The city of Strasbourg in France looks like Christmas threw up in it, in the best way possible. That was my first impression upon arriving into a city that is called the “Capital de Noël,” or Capital of Christmas, despite a senseless act of terror occurring in it five days before our arrival. Decorations and lights were hung from just about every street and building, and the resilience of the city was apparent in its people that were out celebrating this most joyous time of year, while mourning the loss of lives. Keep reading to find out how my cousins, sister, and I began our European Christmas adventure in the Alsace region of France.
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How to Get To Strasbourg
Getting to Strasbourg was incredibly easy, since it’s only about a two hour train ride away from the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris. We arrived in the morning in Terminal 2, which is also where the train station is located. Our cousins also met us here after their travel from Phoenix. After using the easy ticket machine to buy our train tickets, we waited a few hours before boarding our train with our mass amounts of luggage. From there, it was a smooth ride with a much needed nap.
Where We Stayed
When researching where to stay in Strasbourg, I knew it was important that we stay within walking distance of the Christmas markets. Additionally, I wanted to use Chase credit card points instead of money, so a simple search on the portal led me to the Sofitel hotel. Another search in Trip Advisor showed that this hotel had amazing reviews that indicated its proximity to the best markets.
Upon arrival on the train, we thought that a taxi ride would suffice. However, because of the attack, the city had a very strict security system in place, meaning no cars were allowed into the center. In addition, guards were placed at specific points to enter the center. This meant that our cab driver dropped us off blocks away from our hotel and our luggage was searched on a street corner prior to entering. First time for everything! Luckily, we didn’t have to walk far to our stunning hotel.
What To Do
Visit the Christmas Markets
Since our stay in Strasbourg was so short, I immediately wanted to head out and explore at least some of the ten markets in the city. One block away from our hotel was the Christmas market in Place Kleber, which was our first stop. The square was beautifully decorated with a giant Christmas tree in the center and an ice rink for people to go ice skating. My sister enjoyed her first cup of vin chaud (hot, mulled wine), while I admired the scenery.
The next stop was Place Broglie, which is also considered the main Christmas market. Stall after stall was lined up to serve more vin chaud, sweets, ornaments, and an assortment of gifts. We walked down each aisle to see what each stall had to offer. Here, I had my first vin chaud.
Our last Christmas market for the night was also the setting of the most beautiful market in Strasbourg: the Strasbourg cathedral. The stunning cathedral provided the perfect back drop as people meandered throughout the many stalls.
After dinner and drinks at a restaurant called Aux douze apôtres, we were all pretty tired after almost 24 hours of travel, so it was back to the hotel for some much needed rest.
Visit La Petite France
The next morning, my sister and I ventured out at sunrise (thankfully, at 8:00 am) to explore an area of Strasbourg called La Petite France. If you’re a fan of half-timbered buildings, or if you’re wondering what those even are, the pictures below will showcase the most quaint and beautiful part of this city.
Since Strasbourg is the perfect walkable city, we arrived to La Petite France within ten minutes. Below, the images capture the beauty of this area and the charming architecture during our walking tour.
Take a Day Trip to Colmar
If you liked the pictures above of half-timbered buildings, then Colmar is the ultimate village to admire them. Just a short twenty minute train ride from Strasbourg is Colmar, which some people say inspired the little town in Beauty and the Beast. Remember the scene in the beginning with Belle dancing and singing around? Yes, that village.
To me, the only way to describe Colmar is picturesque and quaint. Straight from the train, we headed to our first market there in Place des Dominicains. While we waited for our cousins to arrive, we drank vin chaud to stay warm and took in the pretty buildings.
We walked around and arrived at another market at Place de la Cathedrale. This market was known as a market for foodies, where there was more high end food and goodies to enjoy. We parked ourselves at a table and enjoyed some goodies and drank more vin chaud.
Right around the corner from this market, was the perfect ‘Christmas’ street located on Grand Rue. Check out that cute pink house!
After much meandering and market-ing, we ate dinner at a restaurant called L’Amandine, located near the Cathedral. From there, I wanted to visit La Petite Venice, another charming neighborhood in Colmar. Since it was night time, I didn’t get to see the beautiful buildings in all their glory, but night time was pretty magical with the buildings lit up.
I can’t wait to visit Colmar and the Alsace region again and spend a longer time here. I have a new appreciation for the smaller, European towns and the charming atmosphere.
Strasbourg and Colmar Maps
For reference on the main landmarks and Christmas markets, below are the maps.
The hotel lobby!! Stop!!! I must say this trip may be my most envious of your guys for the natural reason of my Christmas obsession! And again, either each spot is that picturesque or your camera skills are constantly being perfected
Thanks bestie! You would’ve loved it! We should plan a Christmas trip together!
It really is that picturesque!!