Petite France, Strasbourg

Petite France, Strasbourg

Petite France is a historic quarter at the western end of the Grande Île, the historical centre of Strasbourg which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Petite France is a historic quarter at the western end of the Grande Île, the historical centre of Strasbourg which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The charming area has several waterways, and was historically home to tanneries, mills, and slaughterhouses which required abundant water for business. It was named after the 15th century Hospice des Vérolés where soldiers returning from Italy were cured of syphilis, which was then known as Franzosenkrankheit (French disease) in German. The charming area has quaint 16th-17th century half-timbered houses lined up along the narrow canals that course through it.

The Canal du Faux-Rempart marks the western edge of Petit France, and splits at the Ponts Couverts into 4 channels - Zornmühle, Dinsenmühle, Spitzmühle, and the Navigation Canal. Explore the pretty alleys, bridges, and squares to see the old buildings and flower beds that lend a medieval atmosphere to the area. Highlights include the Maison des Tanneurs or Tanner's Guild, Saint-Thomas Church, Saint-Pierre-le-Vieux Church, Saint-Martin Church, Église Réformée du Bouclier, Église Saint Nicolas de Strasbourg, and Paroisse orthodoxe roumaine de Strasbourg. The Caves Historiques des Hospices de Strasbourg has wine cellars in the basement of a medieval hospital. Named after General Jean-Baptiste Kléber whose statue stands in the centre, Place Kleber is the largest square in Strasbourg and a luxury shopping destination. Head over to the Musée Historique de Strasbourg to find out more about the history of the area.

Petit France is especially magical during winter when Christmas markets are set up and the entire area is beautifully decorated.