Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (2024)

HomeStrasbourg travel guideStrasbourg must-see

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river

Published onJuly 9, 2024 at4:00 pm

As a European city, Christmas capital and capital of Alsace, Strasbourg also benefits from a quiet, peaceful river route that splits into several arms once you arrive in the city. The Ill is the river that runs through the Alsace region from north to south. It is a natural waterway surrounded by trees and foliage where nature is omnipresent. On the banks, you'll feel like you're contemplating an impressionist painting, while in the water, when the heat is on, bathers will feel a sense of freedom. Urban swimming is nothing new in Strasbourg, dating back to the 1930s. The current flows around and through the city in places, past medieval monuments such as the covered bridges, and alongside the Citadelle park bordered by the Quai des Alpes. The currents take us all the way to the European quarter, bypassing the European Parliament to continue its life beyond Strasbourg's borders.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (1)

Strasbourg's urban landscape and its river in spring, France.

Summary

The Vauban dam, a vestige of the Middle Ages
A break on the Quai des Alpes aboard a floating terrace
Parc de la Citadelle, a place to breathe the fresh air
Le Vaisseau, a fun and interactive science museum
Stopover in Russia with the Russian Orthodox Church
The European Parliament, the symbol of the European community
Where to eat?
Where to stay in Strasbourg?

Strasbourg

🚆 Your journey to Strasbourg by train or bus

Head for Strasbourg by train or bus, and immerse yourself in Alsace, a blend of tradition and modernity

From

£39

See the offers

The Vauban dam, a vestige of the Middle Ages

The river journey starts from the Vauban dam, offering a splendid view of the outskirts of the city. The covered bridges that can be seen in the distance with their fortified towers set the tone for the medieval period that once reigned in Strasbourg. Soon enough, you have to look to the right to contemplate the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, a cubic architecture covered in glass panels. The walk gives you the impression of travelling back in time between relics of the past and futuristic architecture.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (3)

The Vauban dam in Strasbourg, France.

The walk continues between the Mathiss and Marc Bloch quays to reach the Louis Pasteur bridge. On the banks just before the bridge, you will notice a huge tree, the Euro-American poplar, native to North America and the only one recorded in Strasbourg. Its triangular leaves, usually green, turn yellow in autumn.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (4)

Colourful traditional houses reflected in the River Ill, Petite France, Strasbourg, France.

At the next crossroads, turn left towards the Quai Louis Pasteur and continue along the shore to the Parc du Heyritz, a green space that follows the flow of the river and extends over several hectares. At its centre is a children's esplanade with picnic tables.

A few metres further on, a new green setting borders the river. The much more industrialised Parc de l'Etoile offers another facet of the city, modern and dynamic but just as welcoming.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (5)

Dock in the Heyritz park in Strasbourg, France.

The Chagall footbridge spans the river, linking the Esplanade district to the Malraux peninsula. If you're feeling thirsty, the Barco Latino, a small barge moored on the River Ill, offers delicious co*cktails in a picture-postcard setting. Palm trees, straw huts, banana trees and sunshine are all part of this Cuban interlude.

A break on the Quai des Alpes aboard a floating terrace

Along the Quai des Alpes, a small mar ina draws our attention on the right. Captain Bretzel is an original place, a floating terrace with parasols in summer and transformed into an igloo in winter, where several groups can enjoy a fondue.

The adventure doesn't stop there, as the address also has a marina where you can hire boats with private skippers or electric racing cars without a licence. It's the perfect opportunity to take a cruise with family or friends and discover Strasbourg from the river, with a 360° view. This river attraction features spacious boats, attentive staff and a 2-hour crossing.

Parc de la Citadelle, a place to breathe the fresh air

Following on from the Quai des Alpes, a garden emerges on the left. This is the Parc de la Citadelle, much loved by the people of Strasbourg. It has several basketball courts, children's playgrounds and sports facilities for those who want to keep fit. Everyone is welcome, even pets. A dog area is available so that pooches can also enjoy the lawns.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Noémie Grosse (@grossenoemie)

Le Vaisseau, a fun and interactive science museum

Opposite the garden, a museum specially designed for children introduces them to the world of science. It's a fun way to experiment and play with the elements, such as light, and discover optical illusions.

A sensory trail awaits the little ones outside, where they can observe the flora and fauna. A pretty trail has been designed just for them. It's an introductory yet fun workshop where learning is the order of the day. Nearby, in the Citadelle basin, we recommend a stop at the Citadelle Lighthouse. It's the perfect place to enjoy a drink on a terrace on the banks of the River Ill.

Voir cette publication sur Instagram

Une publication partagée par Phare Citadelle (@pharecitadelle)

Stopover in Russia with the Russian Orthodox Church

You can explore Strasbourg's waters by walking up the rampart basin to the Russian Orthodox Church, a religious edifice much loved by photographers and curious passers-by. Located just a few metres from the Parc de l'Orangerie, it is one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in France. Its architecture is directly inspired by the traditional Russian style of the Middle Ages and contrasts with the surrounding landscape. It resembles a delicious meringue, with its airy curves and pointed gables.

The building is covered by a magnificent turquoise roof and 3 onion-shaped domes, typical of Russian Orthodox buildings. Each is topped by a golden spire. Inside, sobriety is the order of the day.

Every Sunday afternoon, the monument opens its doors to visitors accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide who tells the story of this magical place.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (6)

The Orthodox Church of All Saints, Strasbourg, France.

The European Parliament, the symbol of the European community

The route ends in the heart of the city's European quarter. On the banks of the Quai Jacoutot, the European Parliament stands proudly in front of us. A circular building surrounded by metal rings of different sizes. The city of Strasbourg was chosen after the Second World War to host the European institutions, a symbolic location for the city at the crossroads of Europe.

Strasbourg along the Ill: visit the city from the river (7)

Aerial view of the European Parliament on the banks of the Ill in Strasbourg, France.

Where to eat?

At Zehnerglock, you can enjoy traditional regional dishes, but that's not all! The kitchen is dedicated to perpetuating recipes from French gastronomy, such as the excellent bouchées à la reine. Generous recipes made from quality ingredients are the mantra of this typical Strasbourg restaurant.