Illkirch-Graffenstaden, Commune in Grand Est region, France
Illkirch-Graffenstaden is a commune south of Strasbourg located along the Ill river, forming the region's second largest suburb and part of the Eurometropolis administrative structure. The town layout combines residential neighborhoods, commercial zones, and green spaces spread throughout its territory.
The settlement of Graffenstaden received toll rights in 1284 from Rudolf of Habsburg as payment for military support at the river crossing. The area became an important railway manufacturing center in the 1800s, which shaped its economy for over a century.
The town reflects its shift from industrial roots to a modern residential and commercial hub where longtime residents and newcomers from Strasbourg coexist. This blend of old connections and contemporary life shapes how locals use public spaces and community services.
The Graffenstaden rail station provides regular train service connecting to nearby cities and simplifies travel throughout the Alsace region. The location offers easy access for visitors looking to explore the broader Strasbourg area from a quieter base.
Former quarry sites in the area left behind a series of lakes that now serve as swimming and recreational spaces for residents. These water features give the place an unexpected leisure dimension.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
