Bonjour, Strasbourg! 4 Compelling Reasons to Explore this Enchanting French/German Border Town

In July, I met my sister, Meg, in Strasbourg, France for four days of taking in what I had heard was a lovely and quaint European city with an international feel. We didn’t really know what to expect, and were pleasantly surprised by everything the city had to offer.

Nestled on the border of France and Germany, the picturesque town of Strasbourg is one of Europe’s best kept secrets. With its captivating blend of French and German influences, Strasbourg offers a unique and enchanting experience that truly stole our hearts. From its breathtaking architecture to its rich history and delicious food, there are countless reasons why Strasbourg should be on every traveler's bucket list. In this blog post, we will delve into the four most compelling reasons to explore this charming French border town and immerse yourself in the magic of Strasbourg.

Reason 1: Explore the Mesmerizing Architecture and Rich History

The magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral from below

• Strasbourg Cathedral, Gothic masterpiece

  When my sister and I arrived in Strasbourg (she from her home in Barcelona, I from Boston via London and Paris on the scenic Eurostar/TGV train trip), we dropped our bags in our free Home Exchange apartment (more in Reason #4) and set out to find a place to eat. On our way, we stumbled upon the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral, known as Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg in French, and got completely side tracked. It is a true Gothic masterpiece that will leave you in awe due to its intricate architecture and soaring heights, along with its interesting marriage of religion and science in its intricate astronomical clock. It is an absolutely fascinating must-see stop.

• Petite France district, picturesque canals and half-timbered houses

  We left the Cathedral sooner than we would have liked to search for an Alsatian meal we had Googled and then instantly desired: the famous tarte flambée (more in Reason #2). As you wander through the city looking for the restaurant that speaks to you, you'll most likely find yourself in the enchanting Petite France district. With its picturesque canals and half-timbered houses, it feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The area is perfect for strolling around, taking in the scenic views, and capturing some Insta-worthy shots. It’s also a perfect place to pick up some souvenirs and sign up for a highly recommended batorama canal cruise.

• Alsatian Museum, historical museum showcasing the city's heritage

  For history buffs, a visit to the Alsatian Museum is a must. This historical museum showcases Strasbourg's rich heritage through fascinating exhibits and artifacts. You'll get a more in-depth understanding of the city's past and how it has evolved over time. Meg and I enjoyed the architecture of the museum as much as we did the artifacts within.

  So whether you're into architecture, history, or simply exploring charming streets, Strasbourg has something for everyone. Get ready to immerse yourself in this remarkable city filled with culture and charm.

Reason 2: Delight Your Taste Buds with Alsatian Cuisine and Wine

Pretzels come in many forms in the Alsatian region, much to our delight!

• Tarte flambée (Flammekueche), a delicious thin-crust pizza-like dish

  The dee-lightful treat that is the Alsatian tarte flambée is a thin-crust pizza-like tarte that'll have you craving more with its traditional flavor combinations of crème fraîche, onions, and bacon. Meg and I scoured the internet for the best in town and to my delight, Mama Bubbele in the heart of town serves gluten-free tartes! (At home, I follow the endo diet pretty faithfully but when I travel, I allow myself to stray for the sake of proper local cuisine experiences. However, it is always great to find restaurants when traveling that serve traditional meals with dietary needs accommodations.) We ordered two tartes: Le Tarte Flambée du Moment served with goat cheese, thyme, and honey and another that neither of us can remember because we were not expecting to love the tarte du moment as much as we did. In fact, when we came back from romping around Germany the next day, we decided that the best course of action was to go back to Mama Bubbele and have another round except this time, we ordered two Le Tarte Flambées du Moment and sat quietly savoring each bite. And just like leftover pizza is delicious as a cold breakfast treat, our goat cheese, thyme, and honey culinary dish did not disappoint the next morning.

• Riesling, a renowned Alsatian wine variety

  I don’t drink often but when I do, I usually choose a glass of Riesling and I very much enjoyed the local Alsatian Riesling. Wine people use flowery words and phrases like “hint of lemon” and “delicate” and “elegant minerality” to describe how wine tastes; I cannot wax poetic about wine, but I can say that every glass of Riesling I had in Strasbourg was simply delicious. It was crisp and refreshing and paired perfectly with the tarte flambée.

• Glacier Toscani, the most delicious ice cream in Strasbourg

  Meg and I LOVE ice cream, so naturally we spent lots of time using Google to find the best ice cream in town. The reviews for Glacier Toscani were largely glowing and they were on point; not only was it simply delicious but they have the most interesting flavors! I had whiskey and coffee one day and rose and pistachio the next. Prices were reasonable and I love that they serve edible waffle cups. If you enjoy homemade ice cream and surprising flavors, definitely stop by Glacier Toscani.

  Whether you're in the mood for savory or sweet delights, Strasbourg has got you covered. Get ready to indulge in these delectable dishes and experience the flavors of this charming French region firsthand!

Reason 3: Easy Day Trip to Germany’s Black Forest to Visit Thermal Baths and an Open Air Museum

Mural of the treat you can expect soon on the way to the Black Forest Open Air Museum

Meg and I decided to spend a day traveling by train to Germany to explore the thermal baths in Baden-Baden and track down authentic Black Forest cake on our way to an open air museum that we had read about. The day was filled with unexpected delights and a few rewarding problem-solving moments when trying to figure out when the next train might be coming. Overall, it was a great day and I highly recommend exploring a bit of Germany when visiting Strasbourg. Here are two of our highlights:

• Unwind at the Caracalla Thermal Baths in Baden-Baden

  My sister and I aren’t exactly pool folks but we were intrigued by the idea of going to Germany to soak in thermal baths for a morning activity, so off we went to Baden-Baden to take in the mineral baths and just pamper ourselves for a bit. The pools resemble an ancient temple and have varied water features to keep your time in the mineral water interesting. We had an enjoyable time soaking in the healing properties of the water and were happy with the facilities and reasonable prices. Definitely bring sunscreen as the best of the baths are outside!

• Dive into Alsatian History at the Black Forest Open Air Museum

  Situated in Germany, just a short train ride from Strasbourg (or, in our case, from Baden-Baden), this open-air museum offers a unique opportunity to discover the fascinating stories and traditions that shaped this borderland. As you step into the museum, you are instantly transported back in time. The meticulously reconstructed village showcases authentic buildings, both residential and commercial, that were once part of the Alsace-Lorraine landscape. The attention to detail is astounding, with each structure faithfully representing a specific period in history. It is clear that the Alsatian people lived very difficult lives (a standout fact is that they cooked using wood fired ovens with no ventilation so their kitchen walls — and lungs! — were coated in soot!). If you’re someone who enjoys a museum that brings a time period to life, this is the place for you. Oh and if you get there before the café just outside the museum closes, try a slice of their Black Forest cake — it’s delish!

Reason 4: Home Exchanges are Available in Strasbourg

The flowers and architecture in Strasbourg delight at every turn and, seemingly, everywhere

I used HomeExchange.com guest points to stay in an apartment in Strasbourg and was so pleased with the experience. Meg met our host in the apartment just as she was about to jet off to Morocco for a week and even though our host was also on vacation, she was available to chat about a few questions we had as we settled in. Overall, we were very happily situated and so pleased that we were able to save money on accommodations, live like a young local woman, and feel so at home in a new city.

Disclaimer: If you would like to join HomeExchange.com (I promise, it’s worth it!) then please use our affiliate link. It allows us to keep sharing our content for free!

Batorama canal cruise takes you on a relaxing and informative journey through Strasbourg’s many canals

From its rich history and stunning architecture to its vibrant culture and delicious cuisine, Strasbourg offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers. So start planning your trip to Strasbourg today and immerse yourself in the beauty and magic of this enchanting city. If you want some help planning your trip, or you’d like a coach to help you figure out if Strasbourg is a destination for you, check out our planning and coaching services on our site or click on Book in the menu above to schedule a call with us! Bon voyage!