Visiting Strasbourg with elderly parents or grandparents
Strasbourg is compact and flat: good news for gentle walks. But the cobbles, the pedestrian streets and the crowds call for a little planning. Here is our simple advice, from Strasbourg drivers.
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1. Arrive without getting tired
After a train or a flight, it is better to go straight to the hotel. At the station or airport, the driver waits with a sign, and we track your flight. The price is announced before departure, for the whole vehicle: from the station or airport to a hotel in Strasbourg, from 55 euros. If you have suitcases or a pushchair, tell us when you book: we make room in the boot.
2. The centre: few cars, many cobbles
The Grande Île is largely pedestrian, and vehicle access is regulated. No vehicle, ours included, can drop you at the door of every monument: we leave you at the nearest permitted point to your visit, then pick you up at the same place at the agreed time. Wear good shoes: the ground is often cobbled.
3. A relaxed pace
- Start early, when it is calm, and keep the afternoon for breaks.
- Alternate walking and sitting: a coffee, lunch in a winstub (traditional Alsatian restaurant) booked in advance, a boat trip on the Ill.
- The tram (six lines, A to F) can save you some walking: tickets are sold at machines or in the CTS app.
4. What to see without too much walking
- The cathedral: the inside can be visited with little effort. The platform, however, means climbing 332 steps up a spiral staircase: not recommended if walking is difficult.
- The astronomical clock: the parade of figures takes place at 12:30. Tickets are sold on the day only. According to the cathedral’s website, there is no presentation during the Christmas market.
- The City’s museums: free for everyone on the first Sunday of the month, according to the City of Strasbourg. A good option for a visit with no rush.
- The boat trip: a way to see the Grande Île and the European quarter while sitting down.
5. Leaving Strasbourg
An excursion by van avoids the walk to the station and train changes. Strasbourg to Colmar: about 190 euros one way, about 360 euros return, for the whole vehicle (up to 8 passengers). See Colmar day trip and the Alsace wine route guide. A day on the wine route is charged at an hourly rate, on quote.
6. December: allow extra time
The Christmas market is very busy. Motor traffic is banned in the Grande Île during its hours, according to the City: drop-off is as close as possible. An evening at the Christmas market by van starts from 105 euros. See Strasbourg Christmas market.
Plan the visit
Get your price in 30 seconds with the simulator, then book on the Booking page. Or call +33 3 88 26 13 13 or message us on WhatsApp.
See also: Strasbourg practical guide · Strasbourg in one day · Mercedes V-Class with driver.