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Welcome to Strasbourg

We provide essential information for newcomers to France from around the globe to ease their transition.

city buildings under orange sky during sunset
city buildings under orange sky during sunset
brown and white concrete buildings beside river under blue sky during daytime
brown and white concrete buildings beside river under blue sky during daytime

Strasbourg is a picturesque and culturally rich city in northeastern France, sitting along the Rhine River and right on the border with Germany. As the capital of the Grand Est region and home to key European institutions like the European Parliament, it blends French and German influences in its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Its UNESCO-listed Grande Île is famed for half-timbered houses, canals, and the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, whose intricate Gothic design dominates the skyline. The Petite France district enchants visitors with narrow streets, old mills, and waterside restaurants.

Strasbourg’s culinary scene offers delights like tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, and spiced pain d’épices, perfectly paired with local Alsace wines. Known for its magical Christmas markets, vibrant student life, and excellent transport links, Strasbourg offers a unique mix of old-world charm, European spirit, and welcoming atmosphere.

Places to visit
Transport
Food and restaurants
Accommodation and stay
Emergency services: Medical and others
City administration

Strasbourg is the capital (Préfecture) of the Bas-Rhin department (67) and the Grand Est region in northeastern France. Located near the German border, it is a major European political center—home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and other EU institutions.

Strasbourg is part of the Eurométropole de Strasbourg, a powerful intercommunal entity responsible for regional cooperation, transport, and urban development.

A commune is the smallest administrative unit in France, equivalent to a town or municipality. Strasbourg itself is one commune, but also functions as a larger urban entity.

1. Mairie (Town Hall / City Hall)

  • Strasbourg has a central mairie (Hôtel de Ville) and also maintains district town halls in its different neighborhoods.

  • Responsibilities:

    • Civil registry (births, deaths, marriages)

    • Local urban planning and construction permits

    • Public services: water, waste, transport, early education

    • Local events and community centers
      🔗 You can find your local mairie via the Strasbourg official website.

2. Police Municipale

  • Maintains public order, enforces local bylaws, and controls traffic.

  • Works in coordination with the Police Nationale, who are in charge of immigration, criminal investigation, and national security.

3. Other Local Services

  • Libraries (e.g., Médiathèque André Malraux), cultural institutions, sports centers.

  • Community health, housing services, and environmental initiatives.

Administrative Structure of Strasbourg & Bas-Rhin

Préfecture & Subprefectures

  • Préfecture of Bas-Rhin is located in central Strasbourg, administering national services and law enforcement across the department.

  • Subprefectures: Located in Saverne, Haguenau-Wissembourg, and Sélestat-Erstein to manage the arrondissements.

Judicial & Tax Offices

  • Tribunal judiciaire de Strasbourg: Handles civil and criminal matters.

  • Tribunal administratif: Oversees administrative appeals.

  • Commercial Court: Based in Strasbourg.

  • Tax Offices (SIP for individuals, SIE for businesses, CDIF for property): Several offices throughout Strasbourg and surrounding communes.

Eurométropole de Strasbourg

  • Composed of 33 communes, including Strasbourg, Schiltigheim, Illkirch-Graffenstaden, and Ostwald.

  • Handles key public services:

    • Transport: Run by CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois), managing trams, buses, and park & ride systems.

    • Urban planning and housing

    • Environmental sustainability and waste management

    • Economic development

Strasbourg Neighborhoods

Strasbourg is divided into several distinct districts (quartiers), including:

  • Centre-Ville (Grande Île – UNESCO World Heritage Site)

  • Neudorf

  • Robertsau

  • Koenigshoffen

  • Cronenbourg

  • Meinau, and more.

Each area has its own community centers and often a district town hall under the central municipal government.

🚋🚍🚲 Public Transport in Strasbourg & Grand Est – CTS & Regional Connections

Strasbourg has one of France’s most efficient and eco-friendly transport networks, run by CTS (Compagnie des Transports Strasbourgeois), with seamless connections to the rest of the Alsace and Grand Est region.

🌐 CTS Network

CTS serves Strasbourg and its Eurométropole suburbs, offering a mix of tram, bus, and bike services, plus direct links to Germany.

🚉 Services Operated by CTS:

🚋 Trams – 7 lines (A, B, C, D, E, F, G) covering the city center, residential areas, universities, and business districts. Line D even crosses the Rhine into Kehl, Germany.
🚌 Buses – Extensive network of urban, suburban, and express lines, including night buses.
🚲 Vélhop – Public bike rental service with stations and long-term rental options.
🛳 River Shuttle (Navette Fluviale) – Seasonal tourist boat service on the Ill River.
🚕 Paratransit Service – Available for people with reduced mobility upon reservation.

a train travels down the tracks
a train travels down the tracks

💳 Ticketing & Pass Options

🎫 Single & Multi-trip Tickets – Valid for 1 hour on all CTS services.
🎓 Student & Youth Passes – Reduced fares for students, apprentices, and under-26 residents.
👩‍💼 Monthly & Annual Passes – Unlimited travel, with up to 50% reimbursement possible by employers.
👶 Free travel for children under 4, reduced rates for ages 4–11.

Tickets are available from vending machines at tram stops, CTS agencies, partner shops, and via the CTS App or CTS Website for digital tickets, trip planning, and real-time updates.

🗺️ Regional Transport Outside Strasbourg

🚆 TER Grand Est Trains – Connect Strasbourg to Colmar, Mulhouse, Metz, Nancy, and smaller Alsace towns. Also serves cross-border routes to Germany, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.
🚌 Fluo Grand Est Coaches – Affordable regional buses linking Strasbourg to towns without train service.

💡 Tip: Combine CTS + TER
If you live in Strasbourg but study or work in nearby cities like Colmar, Haguenau, or even across the border in Germany, combined subscriptions can save money and simplify travel.

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📍 Places to Visit in Strasbourg

🏛 Historic & Iconic

Strasbourg Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame)

  • About: Gothic masterpiece with astronomical clock and tower views.

  • From Centre: ~0.5 km east of Place Kléber.

  • How to Reach: Walk or Tram A/D (Langstross–Grand’Rue).

La Petite France

  • About: Charming district with half-timbered houses, canals, and cobbled lanes.

  • From Centre: ~0.6 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Walk or Tram B/F (Alt Winmärik).

Place Gutenberg

  • About: Historic square named after the printing press inventor, with statue and cafés.

  • From Centre: ~0.4 km south.

  • How to Reach: Walk.

Barrage Vauban & Ponts Couverts

  • About: 17th-century defensive bridge with rooftop panoramic terrace.

  • From Centre: ~1 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Walk or Tram B/F (Faubourg National).

🎨 Museums & Culture

Palais Rohan

  • About: Elegant 18th-century palace housing three museums (fine arts, archaeology, decorative arts).

  • From Centre: ~0.6 km southeast.

  • How to Reach: Walk or Tram A/D (Langstross–Grand’Rue).

Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien)

  • About: Folk culture museum with traditional interiors, costumes, and crafts.

  • From Centre: ~0.8 km south.

  • How to Reach: Walk or Tram A/D (Porte de l’Hôpital).

European Parliament

  • About: Seat of the European Parliament; tours available.

  • From Centre: ~3 km northeast.

  • How to Reach: Tram E (Parlement Européen).

🏙 Towns & Villages

Colmar

  • About: Storybook Alsatian town with colorful houses, canals, and “Little Venice” area.

  • Distance: ~75 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Train (~35 min).

Obernai

  • About: Walled medieval town with cobblestone streets and wine-cellar tasting.

  • Distance: ~30 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Train (~25 min).

Riquewihr

  • About: One of the prettiest wine villages on the Alsace Wine Route.

  • Distance: ~80 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Train to Colmar + bus (~1h 20m total).'

🍇 Wine & Nature

Alsace Wine Route

  • About: 170 km scenic route through vineyards and villages like Eguisheim, Kaysersberg, Ribeauvillé.

  • Distance: Starts ~20 km southwest.

  • How to Reach: Car or guided tour.

Vosges Mountains

  • About: Hiking trails, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints like Grand Ballon.

  • Distance: ~90 km west.

  • How to Reach: Car or regional train + bus.

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🌳 Outdoor & Scenic

Parc de l’Orangerie

  • About: Strasbourg’s oldest park, with a lake, mini-zoo, and stork sanctuary.

  • From Centre: ~2.5 km northeast.

  • How to Reach: Tram E (Droits de l’Homme).

River Ill Boat Tour

  • About: Scenic boat cruises passing Petite France, the European quarter, and historic locks.

  • From Centre: Boarding at Palais Rohan area (~0.6 km).

  • How to Reach: Walk.

🌍 Cross-Border Excursions

Black Forest (Germany)

  • About: Forested hills, lakes, cuckoo clocks, and spa towns.

  • Distance: ~60 km northeast.

  • How to Reach: Train to Offenburg (~25 min) + regional connections.

Basel (Switzerland)

  • About: Historic old town, art museums, and Rhine river walks.

  • Distance: ~140 km south.

  • How to Reach: Train (~1h 20m).

🚆 Day Trips & Nearby Places from Strasbourg

Accommodation in Strasbourg ranges from elegant riverside hotels to charming half-timbered guesthouses, offering something for every budget and style.

Luxury hotels are often located near Place Kléber or along the Ill River, providing refined rooms, gourmet dining, and stunning views of the historic Petite France district. Boutique hotels in timber-framed buildings immerse guests in the city’s Alsatian charm, especially in the UNESCO-listed Grande Île.

For mid-range stays, Strasbourg has a wide selection of reputable hotel chains, cozy inns, and family-run establishments, many within walking distance of Strasbourg Cathedral and the main shopping streets. Budget-friendly hostels and small hotels are scattered around the train station (Gare de Strasbourg), making them convenient for day trips to the Alsace Wine Route.

Aparthotels and serviced apartments are popular among families and long-term visitors, often offering kitchen facilities and close access to tram lines.

Wherever you stay, Strasbourg’s excellent tram and bus network ensures easy access to attractions such as the European Parliament, the Orangerie Park, and boat tours along the canals.

🍽 A Taste of Strasbourg: Food & Restaurants

Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace, offers a unique culinary experience blending French finesse with German heartiness. From cozy winstubs serving regional classics to vegan cafés and a growing international food scene, the city caters to every palate.

🌍 International Flavors
Beyond Alsatian specialties, Strasbourg boasts a wide range of global cuisines. Indian restaurants serve fragrant curries, biryanis, and tandoori dishes. Asian spots range from Japanese sushi and ramen bars to Vietnamese pho kitchens and Thai street food. Turkish eateries tempt with kebabs, mezze, and baklava, while Afghani restaurants offer mantu, spiced rice, and grilled lamb. Arabic dining brings shawarma, hummus, and falafel, while African kitchens showcase dishes like Moroccan tagines, Tunisian couscous, and West African peanut stews.

⭐ Fine Dining
Strasbourg is home to acclaimed restaurants like Au Crocodile, La Cloche à Fromage, and Buerehiesel, where creativity meets local terroir, often paired with fine Alsace wines.

🍷 Bistronomy & Creative Cuisine
Innovative chefs reinterpret Alsatian flavors at places like Umami, Le Banquet des Sophistes, and Les Haras. Expect seasonal menus and modern takes on traditional ingredients.

💰 Budget-Friendly Gems
Local winstubs such as Le Tire-Bouchon and Chez Yvonne offer generous portions of tarte flambée, choucroute garnie, and baeckeoffe without breaking the bank.

🥩 Local Classics
Signature dishes include tarte flambée (flammekueche), kougelhopf, Munster cheese, and hearty meat stews—perfect with a crisp glass of Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

🥬 Vegan & Vegetarian
Plant-based dining is on the rise, with spots like:

  • Velicious – 100% vegan gourmet restaurant.

  • Harmonie Bowl & Juice – Vegan bowls, smoothies, and fresh juices.

  • L’Eden Sans Gluten – Vegan-friendly, gluten-free bakery and café.

  • Pur etc. – Seasonal vegetarian dishes with an eco-friendly focus.

🛍 Eat & Explore
Don’t miss Marché de Noël (Christmas Market) for seasonal treats, or Marché de Neudorf for fresh produce, cheeses, and artisanal goods. The covered market at Place Broglie offers everything from Alsatian sausages to vegan pastries.

🚨 Health & Emergency Contacts – Strasbourg Region

🏥 Medical Emergencies

  • SAMU (Ambulance & Medical Assistance) – ☎️ 15

  • European Emergency Number – ☎️ 112

  • Fire Brigade (Pompiers) – ☎️ 18

  • Police Emergency – ☎️ 17

  • Police SMS (Hearing/Speech Impaired) – 📱 114

  • SOS Médecins Strasbourg (Doctors 24/7) – ☎️ 36 24 (national access) or 08 26 46 91 91 (local)

  • Pharmacy on Duty Info – ☎️ 32 37

  • Poison Control Center – Strasbourg – ☎️ 03 88 37 37 37

Major Hospital Emergency Departments in Strasbourg:

  • Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg – Nouvel Hôpital Civil (Adults & Children) – ☎️ 03 69 55 05 05

  • Hôpital de Hautepierre (Adults & Pediatrics) – ☎️ 03 88 12 80 80

  • Clinique Rhéna – ☎️ 03 90 41 20 00

🧠 Mental Health & Emotional Support

  • Suicide Prevention Hotline (24/7) – ☎️ 31 14

  • SOS Amitié Strasbourg – ☎️ 03 88 22 22 22

  • Psychological Support Line – ☎️ 0 800 71 08 90 (free)

👶🧓 Child, Senior & Vulnerable Group Support

  • Child Protection (All France) – ☎️ 119

  • SOS Missing Children – ☎️ 116 000

  • Elderly & Disabled Abuse Helpline – ☎️ 39 77

  • Senior Support Platform (CLIC/MAIA) – ☎️ 0 800 62 58 85

🛡️ Legal & Violence Support

  • Domestic Violence Hotline – ☎️ 39 19

  • CIDFF Bas-Rhin (Women’s Rights & Family Support) – ☎️ 03 88 32 03 22

  • Free Legal Advice – Strasbourg Bar Association – ☎️ 03 88 15 20 00

  • Cyber-harassment Helpline (Net Ecoute) – ☎️ 30 18

  • Victim Support France – Strasbourg – ☎️ 03 88 76 84 84

A lively French restaurant storefront adorned with colorful flowers and quaint signage. The sign advertises traditional French cuisine, specifically fondue, with a whimsical illustration of a fondue pot. The exterior is vibrant with hanging lights and various decorative elements.
A lively French restaurant storefront adorned with colorful flowers and quaint signage. The sign advertises traditional French cuisine, specifically fondue, with a whimsical illustration of a fondue pot. The exterior is vibrant with hanging lights and various decorative elements.

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Explore our resources for newcomers settling in France today.

A yellow warning sign with French text reading 'ATTENTION SORTIE DE CAMIONS' is displayed on a metal mesh fence. The background is slightly blurred, possibly showing an industrial or warehouse setting.
A yellow warning sign with French text reading 'ATTENTION SORTIE DE CAMIONS' is displayed on a metal mesh fence. The background is slightly blurred, possibly showing an industrial or warehouse setting.
A small French grocery store with an awning displaying the name 'Epicerie de la Tour'. The front of the store is lined with crates of fresh fruits such as apples and citrus. A variety of products are stacked inside, visible through the glass door. A woman with gray hair carrying a red bag and wearing a black and white dress walks by. Posters and advertisements cover the freezer at the entrance.
A small French grocery store with an awning displaying the name 'Epicerie de la Tour'. The front of the store is lined with crates of fresh fruits such as apples and citrus. A variety of products are stacked inside, visible through the glass door. A woman with gray hair carrying a red bag and wearing a black and white dress walks by. Posters and advertisements cover the freezer at the entrance.