AFTERNOONS IN ALSACE / WHAT NOT TO MISS IN STRASBOURG

A few weeks a go, I was lucky enough to be able to travel to Eastern France to Strasbourg where I stayed with a close friend for two nights. We hadn't seen each other in several months so we spent quite a bit of our time catching up, watching Disney movies and relaxing. As she lives in Strasbourg, she was able to take me to her favourite places around the city, and I fell in love with it! The city, despite being the biggest in the Alsace region, felt small compared to Paris. But it was small in a perfect way. 

Being here reminded me of home; the cobbled streets and waterways reminded me of the towns that surround mine in England. It felt super quaint and adorable, and also very safe. It's a city with culture and things to do, but not too much that it overwhelms you, like Paris can. 

So we had a few days of lie-ins and gossiping, but we also got up to a few things which I'm going to share. This isn't a proper travel guide, as I can't recommend an itinerary, but I hope that my photos will give you a flavour of this beautiful city. 

The city centre and the beautiful Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

It's even more beautiful at night!

Little France and the riverside

Les Ponts Couverts

Things to do in Strasbourg... if you have the time

Even though my time spent here wasn't super packed, we did have fun doing a few things in the city centre. Here are a few things I would recommend for your trip to Strasbourg!

If you have 5 minutes...

Amorino Gelato 

These flower shaped ice cream cones are all over Instagram and Pinterest, and this chain is pretty well known around the world, but if you've never had the pleasure - definitely go and get one! Or even if you have, get another. This is some of the best ice cream I've ever had, and the fact that it's so beautiful makes it even better. They also have 6-7 completely vegan flavours, so it's perfect if that's your jam - I know that France doesn't exactly make life easy for vegans. 

If you have 30 minutes...

La Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg

Unfortunately we weren't organised enough to get our act together and look inside this beautiful church, but it is definitely possible, and very popular. This is the second most visited church in France, after the Notre Dame in Paris. They close for lunch, so pay attention to when you'd like to visit. It's also possible to climb up the church tower, but good luck - it's a cool 330 steps. 

If you have 40-45 minutes...

PUR etc. 

This beautiful, kitsch and cosy café has five locations in Strasbourg and serves up entirely vegetarian and vegan dishes, juices and desserts. If you go for food, simply choose a dish you would like - they are all prepared in jars and they heat them up for you there and then! It's delicious fast food that's  good for you. Do not miss the chocolate fondant pot - it's mouth-wateringly good. 

If you have 1 hour...

Batorama Canal Boat Tour

This boat tour was probably the highlight of Strasbourg for me. Similarly to the bateaux mouches in Paris, a canal boat will take you on a historical tour of Strasbourg's sites by river. There are a couple of tours available, ranging in length and content, but the longer full tour was fantastic, and we got to see all through Little France and right up to the European Parliament building in Strasbourg. They have an excellent commentary in multiple languages so you can hear of the history of what you're passing - they provide headphones but if you're a germaphobe like me, bring your own. 

European Parliament! 12 times a year European leaders meet here for a 4 day summit - and who'd have thought it would be in Strasbourg? Very cool.

Les Ponts Couverts and Petite France

Taking a gentle walk through Little France and up towards the Ponts Couverts was so lovely. Les Ponts Couverts are a little network of bridges connected with land and huge towers which used to be along the entire perimeter of the city. The 'covered bridge' used to be completely covered with a wooden roof. Opposite the ponts couverts is a bigger bridge and dam which used to be an old security measure for the city as it acted as a sort of passport control of who could enter. There is now a Nazi museum inside the dam building, but if you walk in and take the stairs right by the entrance, you are able to walk on top of the dam building and you can experience panoramic views of Strasbourg and the river. This is a hidden gem that you cannot miss!

The view of the Ponts Couverts from the dam

If you have an afternoon...

Colmar

This is a fairytale town - you will not believe that it's not a movie set or some corner of Fantasyland in Disneyland. Colmar is only 30 minutes from Strasbourg on the train, and definitely worth a visit if you have a few hours spare. I have a whole post dedicated to Colmar which you can check out for tips. Come here for a tranquil afternoon walking around and relaxing - it's particularly good if you're looking for somewhere romantic too!

I don't know what there's left to say about the beautiful city of Strasbourg, besides go and visit! It's just a few hours from Paris, Brussels and many German cities so it can easily be added to your European trip plans - and surely the pictures have shown you that it's worth it.