Morning: the cathedral and its surroundings

Start with Strasbourg’s Notre-Dame Cathedral, a true masterpiece of Gothic art. This^13th-century marvel stands 142 meters tall. In fact, it was the tallest building in the world for 227 years, from 1647 to 1874. Moreover, its pink sandstone façade takes on a dazzling golden hue at sunrise.

Climb onto the platform

Next, climb the 332 steps leading to the observation deck, perched 66 meters above the ground. From there, you’ll take in a sweeping view of Strasbourg’s rooftops, the Vosges Mountains, and, on a clear day, the German Black Forest. Then head back down to admire the astronomical clock inside: its automaton show takes place every day at 12:30 p.m. What’s more, this^16th-century mechanism remains astonishingly accurate.

Iconic landmarks

After visiting the cathedral, take a stroll through Place Kléber and then Place Gutenberg. Also, Rue des Hallebardes and Rue des Orfèvres are worth a detour for their remarkable facades. In short, let yourself be swept away by the atmosphere of the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Noon: Petite France and lunch at a winstub

Continue on to the Petite France district, undoubtedly the most photographed area in Strasbourg. This medieval gem, crisscrossed by the canals of the Ill River, is lined with half-timbered houses from^{the 16th} and^17th centuries. In addition, the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam offer absolutely breathtaking views.

It’s also the perfect time to have lunch at a winstub (Alsatian tavern). There, you can enjoy choucroute garnie, baeckeoffe, or flammekueche in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. And what better way to enjoy your meal than with a pint of Alsatian beer or a glass of Riesling?

Afternoon: museums, Europe, or a river cruise

There are several options to choose from, depending on your interests. On the one hand, the Musée Alsacien offers a vivid exploration of regional traditions through its engaging exhibits. On the other hand, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art will delight art lovers with its impressive collections.

The European Quarter

If you’d rather stay outdoors, take a stroll through the European Quarter. The European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights create a distinctly modern skyline there. Plus, the nearby Orangerie Park, with its storks, offers the perfect green space to relax.

Riverboat Cruise

Alternatively, take a 70-minute cruise on the Ill River. This way, you’ll enjoy a panoramic view of the city, from the houses of Petite France all the way to the European Quarter. It’s also a great way to give your feet a rest after a morning of walking.

Evening: dinner and light show

At the end of the day, enjoy the cathedral’s illuminations, which are absolutely magical at dusk. Then, have dinner at a brasserie to sample other local specialties, such as coq au Riesling or tourte. To learn more, check out our complete guide to a weekend in Strasbourg.

Morning: Obernai and Mont Sainte-Odile

The second day begins in the charming townof Obernai, 30 minutes south of Strasbourg. This medieval town captivates visitors from the moment they arrive with its Market Square, lined with colorful half-timbered houses. In addition, the^13th-century belfry, the Six-Bucket Well, and the Wheat Hall are all worth a visit. Allow about an hour to see everything.

The climb to the monastery

After Obernai, take the winding road that climbs up to Mont Sainte-Odile, a major spiritual site in Alsace. Perched at an altitude of 764 meters, this monastery offers an exceptional view of the plain. You can also walk along a section of the mysterious “Mur païen,” an 11-kilometer-long megalithic wall whose origins still divide archaeologists. This roughly 45-minute walk through the forest is both a refreshing change of scenery and a rejuvenating experience.

Afternoon: Kaysersberg, Riquewihr, and Éguisheim

After lunch, head south along the Wine Route to visit three of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. First, Kaysersberg welcomes you with its^15th-century fortified bridge, the ruins of a medieval castle, and its perfectly preserved historic center. It is also the birthplace of Albert Schweitzer, winner of the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize. Notably, his birthplace now houses a center dedicated to his humanitarian work.

Riquewihr, the jewel of the vineyards

Next, continue on to Riquewihr, often called “the pearl of the Alsatian vineyards.” This^16th-century fortified village, which is entirely pedestrian-friendly, transports you back in time. Its wrought-iron signs, flower-filled courtyards, and well-preserved ramparts create a truly unique setting. It’s also the perfect place to taste a Riesling Grand Cru directly at the winery.

Eguisheim, France's favorite village

Finally, end the day in Éguisheim, voted “France’s Favorite Village” in 2013. Its unique circular layout, with streets radiating out from the castle, is absolutely fascinating. What’s more, its brightly painted half-timbered houses, adorned with geraniums, create a true postcard-perfect setting. By the way, did you know that the village was the birthplace in 1002 of the man who would become Pope Leo IX? Allow at least an hour to explore it.

Evening: dinner at a farmhouse inn

For dinner, farmhouse inns and village restaurants offer authentic Alsatian cuisine at reasonable prices. You can enjoy dishes like coq au Riesling, Alsatian meat pie, or homemade spätzle. It’s also the perfect opportunity to order a bottle of Crémant d’Alsace to celebrate this wonderful day. For more ideas, check out our guide to a romantic weekend in Alsace.

Morning: Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

To wrap up your trip, start your day early with a visit to Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle. Perched at an altitude of 757 meters, this^12th-century fortress is the most visited monument in Alsace. However, by arriving right when it opens (9:00 a.m. in July and August, 9:30 a.m. the rest of the year), you’ll avoid the summer crowds. That way, you can fully enjoy the experience.

A tour lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes

The tour lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll explore period-furnished rooms, an imposing keep, and remarkable collections of weapons and armor. Plus, the panoramic views of the Vosges Mountains, the valley, and sometimes the Alps are simply extraordinary. In short, it’s a must-see attraction that appeals to history buffs and families alike. For all the details, check out our complete guide to Haut-Koenigsbourg.

Crochet near Sélestat

On your way back down, make a detour to Sélestat, a town that’s often overlooked but rich in treasures. In particular, its Humanist Library, listed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, houses exceptional medieval manuscripts. In addition, its two churches—one Romanesque and one Gothic—bear witness to the town’s former prosperity. In fact, it was here that the first Christmas tree was documented, as early as 1521.

Afternoon: Colmar, the pearl of Alsace

After spending the morning at the castle, head to Colmar —it’s only a 25-minute drive. As the third-largest city in Alsace, it offers a taste of everything that makes the region so charming. It’s the perfect way to wrap up your trip.

Little Venice

Start with Little Venice, the most iconic neighborhood. This area, crossed by the Lauch River, is reminiscent of Venice with its colorful houses reflected in the water. You can also hop aboard a traditional rowboat to admire the facades from the canal. In short, it’s a peaceful experience that we highly recommend.

Architectural gems

Next, explore the Tanners’ Quarter, with its tall half-timbered houses that were once used for drying hides. Then head to the Maison des Têtes, a Renaissance building constructed in 1609 and adorned with 106 carved heads, now a luxury hotel. Similarly, the Maison Pfister, with its wooden gallery and painted frescoes, remains an architectural gem from the^16th century.

The Unterlinden Museum

If you love art, don’t miss the Unterlinden Museum. In particular, it houses Matthias Grünewald’s famous Issenheim Altarpiece, considered one of the absolute masterpieces of Western painting. In addition, the museum was renovated by architects Herzog & de Meuron. In fact, its contemporary extension is also part of the experience. For more details, check out our complete guide to a weekend in Colmar.

Late afternoon: shopping and souvenirs

Finish your visit with a stroll through the shopping streets. The Grand’Rue and Rue des Marchands are brimming with artisanal shops, chocolate makers, and souvenir stores. It’s also the perfect opportunity to pick up some Soufflenheim pottery, Alsatian tablecloths, gingerbread, or Gewurztraminer marc. Finally, treat yourself to one last kougelhopf with a cup of coffee before hitting the road again, your heart full of memories.