Wondering if it’s possible to do a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris?
You’ve landed on the right blog – because I live in France! In this article, I’ll highlight the best way to get to Strasbourg from Paris quickly and easily, and what to do when you’re there so you don’t waste the short amount of time you have.
Paris might be the ‘city of lights’, but Strasbourg is the ‘capital of Christmas’, and being so close to the German border is a wonderful mix of French charm and German history.
Soak up the history, the half-timbered houses, colourful buildings and cobbled streets in this picturesque city.
Keep reading to discover the best way to spend your time on a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris.
Your day trip to Strasbourg from Paris
SPOILER ALERT
You can actually get to Strasbourg from Paris in less than two hours. But to make the most of your time, I suggest you set off early so you can be there by mid-morning.
How to get to Strasbourg from Paris in one day
There are three ways to get to Strasbourg directly from Paris, and they are car, train and bus, but for this article I’m only looking at going by train.
Why? Because it is by far the quickest way of getting you there. And as this is a day trip, we want the fastest route possible.
If you go by car it will take you a minimum of five hours and by bus a minimum of seven.
And as there are no direct flights from Paris to Strasbourg, so that leaves the train.
And the good news is a train can take less than two hours to get you into the historic city of Strasbourg.
The best station to use in Paris for this trip is Paris’ Gare de l’Est train station.
There are two types of trains which run this route and they are TGV and OUIGO.
Taking a TGV Train from Paris to Strasbourg
If you want the quickest journey, then the high-speed TGV train is the best option. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the fastest. Plus, it will get you there in under two hours.
So if you leave Paris by 7.30 am you’ll be in Strasbourg at 9.30 am with the whole day ahead of you to explore the city.
However, if you don’t want to pay more than you have to for your ticket, I suggest you book ahead to get the best possible price.
︎ Get Your Train Tickets at the BEST Price here >>>
Taking a OUIGO Train from Paris to Strasbourg
OUIGO is the slower but cheaper option. It’s run by SNCF, the same company that offers the high-speed TGV. However, they may be cheaper, but they aren’t as comfy and take almost twice the amount of time.
If you’re short on time this would not be my recommended option as they are often delayed and not as regular.
However, if the price of the TGV is way too much, then this might be the best way to go.
︎ Get Your Train Tickets at the BEST Price here >>>
5 Things to do in one day in Strasbourg
As time is tight, the best way to see Strasbourg in one day is to do a Tour. That way you won’t miss a thing, and you’ll make the most of the time you have.
I’ve handpicked five tours for you that are perfect for a whistlestop tour of this fabulous city.
No 1 – Strasbourg City Centre Bike Tour
Taking this Strasbourg City Centre Bike Tour is a fantastic way to see this historic city.
Hear fascinating stories about the UNESCO-listed Old Town as you cycle your way through Strasbourg.
Pedal your way along the 17th-century Vauban Dam, wave as you go past the Notre Dame de Strasbourg, and take in the imperial German district of Neustadt during this 2 ½ hour bike tour.
- Bike hire is included
- Choose a morning or afternoon tour
- Visit the districts of La Petite France and Neustadt
︎ BOOK NOW: The Strasbourg City Centre Bike Tour
No 2 – The Traditional Strasbourg Food Tour
If you’re not sure where to go for lunch, then the Traditional Strasbourg Food Tour is perfect, as lunch is included.
This is your opportunity to try some of the food Strasbourg is famous for and learn about the heritage of each dish.
Plus, you’ll get to explore the city with your guide at the same time taking in the many historical sights.
- Taste the BEST Alsatian food, wine and beer
- A small PERSONALISED group with a maximum of 10 people
- Learn Strasbourg’s rich culinary heritage from a LOCAL with insider knowledge
︎ BOOK NOW: The Traditional Strasbourg Food Tour
No 3 – Take a boat cruise in Strasbourg
See Strasbourg in style and take a Private Boat Tour of Strasbourg with your own Captain, Cedric, who will also be your guide.
With 130+ Five-Star reviews, it’s a perfect way to see all the main tourist attractions in Strasbourg.
This small luxury yacht will be yours for two hours and can host up to seven people.
You’ll pass by 13 landmarks of Strasbourg and have the opportunity to see La Petite France, Parc de l’Orangerie and the European Parliament.
- Completely private luxury yacht for up to 7 people
- Option of day or night tour
- A unique tour of Strasbourg on the water
︎ BOOK NOW: The Private Boat Tour of Strasbourg
No 4 – Private Walking Tour of Strasbourg
If you prefer to take your time and enjoy walking, this Private Walking Tour of Strasbourg is the perfect way to see all the quaint places and hidden gems in this city.
Discover the fascinating history and German heritage behind this picturesque city with an English-speaking guide.
Walk in the footsteps of Napolean and Marie-Antoinette, who both stayed at the 18th-century Palais Rohan.
Spend time in the Gothic Strasbourg Cathedral and find out how the district of La Petite France actually got its name.
- Includes admission to the Strasbourg Cathedral
- Expert English-speaking local guide
- Two-hour guided walking tour
︎ BOOK NOW: The Private Walking Tour of Strasbourg
No 5 – Interactive, Self-Guided City Tour of Strasbourg
If you love the idea of doing a DIY tour, then the Self-Guided City Tour of Strasbourg is just the thing, especially if you love quizzes and challenges.
Collect your backpack from the Tourist Office and start the tour whenever you want to.
All the audio is available in English, and you can use it offline by downloading the commentary once you’ve registered.
- The price is per group. Download the tour onto your phone through the App
- Your backpack contains six fun surprises
- Stop and start at your convenience with the total tour time being 2 ½ hours
BOOK NOW: The Self-Guided City Tour of Strasbourg
A Private Tour from Paris to Strasbourg
If you decide that one day in Strasbourg is just not enough, then why not treat yourself to a 2-Day Tour from Paris going to Burgundy and Alsace?
The tour starts as it means to go on, in luxury, as you’re picked up from your hotel in Paris in a Mercedes.
Taste 19 different wines from vineyards in Beaune and Chablis and enjoy visiting the towns of Colmar, Reims, and, of course, Strasbourg.
If there is something in particular you want to see, you can completely tailor your trip so you see everything on your list.
- Completely private and customized luxury tour
- Travel in a luxury Mercedes from Paris to Strasbourg
- Enjoy tasting rare and exclusive wines
- The price includes a night’s accommodation in Colmar
- Visit several of France’s most in-demand wine regions
︎ BOOK NOW: 2-Day Tour of Burgundy and Alsace from Paris
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Three Things you MUST do on a day trip to Strasbourg
This might be a whirlwind tour of Strasbourg, but there are some things you really shouldn’t miss. Most French cities have their regional produce, and Strasbourg is no different.
There are many great dishes you should try, but my favourite has to be the three listed below.
No 1 – Drink some Alsatian Wine
Strasbourg is in the Alsace wine region, so it stands to reason that there is likely to be some good wine to try. My recommendation would be to go to the Wolfberger Boutique, as they have some of the best Alsace wines.
And they offer free wine tastings daily, I mean, what’s not to love? Plus, they’ve been doing this since 1902, so they know a thing or two about wine, so you’ll be in good hands.
If you like what you taste, you can buy a bottle from the shop to take home with you as a reminder of your trip.
ADDRESS: 9 Rue Hannong, 67000 Strasbourg
No 2 – Try a Tarte Flambée
This is traditional Strasbourg food, but don’t let the name mislead you. This is not a dessert, it’s an Alsatian-style pizza and, it’s delicious.
Also known as flammekueche, the main ingredients are cream, onions and bacon.
You’ll then find other things added, such as mushrooms and grated cheese, and it’s usually a shared dish rather than for just one person.
No 3 – Indulge in a Beer & Bretzel Combo
These two things go together like peanut butter and jelly, or if you’re British, let’s go with eggs and bacon.
The Bretzel is the Strasbourg version of a pretzel, baked and twisted into the traditional knot.
Often topped with cheese or other savoury-style items, they are beyond tasty. You’ll find them in most bakeries, and my favourite was L’Atelier 116 bakery.
These little beauties are also at many of the Christmas markets in France, and they are seriously yummy.
And once you’ve got your Bretzel, head to Les BerThoM, possibly one of the best bars in Strasbourg and only a stone’s throw from the cathedral.
They have an amazing selection of beer from the microbreweries around the city.
15 BEST Luxury Hotels in Strasbourg for travellers in 2023 >>>
Where to eat and drink in Strasbourg
Let me say this right now, the food in Strasbourg is not like the traditional cuisine you think of when people talk about French food.
One of the reasons why I recommend spending more than 24 hours in Strasbourg is to enjoy the variety of food on offer.
If you love sausages as much as I do, Alsatian food will appeal as there are a lot of German-style sausages on offer.
But don’t worry, there are also plenty of fabulous French options too, including cheese and pastries.
Chez Yvonne
Chez Yvonne is THE place to be if you’re looking for somewhere traditional to have lunch in Strasbourg.
It first opened its doors in 1873 under the ownership of Eugène Jacquemet, who had it until 1920, under the name of Winstub S’Burjerstuewel.
At this time, the French drank in Winstubs and drank wine, hence the name.
In 1956, it was taken over by Yvonne Haller and became known as ‘Chez Yvonne’.
It’s a fabulous little place with classic Alsatian decor, including gingham curtains and tablecloths. And with queues going out the door, you’ll need to book in advance to be guaranteed a seat.
- ADDRESS: 10 Rue du Sanglier, 67000 Strasbourg
- BOOK: Book a Table & Read Reviews
Vegeman
Being vegan in France is no laughing matter, and although things have improved, there are still limited options available.
Although I’m not vegan myself, my next-door neighbour, Simon, is vegan, and he always tells me about the best vegan restaurants he finds on his travels.
Whilst they don’t take reservations, you can order online for takeaway or have it delivered, if you need to.
- ADDRESS: Rue des bateliers 67000 Strasbourg
- WEBSITE: Order online & Read Reviews
What you should know about the historic city of Strasbourg
Strasburg is a city with an interesting past. Sat on the French-German border, it has had a bit of an identity struggle, switching between being ruled by France and being ruled by Germany.
So, of course, you see influences from both countries not just within the history but through the architecture, decor, food, drink and culture.
For 400 years, Strasbourg was a “free imperial city”, and it wasn’t until 1681 that it fell under French rule when Louis XIV of France, The Sun King, conquered the city, officially claiming it as part of France.
But then came the Franco-Prussian War, which saw it switch to German rule.
Then in World War I it returned to French rule. During World War II, it was under German occupation until the end of the war, when it was reclaimed, once again and, for the final time, by France.
Aside from the power struggle of who ruled Strasbourg, some other pretty impressive things happened there.
In 1605, it became the birthplace of the very first newspaper, not a bad claim to fame, and in 1792, Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle composed the French national anthem, La Marseillaise, whilst in Strasbourg.
In 1949, the city was chosen as the headquarters for the Council of Europe, making it an important centre for European diplomacy.
The European quarter in Strasbourg, where many European institutions are located, is primarily centred around the area known as the “Orangerie” and the “Wacken” district.
This part of the city houses the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, among other European institutions.
FAQS: Taking a Day Trip to Strasbourg from Paris
When is the best time to visit Strasbourg?
I’m biased because I love Christmas, so for me, December is the best time to visit Strasbourg. The Christmas markets are wonderful and showcase this historic city at its best.
But another lovely month is June as the weather is warmer and the crowds haven’t yet descended for the summer.
Is one day enough in Strasbourg?
No, one day is not enough time in Strasbourg. There is just too much to see and do, not just in Strasbourg, but also in the surrounding areas.
I would suggest 3-5 days to allow you time to do everything, more if you want to do some wine-tasting tours in the Alsace region.
How much does it cost to travel from Paris to Strasbourg?
It all depends on how organized you are. If you are going by train and book 30 days in advance, travelling from Paris to Strasbourg can be as little as €25. However, if you leave it, prices can go up to around €75.
Can you do a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris?
Yes, you can absolutely do a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris. If you catch an early train from Paris, you can be in Strasbourg in under two hours, giving you the whole day to explore the city.
Is there a train station from Paris to Strasbourg?
Yes, the best station to use to travel from Paris to Strasbourg is Paris’ Gare de l’Est. This will take you directly into Gare de Strasbourg-Ville, the main station in Strasbourg and the train is direct if you use SNCF.
What is the cheapest way to get from Paris to Strasbourg?
The cheapest way to get from Paris to Strasbourg is by coach, but it is also a very long journey and can take up to 9 hours. You’re better off catching a train which can get you there in just over 90 minutes.
How much is a high speed train from Paris to Strasbourg?
If you’re smart and book in advance, a high speed train from Paris to Strasbourg can be as little as €25. The best train is the TGV which is operated by SNCF.
Remember, the earlier you book the better the price.
Final thoughts: Spending a day in Strasbourg
Doing a day trip to Strasbourg from Paris is totally doable. The biggest piece of advice I can give you is to leave early and take a TGV Train as it gets you there the fastest way possible.
My other big tip is to take one of the tours of the city, either by taking a bike tour OR doing one of the walking tours, as this will give you more bang for your buck in the shortest time. And you’ll get to see much more of this fabulous city.
At the end of the day, Strasbourg is a beautiful historic city and well worth taking a day out of Paris to make the trip.
The post Taking a Day Trip to Strasbourg from Paris: A Local’s Guide appeared first on Life in Rural France.
