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 showing heritage elements and flowers
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! (995 reviews)
"Very nice central ly"

Reviewed on 10 Jun, 2025

Hotel Hannong
Hotel Rohan
Hotel Rohan
4 out of 5
17-19 Rue Du Maroquin, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (976 reviews)
"Very good experience for our first time staying in Strasbourg"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Hotel Rohan
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 S$281 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$281
27 Jul - 28 Jul
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! (342 reviews)
"Beautiful property in great neighborhood for dining and drinking. Close to many great restaurants and bars. Staff were friendly and helpful. Would like to come stay again."

Reviewed on 26 Jun, 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 S$143 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$143
14 Jul - 15 Jul
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! (985 reviews)
Walking Distance to Little France
"The hotel is about 12min walk from Strasbourg train station, and lots of dinning option around hotel vicinity. Bedroom is not big but well maintain & clean. From hotel, it is a short walk to the canal of Petite France, beautiful scenery both in the morning as well as night. Breakfast variety is reasonable ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 2025

Hôtel de l'Europe by Happyculture
Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles
Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles
4 out of 5
4 Quai Kléber, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is S$182 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$182
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Strasbourg Christmas ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (938 reviews)
"Good location. It is on top of a shopping mall. Although, it was quite hard to find the lobby of this hotel as the sign of the entrance is quite small."

Reviewed on 14 Jun, 2025

Novotel Strasbourg Centre Halles
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 S$241 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$241
20 Jul - 21 Jul
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! (566 reviews)
Beautifully renovated hotel
"The hotel building is the former residence of the governor of Alsace and has been beautifully renovated. The rooms are large, the decor is minimalist modern, done in warm colors. It has a nice bar area that opens to a courtyard and has a DJ on some nights of the week. We did not eat at the restaurant, ..."

Reviewed on 17 Jun, 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

5/5(8 area reviews)

Travellers choose Historic Center for its ample dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Place Broglie Tram Stop or Langstross Grand'Rue Tram Station and check out top sights like Kammerzell House.

Historic Center
Petite France featuring 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 featuring a river or creek, a small town or village and a bridge

Petite-France

4.5/5(31 area reviews)

Travellers choose Petite-France for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Alt Winmarik Tram Station or Langstross Grand'Rue Tram Station and check out top sights like Covered Bridge.

Petite-France
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Krutenau

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

You might enjoy the historical 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

3.5/5(3 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 Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Faubourg National Tram Station or Gare Centrale Tram Station.

Quartier de la Gare

City-Centre - Petite France