Grande Île, Strasbourg

The Grande Île is Strasbourg's central district, surrounded by the Ill River and the Faux-Rempart Canal, extending approximately 1.5 kilometers across. The area is characterized by a densely woven network of streets and alleys containing shops, restaurants, museums, and several churches including the Cathedral and Saint-Thomas Church.

The area developed from a Roman settlement named Argentoratum, which later became Strasbourg's medieval center. In 1988, the entire district was inscribed as the first complete city center on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

The neighborhood reveals itself through its half-timbered and stone houses with inner courtyards, where you can clearly see the regional building style from the Renaissance and Middle Ages. People walk through narrow streets past shops and cafés located in these old buildings, bringing life to the quarter.

Visitors can reach the district through several bridges and explore it on foot or by tram, though the narrow alleys can be tricky to navigate. A leisurely walk without a fixed route is often the best way to discover the courtyards and corners hidden from the riverbanks.

The district houses the Palais Rohan, an imposing 18th-century palace now containing several museums with collections on history and art. Another noteworthy element is the western section of Petite France, where tanners historically practiced their craft and where old houses appear to sit on the water itself.