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Historic neighborhood · Estrasburgo, Grande Leste
Grande Île
Island formed by the river Ill that contains Strasbourg's historic centre, with the cathedral, squares, medieval streets and half-timbered houses; a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grande Île
The Grande Île is the heart of Strasbourg: an island bounded by the river Ill to the south and by a canal, the Fossé du Faux-Rempart, to the north. The Roman camp of Argentoratum, the origin of the city, was located there. In 1988 the Grande Île was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, together with the Petite France.
The neighbourhood is best explored on foot. The Place Kléber is the main square, a meeting point and tram interchange. From the Place Gutenberg, with the statue of the inventor of the printing press who lived in the city, the Rue Mercière leads straight to the cathedral façade. Along the way you’ll see half-timbered houses, hôtels particuliers (urban mansions) and churches such as Saint-Thomas, Protestant, a reminder that Alsace has both Christian traditions.
To the north and east, across the canal, lies the Neustadt, the “new town” built during the period when Strasbourg belonged to the German Empire from 1871. The large buildings, wide avenues and the Place de la République reflect another phase of the city's history, and the Neustadt was also included in the World Heritage area.
The best way to see the island from the outside is from the river. The sightseeing boats Batorama depart from the quay next to the cathedral, beside the Palais Rohan, and circle the Grande Île, pass through the locks at the Petite France and continue to the European quarter. The exact boarding point may change due to works: check your ticket before you set out.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for a first walking tour; a full day if you include museums. The boat tour lasts just over 1 hour.
Best time
Early in the morning the streets are empty and the light hits the cathedral façade. In the late afternoon the quays of the Ill become lively. Between late November and late December the squares host the Christmas market and become very crowded.
How to get there
From the Gare de Strasbourg it is about a 15-minute walk to the Place Kléber, or two tram stops. Car traffic is restricted within the island; leave your car in an outlying parking area with a tram connection (so-called parking relais).
Tip
For the boat tour, buy your ticket in advance during the high season and the Christmas market. At the end of the day it's worth crossing over to the neighbouring Krutenau, a district with bars and restaurants popular with locals. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grande Île
What did UNESCO recognise in Estrasburgo?
The Grande Île and the Petite France were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1988. The area was later extended to include the Neustadt, built during the German period.
Is the boat tour worth it?
Yes, it helps to understand the city encircled by the river. The boat goes around the Grande Île, passes the locks of the Petite France and reaches the quarter of the European institutions, with audio in several languages.
Where does the sightseeing boat depart from?
From the landing next to the cathedral, beside the Palais Rohan; there is also a nearby stop at the Quai au Sable. Check your ticket for the boarding point of the day.
Can you explore the Grande Île on foot?
Yes. The island is just over 1 km from end to end, and much of the streets are pedestrian- and tram-only.