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I often hear from Israelis that they “passed through” Strasbourg on their way to the Black Forest or on a wine tour in the region. In fact, Strasbourg is seen by Israelis as a transit stop. Therefore, I decided to write about one of the most beautiful cities in France, so that you don’t just pass through it but visit it (or at least visit its most important places).
In addition, I have collected for you a long list of guided tours within and outside Strasbourg, which will help you become well acquainted with the culture and history of the region.
Attractions in Strasbourg
That I especially liked
As a traveler in the city of Strasbourg, I felt that every street was an attraction. The narrow streets are full of Gothic houses, paved with stone and extremely beautiful. The beating heart of the city is on the Grand Isle. The district was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, thanks to the ancient Gothic construction around the charming canals and bridges decorated with flowers that will expand your soul.
Do not give up The German Quarter The ancient and French Quarter – Both will provide you with a different beauty, culturally influenced by the original, but mainly a different culinary experience, shopping for local produce, and of course German or French wine and alcohol.
Here are two attractions in Strasbourg that I particularly liked and that I think you shouldn't miss, even if you didn't plan on spending a lot of time in this city.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Strasbourg
The princes who ruled the region over the years chose to commemorate their reign by glorifying the cathedral with various elements. The most notable of these is the spire, which was erected in the 16th century and made the cathedral the tallest in the world at its time (if you feel like climbing the 328 steps – you are guaranteed a great view).
The church is full of artwork, including statues with expressive faces, beautiful stained glass windows, and very impressive tapestries. Speaking of the tapestries, they are not always on display and are definitely worth a special visit. And finally, don't miss the musical clock on site, which is a special attraction that is definitely worth the price of its ticket.
More information about the cathedral
Palace of Rouen
Behind the cathedral you will discover a building of impressive beauty: the Palais de Rohan, built by Armand-Gaston-Maximilien de Rohan (1674-1749).
Armen, as befits the illegitimate son of Louis XIV From his mistress Anne de Rohan (1648-1709), he was a very rich and important man, and thanks to his lineage he received the Archbishopric of Strasbourg. As befits a member of the Rohan family, which brought us the Bishop's Palace of Bordeaux, Hôtel de Rohan in Paris and of course the Château de Joslin in Brittany, Armand Gaston also decided to leave his mark on history through a palace.
The magnificent palace was built by the famous architect Robert de Cotte, and when construction was completed in 1742, a beautiful Baroque palace stood in the center of Strasbourg. Because of the importance of the host (who along the way went from a “simple archbishop” to a cardinal) and because of its beauty and splendor, the place hosted kings and high nobles who passed through Strasbourg (one of whom was Queen Marie Antoinette). During the Revolution, the palace was confiscated and became the town hall, which a few years later would give it as a gift to Emperor Napoleon, who would restore the palace to the beauty and splendor that have been preserved to this day as part of the museum complex located there.
More information about the museum
Strasbourg Museum Card
If you decide to visit the Rouen Palace, see the cathedral's astronomical clock, and perhaps take a cruise on the Strasbourg river, you should definitely consider buying the ticket that provides free entry to the monuments.
The card offers you three major sites free of charge – a museum of your choice, a river cruise and a visit to the astrological clock in the cathedral. In addition, you can visit a variety of sites at a 50% discount and additional sites at a modest discount. The advantage of the card is its low price and your ability to maneuver between a variety of sites without restriction. The card is valid for three days.
Guided tours in Strasbourg
Culinary tours around Strasbourg
Strasbourg is a fun place for food lovers. It combines French and German influences in its culinary offerings, and this melting pot of flavors makes Strasbourg an extraordinary gastronomic destination.
One of the city's most famous culinary delights is Choucroute Garnie, a hearty dish of sauerkraut cooked in white wine and juniper berries, served with a selection of pork chops, sausages and boiled potatoes.
Also worth trying: Tarte Flambee or Flammekueche, the region's specialty. This thin, crispy pizza-like dish is traditionally topped with crème fraîche, thinly sliced onions, and pieces of smoky, fatty bacon. There are many variations, some with mushrooms, apples, or Cheese.
Another comforting Strasbourg dish is Baeckeoffe, a stew made from marinated lamb, beef and pork, slow-cooked with potatoes, onions, leeks, thyme and a splash of Alsatian white wine. This dish is traditionally prepared on Sundays, and the leftovers are eaten all week.
Strasbourg is also known for its foie gras and its escargot, which is seasoned with parsley, garlic, and butter.
For those with a sweet tooth, Alsatian Kugelhoffer, a soft, lightly sweet yeast cake baked in a unique ring-shaped pan and often dotted with raisins and topped with powdered sugar, is a must-try.
Finally, no gastronomic tour of Strasbourg would be complete without its wines. Strasbourg is located in one of the most famous wine-producing regions of France, known for its Riesling and Gewürztraminer wines. The city even hosts the oldest wine fair in France, the annual Foire aux Vins d'Alsace.
Thanks for the interesting article, the city of Ajaccio appears as the capital of the island of Corsica, but that is not the case – Corte is the capital of the island.
Thank you very much. I will fix it.
Are there tours in Hebrew?
Not that I know.
Excellent article. Thank you very much. Small question: Which wineries are worth visiting on the wine route and which ones should I book a visit in advance?
I didn't book anything in advance. The whole idea is to drive through the charming villages and as soon as you see a winery, you just go in. Most of them have a visitor center, where you can taste wines and buy them.