48 hours of Romance in Strasbourg

In winter, the cold of Alsace is a good reason for lovers to huddle together, especially when it comes to walking. Venture hand in hand into Strasbourg’s vast Jardin de l’Orangerie, a classified historic monumet, which blends the classical with the romantic. Watch the storks, which have found refuge here since their reintroduction to the city. Take a romantic canoe ride and get up close to the large waterfall in the lake. Dine under the glass ceiling at Buerehiesel, a restaurant in a pretty half-timbered house.

With its majestic Gothic facade and pink sandstone, Strasbourg Cathedral is the dream wedding venue for many couples. Walking down the aisle here will impress your guests. The interior of the cathedral with its imposing Renaissance clock which comes alive every day at 12.30. Next door, don’t miss the pillar of angles. A beautiful tall, slender pillar surrounded by graceful statues of angels illustrating the apocalypse or why not visit the cathedral platform for a breath of fresh air and a breathtaking view of the city.

With 330 steps to climb, reaching the cathedral platform is an effort – but the view that awaits at the top is worth it. The city unfolds from 66 metres up, and thanks to the VR Strasbourg 360° app, you can see the skyline now and also see it as what it used to be.Looking west, you will see the city as it was back in 1490; walls bristling with 25 towers, buildings long gone, and the site of the second cathedral spire. Looking east, you can see the city as it was in 1730. Back to the present day, other churches are open for visitors, some are home to real treasures (Baroque funerary statues, superb 18th-century organs, 19th-century frescoes). A journey into the past in perspective but this one feels very real.

In the Petite-France district, half-timbered houses with colourful flowers cheerfully criss-cross the waterways. Corbelled windows adorn the facades and sloping roofs lean towards the sky. Electric boats are a lovely way to appreciate the scenery, and reflect on Strasbourg’s medieval past as you watch the reflections in the water.

To satisfy your other half around Alsatian specialities, dine in an authentic restaurant called winstubs. Want a more tucked away table? Opt for a gastronomic restaurant. Among many places not to be missed, La Casserole welcomes you near the Notre-Dame cathedral in Strasbourg in a cocooning atmosphere unless you succumb to one of the pastries of the hotel Leonor. Why not let yourself be tempted by a coco-exotic dessert accompanied by a hot chocolate or a Mariage Frères tea? Leonor Restaurant and Tearoom Restaurant La Casserole Tasting Alsatian specialities in a winstub

The four-star Hotel Kaijoo offers a romantic night’s stay. Its industrial-style decor enhanced with Nordic and Japanese touches brings out a Zen spot to lay your head but also keep travelling.

In February, couples unite for ‘Strasbourg, mon amour’, 10 days of balls and more intimate evenings, foodie experiences, exclusive concerts, unusual visits and even a festival of romantic literature. The 2023 festival runs from February 10-19.