Things to do in  Alsace

With its lattice of canals and half-timbered townhouses, La Petite France on Grande Île is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque areas and is an integral part of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage site. At the mouth of the River Ill, the historic district is the city’s oldest area, dating back to the 16th-century when it was inhabited by fishermen, tanners, and millers.

Perched high in the Vosges Mountains, overlooking the Alsatian plains, the striking pink sandstone towers of the Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg are an unmissable sight. Built in the 12th century and extensively renovated in the 19th century, the fairy-tale fortress is a popular attraction along the Alsace Wine Route.

The Strasbourg Cathedral of Notre Dame (also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg, or simply, Strasbourg Cathedral) is the second most-visited cathedral in France, after Notre Dame in Paris. Up to 4 million people visit each year to admire its 465-foot (142-meter) spire and dramatic red facade sculpted from Vosges sandstone.

A highlight along the Alsace Wine Route, Colmar’s compact and lovingly preserved medieval center is renowned for its postcard-worthy prettiness. Come here to admire the town’s half-timbered buildings painted rainbow colors, fishing boats bobbing along the flower-lined canal ways, and a maze of cobblestone lanes dotted with small cafés and artisan shops.

The colorful heart of Colmar earns its nickname from the canal-like Lauch River that divides its two banks, each lined with half-timbered fishermen’s homes that seem plucked straight from a fairytale. Soak up its quintessential Alsatian charm that's an easy day trip from Rhine River cruise ports.

Built for then-Bishop оf Strasbourg, Cardinal Armand Gaston Maximilien de Rohan, 18th-century Palais Rohan has hosted an impressive guest list throughout its history—Louis XV, Marie Antoinette, Napoléon Bonaparte, and Charles X. Now, the riverfront landmark on Grande Île plays host to three important cultural institutions: Musée des Beaux-Arts,xa0 Musée Archéologique, and Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

One of Strasbourg’s key historical landmarks, the Vauban Dam (known locally as the Barrage Vauban was built in 1686. Designed by military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban, the covered bridge crosses the River Ill and also functions as a defensive fortification. It now houses a gallery and its rooftop is accessible to visitors.

Named after one-time Strasbourg resident Johannes Gutenberg, who famously invented the movable-type printing press in 1439, Gutenberg Square (Place Gutenberg) remains an important commercial and navigation center of Strasbourg's Old Town. Strategically located close to Strasbourg Cathedral, it's a popular meeting place, surrounded by cafés and restaurants.

Among Europe’s most popular Christmas markets, Strasbourg’s annual Christkindelsmärik sees the city transform into a whirlwind of festivity. More than 2 million yearly visitors flock to the seasonal market, which includes craft and gift stalls andvin chaud (mulled wine) vendors, as well as an ice rink and carolers.

A trio of bridges arching over the canal ways of the River Ill, the Strasbourg Covered Bridges (Ponts Couverts) are an iconic symbol of the city, marking the gateway to its central Grande-Île. A lasting vestige of Strasbourg’s medieval fortifications, the bridges once featured wooden roofs which offered soldiers protection.

Covering 64 acres (26 hectares in central Strasbourg, the Orangerie Park (Parc de l’Orangerie is the city’s oldest and biggest public park. Dating from the 18th century—and some claim—planted in 1804 to the plans of Versailles’ garden landscaper, André Le Nôtre, it offers flower-lined lawns, a lake, pavilion, stork sanctuary, and family attractions.

Set up in 1907 to preserve the region’s unique cultural heritage, Strasbourg’s Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien) is a fascinating tribute to Alsatian folk arts and traditions, with more than 5,000 items on display. Housed in a trio of 16th- and 17th-century timber-framed mansions, each of the museum’s rooms provides a snapshot of traditional Alsatian life.

With its candy-colored buildings and half-timbered townhouses, Colmar has no shortage of photo-worthy architecture, but the Pfister House (Maison Pfister) stands out from the crowd. Its traditional wooden balconies, two-story corner oriel, and octagonal tower have a medieval fairy-tale quality and are decorated with ornate murals.

One of Strasbourg’s most photographed buildings, Maison Kammerzell stands out for its unique architecture. Dating back to 1467 and largely rebuilt in the 16th century, the historic residence now houses a popular restaurant serving traditional Alsatian cuisine, along with a hotel.

Amid Strasbourg’s artful jumble of historic buildings, St. Thomas Church (Eglise St. Thomas stands out for its red brick façade and mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Dating back to the 12th century, the protestant church is one of the many highlights of Strasbourg’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grand Île.