2

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

3

• General visa information for travel to France

• Health information

European emergency number 112

Police 17

Medical emergency 15

Fire department 18

4

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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10

15

20

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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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10

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

15

• 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

22

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

keeps the Little Holidays up and running, so thank you so

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!

Lastly, I’d love to know what you think! Please take 2

minutes to help us make better guides in the future.

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Thank you and enjoy your little holidays! ♥

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