The French city of Strasbourg is the perfect place to get into the festive spirit, as it’s home to one of the world’s best Christmas markets
Embracing the Christmas spirit means donning those ghastly festive jumpers, guzzling down gallons of mulled wine and paying a visit to a Christmas market. Known as the European “Capital of Christmas”, Strasbourg is a French city nestled on the German border.
The Alsatian culture deeply ingrains Christmas traditions and festivities, with their iconic winter markets dating back to 1570, making them among Europe’s oldest. The city was officially dubbed the “Capital of Christmas” in 1992, when Jean-Jacques Gsell, deputy to Mayor Catherine Trautmann, proposed hosting market stalls across various city squares.
This year, you can wander through the markets from November 27 to December 27, including the main Christkindelmarik held at Place Broglie and around the city’s cathedral. Treat yourself to festive delights like Vin chaud (or mulled wine), beer, and snacks such as bredeles (star-shaped spiced biscuits), mannele (little man-shaped brioches) and gingerbread.
Don’t miss out on the city’s iconic Christmas tree at Place Kleber, towering at an impressive 30 metres tall. To delve into Strasbourg’s rich history, the Notre Dame Cathedral boasts over a millennia of heritage, dating back to around 1015.
In the 13th century, the cathedral underwent a Gothic revival, marking the beginning of its current form, reports MyLondon. The cathedral in Strasbourg has withstood centuries of conflict, including religious shifts, the French Revolution and the annexation of Alsace-Lorraine to the Third Reich. Other must-see attractions include Le Petite France, a charming neighbourhood on the River Ill.
Wander through its cobbled streets, such as Place Benjamin Zix Square, where you’ll find half-timbered houses and stunning river views. Nearby is Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, a street lined with white houses adorned with flowers.
Strasbourg is also famous for being situated on a large island, home to numerous bridges, including the 14th-century Ponts Couverts. These covered bridges are overlooked by four towers, remnants of the former barriers that helped the old Strasbourg Republic gain independence.
After France took over the city in 1681, new fortifications were built by Vauban, including the Vauban Dam. This dam, built around 1690, could flood the entire southern side of the city if necessary. The dam’s top offers panoramic city views.
Strasbourg also boasts several museums, including the Musee Alsacien, Palais de Rohan, and Musee Historique de la Ville de Strasbourg. Despite not being a state capital, Strasbourg hosts international organisations at the European Parliament, making it one of the few cities worldwide to do so.
You can delve into the workings of the European Parliament, its political groups and members in Strasbourg. If you fancy a breath of fresh air, head to Parc de l’Orangerie, the city’s oldest park.
The park is home to the stork, which was once on the brink of extinction but has seen over 800 young born since 1971 thanks to successful reintroduction efforts. The park also hosts a variety of exhibitions and events at Pavillon Josephine, or you can simply enjoy a leisurely walk.
Food lovers will be spoilt for choice in Strasbourg, with a plethora of global cuisines on offer. Tripadvisor’s top-rated restaurant in the city is Les Plaisirs Gourmands, where you can savour dishes like Charolais beef tenderloin, roasted monkfish, and apple Tarte Tatin with tonka bean ice cream.
If you’re planning a quick festive getaway, why not explore Europe’s best Christmas markets?
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