When to visit Strasbourg?

__TGV Paris-Strasbourg__ in 1h46 (LGV Est from Paris-Gare de l'Est, very high frequency). __TGV Lyon-Strasbourg__ in 3h45. __ICE Strasbourg-Frankfurt__ in 2h (international connection). __ICE Strasbourg-Munich__ in 3h30. __Strasbourg-Entzheim airport__ (SXB, limited domestic flights), or __EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg__ (EAP, 1h30 by train, many European low-cost flights).

__2-3 days__ for Strasbourg alone (cathedral + platform, Petite France, Covered Bridges + Vauban Dam, Neustadt, Alsatian Museum, Batorama cruise). __5-6 days__ to add Colmar (32 min by TER), Wine Route (3 days by car: Obernai, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé). __7 days__ to add Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Vosges (Munster, Gérardmer), Germany excursion (Black Forest, Karlsruhe 1h).

__Strasbourg__ ("Capital of Christmas since 1570"): opening from the last Saturday of November to 24 December (sometimes until 31 December depending on years). 11 markets spread across the city (historic Place Broglie, Place Kléber with the 30 m giant tree, cathedral square, Place Gutenberg, Place du Marché aux Poissons, Place Saint-Thomas). Record crowds: 3 million visitors over 5 weeks. __Tip__: visit on weekdays (Monday-Wednesday) and early evening (5-8 pm, magical illuminations but slightly less crowd) — weekends unbearable.

__Notre-Dame Cathedral__ (flamboyant Gothic, 142 m, astronomical clock apostles' parade 12:30 pm — €3, platform 332 steps — €5). __Petite France__ (tanners' district, half-timbered houses, canals, most picturesque). __Covered Bridges__ (4 medieval 13th-century towers). __Vauban Dam__ (free panoramic terrace). __Rohan Palace__ (3 museums: Fine Arts, Archaeological, Decorative Arts). __Alsatian Museum__ (traditional Alsatian life — essential). __Neustadt__ (Place de la République, University Palace, Wilhelminian architecture). __European Parliament__ (free visits). __Tanners' District__ and __Place Kléber__ (shopping centre).

From Strasbourg, the __Alsace Wine Route__ (170 km, 70 wine villages) starts at __Marlenheim__ (20 min southwest). __By car__: 3-5 days to stop in the main villages (Obernai 25 min, Mittelbergheim 35 min, Ribeauvillé 50 min, Riquewihr 50 min, Kaysersberg 55 min, Eguisheim 1h, Turckheim 55 min) and do estate tastings (€5-15). __By train__: TER Strasbourg-Colmar-Mulhouse + car rental on site. __By bike__: Vineyard Cycle Route (140 km waymarked along the Wine Route). Ideal in spring and autumn (harvest in September).

__Grande-Île__: Régent Petite France (5*, €280-650/night in season), Hôtel Cour du Corbeau (4*, €180-400), Hôtel Cathédrale (3*, €130-280), Hôtel Hannong (4*, €200-400). __European Quarter__: Hilton (4-5*, €200-450). __Residential quarters__ (Krutenau, Neustadt): €100-200/night. __Outside Christmas season__: moderate prices; __in December__: tripled prices, booking 6 months ahead essential.

__Alsatian specialities__: __sauerkraut__ (fermented cabbage + sausages + bacon + shank, in an authentic winstub — Maison Kammerzell on the cathedral square, Au Pont Saint Martin), __tarte flambée__ or "flammkueche" (thin dough + cream + bacon + onions, cooked over wood fire — Au Pont Saint Martin), __baeckeoffe__ (meat stew marinated in Riesling), __kougelhopf__ (crown-shaped brioche, in the morning with coffee), __bredele__ (small Christmas biscuits to gift), AOP __Münster__ (raw milk cheese), __gingerbread__ from Gertwiller. __Alsatian white wines__: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Sylvaner, Crémant d'Alsace. __Beers__: Kronenbourg (created in Strasbourg in 1664), Meteor, Schutzenberger.