Strasbourg: Premium Tour with Tasting | Licensed Guide

The Strasbourg Cathedral is no mere monument; it is a Gothic masterpiece that tells four centuries of history. I will give you the keys to unlock its secrets. We will begin our discovery in front of the 3D model at the foot of the cathedral’s south façade, then continue our exploration before the western façade, a true stone book rich with sculptures and symbols. You will learn how the structure transformed over time, from its Romanesque foundations to its 142-meter-high spire (466-foot-high). Together, we will decipher its history and the anecdotes of its builders. Before continuing the tour, I will explain how this marvel was built, one step at a time, and how it became the tallest monument in Christendom until the 19th century.

In the heart of the city, Place Gutenberg comes alive, watched over by the statue of the man who gave wings to knowledge. Your guide will take you on a journey through time, recounting how this square was a crucial location in history. It was here, in Strasbourg, that Johannes Gutenberg perfected his invention and where the very first Bible in German was printed. You will learn how, long before the era of 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 named Neue Bau, still seems to echo the intellectual ferment of the time. Its façades, typical of the Alsatian style, are silent witnesses to Strasbourg's prosperity and ingenuity. This is a square where the past, commerce, and innovation meet, and your guide will give you all the keys to unlock its secrets.

On the square that bears its name, Saint Thomas Church stands like a stone sentinel. Considered the city’s Protestant cathedral, it is a majestic witness to the Reformation. I will take you on a journey through time to tell you its unique history. You 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 will speak to you of the beliefs and intellectual movements of the era. You will understand why it is a symbol of the Reformation, and how its sandstone walls still seem to echo a different faith.

From Pont Saint-Martin, your gaze falls upon Petite France, a postcard-perfect scene where half-timbered houses are reflected in the water. This name, which sounds so romantic, hides a story that contradicts its charm. I will immerse you in the soul of this place to tell you its untold story. You will discover that the name "Petite France" actually comes 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 how you look at this magical place.

Since the Middle Ages, the stone towers of Ponts Couverts (Covered Bridges) have stood like proud guards. Witnesses to an age of iron and stone, their 13th-century walls tell a story that is both military and carceral. I will reveal the secrets of this ancient fortification. You will discover how this defensive structure, which also served as a prison, has evolved over time. And finally, a riddle will be posed to you: if they are called the Covered Bridges, why don't they have a roof today? The answer is simpler than it seems!

Barrage Vauban (Vauban Dam), a chapter of history written by the hand of Louis XIV, stands as a masterpiece of defensive engineering. I will tell you 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. I will recount how it was used during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, but how its effectiveness was nullified by Prussian bombs. It is from its terrace, which offers a unique panorama of the city (subject to opening hours), that we will bridge the gap between past and present. We will be able to admire the architecture of Petite France and the Neustadt, and discuss Strasbourg's destiny today, in the heart of the magnificent Alsace region.

Square Louise Weiss is named after an exceptional woman: journalist, feminist, and Dean of the European Parliament. I will tell you 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. You will immerse yourself in a more authentic market, a favorite among locals. I 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 we know today, the "Christkindelsmärik" (Christ Child's Market), explaining the fascinating story of St. Nicholas.

Petite France is so much more than a postcard-perfect scene where half-timbered houses are reflected 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. I will immerse you 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: I'll 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, the longest artery in the Old Town, is a place that saw the birth of a song that changed France's destiny. I will immerse you in history to tell you 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. I 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 (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 you to the secrets of the Alsatian vineyard and its most famous grape varieties.

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 you about the new Port of Strasbourg, today the second-largest river port in France.

Next, we 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. Want to know how criminals were judged and executed in this spot? I 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 you will discover here, and one that stands in stark contrast to the magnificent architecture that has captivated you.

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. Your guide invites you 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 your 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.

We 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 our tour on a high note and capture the final memories of this adventure. We will then conclude our journey by returning to the Cathedral, where it all began, to leave you with an unforgettable memory of Strasbourg.