasts with the half-timbering of the time and is not to everyone's taste. Its lighting is to be admired at night during the festive season. It is the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Alsace which has the honour of occupying its premises today.

Church of Saint Peter the Younger

Built in 1031 at the same time as Notre Dame Cathedral, it is a Protestant Gothic church and certainly one of the most beautiful churches in Strasbourg. Inside, its 14th century paintings and frescoes are a must see, as is the cloister, a very peaceful place that contrasts with its location in the city centre.

 

Church of Saint Peter the Younger built in 1031
Church of Saint Peter the Younger built in 1031© IStock

 

The Neustadt

Meaning "new city" in German, it corresponds to an extension of the city of Strasbourg. Today it is the most important testimony of the Germanic style of the end of the 19th century and has remained intact. It stands out for its very wide avenues and immense squares, all mixed with a genuine desire for harmony, even if there are some implausibilities in the architecture. Neustadt is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Post Office Building, the University Palace with its Botanical Gardens and the listed Municipal Baths are particularly worth seeing here. Currently undergoing restoration, the baths are scheduled to reopen at the end of 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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