When you think of France, I bet I can guess what city you think of first.

Paris is beautiful and definitely a bucket-list destination for the seasoned traveler, but there are other smaller cities to visit that offer charm, history, and incredible food!

On the edge of the French/German border stands Strasbourg, is a historical flip-flopper and France’s hidden gem.  Now I decided to go FULL tourist mode to explore this city via segway and experience all that Strasbourg had to offer.

Let’s dive in to what this charming town has to see and do!

The History of Strasbourg

Strasbourg is located on the northeast side of France, ride along the border to Germany. Because of this, you’ll probably hear both German and French being spoken as you explore the city.

The city celebrated its 2,000th birthday in 1988, and during its history has continuously been changing between German and French rule. You’ll experience a unique cultural blend of European architecture, cuisine, and customs here!

Today, Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace, a cultural region in the northeast of France.

Things to Do in Strasbourg

Strasbourg is such a unique place that it will probably take two to three days before you’ve gotten to see and experience everything it has to offer. Here are some of the best things to do to add to your itinerary!

Petit France

Petit France (“Little France”) is one of the most popular sights in Strasbourg!

The neighborhood of Petit France has all the charm of Paris on a smaller scale. The half-timbered buildings along the river will whisk you back in time, and the plethora of shopping a few blocks over will deposit you back in the present.

Cathedral of Our Lady of Strasbourg

The sixth-tallest church in the world stands as the centerpiece of Strasbourg. The cathedral’s Gothic architecture was described by writer Victor Hugo as a “gigantic and delicate marvel”, though you may find yourself speechless.

Orangerie Park

Built to impress Napoleon’s wife Josephine, Orangerie Park is a serene spot in northeastern Strasbourg. More likely than not you’ll spot a stork as you stroll through the park since there is a stork sanctuary at the small zoo in the center of the park. Stop in for a bite at the park’s restaurant or canoe along the lake if animals aren’t your thing.

Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church

Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Protestant Church translates to “Young St. Peter’s”. Why not just “St. Peter’s”? Well, there are THREE other St. Peter’s churches in the same city!

Entrance is free, but the beautiful views are priceless.

Take a Boat Tour

Take in the fairy-tale charm of Strasbourg by boat! Learn about the history, architecture, and some of Strasbourg’s UNESCO heritage sites along the way.

Visit the Monuments and Statues

One of my favorite parts of visiting Europe is that you might turn a corner and stumble across a piece of history. A city with a storied background like Strasbourg will have some breathtaking monuments and statues!

Le Monument Aux Mort is the most well-known in Strasbourg. The inscription simply reads “to our dead”, not noting whether it is referring to the German or French people.

You can find Le Monument Aux Mort on the Place de la République.

Of course, this is not all Strasbourg has to offer. There are museums, political sights, and religious sights that will have you wanting to return to Strasbourg as soon as you leave.

If you’re looking to cross the border into Germany, make sure to add Heidelberg to your must-see list!