Things to do in Carre d'Or

Strasbourg Cathedral is an extraordinary masterpiece of late Gothic design. The distinctive pinkish hue and intricate detailing of its monumental sandstone façade make it stand out from the buildings surrounding it. Inspect one of the largest astronomical clocks in existence inside and climb up 332 steps to reach the cathedral’s viewing platform.

Rohan Palace is a grand residence with stately façades and an ornate interior. Once a royal abode, it now houses three fascinating museums as well as an additional gallery. Spend a day browsing the exhibits and galleries of the Museum of Fine Arts, the Archaeological Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Visit the Alsatian Museum (Musée Alsacien) to discover the proud traditions of the Alsace region. Over 5,000 artifacts are spread throughout 30 rooms of interconnecting timber-framed houses and depict the daily activities of people in this rural area in northeastern France.

The Tomi Ungerer Museum (Musée Tomi Ungerer–Centre International de l’Illustration) celebrates the many talents of the Strasbourg-born artist Tomi Ungerer. Opened in 2007, it is the first national museum devoted solely to illustrations from the 1900s onward. Stored in the Tomi Ungerer Museum is a collection of over 11,000 drawings and 6,500 toys. Find everything from children’s book illustrations to posters with political themes and an erotic section.

An emblem of Strasbourg, the Ponts Couverts comprises three connected bridges and several fortified stone towers spanning the arms of the River Ill. Cross over the bridge during the day and return to see it from afar in the evening, when lights reflect off the shimmering water of the canals below.

Delight in the exhibits of fine and decorative arts from the Alsace region at L’Oeuvre Notre Dame Museum (Musée de l’Œuvre Notre-Dame). The extensive catalog of masterpieces spans several centuries from the Romanesque period and showcases Strasbourg’s significance as a center for the arts. At the museum admire paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows, all thoughtfully displayed in a group of ancient gabled houses.