Petite-France

Strasbourg
Ponts Couverts featuring a bridge, a small town or village and a river or creek
Take a tour past waterways and historic landmarks and stop for coffee and some people-watching in a quaint café in this old-world district in the heart of Strasbourg.

Canals and medieval houses run through the heart of Petite France, a quaint region in Strasbourg. This part of the city is remarkably charming with its many covered bridges and waterways that reflect light at night. Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of this pretty area, as you stroll past shops, cafés and restaurants.

Historically, Petite France was associated with slaughterhouses, flour mills and tanning houses where leather was made. Although its name evokes romantic connotations, it actually derives from a hospital for syphilis, which was known among Germans as the “French disease.”

Take a grand tour of the area on the Petit Train to see its sights in style. Hear stories, commentary and historical information as you ride. Take photos of the timeless timbered houses facing the banks of the canals. Gaze up at the Ponts Couverts, an iconic bridge featuring medieval towers. Look for the Vauban Dam guarding the southwest side of the Grande Île. Admire the grass-covered roof of this former fortress and learn about its intriguing history.

Come to the district in the morning to avoid the crowds or in the evening to view the bridges and houses illuminated in warm light. This area is like a large open-air museum, with its old structures giving a sense of how Alsace may have appeared in the Middle Ages.

Purchase souvenirs, such as postcards, books and T-shirts, which capture the spirit of this serene neighborhood.

This part of the town and its bridges are free to visit and remain open at all times. A small fee is required to ride the Petit Train.

Find the historic Petite France quarter on the western end of Grande Île, where the River Ill splits. Arrive at the city’s main railway station and walk southeast for around 10 minutes to reach Petite France. Alternatively, take a bus to one of the many stops in the district.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in 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 €77 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€77
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (962 reviews)
"Wonderful hotel and excellent service!"

Reviewed on 22 Dec 2023

Hôtel de l'Europe by Happyculture
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 €186 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€186
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (180 reviews)
"Room was very cozy. No expense is spared in detail. Blackout shutters were a game changer. Bed was very comfortable."

Reviewed on 11 Mar 2024

Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel&Spa, Autograph Collection
Hotel Hannong
Hotel Hannong
4 out of 5
15 Rue Du 22 Novembre, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is €119 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
€119
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (986 reviews)
Lovely hotel
"Lovely hotel situated in a very convenient location. Staff very helpful and obliging. Room very nice and clean. Would recommend."

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

Hotel Hannong
Hôtel Gutenberg
Hôtel Gutenberg
4 out of 5
31 Rue des Serruriers, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €104 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€104
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (769 reviews)
Service and Style in Strasbourg
"Amazing stay - from staff and initial welcome during check in to the room and overall location. We would highly recommend to friends, family and strangers who might want to visit the area"

Reviewed on 23 Mar 2024

Hôtel Gutenberg
Citadines Kléber Strasbourg
Citadines Kléber Strasbourg
3 out of 5
50-54 Rue Du Jeu Des Enfants, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is €111 per night from 25 Apr to 26 Apr
€111
per night
25 Apr - 26 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and onsite parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (727 reviews)
"Great property centrally located"

Reviewed on 15 Jan 2024

Citadines Kléber Strasbourg
Le Kléber
Le Kléber
3 out of 5
29 Place Kleber, Strasbourg, Bas-Rhin
The price is €97 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€97
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Strasbourg. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (495 reviews)
"Great hotel and location."

Reviewed on 8 Jan 2024

Le Kléber
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 Petite-France

Petite France featuring a city and a river or creek

City-Centre - Petite France

5/5(2 area reviews)

Travellers love City-Centre - Petite France for its stunning cathedral, and you can see more of Strasbourg by jumping on the metro at Langstrosse Grand'Rue Tram Station or Place Broglie Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Place Kléber and Kammerzell House.

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 Langstrosse 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
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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 de Centrale Tram Station.

Quartier de la Gare
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Poincaré

3.5/5(3 area reviews)

When in Poincaré, you can plan a visit to Train Station Square and Place des Halles Shopping Centre, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Poincaré
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Krutenau

4.5/5(10 area reviews)

You might enjoy the historical sites while in Krutenau. Alsatian Museum 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

Petite-France

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