The Paris to Strasbourg train isn’t on your French vacation itinerary.
Yet.
Here’s the thing: in less than 2 hours you can be at the Strasbourg train station, floating down the Rhine River, strolling through canalside squares, and wandering into Germany by accident.
Castles, wine, and one heck of a Christmas market that makes Munich’s sound like Who-nich’s.
Let’s talk about the (very German) French city of Strasbourg.
Wait…is Strasbourg in France or Germany?
Scratching your head at the “Strasbourg, Germany” claim you saw in your high-school history book way back when? That may because your confusing "Strasbourg, France" with "Strasburg, Germany", the latter is on the other side of the country, must closer to Poland.
However, Strasbourg in France was actually classified as Germany at two points in history...see the details below.
Image Location: La Petite France, Strasbourg, France.
Where is Strasbourg in Europe? In northeastern France, right on the Rhine River, using it as a border with Germany. Such a coveted spot, known as one of the crossroads of Europe, made it an alluring city to own throughout history. In short:
- It started as a Celtic village.
- The Romans took it over.
- The Franks moved in next.
- It became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
- In the 1680s, it was forcefully taken by France.
- Germany then annexed it in the 1870s.
- France said ”mine” and snagged it back after World War I.
- Germany said “nein” and reclaimed it during World War II.
- France had it returned in 1944.
- It’s still geographically French today with lots of German culture.
TL;DR: Strasbourg was in Germany for a time but is fully in France today.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Carmen Gabriela. Image Location: Strasbourg Cathedral, France.
What is Strasbourg best known for?
Where is Strasbourg in Europe?
Less than two hours east of Paris by train, right on the border with Germany. It’s a hop, skip, and a jump away from Stuttgart and Frankfurt if you’re coming from Deutschland.
What is Strasbourg best known for?
For most of the year, Strasbourg’s towering Gothic cathedral and the half-timbered houses lining the canals of the Little French Quarter are often the top picks for postcards. But in the winter, it’s all about the Christmas market. The Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik is one of the city’s best known events.
Why is Strasbourg so famous?
Strasbourg, not unlike many French cities, has more than one claim to fame. Roman ruins and wine are two hallmarks of Strasbourg and the greater Alsace region. The city’s also got two nicknames: the Capital of Europe, as it’s a European Union capital, and the Capital of Christmas, thanks to its holiday market that simply sleighs.
What is the best season to visit Strasbourg?
9 out of 10 elves recommend visiting during the Christmas season. Strasbourg hosts one of the oldest Christmas markets in Europe that acts as one of the merriest examples of the city’s unique German and French hybrid-heritage.
And that 10th elf? He’s a dentist, so naturally he votes for summer when the annual Street Bouche Festival fills Strasbourg with street food and mouths with plaque.
Image Credits: Getty Images, Cortentin. Image Location: Place Kleber, Strasbourg, France.
Is 2 days in Strasbourg enough?
From a city-focused perspective, totally. You can get quite a bit of sightseeing in two full days, but you’ll need more if you plan on visiting other parts of the Alsace. Here’s how we’d spend 48 hours in Strasbourg:
Day 1: The Must-Dos
Take the rails from Strasbourg train station and make a beeline to La Petite France, stopping by a cafe on the way to sip coffee while you stroll the picturesque old quarter. Then, meander into the center of Strasbourg and see two popular sites: the Strasbourg cathedral and Place Kléber, where they host the famous Christmas market. Grab Alsatian eats with lunch at Restaurant Le Kuhn then digest on a boat tour. Visit the Alsatian Museum then consider a night of drinks and live music at Les Savons d'Hélène.
Day 2: Beyond Strasbourg’s Center
Wake up and grab a breath of fresh air at Parc de la Citadelle. Waltz across the Passerelle des Deux Rives just to say you also visited Germany and soak in the Rhine Riverside. Back in France, scope out a lesser-visited museum like the Museum of Seismology and Earth Magnetism then sniff out street eats at Marché de la place Broglie. Leave room for a fine Michelin-starred meal at Au Crocodile then bid adieu (not auf wiedersehen) as you get back on your train.
Can you see Strasbourg in 1 day?
Yes, you can see Strasbourg in one day, thanks to its remarkably fast day trip from Paris, Stuttgart, Bern, and countless other cities in Germany, France, and Switzerland.
Now, should you see Strasbourg in one day? Only if you’re pressed for time; this city is pretty special and deserves more than a quick pass. But if you absolutely have to see Strasbourg on a speed run, here are some tips:
- It’s a bike-friendly city, so maximize your time using two wheels.
- Climb to the top of the Strasbourg cathedral for an amazing photo op.
- When visiting for Christmas, plan for crowds nearly everywhere in the city.
Download the Trainline app. You can purchase and store your ticket to Strasbourg right on your phone, weeks before you even set foot in France.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Carmen Gabriela. Image Location: La Petite France, Strasbourg, France.