• Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg - The Strasbourg Cathedral is not just a monument; it is a Gothic masterpiece that narrates four centuries of history. The guide will provide the keys to uncover its mysteries.

The exploration will start at the 3D model at the base of the cathedral’s south façade, then proceed to the western façade, a true stone book filled with sculptures and symbols.

Participants will learn about the structure’s evolution, from its Romanesque roots to its 142-meter-high spire (466 feet). Together, the history and stories of its builders will be unraveled.

Before moving on, the guide will explain the step-by-step construction of this marvel and how it became the tallest monument in Christendom until the 19th century.

• Place Gutenberg - In the city’s heart, Place Gutenberg thrives, overseen by the statue of the man who revolutionized knowledge.

The guide will take participants on a historical journey, explaining how this square was pivotal in history. It was here in Strasbourg that Johannes Gutenberg perfected his invention and where the first Bible in German was printed. Participants will learn how, long before social media, the world’s first newspaper was also born in this city.

In the background, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the proud Renaissance building known as Neue Bau, still echoes the intellectual vibrancy of the time. Its façades, typical of the Alsatian style, silently witness Strasbourg’s prosperity and ingenuity.

This square is where the past, commerce, and innovation converge, and the guide will provide all the keys to unlock its secrets.

• Eglise Saint-Thomas - On the square that bears its name, Saint Thomas Church stands as a stone sentinel. Considered the city’s Protestant cathedral, it is a majestic testament to the Reformation.

The guide will take participants on a journey through time to share its unique history. They will learn how, starting in the 16th century, Saint Thomas Church became the centerpiece of Alsatian Protestantism, a movement that shaped Strasbourg’s identity.

Its architecture, both sober and elegant, is a true stone book that speaks of the beliefs and intellectual movements of the era. Participants will understand why it is a symbol of the Reformation and how its sandstone walls still echo a different faith.

• Pont Saint-Martin - From Pont Saint-Martin, the view falls upon Petite France, a picturesque scene where half-timbered houses reflect in the water. This romantic-sounding name hides a story that contradicts its charm.

The guide will immerse participants in the soul of this place to reveal its untold story. They will discover that the name “Petite France” actually originates from an old hospital that, in the 16th century, housed soldiers suffering from the “French disease”… The hospital was located here and ended up giving its name to the district—a historical detail that transforms the perception of this magical place.

• Pont Couverts - Since the Middle Ages, the stone towers of Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) have stood as proud guards. Witnesses to an age of iron and stone, their 13th-century walls tell a story that is both military and carceral.

The guide will reveal the secrets of this ancient fortification. Participants will discover how this defensive structure, which also served as a prison, has evolved over time.

Finally, a riddle will be posed: if they are called the Covered Bridges, why don’t they have a roof today? The answer is simpler than it seems!

• Barrage Vauban - Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam), a chapter of history crafted by Louis XIV, stands as a masterpiece of defensive engineering. The guide will explain how, after the annexation of Strasbourg, the Sun King ordered his architect to build this dam to protect the city in case of attack.

Yet, despite its ingenuity, the dam met with an ironic fate. The guide will recount how it was used during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but how its effectiveness was nullified by Prussian bombs.

From its terrace, which offers a unique panorama of the city (subject to opening hours), participants will bridge the gap between past and present. They will admire the architecture of Petite France and the Neustadt, and discuss Strasbourg’s destiny today, in the heart of the magnificent Alsace region.

• Le Square Louise Weiss - Square Louise Weiss is named after an exceptional woman: journalist, feminist, and Dean of the European Parliament. The guide will share more about the European institutions in Strasbourg.

Lined with magnificent half-timbered houses, this location takes on a whole new dimension as Christmas approaches, as it hosts a section of France’s oldest Christmas market, dating back to 1570, and one of the oldest in the world. Participants will immerse themselves in a more authentic market, a favorite among locals.

The guide will recount the story of this market, which was originally dedicated to St. Nicholas, but was banned after the Reformation in favor of the one known today, the “Christkindelsmärik” (Christ Child’s Market), explaining the fascinating story of St. Nicholas.

• La Petite France - Petite France is much more than a picturesque scene where half-timbered houses reflect in the water. Once a working-class district for tanners, millers, and fishermen, it has transformed its humble past into a universal charm that now attracts visitors from all over the world.

The guide will immerse participants in the soul of this place, which has a vibrant artisan history, notably with a presentation of the tanners’ “poêle” (guildhall). This working district is also where the history of the guilds was written—these powerful groups of artisans and merchants who held the reins of the city.

The traditional houses, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, hide other secrets: the guide will explain why their unique architecture was a clever trick to avoid taxes. This location is a living page of history, a bridge between the past and the present.

• Grand’Rue - Grand’Rue, the longest artery in the Old Town, is a place that witnessed the birth of a song that changed France’s destiny. The guide will immerse participants in history to tell the behind-the-scenes story of the national anthem’s creation.

It was right here, in the former apartment of Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle, that the “War Song for the Army of the Rhine” was composed—a song that would later become La Marseillaise. This moment in history, both political and artistic, is one of the most fascinating of the French Revolution.

The guide will reveal how the song traveled from Strasbourg to Marseille and then to Paris, to become the symbol of France and liberty.

• Rue des Tonneliers - Rue des Tonneliers (Coopers’ Street), whose name alone evokes history, was once the heart of Strasbourg’s wine trade. Still bustling today with its bars and restaurants, it is the perfect opportunity to introduce participants to the secrets of the Alsatian vineyard and its most famous grape varieties.
• L’ Ancienne Douane - At the end of Rue des Tonneliers, another piece of the past is revealed: Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House). Formerly the city’s port hub and headquarters of the boatmen’s guild, it is the perfect opportunity to tell participants about the new Port of Strasbourg, today the second-largest river port in France.
• Pont du Corbeau - Next, participants will face Pont du Corbeau (Raven Bridge), a name that alone evokes a dark and fascinating past. It was here, on this bridge—once the “bridge of torments”—that public executions and humiliations took place during the Middle Ages.

Curious about how criminals were judged and executed in this spot? The guide will recount these stories, as terrifying as they are surprising, which are etched into Strasbourg’s memory.

This is a chapter in the history of justice that participants will discover here, and one that stands in stark contrast to the magnificent architecture that has captivated them.

• Mon Oncle Malker de Munster - Discover the authenticity of Alsace at the famous local fine food store: Mon Oncle Malker de Munster. The shop is highly appreciated by locals for its authentic products.

The guide invites participants to a convivial tasting, focusing on local, high-quality products:

• A glass of dry white wine (Riesling or Pinot Gris), as in Alsace, cheese is also paired with white wine. Gewurztraminer is available upon prior request.

• Accompaniments: Alsatian cheeses, including the famous Munster, the local star, and cured sausage (saucisson).

• Non-alcoholic options: A soft drink (homemade apple juice or equivalent) is offered to minors or those who do not wish to consume alcohol. (Please inform the guide at the start of the tour.)

Children aged 13 and under, for whom the tour is half-price, are not included in the tasting, but a soft drink will be offered to them if their parents requested it from the guide at the start of the tour.

• Rue du Maroquin - Participants will take the magnificent Rue du Maroquin, one of the city’s most beautiful streets—a jewel box of traditional houses and authentic “winstubs”. It is the ideal place to end the tour on a high note and capture the final memories of this adventure.

The journey will then conclude by returning to the Cathedral, where it all began, leaving participants with an unforgettable memory of Strasbourg.

• Free for dogs. They must be kept on a leash and be sociable.
• Tour led by an officially licensed tour guide.
• Snacks

• Gratuities
• Entrance fees
• No interior visit of the cathedral.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of Strasbourg!

Prepare for an exceptional 2.5-hour premium journey through the historic center of Strasbourg, guided by the officially licensed local expert, Yann. This intimate shared group experience, accommodating up to 8 participants, offers a cozy, personal setting filled with captivating stories, local myths, and undiscovered treasures, away from the hustle of large tour groups.

From the awe-inspiring Cathedral district to the delightful labyrinth of Petite France, each step unveils a new discovery. Forget impersonal tours and dive into an enjoyable, enlightening adventure where history springs to life at every turn.

A delightful wine and cheese tasting is part of the package. Plus, to enhance the experience, your furry friend is welcome to join!

Join this personal exploration and be captivated by the enchanting allure of Strasbourg.

Practical Information:

• Easy walking level
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Minors must be accompanied

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.