Strasbourg Walking tour

The “tourist” area of Strasbourg is friendly to walkers…no steep hills, relatively short distances, interesting sights. So, join us as we take you on a mini-tour of some of the sights we saw while strolling around the island.

Yes, I did say island. The River L’ill (one of the tributaries of the Rhine) separates and flows around the island where many of the tourist sights of Strasbourg are to be found.

Many tourists will arrive by train so let’s start at the train station.

 

 

 

The station itself is rather unique…looks more like a sports stadium than a train station doesn’t it.

 

 

 

The station is ideally located for the walker. Just walk out the main front doors and head towards the island.

Aside: There are some restaurants just after you cross the pretty green area, including a MacDonald’s and an Eden Foods (a local fast food place) if you need a quick bite.

Lovely flower covered bridges will lead you into the area likely of most interest to tourists. (Remember…I said we would be on an island.)

One could use the efficient light rail tram system, but, for most places we want to see, walking is probably best.

Aside: Trams, pedestrians, and cyclists all manage to safely share the same space. North America…we could learn from this!

Being on an island you are never that far from the river. Swans seem to be symbolic of the city.

The cathedral can be used as a visual beacon to guide you. Just look up…see, there the spires are!

Near the cathedral you will pass the shops that are so popular on Christmas River cruise tours in Europe and you will find the entrance for the boat cruises.

This square and its statue also became landmarks for us.

Hint: Click on any photo to enlarge it.

After visiting the MAMCS (Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art) let’s climb the two flights of stairs to the top of the Vauban Dam. It is right next door over the River L’ill.

Here we will have a picture perfect view of La Petite France (oldest section of the city), the covered bridges (covers were taken off in the 1700s but the name remains), and the remains of the old city walls.

This is the iconic view you will see on  postcards from Strasbourg.

 Quite the view isn’t it. We took this photo from the panoramic terrace atop the Vauban dam. The towers are from the 14th century and were part of the old city walls.

Here is the Vauban dam viewed from the island side.

During July and August the dam becomes the backdrop for a Water and Light show.

See some photos of the show by clicking here.

Continue touring Strasbourg on La Petite Train. Click here.

To tour Strasbourg by boat, click here.

Want to go somewhere else in France? Click here.

or somewhere else in the world? No problem. Click here.

Happy travels!