“This little corner of France is full of enchanting villages and landscapes just begging to be visited.” — Brian Jannsen
If you’re planning a trip to Paris, consider carving out time for a quick two-day getaway to another region. France’s high-speed trains make it easy to explore charming towns like Strasbourg—just a few hours away and full of history, architecture, and culture.
If you’re looking for a beautiful medieval town to visit, Strasbourg is the perfect place. It’s an easy 2½-hour ride on the high-speed train from Paris. Strasbourg, the capital of the Alsace region in eastern France, sits along the Rhine River, just across from Kehl, Germany.
I instantly fell in love with the half-timbered houses, lovely canals, and narrow, winding streets.
One of my favorite places was the Grand Île, the historic center of Strasbourg. We spent several hours wandering the busy cobblestone streets, shopping, and enjoying the local cuisine paired with delicious German beers. Alsatian cuisine is a perfect blend of traditional German food with a French twist. And if beer isn’t your thing, you can sip some of the region’s amazing Riesling wines.
No visit would be complete without seeing Notre-Dame Cathedral, right in the heart of Old Town. With the largest and most beautiful steeples I’ve ever seen, the Cathedral is the tallest 15th-century structure in the world. The inside is spectacular—especially the famous astronomical clock, which not only tells time but also calculates ecclesiastical occasions.
We made our way along the Berg Piétonne, admiring the city’s incredible architecture. You’ll fall in love with the intricate wood-plank siding, whitewashed homes, and colorful flower boxes overflowing with blooms.
After wandering around Berg, we decided to take a boat cruise—and it was the perfect way to experience both the old and the new sides of Strasbourg. Our ride started in Petite-France, gliding through the Tanner’s Quarter, under covered bridges, and past the Neustadt Imperial Quarter. The cruise circles the entire main island, offering stunning views of the city’s historic churches as well as the modern buildings that house the European Parliament, Council of Europe, and European Court of Human Rights.
Strasbourg is truly a magical town, filled with beautiful architecture, cobbled streets, and a cathedral like no other.
Tips for Visiting Strasbourg
Getting There
Getting to Strasbourg from Paris is easy by train. You can take a high-speed TGV INOUI or OUIGO train from Paris Gare de l’Est. The ride takes between 1 hour 45 minutes and 2½ hours, depending on the route.
Bonus tip: You can also find direct trains from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) to Strasbourg if you’re heading there straight off your flight.
Where to Stay
We booked a room at the Best Western Hôtel de l’Europe, about a 10-minute walk from the train station and conveniently located near the Old Town, shopping, sightseeing, and restaurants. It was very clean and safe, and the staff were friendly and helpful.
Website: www.hotel-europe.com/en/https://www.hotel-europe.com/en/
G’sundheit!
Kerry
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