City-Centre - Petite France

Strasbourg

Petite France showing a river or creek and a city
City-Centre - Petite France
City-Centre - Petite France
Petite France which includes flowers and heritage elements
City-Centre - Petite France

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


Top hotels in City-Centre - Petite France

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! (996 reviews)
Excelente ubicación
"Excelente ubicación, el hotel está muy cerca de todo del pequeño barrio francés, de la catedral, muy bien mantenido, la habitación algo pequeña pero comoda"

Reviewed on Aug 14, 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 P10,862 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P10,862
P12,459 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 & Spa RÉGENT PETITE FRANCE

Hôtel & Spa RÉGENT PETITE FRANCE

5 out of 5
5 Rue Des Moulins, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P19,674 per night from Sep 15 to Sep 16
P19,674
P22,156 total
Sep 15 - Sep 16
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and private hot tubs. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (977 reviews)
"Great location, beautiful view and good service"

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2025

Hôtel & Spa RÉGENT PETITE FRANCE
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
The price is P5,425 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P5,425
P6,347 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! (984 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
Couvent du Franciscain

Couvent du Franciscain

3 out of 5
18 Rue du Faubourg de Pierre, Strasbourg, Bas-rhin
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (602 reviews)
"Location was excellent with good dining options. Breakfast at hotel was plentiful. The room we had was small but ok for 2 nights. The staff were wonderful. We wanted to watch the British and Irish Lions test match on our laptop and they went out of their way to cast it onto their main tv for us. ..."

Reviewed on Jul 19, 2025

Couvent du Franciscain
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 P9,375 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P9,375
P10,691 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! (594 reviews)
"The bed was good, however the restaurant was closed during our stay due to the staff being on holiday. However there are many many restaurants close by with great food options."

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hôtel LÉONOR the place to live
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 neighbourhoods around City-Centre - Petite France

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Historic Center

Consider a visit to Kammerzell House and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Historic Center. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at Place Broglie Tram Stop or Langstross Grand'Rue Tram Station.

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

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 which includes a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek

Petite-France

Spend some time visiting places like Covered Bridge while getting to know Petite-France, and be sure to check out the abundant dining options. You can hop aboard the metro at Alt Winmarik Tram Station or Langstross Grand'Rue Tram Station to see more of the area.

Petite-France
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Krutenau

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
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Poincaré

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 showing 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