53302PMI
Paris, TGV. Strasbourg
Routes
Strasbourg sightseeing on foot with TM, no entrances (see ACIS TM notes)
TGV Procedure – read in conjunction with general TGV page
Set down by Départs Grandes Lignes. Check nothing has been left on the bus. Tip driver if appropriate (see expenses guide) and lead group into station.
Validate your ticket in the machines at the platforms entrance (fine for not doing this).
In Paris, the platform number is posted 20 minutes prior to departure, but you can often get details from the Information kiosk if you tell them that you have a large group to get on the train (sometimes trains are doubled up – be sure you are on the right one!). Some trains are double-decker – always good to warn the group about this in advance.
Monitors on the platform indicate the position of each carriage. Lead the group, carrying their own luggage, onto the platform and group them at the correct sector(s). There is only one door per carriage. In Strasbourg you may only have 2 or 3 minutes to board the train so plan boarding procedure with the group beforehand.
When you board the train, direct the group to their reserved seats and help them to store their luggage. There is space for this at the end of the carriage and on overhead racks. Space is limited so you need to get as many of the suitcases as possible onto the overhead racks. Usually there is additional storage in the center of each carriage at seat level.
Time permitting, you may want to suggest the group buys snacks for the TGV, as food and drinks are expensive on board
Strasbourg city sightseeing should include:
- Barrage Vauban
- La Petite France
- Rue du Bain aux Plantes
- Place Gutenberg
- La Grande Rue
- Cathedral
- Place aux Cochons de Lait
- Place de la Grande Boucherie
- Place Kleber
- Palais Rohan courtyard
- Place de la Republique
Set down at the Place Henri Dunant and start your tour with the Barrage Vauban. You are allowed to pick up again at the Place d’ Austerlitz, which will save you backtracking from the Cathedral. You will need to use the bus to get views of the European district with European Parliament, etc.
Strasbourg Bus Drop-Off:
A tram line runs through the centre of the town connecting the station, Place Kléber and Place de l’Étoile but the old town center is small enough to negotiate on foot.
FACTS AND FREE TIME SUGGESTIONS
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Office de Tourisme 17 Place de la Cathédrale, 03 88 52 28 28
THINGS TO DO
Cathedral Open daily from 08.30 – 11.15, 12.45 – 17.45. Sundays 14.00-17.15 – free entrance (cannot be visited during masses unless for worship). Guards very vigilant on TMs not giving info inside cathedral.
Go up to the viewing platform for a view of the old town Apr-Sep 09.30 – 13.00, 13.30-20.00, Oct – Mar 10.00-13.00, 13.30 – 18.00. Entrance €8/€5 Adults/Students or Groups.
The Astronomical Clock performs, with explanations, daily (approx. 12.00). Tickets are sold at the south doorway beforehand
Boat trip with commentary – Batorama.fr
Regular departures from 1 of 3 quais behind Palais Rohan (lasts approx. 1 hr. arrive 30 minutes prior to be seated together in decent seats. Quai numbers/boat times displayed on digital sign at booking hut in the middle. Departure for evening excursions at 21.30 and 22.00 (May – Sep), €16.00. 10%/20% Reduced tarif student group. Really picturesque – part lit at night. Medieval timbered buildings flanking the banks.
Walking Especially after dinner – along the river path and over the canal gates in the pedestrian area of old town. Start at the cathedral and take a circle finishing in time for the free sound and light show during summer months.
Brewery Tours These are free, but get booked up way in advance. You could try your luck at Kronenbourg.
Bike Rental VELHOP velhop.strasbourg.eu
La Grande Verrière, Place de la Gare, 03 67 70 70 70, Mon-Fri, 8.00-19.00, Sat 9.30 -12.30 and 14.00-17.30
23 boulevard de la Victoire, Strasbourg, tél : 09 62 32 06 46, Mon-fri, 09.00-18.30
3 rue d’Or, Strasbourg – Station tramway Porte de l’Hôpital, tél : 09 65 27 97 25, Mon-Fri, 8.00-19.00, Sat 9.30 -12.30 and 14.00-17.30
5€ for a day’s (12 hours) rental (150€ deposit per bike). Good fun – pathways along the water’s edge.
MUSEUMS
Check General Info for exact Prices and Opening Times
For adults, a one-day Museum Pass pass (€12) gives access to all the museums in town. Amazing value…. And they are all really close by the Cathedral, Palais Rohan and boat rides. Available in any museum.
Palais Rohan – 2, Place du Chateau Open 10.00 – 18.00 (closed Tues, and 1pm-2pm weekdays)
The 18th century state apartments of Cardinal Rohan Houses the Decorative Arts Museum, the Fine Arts Museum (with paintings from Giotto to the 19th Century) and the Archaeological Museum. Tickets give entry to all three museums. €7.50 Adults. Free for under 18. 03 68 98 50 00.
Musée Alsacien – 23 -25 Quai St Nicolas Open 10.00 – 18.00 (closed Tues & 1pm-2pm weekdays). Popular arts and traditions of Alsace within in typical, historically preserved town house by the river. €7.50 Adults. Free for under 18s. 03 68 98 51 52
Musée de l’Oeuvre Notre Dame – 3 Place du Chateau. Open 10.00 – 18.00 (closed Mon & 1pm-2pm weekdays), €7.50 Adults, free for under 18. Medieval sculpture saved from the Cathedral during renovation, plus a collection of Renaissance religious art, including stained glass, from Strasbourg and Alsace. 03 68 98 50 00.
Musée d’Art modern et contemporain (MAMCS) 1 place Hans Jean Harps. Open 10.00 – 18.00 (closed Mon & 1pm-2pm weekdays). €7.50 adults, free for Under 18s.
Musee Historique de Strasbourg. 2 rue du Vieux-Marche-aux-Poissons
Closed Mondays & 1pm-2pm weekdays. 10am – 6 pm €7.50 for adults. Free under 18 12 Century to Present day, Art to Artillery.
Place de La Republique
Just what Berlin looked like before it was bombed. German constructed square with palace, library, opera, administration, finance ministry etc. Very grand and totally in contrast to Petit France.
MARKETS
CHECK INTERNET FOR DAYS AND TIMES – marches-strasbourg.fr
Flea market Weds/Sat at the Place du Vieux Marché (7.00-18.00)
Book market Tues/Weds/Sat – rue and place Gutenberg and rue des Hallebardes (9.00-19.00)
Marche Broglie Wednesday and Friday 7am – 1pm Pl. Brolglie
Marche de L’Esplanade Tuesday and Saturday 7am – 1 pm 16 Bd de la Marne
CONCERTS AND FOLKSHOWS
Check with the Strasbourg Tourist Information (visitstrasbourg.fr), 03 88 52 28 28) for any programmed free performances and illuminations during the summer months in the Palais Rohan and the Orangerie Park.