• Place Kléber - Place Kléber is the central hub of Strasbourg, where the tallest Christmas tree in France proudly stands each year! This magnificent tree, around 70 years old and 30 meters tall, is transported from the Vosges mountains at the end of October.

Place Kléber is where history and modernity converge. Visitors can admire the statue of General Kléber, a hero of the Napoleonic army, whose remains lie beneath his statue’s pedestal.

Adjacent to this is the grand Aubette, a building with a rich history of transformation.

To keep the tour within 3 hours, the group will not explore the Place Kléber market, but there will be ample time to visit before the meeting. The focus will be on other Christmas markets in the city.

• Place Broglie - Place Broglie is a stage where Strasbourg’s history unfolds. From the Janus fountain, symbolizing the dual nature of history, to the Opera, which tells tales of the city’s wars and rebirths, history is alive here.

The square is also a place of remembrance. The guide will share the story of Strasbourg’s liberation by Marshal Leclerc and an intriguing anecdote about the French flag.

Additionally, two stories will be shared: the city’s first Christmas market held here after 1570, and the origin of La Marseillaise, the French national anthem, which first echoed in a building on this square.

During Christmas, Place Broglie is vibrant with chalets offering traditional dishes like sauerkraut and Spätzle, mulled wine, and Nativity scene figurines (santons).

• Rue des Orfèvres - Rue des Orfèvres, or Goldsmiths’ Street, is a highlight of the old city, known for its stunning display during the Christkindelsmärik (Christmas Market in Alsatian).

Historically, this street was home to goldsmiths and artisans, contributing to Strasbourg’s commercial prominence.

At night, it transforms into a magical tunnel of light. Despite its narrowness and crowds, it is a must-visit, leading directly to the majestic Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Rue des Orfèvres is a bustling commercial area during the market, featuring famous “winestubs” (traditional Alsatian restaurants) and stalls with local specialties like foie gras, Alsatian pastries, and local “schnaps” (brandies).

• Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg - The Strasbourg Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece, narrating four centuries of history. The guide will reveal its secrets.

Visitors will be awed by the western façade, a stone book filled with sculptures and symbols.

At the base of this structure are chalets dedicated to Christmas decorations and Alsatian crafts, offering a chance to discuss Alsatian pottery, known for its traditional gray and blue designs.

The tour will explore the cathedral’s evolution from Romanesque foundations to its 142-meter-high spire. The guide will share its history and the stories of its builders.

Before moving on, the guide will explain the construction process and how it became the tallest monument in Christendom until the 19th century.

• Rue du Maroquin - Rue du Maroquin, or Leather Goods Street, is another famous and beautiful street in Strasbourg during Christmas. It is adorned with traditional half-timbered houses and “winstubs.”

The street’s decorations are a testament to Alsatian charm, and despite the crowds, it is worth the visit to soak in the enchanting atmosphere.

This is also an opportunity to discuss the storks, a symbol of Alsace, seen on plush toys, keychains, and souvenirs in the shops.

Rue du Maroquin leads to the official entrance of the Christmas Market at Rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons (Old Fish Market Street), named after Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House), which is passed after seeing Pont du Corbeau (Raven Bridge), known as the “Bridge of Torments.”

• Pont du Corbeau - Arriving at Pont du Corbeau, or Raven Bridge, evokes a dark yet fascinating past. This bridge, once the “bridge of torments,” was the site of public executions and humiliations in the Middle Ages.

The guide will recount the stories of how criminals were judged and executed here, tales that are both terrifying and surprising, etched into Strasbourg’s memory.

This chapter of justice history contrasts with the magnificent architecture that captivates visitors.

• L’Ancienne Douane - Before entering Rue des Tonneliers (Coopers’ Street), another historical piece is revealed: Ancienne Douane (Old Customs House). Once the city’s port hub and headquarters of the boatmen’s guild, it offers a chance to discuss the new Port of Strasbourg, now the second-largest river port in France.
• Rue des Tonneliers - Rue des Tonneliers, or Coopers’ Street, is steeped in history, once the heart of Strasbourg’s wine trade. Today, it remains lively with bars and restaurants, providing an opportunity to explore the secrets of the Alsatian vineyard and its renowned grape varieties.
• Place Gutenberg - Place Gutenberg is a vibrant square, watched over by the statue of the man who revolutionized knowledge.

The guide will take visitors on a historical journey, explaining how this square was pivotal in history. It was here that Johannes Gutenberg perfected his invention and printed the first German Bible. 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 Renaissance building Neue Bau, echoes the intellectual fervor of the time. Its Alsatian-style façades are silent witnesses to Strasbourg’s prosperity and ingenuity.

This square is where history, commerce, and innovation intersect, and the guide will provide insights into its secrets.

• Église Saint-Thomas - On its namesake square, Saint Thomas Church stands as a stone sentinel, considered the city’s Protestant cathedral and a majestic witness to the Reformation.

The guide will take visitors through its unique history, explaining how, from the 16th century, Saint Thomas Church became central to Alsatian Protestantism, shaping Strasbourg’s identity.

Its architecture, both simple and elegant, is a stone book that speaks of the era’s beliefs and intellectual movements.

Place Saint-Thomas is a quieter spot, popular with locals, perfect for enjoying a comforting moment amidst local history. Visitors can indulge in pretzels, gingerbread, and Christmas cookies (bredele), with a glass of mulled wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. This is an ideal place to discuss Protestantism, which still resonates within the church walls.

• La Petite France - Petite France is more than a picturesque scene with half-timbered houses 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 attracts visitors worldwide.

The guide will immerse visitors in the soul of this place, rich in artisan history, with a presentation of the tanners’ “poêle” (guildhall). This working district is where the history of the guilds was written—powerful groups of artisans and merchants who controlled the city.

The traditional houses, dating from the 15th and 16th centuries, hold other secrets: the guide will explain how their unique architecture cleverly avoided taxes. Visitors will also learn that the district’s name comes from the “French disease” (Mal français).

The tour concludes here. As the Christmas Market closes at 9 PM, there will be about an hour left to enjoy the district or other markets, providing a chance to shop, revisit a chalet, or dine out.

• Free for dogs. They must be kept on a leash and be sociable. Please be mindful of the crowds!
• Tour led by an officially licensed tour guide.
• Snacks

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

Discover the Enchantment of Christmas in Strasbourg!

Prepare for a delightful 3-hour premium journey through the Strasbourg Christmas Market, guided by the officially licensed local expert, Yann. This intimate shared group experience, accommodating up to 8 participants, provides a cozy, personal setting filled with captivating stories, local folklore, and hidden treasures, away from the hustle of large tour groups.

From the grand Cathedral district to the picturesque labyrinth of Petite France, each step is filled with awe. Forget impersonal tours and dive into a gourmet and magical adventure where you can savor mulled wine (or a non-alcoholic option) and traditional Christmas delicacies.

Join this intimate exploration and let the charm of the Christmas Capital captivate you.

Practical Information:

• The walking level is easy, but the pace may vary with the market crowds. The itinerary might be adjusted as needed.
• Not accessible for wheelchairs
• Minors must be accompanied

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