quick facts 3 · strasbourg has its own international airport in entzheim, just 16 km from the...
TRANSCRIPT
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Quick facts 3
When to go 5
Events and activities 6
Sample itineraries 7
Typical costs 10
Getting there 11
Where to stay 11
Renting a car 14
Transportation options 18
Tours and activities 19
Wi-Fi and SIM cards 19
Map 20
Where to go 22
What to eat and where 27
Day trips 29
Where to go next 30
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• General visa information for travel to France
• Health information
European emergency number 112
Police 17
Medical emergency 15
Fire department 18
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Languages: French, German, English
Helpful phrases
• Hello / Good day – Bonjour
• Please – S’il vous plait
• Thank you – Merci
• Yes / No – Oui / Non
• Excuse me – Excusez-moi
• Sorry – Pardon
• Cheers! – À votre santé
• Bye – Au revoir
Currency: Euro (1 EUR ~ 1.10 USD)
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most
stores and restaurants, but make sure to have cash with
you as some restaurants will only take cash. Always choose
to pay in EUR (the local currency) when prompted by the
payment terminal.
Carry a bit of cash for some restaurants, smaller stores,
and markets. If you have a borderless card like Revolut or
TransferWise, you can withdraw from the French banks’
ATMs for free. Convert your currency to EUR on your app
first, then withdraw easily and hassle-free.
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Strasbourg is at its most beautiful during the summer months
(July, August) with flowers in full bloom and the perfect
weather for walking and biking around the city.
Autumn (October, November) is also a lovely time to visit,
especially if you’re planning to continue your adventures
around Alsace. You can enjoy the beautiful fall colors, milder
weather, and wine festivals and tastings throughout the
countryside.
During the Christmas season (December), Strasbourg dresses
up as the “Capitale de Noël” with festive Christmas markets
spread throughout the city and in smaller towns in Alsace.
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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Here’s a complete list of events in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg-Europe
Runs
NL Contest
Strasbulles
European Comic
Strip Festival
Street Arts Festival
Musica Festival
Architecture Days Christmas Markets
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Day 1 – Begin your adventures in Strasbourg with a walk
around the historic city center. Walk around the
picturesque Petite France, cross the Ponts Couverts, then
head to the Krutenau district. Spend some time in the
Musée alsacien, Palais Rohan, and the Cathedral of Our
Lady of Strasbourg to learn more about the region’s
history and traditions. Unwind at Place Kleber with a glass
of wine and a hearty dish.
Day 2 – Visit the city’s green spaces – the Jardin des Deux
Rives and Parc l’Orangerie are perfect for a relaxing day.
If you want to see more and get farther, rent a bike or join
a bike tour. It’s a great way to enjoy the surrounding
countryside and explore two countries in one day.
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Spend days 1-2 in Strasbourg as above, then move to a
base in the south of Alsace. Colmar is a great place to stay.
Day 3 – From Strasbourg, drive or ride a train to Colmar.
If you’re driving, stop by Haut-Koenigsbourg, a medieval
chateau built on a mountain ridge. Continue to Colmar
and spend the rest of the day exploring the postcard-
perfect town.
Day 4 – Make your way to Eguisheim, the cradle of
Alsatian wine. The medieval town is small and charming,
with winding cobbled streets that lead to several hiking
trails to the Vosges forests. Visit the wineries and bring
home a Reisling or a Cremant d’Alsace. Then continue
your drive to Lac du Ballon and the Grand Ballon for
stunning views of the Alsatian countryside.
Day 5 – Visit two more of the beautiful towns along the
Alsace wine route: Riquewihr and Kaysersberg. Both are
great places for wine tasting, a short hike, or a biking tour
of the vineyards.
You can find more details and a road trip itinerary to
Alsace here.
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EUR 70/night
Studio Proche
Gare Et Petite
France
EUR 120/night
BOMA
EUR 240/night
Cour de
Corbeau
EUR 10
L’Épicerie
EUR 40
La Corde à
Linge
EUR 180
1741
EUR 1.80
Bus/tram ride
within the city
EUR 20/day
Bike rental
EUR 80/day
Car rental
FREE
ACTIVITIES
EUR 35
Guided bike
tours
EUR 130
Alsace wine
tour
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By plane
Strasbourg has its own international airport in Entzheim,
just 16 KM from the Strasbourg city center. Other nearby
international airports are in Stuttgart (2 hours to
Strasbourg) and Paris (5 hours to Strasbourg).
By train or bus
If you’re coming from nearby cities and countries, you can
reach Strasbourg by train or bus. If you’re on a multi-
country trip, getting a Eurail Global Pass can be more
convenient and economical for you. Otherwise, you can
check SNCF for train connections to Strasbourg, or
Flixbus and RegioJet for bus travel.
From Strasbourg airport to the city center
You can ride the train from the airport to the Strasbourg
station, then transfer to a tram or bus to your hotel. You
can buy tickets at the airport and the train station.
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Strasbourg is a great destination for a laidback city break.
You can explore the historic old town and most of the
essential sights on foot or by bike. It’s also a great base for
adventures in Alsace. Depending on how convenient or
relaxed you want your stay in Strasbourg to be, choose your
ideal base from one of these beautiful districts.
If you want to explore Strasbourg’s cultural and historical
highlights easily, stay near Petite France. You’ll be in the
center of the city’s most picturesque district and within
walking distance of the city’s best sights and restaurants.
• Hotel and Spa Le Bouclier d’Or
• Cour du Corbeau
If you’re in Strasbourg to shop and dine, stay near Place
Kleber. You’ll be near all the fabulous shopping galleries
and some of the city’s best restaurants. This is also near
the Christmas markets during December, so you’ll be in a
great place to enjoy the holiday festivities.
• BOMA Hotel
• Le Moon
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If you want a totally relaxed stay away from the crowds,
stay in the European Quarter. While it’s nowhere as hectic
as Paris, Strasbourg does get its share of tourists,
especially around July and December. If you prefer to stay
somewhere more peaceful (and for better rates), the
European quarter is the best area.
• La Residence l’Orangerie
• La Residence des deux Studios
If you’re coming to Strasbourg for a short visit (a night or
two), stay near the Gare Centrale. This area is perfect for a
quick and convenient stay as it’s near the main train
station and within walking distance of the city’s top sights.
If you’re planning to drive or ride the train to the other
towns in Alsace, this is a great place to stay for a quick trip.
• Mercure Strasbourg Centre
• Hotel Graffalgar
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• Age – To rent a car in France, you must be at least 21
years old and have held your local license for 1 year. If
you’re under 25, rental car companies may add a
young driver surcharge.
• License – If you’re staying in France for less than 90
days, you can use a valid European Union or United
States driver’s license. If your driving license is from a
country outside the EU or the US, getting an
International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended.
Take note that the IDP is only valid when used with
your local license, so make sure to bring both.
• Other documents – Have your passport and a credit
card under your name when picking up the rental car.
The rental car company might authorize a deposit on
your credit card to cover for any damages.
• Reserve online - Make sure to reserve your car online
in advance.
Rental cars in France
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• Get a comprehensive car hire insurance – For total
peace of mind, get a comprehensive personal car hire
insurance that will cover for damages and theft.
• Add-ons – A GPS unit and child seats can be added to
your reservation if needed.
• One-way rentals – Many rental car companies in
France allow domestic one-way rentals. This means
you can pick up your car from one city and drop it off
in another.
• Rental car – A 5-seat sedan ranges from EUR 130-180
for 3 days.
• Gas – Estimating 600 kilometers over 3 days, gasoline
could cost you up to EUR 40.
• Tolls – Tolls in France are more expensive than other
European countries at about EUR 9 / 100 KM. You can
check for specific toll costs in France here. If you’re not
in much of a rush, you can set Waze (or your
navigation app of choice) to avoid toll roads.
• Parking – Parking rates vary EUR 0.30-3/hr or EUR 10-
20 for 24 hours. Some cities have free parking schemes
after hours or during the weekends.
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Emergency numbers
• 112 – General European emergency number
• 17 – Police
• 15 – Medical emergency
France drives on the right side of the road.
Usual speed limits
• Motorways – 130 km/hr (80 miles/hr); automatically
drops to 110 km/hr (68 miles/hr) when raining
• Open roads – 80 km/hr (50 miles/hr)
• Towns and cities, urban areas – 50 km/hr (30 miles/hr)
Follow posted speed limit signs in motorways and villages.
Things to watch out for
• Priority roads are indicated with a yellow on white
diamond, but where there is no sign always give way
to the right unless otherwise indicated.
• On roundabouts, vehicles inside the circle have the
right of way.
• Give way to public transport, emergency vehicles, and
pedestrians.
• Always drive with headlights on.
• Don’t use mobile devices while driving.
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• Always wear a seatbelt.
• The alcohol limit while driving is 0.05 percent.
Useful apps
• Google Maps
• Waze
• Maps.me
Connectivity
• Wi-Fi device
• A guide to driving in France for tourists
• RentalCars – Online rental car booking platform
• Comprehensive car hire insurance
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By bike
You can rent a bike for a day to explore the city.
Strasbourg is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the
world, so it’s definitely an ideal way to see the city.
Local transportation
Strasbourg has a great network of trams and buses. You
can get your tickets from a mobile app, a vending machine
at major tram and bus stops (like the Gare Centrale and
the Etoile Bourse, if you’re arriving by bus), or onboard
from the driver (it will be slightly more expensive).
You can find more information about ticket types and
prices here.
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Bike tours in and around Strasbourg
Strasbourg is one of the most biking-friendly cities in the
world and one that both recreational and avid bikers
should experience! Bike paths will bring you to
Strasbourg’s key landmarks as well as to the city outskirts
– and even cross the bridge to Germany.
Strasbourg Christmas Market Tour
Join the festivities and discover why Strasbourg is the
Capital of Christmas.
Strasbourg Self-Guided Gourmet Tour
One of the yummiest ways to spend the day for sure!
Wi-Fi device
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Use this Google Map to get around and plan your trip.
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To get an offline version of this map –
1. Download maps.me to your phone
2. Open the Google Map on your desktop web
browser
3. Click on the icon on the right side of the map name
4. Select Download KML
5. Export as KML
6. Send the file to your mobile via email or messaging
app
7. Open the KML file using maps.me
8. Download the France map on maps.me when
prompted while you have an internet connection
9. You’ll then be able to use maps.me offline – you’ll
find this map saved in your Bookmarks
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Petite France is Strasbourg’s most picturesque district and
looks straight out of a fairytale. Traditional Alsatian half-
timbered houses stand along the riverbanks, their colorful
facades and windowsill flowers reflected in the water.
The neighborhood is a historic district where fishermen,
millers, and tanners used to work. Now, it’s a lively hub for
both tourists and locals looking to bask in the old town
charm. You can spend a day or two here wandering
around the cobblestoned alleys and over the flower-
decked bridges. Make sure to try out Alsatian cuisine in
one of the many restaurants along the river. Afterward,
wander off to the other parts of the Grand Île, Strasbourg’s
historic city center. Stroll along the banks of the quiet River
Ill past pastel houses and flower-
decked bridges in Petite France.
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A stroll in Strasbourg’s Krutenau district is a breath of fresh
air – and a glimpse into the history of the Alsatian way of
life.
You’ll pass by the Musée alsacien, a museum depicting
daily rural life in Alsace in the 18th and 19th centuries; the
Palais Rohan, a masterpiece of French Baroque
architecture and home to the museums of decorative art,
archaeology, and fine arts; and amazing viewpoints along
the quay.
INSIDER TIP: If you’re planning to visit the museums, take
advantage of the Strasbourg 3-day City Pass and enjoy
discounts to museums and other activities around the
city.
A stroll in Strasbourg’s
Krutenau district is a
breath of fresh air
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The Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg is one of the
finest examples of late Gothic architecture.
Built from 1015 to 1439, it was the world’s tallest building
from 1647 to 1874 and presently the sixth-tallest church
in the world and the highest existing structure built
entirely in the Middle Ages. Sandstone from the Vosges
mountains gives the cathedral its pink hue.
Take some time to admire the cathedral’s façade and
interiors, as well as the astronomical clock. You’ll also find
lots of shops and stalls around the cathedral. If you’re
looking for regional treats and products, you’ll find it here.
One of the most impressive
structures built in the Middle
Ages lies in the center of
Strasbourg – the Cathedral of
our Lady of Strasbourg.
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Place Kleber is the largest square in Strasbourg’s city
center, as well as the city’s commercial area. It’s a
shopping haven with big shopping galleries like L’Aubette
and Galeries Lafayette.
For non-shoppers, this is a great place to take in more of
the city’s vibe. If you’re visiting in December, make sure to
hop over to the Christmas market.
Celebrate the holidays in the
Capital of Christmas
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Jardin des Deux Rives (or the Two Shores Garden) is
located on both banks of the Rhine – in France and in
Germany – linked by a beautiful footbridge. This is the
concrete expression of Strasbourg’s “internationalism,” a
symbol of French-German friendship, and for travelers, a
thrill to visit for its cross-border appeal.
From here, you can explore the German town of Kehl, or
make your way back to Strasbourg’s city center.
The Parc de l’Orangerie is in the quiet European quarter of
Strasbourg. It also houses a zoo, a small farm, and a
bowling alley. But best of all, it’s the ideal place to just
relax on a bright sunny afternoon.
Relax at the Jardin des Deux
Rives, a garden with shores in
France and Germany.
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Restaurants serving Alsatian cuisine
Alsatian gastronomy is genial and generous – think
taverns lively with the sound of conversation and cutlery,
and large plates and bowls filled with scrumptious fare
that’s somewhere between hearty bar food and stylish
comfort food.
• Maison des Tanneurs
• La Corde a Linge
Enjoy hearty Alsatian
cuisine as you
explore Strasbourg.
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Pizza and beer
If you’re more of a pizza and beer kind of person, you can
fill up on beer and tarte flambee (also called
flammekueche).
• Academie De La Biere
Wine, cheese, and chocolates
These are the best souvenirs to bring home for yourself
and your friends!
• Terres a vin
• Jacques Bockel chocolaterie
• Maison Lorho
Alsatian food tour
Enjoying Alsatian cuisine is definitely one of the top
reasons to visit Strasbourg. Go on a self-guided gourmet
tour of the city and indulge in the regional fare as you walk
around the city. Or, go for a quick drive just outside
Strasbourg and have a wine-tasting tour and lunch in a
family-owned winery.
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Alsace highlights tour
If you only have one extra day to explore the rest of Alsace,
this fantastic day tour will bring you to three of the most
beautiful Alsatian towns: Colmar, Eguisheim, and
Riquewihr. It’s a full day of medieval castles and stunning
sceneries across the historic Alsace wine route.
Alsace wine tour
If you prefer a more wine-focused tour of Alsace, this is
the day trip for you. Follow the historic Alsace wine trail
and sample the best Rieslings, Pinot Blancs, and
Gewürztraminers of the region.
Christmas markets in Alsace tour
Wine is not the only thing Alsace is known for. It has also
earned the title “Capital of Christmas.” If you’re visiting
over the holidays, make sure to check out the Strasbourg
Christmas markets then check out how the rest of Alsace
joins in on the festivities. You’ll get to see the picturesque
towns all dressed up for Christmas and sample a wide
range of regional treats and products.
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If you love laidback cities where you can enjoy delicious food,
charming neighborhoods and towns, historical sights, and the
beautiful outdoors, check out these other European cities.
Bologna, Italy
If you love to wine and dine, head to Bologna, Italy’s food
capital. You’ll be stuffing up on tortellini, mortadella, and
tiramisu from day 1. Bologna is also the gateway to Emilia-
Romagna, a region known for its medieval cities, rich
gastronomy, and seaside resorts.
Salzburg, Austria
While you definitely won’t call Salzburg “underrated,” the
city has managed to remain charming and rustic, despite
the tourist crowds. Plus, it’s the gateway to Austria’s Lake
District, where you can spend days relaxing by the lake or
hiking in the mountains.
South Moravia, Czech Republic
South Moravia is the Czech Republic’s lush wine-growing
region. You’ll find historic castle towns, vast fields and
vineyards, and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting,
biking and hiking, and enjoying the regional cuisine.
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Thank you for downloading this guide! I wish you exciting
adventures in France. If you found it useful, please forward
or share it with your friends and travel buddies. Your
support and using the links on this guide and on the blog
to plan and book your trip (at no extra cost to you) is what
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much for that!
This guide was downloaded from the Little Holidays
travel blog and the information is current as of December
2019. Please check the website for updates.
If you have more questions about travel in the area, send
me a message, and I’ll get back to you ASAP!
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