An enchanting escape in the heart of Strasbourg

Begin your stay by visiting the Neustadt district, the “new town” built during the Prussian annexation, between 1871 and 1914, characterised by superb squares and wide avenues. Look out for the Egyptian House, the Brion Villa and the Knopf Villa. You can also visit the European Parliament, just a 15-minute tram ride away.

For lunch, pop into the Cafétéria Dallmayr at the National and University Library. Here, the watchwords are 100% fresh, local, organic and zero-waste.

After your meal, head for the busy Krutenau district, formerly the haunt of boatmen and fishermen. On your way, visit the city’s Municipal Baths and the Jardin des Sciences for an immersive experience at the Planetarium.

Once in Krutenau, take the opportunity to stroll along the iconic Sainte-Madeleine shopping street.

At the end of the day, join Léonie for a workshop to learn to make pretzel bread, a legendary speciality of Alsace.

Round off your evening with dinner at the Pont Corbeau, a “winstub” (Alsation for “wine room”) where they serve deliciously authentic dishes prepared from ingredients sourced through a network of local producers.

The Grande Île is Strasbourg’s historical centre. More than 20 footbridges built on either side of the district connect the island to the rest of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is packed with architectural and historical gems like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Kammerzell House, not forgetting the beautiful square, Place Kléber.

For lunch, try Flow Food, a cosy restaurant and café serving seasonal food at affordable prices. The menu includes vegetarian and vegan options.

In the afternoon, visit the Fine Arts Museum (book ahead) located on the first floor of the Rohan Palace, where you’ll learn about the different European schools of painting through the centuries: the Renaissance style of Raphaël, the Baroque style of Rubens, the 19th-century style of Delacroix and so on.

Then it’s back to the hotel to try the Mediterranean food served at the restaurant, where the focus is on vegetable dishes prepared in-house from fresh ingredients.

For your last day, begin with a visit to the legendary La Perle Brewery, a Strasbourg institution since 1882. Guided tours are available from 11am, followed by a chance to taste their products.

Then, continue your day in the historical Petite France district. Listed by UNESCO as World Heritage of Humanity since 1988, this district is home to some beautiful half-timbered houses, narrow streets and 18th-century covered bridges with splendid views over the canals. In fact, if you’re looking for an amusing way to explore the surrounding area, you can rent an electric boat fromMarin d’Eau Douce.

For your last meal, book a table at Fink’Stuebel, an inviting, typically Alsatian winstub. You'll love the generous menu featuring käseknepfle with cream, homemade brioche pie, sauerkraut with pork cuts, and iced kugelhopf with kirsch.

Visit Strasbourg et sa région.

Further reading :

• À bicyclette sur la route des vins d'Alsace
• 48 heures en tête-à-tête à Strasbourg