City-Centre - Petite France

Strasbourg

Petite France which includes a city and a river or creek
L\'Oeuvre Notre Dame Museum featuring a statue or sculpture, religious elements and heritage elements
Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, night scenes and heritage architecture
Petite France which includes flowers and heritage elements
Rohan Palace which includes interior views, art and heritage elements

The weirs and dams that drove mills and tanneries feature along with the canals and boulevards of this historic island at Strasbourg’s core.

Picturesque canals crisscross through the City-Centre – Petite France district of Strasbourg. A historic dam and a circular waterway form an island called Grande Île, which is covered with many churches, museums and theaters. Follow the path of the River Ill, as it splits and encircles the quaint timber and thatched architecture. 

The highlight of Petite France is the Vauban Dam (Barrage Vauban). Together with the Ponts Couverts bridges it forms a set of medieval fortifications stretching across a canal. Marvel at the extraordinary architecture of this 17th-century weir and learn about its intriguing function. The barrage was used to raise the water levels and flood the surrounding terrain during enemy attacks, as it did during the Franco-Prussian War in 1870.

Another of the district’s iconic sights is the Strasbourg Cathedral, with its sole tower creating an intriguing aesthetic admired by Victor Hugo and Goethe, among others. Notice the pink hue given off by the gothic sandstone façade, which shows off an elaborate rose window and religious sculptures.

Learn about religion’s prominent role in the city’s development by exploring Saint-Pierre-le-Jeune Church, Saint Stephen’s Church and Saint Nicholas Church. Old Saint Peter’s Church and Saint Thomas Church add to the spiritual mix.

Beside Strasbourg Cathedral stands the 18th-century Rohan Palace, which housed the prince-bishops. Inspect its French baroque features and head inside to see its opulent interior. Descend to the basement for the Strasbourg Archaeological Museum, one of the city’s oldest museums.

The City-Centre – Petite France area encompasses the Grande Île and sweeps southwesterly beyond the historic dam. Ride the tram to the stops of Langstross/Grand Rue or Homme Fer and get around the quaint alleys on foot. You can also travel by bus to the stops on the canal-side streets toward the Neudorf district.  

Look for the spellbinding defensive structure and dam among the showstoppers in Strasbourg’s enchanting City-Centre – Petite France.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


City-Centre - Petite France Hotel Deals

Hotel Hannong

Hotel Hannong

4 out of 5
15 Rue Du 22 Novembre, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
"Great location!!!"

Reviewed on Aug 17, 2025

Hotel Hannong
Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection

Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection

5 out of 5
4 Rue Des Francs Bourgeois, Strasbourg
The price is ¥28,218 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
¥28,218
¥32,366 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (364 reviews)
"Very nice."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection
Hôtel de l'Europe by Happyculture

Hôtel de l'Europe by Happyculture

4 out of 5
38, Rue du Fossé des Tanneurs, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥14,093 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥14,093
¥16,488 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (986 reviews)
"Hotel de L’Europe was the perfect hotel for my daughter and I while backpacking Europe. It was an economical choice with a good sized room and an exceptional bathroom with a tub. There was a lot of character in the old town building, with modern conveniences inside. The water filling station with ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Hôtel de l'Europe by Happyculture
Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live

Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live

4 out of 5
11 Rue de la Nuée-Bleue, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is ¥24,353 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥24,353
¥27,773 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (595 reviews)
"The property is very well refurbished and decorated. I like the high headroom of the room, and the bed is very comfortable. Breakfast was great and staff are very helpful and warm welcoming us. We stayed for three nights and the bath towels are of some what disappointment, coz it is a bit hard and ..."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live
Hôtel Gutenberg

Hôtel Gutenberg

4 out of 5
31 Rue des Serruriers, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ¥18,595 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
¥18,595
¥21,440 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
9/10 Wonderful! (942 reviews)
"L’hôtel est impeccable, les chambres sont très belles et élégantes. Le service est irréprochable et toute l’équipe est super aimable. Ils sont des pros. Un séjour bien mémorable."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Hôtel Gutenberg
Hotel Kaijoo by HappyCulture

Hotel Kaijoo by HappyCulture

4 out of 5
20 Rue Du Jeu Des Enfants, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is ¥14,093 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
¥14,093
¥16,488 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (381 reviews)
Nice hotel in city center
"Great hotel close to everything. Location is great, staff were super friendly and beds were comfortable. I would definitely go back!"

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Hotel Kaijoo by HappyCulture
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighborhoods around City-Centre - Petite France

Our Lady of Strasbourg Cathedral showing heritage architecture, night scenes and a church or cathedral

Historic Center

5/5(46 area reviews)

Surrounded by the Ill River and Canal du Faux-Rempart, this UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts historic landmarks such as Strasbourg Cathedral, Petite France quarter, and Place Kléber. Explore the island's stunning churches, palaces, and charming streets.

Historic Center
Petite France featuring heritage elements, a city and boating

Quartier de la Cathédrale

While you're in Quartier de la Cathédrale, take in top sights like Broglie Square and jump on the metro at Place Broglie Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Quartier de la Cathédrale
Covered Bridge showing a small town or village, a river or creek and a bridge

Petite-France

4.5/5(154 area reviews)

Discover the charm of half-timbered houses along the Ill river in this UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring narrow alleys and picturesque footbridges. Explore sights like Maison des Tanneurs and Barrage Vauban while enjoying a leisurely walk.

Petite-France
Alsatian Museum showing art

Krutenau

5/5(39 area reviews)

You might enjoy the historic sites while in Krutenau. Austerlitz Square is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Porte de l'Hopital Tram Station or Etoile Bourse Tram Station to see more of the city.

Krutenau
Default Image

Poincaré

4/5(4 area reviews)

When in Poincaré, you can plan a visit to Place des Halles Shopping Centre and Place Kléber, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Poincaré
Train Station Square which includes a city

Quartier de la Gare

While you're in Quartier de la Gare, take in top sights like Train Station Square or Vauban Dam, and hop on the metro to see more the city at Faubourg National Tram Station or Gare Centrale Tram Station.

Quartier de la Gare


City-Centre - Petite France