How to Visit La Petite France in Strasbourg
Last Updated on 4th November 2023 by Sophie Nadeau
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Pastel hued houses, little streams of water, and a former mill that’s so social media famous that it even has its own hashtag, Petite France looks like an impressionist painting come to life. Here’s everything you need to know about Petite France, including the best things to do.
Due to the Alsace’s strategic position at the junction of several countries, Petite France has several different names in several different languages. After all, this region of France has been passed back and forth between France and Germany for many centuries.
In the local Alsatian dialect, it’s known as Französel, whereas it’s known as Gerberviertel (“Tanner’s Quarter”) in German. La Petite France is also sometimes known as Quartier des Tanneurs in French. If you’re looking to discover more of Strasbourg, be sure to check out our free and self-guided Strasbourg walking tour.
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Introducing La Petite France
Petite France is probably the most romantic area of the city, particularly s during Christmas time when an evening stroll along the waters under the illumination of festive decorations will create the kind of memory that will stay with you forever.
The district is located on the westernmost tip of La Grande Ile, the central Strasbourg island which is encompassed by the river Ill and the Rhine.
A history of Petite France
La Petite France has been inhabited since the Paleolithic, though the first written records that attest to the area were created in around 12 BCE when the Romans transformed a Celtic town known as Argantorati into a Roman military camp, Argentoratum.
During the Middle Ages, the are became the preserve of tanners, millers, and fishermen due to its easy links to the five branches of the River Ill. It was also at this time (during the 15th-century) that the area got its current name, La Petite France.
Despite how it might sound, this moniker was not intended to be a cute or charming one! Instead, the name derived from the fact that Hospice des Verolés was built in the area to treat the soldiers of Charles VIII who had contracted syphilis during the Italian wars.
Back then, the disease was known as the French disease! Syphilis emerged in Europe during the 15th-century and in a time prior to antibiotics, there was no cure.
The place where the soldiers were treated was referred to as the Hospice of the Incurable and the entire building soon came to be known as La Petite France. The area was also referred to by this same name and it ended up sticking around.
Unfortunately, large swathes of the district were destroyed during the Second World War. Most of the 16th and 17th century buildings were painstakingly rebuilt and Petite France has been a UNESCO World heritage site since 1998.
What to see and do in Petite France
Walk around
Truth be told, one of the greatest joys of the Petite France area is to simply stroll around and allow the medieval district to reveal itself to you. Take in the half timbered houses with the sloping roofs which were once used to dry hides.
It will only take a couple of hours to see the area, and even less if you’re not planning to go into any of the little boutiques and shops. There is even a Christmas shop that is open all year ’round. In the winter, Petite France hosts one of Strasbourg’s Christmas Markets.
If you would prefer to discover the area with a local guide, then you can book a highlights walking tour like this one. Alternatively, if you want to discover more of the food in the Alsace, then you can book a gourmet tour like this one.
Les Ponts Couverts (covered bridges)
The covered bridges comprises of three covered bridges and four towers which were once used as part of the defences of Medieval Strasbourg. Erected on the River Ill during the 13th-century, the bridges span four river channels of the River Ill.
Today the bridges are free to walk across and provide perfect views of the rest of the Petite France district. This area is also home to the Maison des Ponts Couverts.
The house itself is private and closed to the public but is particularly famous on social media thanks to the fact that it is covered in a trailing wisteria plant which blooms in lovely lilac shades during the late spring.
Le Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam)
Constructed to replace the covered bridges as a defensive mechanism for the city, the Vauban Dam was built between 1686 and 1690 out of pink Vosges sandstone. The idea was that, if Strasbourg was attacked, the dam would be deployed to flood the lands south of the city.
The Tanners’ House
Throughout the district, you’ll easily be able to make out the former houses belonging to tanners thanks to their sloped rooftops. One building in particular is literally called The Tanners House (Maison des Tanneurs) and now operates as a restaurant.
Located alongside a canal, this eatery has become something of an institution in the city and serves up traditional Alsatian fare in a cosy setting. The building itself has been a listed monument since 1927.
St Thomas Church
Known as the Église Saint Thomas in French, this is the main protestant church in the city. There has been a church on site since as far as the 6th-century, though the building you see dates back as far as the 12th-century.
Construction was interrupted several times, meaning that the final church was only completed in 1521. This has resulted in a number of different architectural styles being represented, including Romanesque, Gothic, and Renaissance.
St. Pierre-le-Vieux Church
Another church worth checking out in Petite France is the Old St Peter’s church. Much of the building onsite today dates back to the 14th-century, though some older parts still standing were constructed as far back as between the 4th and 8th-centuries.
See the Christmas Market
If you happen to be visiting Strasbourg from late November up until Christmas then one of the best things to do in Petite France is to check out the Christmas Market.
The Village d’Advent Christmas Market is located between water and pastel hued houses and is best-seen at night when the entire area is bathed in golden fairy lights. This little village boasts stalls selling chocolate, wine, candy, jams, and often is extended until the beginning of the new year.
Stay in La Petite France
As one of the largest and most important cities in The Alsace, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Strasbourg to suit a variety of different needs and budgets.
Petite France is an idyllic place to stay, where you’ll start off each day of your time in Strasbourg wandering along medieval streets between timber-framed buildings. Here are some of the best places to stay in the area based on web-reviews and location:
Le Bouclier d’Or Hotel & Spa: This luxurious hotel is conveniently located within walking distance of many Strasbourg attractions. Amenities include a spa, parking, and air conditioning. Check prices and availability here.
Pavillon Régent Petite France: For an unforgettable stay during your time in Strasbourg, you’ll want to stay in this five-star hotel. Highlights include a spa, 24 hour front desk, air conditioning, and a fitness centre. Check prices and availability here.
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