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How to Travel from Paris to Strasbourg (The Easy Way)

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Strasbourg is one of the best cities in France and shouldn’t be missed. The good new is that it is super easy to travel fro Paris to Strasbourg.

The bad new is that it can be quite expensive- especially if you don’t book your ticket in advance!

You can travel from Paris to Strasbourg by train, bus, car, or ride share, but the only realistic way for a tourist to travel from Paris to Strasbourg is by train. It takes over 5.5 hours to drive from Paris to Strasbourg. The Paris to Strasbourg train takes less than 2 hours. The train from Paris to Strasbourg is slightly more expensive than the bus or a ride share, but it is worth the extra money to arrive in Strasbourg quickly!

In this post, we’re going to discuss all the different ways to travel to Strasbourg from Paris, so you can figure out what transportation method is the best for you .

But it will most likely be the train!

PS- you have to take the metro to the train station, so check out this post to learn all my secret tips on using the Paris metro like a local!

Paris Metro

Table of Contents

Option One: Taking the Train from Paris to Strasbourg

It isn’t even a discussion.

The best way to travel from Paris to Strasbourg is to take the train!

It is the quickest way to travel between the two cities and is the only real viable option for tourists. Especially if you’re taking a day trip to Strasbourg.

I’m not going to sugar coat it.

The Paris to Strasbourg train can be expensive, but we’ll discuss the best way to lower your ticket cost a little bit later.

The price is worth the convenience the train provides!

How Long Does the Paris to Strasbourg Train Take?

There is always some variability in the length of your train journey.

It depends on what time of day and how busy the train lines are.

On average, the train from Paris to Strasbourg takes just under 2 hours !

That’s significantly faster than any other mode of transportation!

How Much Does a Train Ticket Cost?

There is a lot of fluctuation when it comes to how much a train ticket from Paris to Strasbourg costs.

Tickets range anywhere from €16 to €230. That is approximately $19USD to $275USD.

That’s a huge price difference!

You don’t want to get stuck paying a fare closer to the higher end of that range.

There are a number of things that impact the price of your ticket:

  • How far in advance you book your ticket. The earlier you purchase your ticket, the cheaper it is.
  • What time of day you depart. It is always cheaper to travel during off-peak times.
  • What day of the week you travel. Weekends are more expensive than weekdays.
  • Your age. France has discounted train fare for people under 26 and older than 60.
  • What class you travel in. Second class is much more affordable than first class.

Out of all of the factors, the most important one is booking your ticket early!

You can book your train ticket 3 months in advance .

The closer you are to the date of departure, the more expensive the ticket is. Even if there is still lots of seat available, the ticket price continues to rise as the date nears.

It requires some advance planning, but it is well worth planning and knowing when you’re travelling from Paris to Strasbourg as close to three months in advance as possible.

I like to wing my trips a fair amount, but I’m 100% down to plan in advance if it saves me a lot of money!

The last time I booked a train ticket to Strasbourg from Charles de Gaulle Airport, it was around €40, and I booked it almost exactly three months in advance.

And then reluctantly had to cancel it because of COVID-19. 🙁

Strasbourg, France

Where to Purchase Train Tickets

You can either purchase your ticket online in advance or at the train station.

I highly recommend purchasing your ticket online in advance. It will save you a lot of money!

You can easily book your train ticket through the SNCF website.

The website is super easy to use, have an English option, and accepts foreign credit cards.

One thing to note is you do need to print your ticket and have a paper copy to show the ticket checker onboard.

The other option is to purchase your ticket at the train station.

You can either purchase it a few days in advance at the station or purchase your train ticket on the day you departure.

Look out for the yellow SNCF ticket booth.

That’s where you purchase the train ticket from Paris to Strasbourg. You can also purchase it from a ticket booth employee, but, in my experience, there is always a long line to purchase your tickets from an actual human being.

Using the ticket booth is a much simpler option!

But buying your ticket online in advance is the best option by far!

Where Does the Train Depart from in Paris?

You can jump on the Paris to Strasbourg train from either:

  • Charles de Gaulle

Both are convenient, and it is really a matter of what is the best station for you. Most people depart from Paris Est, but some people arrive at Charles de Gaulle and go directly to Strasbourg.

Where Does the Train Arrive at in Strasbourg?

The train arrives at Strasbourg Station .

It is the only train station in Strasbourg, and it is located in the city centre!

Advantages of Taking the Paris to Strasbourg Train

  • Fastest way to travel from Paris to Strasbourg
  • 14 trains depart per day
  • Train departs and arrives in central areas

Disadvantages of Taking the Paris to Strasbourg Train

  • Have to book months in advance to get a decent price
  • Have to have a physical ticket (electronic tickets not accepted)

Option Two: Taking the Bus from Paris to Strasbourg

The next best option is taking the bus from Paris to Strasbourg.

It is a distant second place but second place nonetheless.

I don’t really see a reason to take the bus to Strasbourg from Paris unless you have a lot of time on your hands and are on a very tight budget.

Paris, France

How Long Does the Bus from Paris to Strasbourg Take?

This hurts to tell you.

On average, it takes 8.5 hours to travel the 491km from Paris to Strasbourg.

Ouch, right!

That’s three hours longer than it takes to drive straight to Strasbourg from Paris. It is a painful journey.

The journey time is the reason I don’t recommend taking the bus between these two cities.

It isn’t that much cheaper, and it is actually more expensive than the train when you factor in what your time is worth!

How Much Does a Bus Ticket Cost?

The bus ticket isn’t as inexpensive as you may think!

I kind of expect such a long journey that takes four times as long as the train to come at a discounted price, but it doesn’t really.

Of course the price of a bus ticket fluctuates based on what time of day you leave and what day of the week it is.

On average, a bus ticket costs € 21 (approximately $25USD).

That is actually more expensive than the cheapest train ticket! It is, however, about €20 less than the average price of a train ticket.

Let’s be honest though. Those six extra hours you’re on the bus is worth a whole lot more than €20!

Where to Purchase Bus Tickets

Just like the train, you can purchase your bus tickets either in advance online or in person on the day of departure.

There is no price advantage to purchasing your bus ticket online in advance like there is with the train.

If it were me, I would just pick up my ticket at the station the day I leave. Just make sure you leave extra time in case there is a line for tickets!

The best place to purchase bus tickets online in advance is through Omio . They historically have the best ticket prices around!

Most buses accept an electronic version of your ticket, so that is a nice change from the train. You’re good to go as long as you have a screenshot or email with the ticket code on it!

Where Does the Bus Depart from in Paris?

The bus from Paris to Strasbourg departs from Quai de Bercy .

It is located right along the Seine about 5km south of the Louvre.

PS- be sure to check out my post about the wifi situation in Paris!

The closest metro station to Quai de Bercy is Cour Saint Émilion, and it is only a couple blocks away from the bus station.

Where Does the Bus Arrive at in Strasbourg?

The bus arrives at Place de l’Étoile in Strasbourg.

It is very central and is less than 200m from the train station!

Advantages of Taking the Bus from Paris to Strasbourg

  • Don’t have to purchase tickets in advance
  • Can present an electronic ticket
  • Dedicated luggage storage under the bus

Disadvantages of Taking the Bus from Paris to Strasbourg

  • Very time consuming
  • Not much cheaper than the train
  • Departure station in Paris less central than Paris Est

Option Three: Catching a Ride Share from Paris to Strasbourg

I’m not going to chit chat about these last two options in too much detail.

They are by far the least used options, and I don’t think many of my readers will see them as the best option for them.

But a few of you may, so I want to give you all the information!

The third best way to travel from Paris to Strasbourg is to participate in a ride share.

You can connect with other people ride sharing through Carpool World . It connects passengers and drivers who want to ride share, save on gas, and help the environement!

It is difficult to give you an exact price for ride sharing from Paris to Strasbourg. There are just too many variables.

The biggest thing that changes the price is how many people are participating in the ride share. The more people that share a ride, the less expensive it will be!

If you drive straight from Paris to Strasbourg without stopping, it will take about five hours to make the journey to Strasbourg from Paris.

I think participating in a ride share is a good option for people who are free spirited and up for an adventure.

You’ll probably meet some very interesting people when you participate in a ride share!

Paris, France

Option Four: Renting a Car and Driving from Paris from Strasbourg

Your final option is to rent a car and drive from Paris to Strasbourg.

I don’t recommend this option unless it is part of a larger road trip around France or Europe.

It simply isn’t worth the expense or stress of driving from Paris to Strasbourg when you can take the train.

Kick back, relax, and enjoy the scenery from the window of a train!

If you do choose to drive from Paris to Strasbourg, it will take about 5 hours . Most people who road trip aren’t driving almost 500km without stopping.

I highly recommend you take your time and stop at some small towns along the way to get a sense of what life outside of a big city in France is like!

Pro tip: before spending an arm and a leg on car insurance, make sure you look into what insurances your credit card has. Most travel credit cards come with extensive car insurance, so you don’t have to pay for the expensive insurance car rental companies try to sell you!

Louvre Paris

As you can see, there are a number of different ways to travel from Paris to Strasbourg.

There is only one realistic and viable way, and that is taking the Paris to Strasbourg train.

It is the quickest way to travel to Strasbourg from Paris by a long shot! The next quickest option is about three hours longer than the train!

You could literally travel from Paris to Strasbourg and Strasbourg to Paris and still have an hour to kill before someone driving arrived!

I think you should most definitely visit Strasbourg. I always recommend for people to get out of Paris and see more of France.

PS- be sure to read my post on the best day trips from Paris!

How to Travel from Paris to Strasbourg (The Easy Way)

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Journey To France

How To Travel From Paris To Strasbourg

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: April 8, 2022  - Last updated: March 28, 2023

Are you looking for the best ways to travel from Paris to Strasbourg ?

Strasbourg is the capital of the Grand Est (formerly Alsace ) region of northeastern France. Situated near the German border, this city is also the official seat of the European Parliament.

Strasburg’s district culture and architecture are a blend of German and French, making it an interesting place to visit if you want to explore outside of Paris.

A must-see is the Gothic Cathédrale Notre-Dame in Strasbourg, which has a 142-meter spire that offers spectacular views of the Rhine River as well as daily shows from its astronomical clock.

Apart from the European Parliament, Strasbourg is a significant commercial, financial, and cultural hub. The city is home to the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, in addition to its traditional role as the capital city of Alsace .

When it comes to food, you’ll most likely have meals that contain sausages, ham, potatoes, or salted turnips in Strasbourg.

However, the best-known dish in Strasbourg and Alsace is sauerkraut. Known as “choucroute” in French, this is a wonderful and versatile staple.

The sauerkraut is made of pickled and fermented cabbage (usually white or purple) and is served hot or cold with other traditional fares. This is a definite must-try in the city as this dish reflects both German and French influences.

Strasbourg is also a vibrant and active city with numerous museums, operas, events, and festivals. The city has grown into a true cultural capital while maintaining its rich and colorful tradition. The Cathedral, the House of Kammerzell, the island of Petite France, and the Covered Bridges are all worth seeing in the city center.

Strasbourg is relatively far from Paris. However, there are other options for getting there by land. You may get from Paris to Strasbourg via rail, bus, or car.

Although Strasbourg Airport is quite popular, there are no direct flights here from Paris. Land travel is more convenient, and there is an option for every budget preference. To help you decide, here are the various Paris to Strasbourg travel options.

Things you'll find in this article

Ways To Travel From Paris To Strasbourg

Bus transport details, train transport details, car rental details, shared shuttle transport details.

Ways To Travel From Paris To Strasbourg

1. Paris to Strasbourg By Bus

BlablaBus Saint-Denis

If you’re looking for the least expensive way to travel in France, the most popular budget bus companies are FlixBus and BlaBlaBus.

Many buses will also depart immediately from Charles de Gaulle Airport, which may be advantageous if you are flying into Paris.

When purchasing your ticket, keep the duration of the trip in mind. The direct Paris-Stadt bus service takes approximately six and a half hours on average, with the fastest route taking little more than five and a half hours.

However, depending on how many stops the bus makes, the journey might take anywhere between 10 and 14 hours.

The distance between Paris and Strasbourg is just about 500 kilometers. Every day, Flixbus Paris Strasbourg has the most bus departures. Traveling by bus between the two cities is the most cost-effective option.

This is a preferred transit option for backpackers as well as those who are on a tight budget and willing to spare extra hours for land travel.

When you board the bus, remember to validate your ticket. If you are caught without a validated ticket, you may face a substantial fine.

Route : Paris City Center to Strasbourg City Center

Cost : starts at 8 € but can go at 40 € during peak travel hours/season

Schedule : A bus bound for Strasburg departs every hour

Where to book/buy a ticket : You may book online via Flixbus and Omio or You can book your ticket online here. 

2. Paris to Strasbourg By Train

TGV Train in Paris

Strasbourg is home to France’s second-largest railway station, which offers numerous train connections around the country. There are further connections to Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands, and other European countries.

Strasbourg has been connected to Paris by a special train known as the TGV (train de grande vitesse, or high-speed train) since 2007. The two cities are now only two hours and twenty minutes apart, compared to the regular four-hour travel from Strasbourg to Paris. Bn.

Aside from Paris, travel time between Strasbourg and other European cities has been significantly reduced, thanks to high-speed rail. Book the night connections if you want to save money on train tickets since they are usually the most affordable.

Taking the train from Paris to Strasbourg is a little more expensive than taking the bus or carpooling, but it’s well worth it to get to Strasbourg as quickly as possible. The convenience and the scenery offered by train travel are also a plus.

Cost : 27 € to 79 € one-way, depending on the season

Schedule : Paris to Strasbourg train leaves every 1 hour and 28 minutes

Where to book/buy a ticket : You can buy your ticket in advance via Omio or buy it from the ticket booth in Gare de l’Est station in Paris.

3. Paris to Strasbourg By Car

Paris and Strasbourg are separated by roughly 305 miles (491 kilometers). If you are driving directly and without stops, that will take approximately 4 hours and 40 minutes. That’s just an estimate, as travel time depends on how fast you drive.

You should also expect to pay some tolls along the way. The A4 Highway, which runs through the Champagne and Lorraine areas, is the quickest route when driving from Paris to Strasbourg.

With the long hours, you’ll spend on the road, you’ll either get tired or bored, which will affect how you drive. This is why most people who go on road trips do not drive nearly 500 kilometers without stopping.

Take your time and stop in a few little towns along the route to experience a different side of France outside of its famous capital!

If you are planning to drive in France during your vacation, make sure that you are internationally insured ahead of time.  You should also pack a pouch or envelope that contains copies of proof of insurance, identification, license, and car registration if stopped.

One thing you must note when renting a car in Paris is to check to see what insurance your credit card offers. Instead of paying exorbitant fees on auto insurance, check your credit card offers. Most travel credit cards have comprehensive car insurance. 

This is so you won’t have to pay for the costly insurance that car rental companies might sell you.

Cost : car rental starts at 25 € plus fuel

Schedule : Any time, but it’s best to leave as early as before seven in the morning to have plenty of time for stops. 

Where to book/buy a ticket : you may book a car at the airport, through your hotel in Paris, or book in advance via Rentalcars.

4. Paris to Strasbourg By Rideshare or Shared Shuttle

Another convenient yet inexpensive way to travel from Paris to Strasbourg is by joining rideshare.

Aside from the bus, rideshare is another budget-friendly way to travel from one French city to another. It is recommended for couples, a small family, or friends traveling together. It is convenient and cheaper than taking the train.

It is difficult to give you an exact price for ride-sharing from Paris to Strasbourg. Prices vary, depending on certain factors. One significant factor influencing the pricing is the number of individuals taking part in the rideshare. The more people who share a ride, the cheaper it will be.

The trip from Paris to Strasbourg will take approximately five hours if you drive directly from Paris to Strasbourg without stopping.

However, most rideshare drivers will recommend and offer stops along the way for you to experience more of France. These stops are often small towns or vineyards in the regions of Champagne and Lorraine.

Cost : starts at 40 € per seat/person, goes up depending on car size and number of passengers

Schedule : a shared van going to Strasburg usually departs every everything 4 hours in Paris

Where to book/buy a ticket : you may book a seat through sites like Rentalcars.

Christine Rogador in the Louvre

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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How to Travel From Paris to Strasbourg by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

travel from paris to strasbourg france

Strasbourg is the economic and intellectual capital of the French region of Alsace. This small city sits on the French border with Germany, near the famous German spa town of Baden Baden . Strasbourg is also considered one of the four capitals of the European Union—the other three being Brussels, Luxembourg City, and Frankfurt—since the European Parliament and the European Councils are both located here. As you can imagine, it is well connected by rail and flight routes to the rest of Europe.

When traveling from Paris to Strasbourg, your main options are to go by train, bus, or car. Although the Strasbourg Airport is very popular, there are no direct flights from Paris. However, you can connect in the nearby city of Mulhouse, where it's possible to fly directly from the French capital. This might be a worthy option if you are flying through Charles de Gaulle Airport .

Strasbourg is quite far from Paris. It takes almost five hours to arrive by car, but a high-speed train shortens the trip down to just two hours, 20 minutes. The train is not too expensive, but the bus is even cheaper—although it takes nearly six hours.

In France, high-speed trains are called trains   a grand vitesse , or TGV for short. There are 16 daily return high-speed trains between Paris and Strasbourg, taking two hours, 20 minutes. Strasbourg Station  is the second-busiest train station in France and is the hub for eastern France and for journeys into Germany and Switzerland with 50 TGV departures daily to all destinations. There is a tourist information desk within the station that's less than a 20-minute walk from the city center. It's a modern glass building and is often considered one of the most beautiful train stations in Europe.

Ticket costs vary, but they generally start at $30 each way. During peak travel times, however, the price can be as high as $87. When booking tickets online, you may be prompted to buy a first-class ticket, which is usually between $4 to $17 more expensive than second class. Second class is perfectly comfortable, but first-class seats are a little bit more plush and roomier.

If you are coming from any other city than Paris, Strasbourg-Entzheim International Airport is just 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the Strasbourg town center via the motorway. Shuttle trains run per hour to the city center and leave every 10 minutes.

If you are flying from Paris, the only direct flight option to Strasbourg is to fly to EuroAirport in Mulhouse, France, which is a one hour, 20-minute drive away from the Strasbourg city center. You could also get to Strasbourg from Mulhouse by bus, which takes about two hours.

In France, there are many budget bus operators if you're looking for the cheapest way to travel, the most popular being FlixBus and BlaBlaBus (formerly Ouibus). You can find one-way bus tickets for as low as $10 and as high as $47 during peak travel times. Many buses will also leave directly from Charles de Gaulle Airport, which could be convenient if you are flying into Paris.

When booking your ticket, pay attention to the duration of the trip. The fivehour, 45-minute trip is the fastest route, but routes vary, and depending on how many stops the bus makes the journey can take as long as 10 or 14 hours.

The distance from Paris to Strasbourg is around 305 miles (491 kilometers), and the journey takes around 4 hours, 40 minutes depending on your speed. Expect to run into some tolls along the way. The fastest route is via the A4 Highway, which passes through the regions of Champagne and Lorraine .

For information on hiring a car under the leaseback scheme, which is the most economical way of hiring a car if you’re in France for more than 17 days, try Renault Eurodrive Buy Back Lease .

Along the way, Reims is another wonderful city worth visiting in France and is the capital of Champagne, France's most bubbly region. There are many vineyards in the area where you can learn more about how the drink is made, and the city itself also has a number of interesting attractions like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Museum of Surrender , which commemorates the place where the German Army surrendered on May 7, 1945, to officially end World War II in Europe.

What to See in Strasbourg

Because it sits so close to the border of France and Germany, Strasbourg enjoys a blended culture. It's a place where you can experience French joie de vivre set in a typical German village complete with half-timbered houses and one of the most famous Christmas markets in France and Europe.

Among the must-see sights is the Strasbourg Cathedral, which once held the title of being the tallest building in the world between 1647 and 1874. The cathedral is also where you'll find the city's astronomical clock, which puts on a popular show every day at 12:30 p.m. For casual strolling, La Petite France is an extremely photogenic village within the historic city center and if you catch a rainy day, some of the city's best museums include the Museum of Fine Arts, the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg, and the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. If you're interested in politics, it's possible to take a peek inside the European Parliament as a visitor.

If you're looking for your next stop after Strasbourg, Colmar is a charmingly laid-back town about an hour's drive south of the city (and on the way if you're driving from Mulhouse). Whether or not it's the most beautiful city in Europe, a title which is argued over by many, there's no debating the fact that the city's historic center is incredibly well-preserved and picturesque.

A high-speed TGV train will get you from Paris to Strasbourg in two hours and 20 minutes.

Paris is 305 miles (491 kilometers) west of Strasbourg.

One-way tickets from Paris to Strasbourg start at 25 euros ($30).

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PlanetWare.com

From Paris to Strasbourg: 3 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Lisa Alexander Sep 28, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

One of the most important cities in France and the European Union capital, Strasbourg is a must-see tourist destination, as well as a hub for business. So it's not surprising that high-speed train routes are available on a frequent basis from Paris to Strasbourg.

The train offers the easiest and most efficient way to travel between Paris and Strasbourg . Plus the train arrives near the UNESCO-listed historic center, where most of Strasbourg's top tourist attractions are located.

Other recommended ways to get to Strasbourg include by car and by bus. Driving makes sense for travelers who would like to visit sights along the way to Strasbourg. Taking the bus requires more time and only appeals to budget-conscious travelers.

Read our guide to learn about the best ways to get from Paris to Strasbourg and choose the right form of transportation to suit your travel preferences.

On This Page:

  • From Paris to Strasbourg by Train
  • From Paris to Strasbourg by Car
  • From Paris to Strasbourg by Bus

1. From Paris to Strasbourg by Train

Half-timbered houses in the Grande-Île District, Strasbourg

The high-speed train offers the quickest way of getting to Strasbourg from Paris . SNCF ( Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer Français ) offers TGV ( Train de Grande Vitesse ) routes daily on a frequent basis, with trains departing from Paris to Strasbourg every few hours. The earliest departure is around 7am and the latest is around 8pm.

The TGV trains depart in Paris from the Gare de l'Est and take just one hour and 45 minutes to arrive in Strasbourg. In Strasbourg, TGV trains arrive and depart from the Gare de Strasbourg (located at the Place de la Gare), which is the second largest train station in France after the Gare du Nord in Paris.

The Place de la Gare in Strasbourg is about a 10-minute walk from the historic center of Strasbourg, an area that's called the "Grande-Île" because the neighborhoods are found on an island within the Ill River that traverses the city. The entire Grande-Île district, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an enchanting medieval world of narrow cobblestone streets, meandering canals, and lovely half-timbered houses with flower-bedecked balconies.

2. From Paris to Strasbourg by Car

Champagne region of France

For those who would like to explore the towns and countryside along the way to Strasbourg, driving is the best option. It's easy to rent a car in Paris; tourists can head to a rental agency at the Gare Saint-Lazare or the Gare Montparnasse.

The drive from Paris to Strasbourg takes about five hours , and travelers can decide how many stops to make along the way.

For those who want to do the drive in one day, it would be a good idea to pick one stop for a half-day visit: either the city of Reims in the Champagne region that is renowned for its UNESCO-listed 13th-century cathedral or Metz, a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (City of Art and History).

If you have time to spare on your journey from Paris to Strasbourg, include an overnight stay in Reims or elsewhere in the Champagne region. This area brims with luxury hotels, many of which occupy converted historic properties that are set on bucolic grounds.

On the way from Paris to Reims, the Château de Fère gives travelers a chance to spend the night in a historic castle. A romantic country estate of woodlands and formal gardens envelopes the classical French château, which was renovated in 1863 and features guest rooms decorated with antiques. The five-star hotel includes a full-service spa (with hydromassage therapy, a sauna, and hammam), a fine-dining restaurant, outdoor swimming pool, and tennis court.

Another upscale hotel in the Champagne region, the five-star L'Assiette Champenoise in the town of Tinqueux (about three kilometers from Reims) treats guests to plush guest rooms and an exquisite gastronomic experience. The hotel provides accommodations in a mansion once owned by a bourgeois family and has a Michelin three-starred fine-dining restaurant that serves creative seasonal cuisine.

Reasonable priced mid-range accommodations are available within the Reims city center at La Caserne Chanzy Hôtel & Spa , which has rooms with cathedral views, and the four-star Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix , located about a 10-minute walk away from the cathedral.

It's also worth exploring the area around Metz . The route on the A4 highway from Metz to Strasbourg follows past the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord, a natural park in the Alsace region that encompasses forests, meadows, and orchards. Quaint rural hamlets nestle within the park's valleys, forest groves conceal small chapels, and fortified castles perch on the peaks of rolling hills.

Some of the most worthy detours in the Parc Naturel Régional des Vosges du Nord include Wissembourg, listed among the Plus Beaux Détours de France ; Hunspach, one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France ; and Kutzenhausen, a stop on a scenic driving tour circuit (tourists can find a booklet about the driving tour at the town's Maison Rurale).

Misty road in Alsace, France

Having a car also allows travelers to explore the enchanting villages of Alsace that are located south of Strasbourg. Public transportation does not provide access to the villages of the Alsace region, so a rental car is an advantage.

The idyllic rolling hills and river valleys outside of Strasbourg are dotted with charming Alsatian villages and medieval towns such as Mittelbergheim, Dambach-la-Ville, Sélestat, Turckheim, Bergheim, Ribeauvillé, Hunawihr, Eguisheim, Riquewihr, and Kaysersberg. Many travelers approach this region by organizing a driving itinerary that includes stops in several villages and towns.

Not to be missed in Alsace are the attractions of Colmar . Tourists are thrilled by its dainty half-timbered buildings, winding cobblestone streets, and atmospheric canals. Visitors enjoy wandering the narrow medieval lanes, admiring the flower-adorned houses, and taking a boat ride through the canal of the Petite Venise neighborhood. There's plenty of history to discover, including old Protestant churches. Colmar has been a center of culture since the 13th century.

3. From Paris to Strasbourg by Bus

River view and cathedral in Strasbourg

Taking the bus from Paris to Strasbourg is a good idea for travelers on a very tight budget . The bus fare is usually less expensive than the price of a TGV train fare, although the price difference is not always significant.

FlixBus offers routes from the Bercy Seine station in Paris to Strasbourg, which takes about six hours . The buses depart for Strasbourg from Paris several times a day.

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The train journey from Paris to Strasbourg takes 2h 14m on average and covers a distance of 246 miles.

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Paris to Strasbourg: How to Get There (Local’s Guide)

  • By Jen Ciesielski
  • Updated: 13 March 2024
  • 5 April 2023

Curious about the best way to get from Paris to Strasbourg?

If so, then you’ve come to the right place!

Not only do I live in France, but I’ve done this trip dozens of times. I know every route from the most convenient to the fastest.

So, to help you plan your trip, I’ve put together the best (and worst) ways to get there. I’ve included options for every budget and itinerary so you’re sure to find something that works with your travel plans.

Paris to Strasbourg- How to Get There and the Best Travel Options

Please note : This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy .

8 Ways to Get to Strasbourg from Paris

The distance between Strasbourg and Paris is approximately 492 kilometers (305 miles). And, while that might seem long, traveling between these two cities is easy.

Some of these are better than others. So, let’s take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of each.

1. By Car – Fastest Route

Driving is one of the best travel options on this list. Not only is it convenient but it also gives you a ton of flexibility and freedom.

The fastest route follows the A4, which is often called the motorway of the east (autoroute de l’Est). Basically, it’s the highway that connects Paris to the east of France.

I’ve driven this route several times (in both directions) so I know that it can be done in a day.

Distance : 492 kilometers (305 miles)

Driving Time : 5 hours

Get the Best Car Rental Rates here ➔

Map of the Fastest Route

Below is a map of the fastest route. Click on the map to open Google Maps.

Map of the Fastest Route from Paris to Strasbourg by Car

2. By Car – Scenic Route

The most scenic route also follows the A4, but there are several stops along the way. I recommend spending time in Reims, Verdun, Metz, and Saverne. And I’ve detailed an example itinerary below.

Each city offers a wealth of interesting activities to do. Stop at every city or pick the ones that you prefer. Either way, you’re guaranteed to have an amazing experience.

Map of the Scenic Route

Below is a map of the most scenic route. Click on the map to open Google Maps.

Most Scenic Route from Paris to Strasbourg by Car

Useful Tip : You’ll need four days to do everything, without feeling overwhelmed.

Stop 1: Reims

Exterior of the Reims Cathedral in Reims

If there’s one place you have to stop, it’s Reims.

Less than two hours from Paris, this little town is the capital of Champagne. Not only that but it’s where the kings of France were coronated! So, spending a day in Reims is an absolute must.

Some highlights include the Reims Cathedral and the Musée de la Reddition. Of course, no trip to Reims is complete without going on a champagne tour.

But my favorite was the Palais du Tau. It’s next to the Reims Cathedral, so I visited after I toured the church. And I really enjoyed the exhibits of the ceremonial artifacts from the coronations. It showed how grandiose these ceremonies were.

Paris to Reims :

  • Distance : 145 kilometers (90 miles)
  • Driving Time : 1 hour 45 minutes

Stop 2: Verdun

Ossuaire de Douaumont at the Verdun Memorial

Verdun is a city steeped in history and culture. This is where the longest battle of World War I took place. For nine long months, the French stood strong against German forces. And, by the end, there were more than 700,000 casualties.

Today, Verdun offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating past through its museums, monuments, and memorials. In fact, there are tons of attractions in Verdun , but my favorites were the Monument à la Victoire et aux Soldats de Verdun, the Verdun Memorial, and the Châtel Gate.

Reims to Verdun :

  • Distance : 121 kilometers (75 miles)
  • Driving Time : 1 hour 20 minutes

Stop 3: Metz

Porte des Allemands with a Big Storm in the Distance in Metz France

With its rich cultural heritage, beautiful architecture, and stunning natural surroundings, it’s easy to see why Metz is worth visiting . This charming city offers something for everyone.

For history buffs, the Porte des Allemands and the Musée de La Cour d’Or – Metz Métropole are an absolute must. There’s also the Metz Cathedral, which is nothing short of spectacular. Then, if you’re looking for some cultural activities, head to the Opéra-Théâtre de Metz Métropole for a show. It’s the oldest theatre in France that is still in operation!

Verdun to Metz :

  • Distance : 79 kilometers (49 miles)
  • Driving Time : 1 hour

Stop 4: Saverne

White, Orange, and Blue Buildings along Saverne's Grand Rue in Alsace

At the foot of the northern Vosges mountains, this quaint Alsatian town might be small, but it packs a punch. And it’s perfect for anyone who loves to visit castles.

The most impressive is Château des Rohan. It once housed the Archbishops of Strasbourg, and, today, serves as a historical monument. Then, there’s the Château du Haut-Barr. From its terrace, you’ll have one of the best panoramic views over Alsace. In fact, some of the viewing platforms were so high that my vertigo kicked in!

Metz to Saverne :

  • Distance : 124 kilometers (77 miles)

Stop 5: Strasbourg

The Astronomical Clock in Strasbourg's Notre Dame Cathedral

This is your final stop on this little road trip. And whether you’re spending three days or just a day, you’ll find there are lots of things to do in Strasbourg .

Head to Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral for one of the most magnificent pieces of Gothic architecture. Then, spend a few hours wandering the streets of La Petite France. Here you’ll find narrow cobbled streets lined with rows of brightly painted half-timbered houses. It looks like a scene out of a storybook.

Of course, no trip to Strasbourg is complete without trying some traditional Alsatian food. And while there are tons of restaurants to choose from, Restaurant de la Victoire was one of my favorites .

Saverne to Strasbourg :

  • Distance : 53 kilometers (32 miles)
  • Driving Time : 45 minutes

Parking in Strasbourg

St. Paul's Church at Sunset as I'm arriving in Strasbourg.

If you’re planning on driving to Strasbourg, you’ll need to park your rental car. There’s very limited free parking, so you’ll have to pay to park in a garage.

Useful Tip: Some hotels offer free parking. Be sure to check with your hotel beforehand if this is an amenity you would like.

Here are the best places to park your car in Strasbourg:

  • Parking Gutenburg – Next to Place Gutenburg. It’s central but cumbersome to access.
  • Parking Sainte Aurélie – Next to Strasbourg’s central train station. This is by far the most convenient option.
  • Parking Centre-Historique-Petite-France – In the heart of La Petite France, which is perfect if your hotel is nearby and doesn’t offer parking.
  • Parcus Parking Austerlitz – Well-located and with lots of spots available.
  • Parking Etoile P1 Rivetoile – A massive parking garage that is mostly used by people who are shopping at the Rivetoile Mall. Only park your car here if you can’t find a spot at any of the other places above.

3. By Train

Train Arriving into Strasbourg's Train Station

If you’re looking for a fast and affordable way to get to Strasbourg from Paris, then the train is for you, especially if you’re planning a day trip .

Trains depart from Paris’ Gare de l’Est train station and arrive at Strasbourg’s Central Train Station.

Useful Tip : There are also trains that leave from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport, but these are less frequent and more expensive.

There are two types of trains that run this route. And I’ll cover each one in more detail below.

The fastest and most expensive are operated by TGV. These are high-speed trains that will get you to Strasbourg in under two hours. Prices can range anywhere from €38 to €100, depending on the time of year. I recommend buying your tickets in advance if you want to get the best price.

Book and Purchase your Train Tickets here ➔

OUIGO Trains

Then, there’s OUIGO. It’s run by SNCF, the same company that operates TGV trains, so you would think the quality would be the same but it’s not.

OUIGO trains are slower and much less comfortable than TGV trains. The only benefit is the cost of a one-way ticket, which is never more than €30.

On average this trip takes four hours with OUGIO. Sometimes they have trains that take less than three hours, but they are few and far between.

I only take these trains when the cost of a TGV train is too high. They are prone to delays, route changes, and strikes. And the added stress is not worth the cost difference for me.

Useful Tip : July and August are the busiest months in Paris , which means higher ticket prices are higher. I recommend booking in advance to avoid any markups.

Colmar's most beautiful street is one thing you will see if you take a tour.

The most hassle-free way is to take a tour. You’ll get to sit in a comfortable car and have an experienced guide take care of the planning, transportation, and logistics.

You won’t have to bother with renting a car, finding a hotel, parking, or planning your itinerary. It’s all done for you!

This is a two-day tour that starts in Paris and travels through some truly spectacular landscapes. You’ll stop at ancient sites, visit towering castles, and sample local cuisine along the way. And, best of all, you’ll get to visit several cities including, Strasbourg, Colmar, Reims, Chablis, and Beaune.

My favorite was Colmar. I could not get enough of the colorful timber-framed houses . They are some of the most beautiful I’ve seen in France!

It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you with lasting memories.

Book this 2-Day Burgundy-Alsace Tour here ➔

Flixbus dropping off passengers at Strasbourg's bus station. This is one of the cheapest ways to travel.

Taking the bus is a great way to travel between these two cities. In fact, it’s the most budget-friendly option on this list. Not only that but, if there’s a train strike, you might not have a choice.

Flixbus is the only company that does this route. They have tons of departures every day, so you don’t have to worry about booking far in advance.

Buses leave from the Paris Bercy Seine bus station and arrive at Strasbourg – Place de l’Étoile .

On average, the journey takes about six hours. And a one-way ticket costs anywhere from €15 to €55.

When I did this trip by bus, I took the bus at 10 pm. It was not the most comfortable journey, but I was able to sleep for a few hours. So, if you need to save time, it’s an option I recommend.

Useful Tip : There are also buses that leave from Paris’ Charles de Gaulle (CDG) Airport. They take about ten hours and are slightly more expensive.

Book and Purchase your Bus Tickets here ➔

6. Rideshare

BlaBlaCar Bus Picking up Passengers at Strasbourg's Bus Station

Ridesharing is another cost-effective option to get from Paris to Strasbourg. It also offers more flexibility than a standard coach bus. You can choose your pick-up and drop-off locations, so you don’t have to worry about getting from the bus or train station to your hotel.

The most common platform for ridesharing in France is BlaBlaCar. They offer both rides with individuals and buses.

Of course, choosing to ride with a stranger has its pros and cons. If you do decide to do this, be sure to carefully vet the driver beforehand.

Book your Rideshare here ➔

7. By Plane

Taking a flight is the most impractical way to make this journey. First, there are no direct flights. You’ll have at least one layover, which means your travel time could be over ten hours.

Then, there’s the cost. A one-way ticket costs anywhere from €200-500!

If, for example, you wanted to visit both Lyon and Strasbourg. You could fly to Lyon and spend a few days exploring the city. Then, take your second flight to Strasbourg. But keep in mind you’ll have to make the same journey on the way back.

Check Flights Deals here ➔

8. Private Transfer

Private transfer is last on the list for a reason. You might think it’s a hassle-free way to make this trip, but it’s not.

Only GetTransfer offers this service, which is the most unreliable platform ever created. You have to pay upfront without knowing who your driver is. So, if something goes wrong, you’re screwed. And you’ll never see your money again. I, personally, refuse to use this method, but if you really want to it’s an option.

FAQs About the Journey

Is it better to drive or fly from paris to strasbourg.

It’s far better to drive. You’ll get to see the French countryside and explore some small towns along the way. Flying is impractical and expensive.

Which train station in Paris goes to Strasbourg?

Paris has two train stations that go to Strasbourg – Gare de l’Est and Paris-CDG Airport.

Is the train from Paris to Strasbourg scenic?

No, the train is not scenic. It goes so fast that you can’t really make out the view from your window.

Conclusion and Verdict

This journey is, for the most part, straightforward and easy.

Taking the train is the easiest way to get there while driving offers the most flexibility. But each mode of transportation has its own advantages so it’s important to choose what works best for your needs.

Now that you know how to get to Strasbourg, it’s time to start planning your stay in Strasbourg !

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might find interesting.

  • Is France Worth Visiting? 13 Reasons Why You Should!
  • I Hate France – Why Do a lot of People Dislike France?
  • I Love France – Why Do You Love France or French?

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

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Travel from Paris to Strasbourg by direct OUIGO and TGV INOUI high-speed-train. The journey time is two hours. The train ticket prices start at 16 EUR. There are hourly train connections. The departure station is "Paris Gare de l’Est". Find the exact train schedules and book your ticket via the given booking links.

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I went to a little-known Paris street party that's even bigger than Notting Hill Carnival

‘No sleep, bus, club, another club, another club.’

Anyone who has ever been on TikTok will know they’re the words of Lady Gaga, in an audio clip that has been stitched, shared and liked across the platform.

And, after a weekend in Paris for Fête de la Musique (which translates to World Music Day), I feel like I can now relate to the songstress.

I had no idea what to expect from the festival as I hoped on the 7am  Eurostar  to Gare du Nord from St Pancras International last week.

Friends who have been to Fête de la Musique compared it to Notting Hill Carnival in London – both music based events that take over the city streets.

However, this French party is much bigger, dominating the entire city – and in fact, much of the country.

I’ve been to Paris multiple times in the past, but never for the festival, so I went to check it out.

What is Fête de la Musique?

The celebration is held every year on summer solstice, June 21, and takes place all over France.

While Notting Hill Carnival is rooted in Caribbean traditions, celebrating heritage and contributions of the Afro-Caribbean community, Fête de la Musique focuses on the music culture in France.

Set up by the then minister of culture, it was first celebrated in Paris in 1982 with the goal of bringing people together through music.

Ever since, the festival has become an international phenomenon, marked on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries.

What the festival looks like In Paris

As I come to witness, tens of thousands of people pour onto the streets of Paris – many in club wear, others still in suits after coming straight from work.

Celebrations in some areas of the city begin as early as 10am, continuing until the sun rises almost 24 hours later.

Famous landmarks, like Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, boulevards, parks and public spaces are transformed into open-air stages for musicians – and there is something for everyone.

From jazz gigs by the Seine to classical performances in historic cathedrals, there is an experience for both locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy.

All concerts are free to the public, though sometimes ticketed, and all performers donate their time free of charge.

While there are many random buskers to entertain the crowds, household names like Yamê, Matt Pokora and Fally Ipupa took over the stages.

International DJ Stephy Diab also made an appearance right outside a well-known Lebanese restaurant.

Despite how popular Fête de la Musique is among Parisians though, it’s notparticularly publicised to tourists, making it harder to track down the best parties – so I draft in some experts.

An insider’s perspective

I have recruited my friends Ahmed and Thea, my favourite Parisian couple, to be my tour guides for Fête de la Musique. I have no idea what to expect, so I’m entirely at their mercy.

While I wait for them to finish work, I join the Grailed x Boiler Room pop-up at 23 rue du Sentier near Strasbourg Saint-Denis metro station.

The London-based club promoter curates DJ sets for the celebration every year, bringing in a trendy, young crowd.

But the whole point of the day is to party outside – if the weather allows it. Ahmed and Thea finally pick me up and we catch up over a few cocktails at Paolina Bar, a few streets over from the Boiler Room pop-up.

Strolling past streets lined with dancing crowds, we then set off to Le Syndicat, a 15-minute walk from Paolina Bar. The crowds start to grow bigger and louder as we approach.

Le Syndicat is a nondescript Parisian speakeasy, which is a regular on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

DJs have set up their decks and speakers outside, filling the air with beats – a mix of electronic, hip-hop and anything in between.

Bartenders – normally serving a wicked mix of cocktails in specialised glasses – are now pouring alcohol without measuring, straight into takeaway cups.

I am just one espresso martini down, but there is no time to dawdle. Next on the list is Sürpriz Kebab – yes, a kebab shop – just a few minutes away.

There is another DJ set just outside this legendary institution, apparently known for throwing one of the best parties during Fête de la Musique.

Cocktails are just a few euros, sold next to the DJ booth on the street. Instead of cheap, low-quality drinks, the bartender takes his time and makes me a strong Moscow Mule that keeps me going for awhile.

People are dancing on the street. Some are tucking into greasy chips and meat. Everyone is super friendly.

It is as spontaneous as I had imagined. I swiftly lose track of time and by sunset, we are on our way to Canal Saint-Martin. It is a 20-minute walk from Sürpriz, but the crowds make the journey much longer.

We arrive at the banks of the Seine, which are jampacked full of people. Music is being blasted from all directions, and I can see a girl dancing on the roof of a car parked nearby.

It is chaotic in the best way. Every bar and restaurant has its own gig; there is a DJ playing house, but I can also hear a crowd chanting Gloria Gaynor’s I will survive – but the football version.

Wine and beer are free-flowing. There are little hot dog stands and pop-up bars dotted down the banks, and my oh my, the queues are long.

I can overhear people who did not know each other until a few minutes ago now chatting about the Paris Olympic Games, and then the casual culture of cheating in France.

We stay at Canal Saint-Martin for the rest of the night. Some people leave, others join, but it is just an opportunity to make more connections.

I learn that you have to make the very best of it as Fête de la Musique lasts just one night.

I dance until my feet hurt. That’s a pair of Mary Janes gone, but it is all worth it. I get home at 3.30am. I fear my poor Uber driver had to put up with my snoring in the back seat of the car.  C’est la vie .

More music at Moulin Rouge

No trip to Paris – no matter how short it is – is complete until one dips their toes into the bygone era of the city. This time it was Moulin Rouge.

Do not be confused, the show in on Boulevard de Clichy, Pigalle, is very different to Baz Luhrmann’s production.

It is the city’s most famous cabaret and by just entering the landmark building, I can understand why. There is another world of opulence and grandeur inside. It is all adorned with plush red velvet, glittering chandeliers, and intricate gold accents.

Champagne is served within seconds of me sitting down.

Though the nature of the performances are a little too old-school for me, there is certainly an appetite for them in the room. The dancers are outstanding and the choreography intricate. I can’t take my eyes off of the bedazzled costumes.

The acrobatic acts add a dynamic layer to the spectacle, and they are my favourite part of the show.

Tickets for the Moulin Rouge start from €88 per person.

Carbs galore at Boulangerie Utopie

I cannot leave Paris without a visit to Boulangerie Utopie, which makes the official best baguettefor 2024.

Named the top bakery in France in 2016 by M6 TV channel, it then emerged as a champion at Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris.

The competition honours the mastery behind the quintessential French baguette.

Xavier Netry, the talented baker behind Utopie, was crowned champion in April and was awarded 4,000 euros and the opportunity to supply baguettes president Emmanuel Macron for an entire year.

There are a few issues at play here: I am hungover, it is raining, the queue is long. But I am dedicated.

When I finally get inside, I order three (one simply has to bring the best baguette to London) and tuck in.

It is soft and light, almost sourdough like, with a crunchy coating. While I wish I have some butter and salt flakes to spread on top, I am the happiest girl alive.

It is indeed an outstanding baguette.

Finding accommodation in Paris

There have never been more options of where to stay in the city, considering the sports fever ahead of the Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to be renting their home, room or even a couch amid the flow of tourists taking over the capital.

Hotels can be expensive. And I much prefer to feel at home whenever I travel to a destination I have been to in the past, so I opt out for an Airbnb apartment with a living room and a kitchen.

I ended up choosing a charming little property on the sixth floor of a residential building situated a few minutes away from the Moulin Rouge and a 15-minute walk to the Montmartre Hill. An absolute gem.

It is one of Airbnb’s Guest Favourite listings, a highlight badge that ensures the top quality of a property.

My host Selma speaks Arabic, English, French and Spanish, and is super quick with replying to any of my queries. She also allows me to check in three hours earlier, a mark of an excellent host.

Her home has a 4.8 rating – and may I just say this one thing – it has one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in in a long time. A gold star for Selma.

Where to stay

Gergana was a guest of Airbnb in Paris. She stayed for two nights at one of the Guest Favourite Listings, which cost €477. 

Eurostar tickets from London to Paris start from £39.

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Fête de la Musique was unlike anything I had ever experienced (Picture: Gergana Krasteva)

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Strasbourg for Book Lovers

Bibliophiles will find plenty of centuries-old tomes, graphic novels, modern works and more in this French city, which also happens to be this year’s UNESCO World Book Capital.

A quiet street is lined with colorful, half-timbered buildings. A bicyclist goes by, and in front of one building, people sit at a table, while another customer approaches with a tray.

By Seth Sherwood

Attention, bibliophiles: Put Strasbourg, the largest city in eastern France, on your radar. Once home to the godfather of publishing — the 15th-century printing-press pioneer Johannes Gutenberg — the city is the UNESCO World Book Capital for 2024. Through next April, more than 200 events and activities will take place in and around Strasbourg, a polyglot city on the German border whose half-timbered gingerbread houses, gabled roofs, picturesque canals and church spires seem to have sprung from a storybook of their own.

Among the events are exhibitions devoted to Gustave Doré — a Strasbourg native and perhaps the 19th-century’s most celebrated illustrator of literary works — and Julie Doucet , a groundbreaking Quebec graphic novelist and visual artist. The annual Fête des Imprimeurs on June 29 and 30 in Place Gutenberg will showcase all of the trades involved in bookmaking, including through interactive workshops.

But the UNESCO events aren’t the only reasons to visit. Strasbourg has many spots for the literary-minded that are permanent fixtures, from comic shops and indie book emporiums to historical libraries and antiquarian specialists . Here are six favorites.

Place Gutenberg: The story begins

A native of Mainz, Germany (about 100 miles away), Gutenberg lived in Strasbourg in the 1430s and 1440s, developing the initial plans for his revolutionary moveable-type printing press, which would come to fruition in Mainz in the 1450s.

To honor him, Strasbourg in 1840 erected a statue in a square near the city’s red sandstone cathedral, whose Gothic design another German visitor, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, famously rhapsodized about. (The future literary star studied in Strasbourg in the early 1770s, living nearby at 36 rue du Vieux-Marché-aux-Poissons.)

The stone statue shows Gutenberg, bearded and solemn, holding a page bearing the French words “Et la lumière fut”—“And there was light” — a reference both to his famous Bibles and to the enlightenment of humankind made possible by the spread of printed matter.

On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, some of the fruits of Gutenberg’s invention — used books and historical prints — go on sale nearby during the open-air book market along rue des Hallebardes, just across the street.

Fairy tales and fountain pens

The smells of leather, parchment and dust suffuse La Jument Verte , an antiquarian book shop along rue des Juifs, one of the streets near the cathedral where some of Europe’s earliest print shops once operated.

Sun-filled and cheerful, the store has extensive holdings in French-language works of history, science and medicine, including an 1863 Paris travel guide (€80, or about $87) and an 1870 surgical primer (€200). Literary works are another specialty. If you don’t have €50,000 for the first six volumes of the original 1668 edition of La Fontaine’s fables, a pillar of French literature, a six-volume set of “The Divine Comedy,” with illustrations by Salvador Dalí, costs a mere €5,800.

If you feel inspired to do some sketching or scrawling afterward, the city’s most elegant stationery store is steps away: Monogram . Don’t miss the display cases filled with handcrafted Namiki-brand fountain pens from Japan. Each is an individual artwork embellished with gold dust and lacquer (€1,580 to €2,850). Less extravagant items also abound, including rustic leather-bound notebooks by Lamali (65 euros) and scads of greeting cards, wrapping paper and bookmarks.

Surrealism, satire and more

An extensive collection of historical works can be perused — for free — in the soaring, airy library of the Strasbourg Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art , a repository of about 140,000 books, magazines, museum catalogs and other materials.

Want to flip through the original proclamations of the Dadaist movement? Just ask. Published in 1918 in the Zurich-based group’s Dada magazine, the poet Tristan Tzara’s so-called Dada Manifesto (written in French) still amazes with its absurdist tone, nonsensical language, inventive syntax and gleeful vulgarity as it mocks literature, art, language and authority.

The periodicals archive includes famous titles related to Surrealism (Minotaure), German art (Deutsche Kunst und Dekoration), French satire (Le Charivari) and photography (Nouvelle Vision). A maze of shelves packed with mostly French books on a gamut of subjects — from art history and architecture to ceramics and graphic design — rounds out the offerings.

If you’re looking for something to take home, the museum bookshop down the hall contains a smattering of English-language gems, from “Dan Graham’s New Jersey” (€45) to “Young, Gifted and Black: A New Generation of Artists” (€50).

A stream of words

The award for homiest bookshop goes to L’Oiseau Rare (the Rare Bird), a small, cozy hangout in a half-timbered yellow house from the 1600s. It’s one of a trio of bookstores along Quai des Bateliers, a lovely, tree-lined canalside walkway that could easily be renamed Readers’ Row.

Outfitted with a three-table cafe and hung with paintings by a co-owner, Diane Albisser — whose scenes of dance halls and boxing rings take inspiration from African American history — the shop specializes in French literary works and socially activist nonfiction, particularly on feminism, race and the environment. You can walk in for a café au lait (€3.80) and stroll out with novels by Françoise Sagan, a dual-language edition of Maya Angelou’s poetry, and tracts by Mary Shelley translated into the language of Molière.

Down the quay, in another half-timbered house, Le Tigre bursts with French-language comics, manga, graphic novels and other illustrated works. Wordless treats also abound, from pop-culture figurines (the Notorious B.I.G., Grandpa Munster; €25) to vintage vinyl albums (€15 to €20) by David Bowie, Bud Powell and other heavyweights of rock and jazz.

Things suddenly get dark inside La Tache Noire (The Black Stain), a shrine for worshipers of crime novels from China, India, Iceland, Mexico, Belgium, France and other far-flung nations. Nearly everything is in French, though a section of American and British Hall-of-Famers, from Raymond Chandler to James Ellroy, caters to Anglophones.

Central Vapeur: Postcards from the fringe

The location of Central Vapeur , an arts organization devoted to alternative illustration, graphics and comics, is apt. Occupying a warehouse in a semi-blighted industrial zone, the group’s headquarters sits on the geographical edge of Strasbourg, and its tiny bookstore is similarly filled with visions and voices from the fringe.

Within, a pipe-smoking cartoon elephant in striped trousers looks on from a tote bag (€8). A pink-eyed skull covered with birthday candles peers from a tiny round lapel button (€1.50). Donald Trump, biting into a drippy scoop of ice cream resembling Earth, grimaces at the world from a wall poster (€40). Offbeat drawings, postcards and prints also decorate the shop.

In addition to graphic novels from local authors, the store’s offerings include dual-language French-English design magazines like Cercle (published in Strasbourg; €22) and Back Office (a periodical based in Paris; €20).

And if you’re up for a festival, the organization hosts Format(s) , which celebrates French and international graphic design.

Place Kléber: A multilingual mecca

Even if Strasbourg’s grandest, liveliest square didn’t have a thrice-weekly vintage book market (Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday), an emporium of Japanese comics ( Le Camphrier ), or a megastore of French-language books ( Librarie Kléber ), it would still be an obligatory stop thanks to the globe-spinning Librarie du Monde Entier . Poetic translation: The Whole Earth Bookstore.

Desperate to find a guide to conversation in Basque? Look no further. A Danish edition of “The Handmaid’s Tale”? Ditto. Urdu dictionaries, contemporary Turkish novels, Russian storybooks for kids — all in their original language? They’re all here. Dual-language books also abound, from Italian-English versions of Machiavelli’s “The Prince” to French-English editions of the experimental French classic “Zazie dans le Métro.”

The most robust offerings are in English-language fiction, history, biography and current affairs. You might even find a remaindered edition (€6) of “84, Charing Cross Road,” Helene Hanff’s charming collection of letters about the book trade. As she writes, “Buying a book you’ve never read is like buying a dress you’ve never tried on.” So always take the time to browse.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Ljubljana, Slovenia:  Stroll along the river, explore a contemporary art scene and admire panoramic views in this scenic Central European capital .

Cities With Great Beaches:  Already been to Miami, Honolulu and Sydney? These five other coastal destinations  are vibrant on land and on the water.

Southern France:  The Canal du Midi traverses the Occitanie region and gives cyclists of all skill levels  access to parts of France that are rich in lore .

Port Antonio, Jamaica:  The D.J. and music producer Diplo recommends spots in a city he loves  on Jamaica’s northeast coast. A dance party makes the cut.

New Mexico:  Visiting the vast and remote Gila Wilderness, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary, is both inspiring and demanding .

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

I went to the little-known Paris street party that’s even bigger than Notting Hill Carnival

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A comp showing a bar stand at the Paris festival

‘No sleep, bus, club, another club, another club.’

Anyone who has ever been on TikTok will know they’re the words of Lady Gaga, in an audio clip that has been stitched, shared and liked across the platform.

And, after a weekend in Paris for Fête de la Musique (which translates to World Music Day), I feel like I can now relate to the songstress.

I had no idea what to expect from the festival as I hoped on the 7am  Eurostar  to Gare du Nord from St Pancras International last week.

Friends who have been to Fête de la Musique compared it to Notting Hill Carnival in London – both music based events that take over the city streets.

However, this French party is much bigger, dominating the entire city – and in fact, much of the country.

I’ve been to Paris multiple times in the past, but never for the festival, so I went to check it out.

What is Fête de la Musique?

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The celebration is held every year on summer solstice, June 21, and takes place all over France.

While Notting Hill Carnival is rooted in Caribbean traditions, celebrating heritage and contributions of the Afro-Caribbean community, Fête de la Musique focuses on the music culture in France.

Set up by the then minister of culture, it was first celebrated in Paris in 1982 with the goal of bringing people together through music.

Ever since, the festival has become an international phenomenon, marked on the same day in more than 700 cities in 120 countries.

What the festival looks like In Paris

As I come to witness, tens of thousands of people pour onto the streets of Paris – many in club wear, others still in suits after coming straight from work.

Celebrations start early on in Paris

Celebrations in some areas of the city begin as early as 10am, continuing until the sun rises almost 24 hours later.

Famous landmarks, like Basilique du Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre, boulevards, parks and public spaces are transformed into open-air stages for musicians – and there is something for everyone.

From jazz gigs by the Seine to classical performances in historic cathedrals, there is an experience for both locals and tourists, creating an atmosphere of unity and joy.

All concerts are free to the public, though sometimes ticketed, and all performers donate their time free of charge.

While there are many random buskers to entertain the crowds, household names like Yamê, Matt Pokora and Fally Ipupa took over the stages.

International DJ Stephy Diab also made an appearance right outside a well-known Lebanese restaurant.

I went to the little-known Paris carnival that's bigger than Notting Hill

Despite how popular Fête de la Musique is among Parisians though, it’s notparticularly publicised to tourists, making it harder to track down the best parties – so I draft in some experts.

An insider’s perspective

I have recruited my friends Ahmed and Thea, my favourite Parisian couple, to be my tour guides for Fête de la Musique. I have no idea what to expect, so I’m entirely at their mercy.

While I wait for them to finish work, I join the Grailed x Boiler Room pop-up at 23 rue du Sentier near Strasbourg Saint-Denis metro station.

The London-based club promoter curates DJ sets for the celebration every year, bringing in a trendy, young crowd.

But the whole point of the day is to party outside – if the weather allows it. Ahmed and Thea finally pick me up and we catch up over a few cocktails at Paolina Bar, a few streets over from the Boiler Room pop-up.

Strolling past streets lined with dancing crowds, we then set off to Le Syndicat, a 15-minute walk from Paolina Bar. The crowds start to grow bigger and louder as we approach.

Cocktails outside Paolina Bar

Le Syndicat is a nondescript Parisian speakeasy, which is a regular on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.

DJs have set up their decks and speakers outside, filling the air with beats – a mix of electronic, hip-hop and anything in between.

Bartenders – normally serving a wicked mix of cocktails in specialised glasses – are now pouring alcohol without measuring, straight into takeaway cups.

I am just one espresso martini down, but there is no time to dawdle. Next on the list is Sürpriz Kebab – yes, a kebab shop – just a few minutes away.

There is another DJ set just outside this legendary institution, apparently known for throwing one of the best parties during Fête de la Musique.

Cocktails are just a few euros, sold next to the DJ booth on the street. Instead of cheap, low-quality drinks, the bartender takes his time and makes me a strong Moscow Mule that keeps me going for awhile.

The crowd enjoying a DJ set outside a kebab shop

People are dancing on the street. Some are tucking into greasy chips and meat. Everyone is super friendly.

It is as spontaneous as I had imagined. I swiftly lose track of time and by sunset, we are on our way to Canal Saint-Martin. It is a 20-minute walk from Sürpriz, but the crowds make the journey much longer.

We arrive at the banks of the Seine, which are jampacked full of people. Music is being blasted from all directions, and I can see a girl dancing on the roof of a car parked nearby.

It is chaotic in the best way. Every bar and restaurant has its own gig; there is a DJ playing house, but I can also hear a crowd chanting Gloria Gaynor’s I will survive – but the football version.

Wine and beer are free-flowing. There are little hot dog stands and pop-up bars dotted down the banks, and my oh my, the queues are long.

I can overhear people who did not know each other until a few minutes ago now chatting about the Paris Olympic Games, and then the casual culture of cheating in France.

The bar outside the kebab shop

We stay at Canal Saint-Martin for the rest of the night. Some people leave, others join, but it is just an opportunity to make more connections.

I learn that you have to make the very best of it as Fête de la Musique lasts just one night.

I dance until my feet hurt. That’s a pair of Mary Janes gone, but it is all worth it. I get home at 3.30am. I fear my poor Uber driver had to put up with my snoring in the back seat of the car.  C’est la vie .

More music at Moulin Rouge

No trip to Paris – no matter how short it is – is complete until one dips their toes into the bygone era of the city. This time it was Moulin Rouge.

Do not be confused, the show in on Boulevard de Clichy, Pigalle, is very different to Baz Luhrmann’s production.

It is the city’s most famous cabaret and by just entering the landmark building, I can understand why. There is another world of opulence and grandeur inside. It is all adorned with plush red velvet, glittering chandeliers, and intricate gold accents.

Inside the Moulin Rouge, the most famous cabaret club in Paris

Champagne is served within seconds of me sitting down.

Though the nature of the performances are a little too old-school for me, there is certainly an appetite for them in the room. The dancers are outstanding and the choreography intricate. I can’t take my eyes off of the bedazzled costumes.

The acrobatic acts add a dynamic layer to the spectacle, and they are my favourite part of the show.

Tickets for the Moulin Rouge start from €88 per person.

Carbs galore at Boulangerie Utopie

I cannot leave Paris without a visit to Boulangerie Utopie, which makes the official best baguettefor 2024.

Named the top bakery in France in 2016 by M6 TV channel, it then emerged as a champion at Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris.

The competition honours the mastery behind the quintessential French baguette.

I went to the little-known Paris carnival that's bigger than Notting Hill

Xavier Netry, the talented baker behind Utopie, was crowned champion in April and was awarded 4,000 euros and the opportunity to supply baguettes president Emmanuel Macron for an entire year.

There are a few issues at play here: I am hungover, it is raining, the queue is long. But I am dedicated.

When I finally get inside, I order three (one simply has to bring the best baguette to London) and tuck in.

It is soft and light, almost sourdough like, with a crunchy coating. While I wish I have some butter and salt flakes to spread on top, I am the happiest girl alive.

It is indeed an outstanding baguette.

Finding accommodation in Paris

Baguettes from Boulangerie Utopie

There have never been more options of where to stay in the city, considering the sports fever ahead of the Olympics and Paralympic Games.

Every Tom, Dick and Harry seems to be renting their home, room or even a couch amid the flow of tourists taking over the capital.

Hotels can be expensive. And I much prefer to feel at home whenever I travel to a destination I have been to in the past, so I opt out for an Airbnb apartment with a living room and a kitchen.

I ended up choosing a charming little property on the sixth floor of a residential building situated a few minutes away from the Moulin Rouge and a 15-minute walk to the Montmartre Hill. An absolute gem.

It is one of Airbnb’s Guest Favourite listings, a highlight badge that ensures the top quality of a property.

My host Selma speaks Arabic, English, French and Spanish, and is super quick with replying to any of my queries. She also allows me to check in three hours earlier, a mark of an excellent host.

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Her home has a 4.8 rating – and may I just say this one thing – it has one of the most comfortable beds I have slept in in a long time. A gold star for Selma.

Where to stay

Gergana was a guest of Airbnb in Paris. She stayed for two nights at one of the Guest Favourite Listings, which cost €477. 

Eurostar tickets from London to Paris start from £39.

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I Was Discriminated Against As a Gay Traveler — Now I'm Connecting the LGBTQ Community With My Own Company

Matthieu Jost started Misterb&b to help the LGBTQ community travel safely.

Courtesy of misterb&b

For Travel + Leisure’s column Traveling As, we’re talking to travelers about what it’s like to explore the world through their unique perspectives. We chatted with Paris-based entrepreneur Matthieu Jost. When he started traveling the world as a young gay man, he realized the inherent discrimination the LGBTQ community faces. So, he launched his first gay-friendly travel company as a teen, and then launched Misterb&b in 2014, which has grown into the world’s largest LGBTQ travel community. Here’s his story…

I grew up in a small city in the French countryside, near the German border outside Strasbourg. My first big travel experience was when I was about 14. I was lucky to be able to travel to the U.S. with my school. We went to Massachusetts and New York. I was shocked, especially in New York City. I remember being on the bus, looking out the window, and we couldn’t even see the tops of the skyscrapers.

I also had the opportunity to travel with my parents. They were both teachers and wanted to show us the world. We took some big trips, including Kenya before I was 18. I came out at 16 and it wasn't easy for me. But when we were in Kenya, I started to discover how challenging it would be for me and my community to travel. 

Being in the countryside, sometimes I’d get a bit bored, so I spent my time on the internet and ended up starting my first company at 16. I always had in the back of my head that I wanted to help the [LGBTQ] community travel safely across the world . When I was 18, I founded a company called MyGayTrip. The idea was to list all the gay-friendly places across the world.

Later, I had a bad experience when I was with a former boyfriend. We got to a hotel in western France, and in the lobby, they insisted we have separate beds. This was the first time in my life I was so uncomfortable, and this encounter told me I had to do something. It led me to start Misterb&b to connect hosts and guests so there are gay-friendly accommodations around the world. 

When I'm traveling with my partner, we're always discrete and try to be safe, not demonstrative. Maybe we grew up in a time when it was more challenging. The younger generation is more open and less willing to hide. But for me, seeing gay or lesbian couples holding hands in the streets is really something new because I wasn't able to do it when I was younger. It’s still something I’m scared to do today, even at home in Paris.

Related: I Just Got Back From This Famous Island Nation That's Suddenly the Hottest LGBTQ Destination in the Caribbean

Courtesy of misterb&b

There are places I wouldn’t go at all, like the countries where the death penalty is applied. It's too dangerous. I’m sure they are beautiful places to visit, but if the country is not welcoming to the LGBTQ population, what's the point in going there? 

Last year, more than 500 anti-LGBTQ bills were introduced. It means there’s more need for a platform like Misterb&b. So, this is how we're trying to make the world safer for the community. I read our reviews on a daily basis and there are two things that stand out. The first one is safety, being able to be yourself and not hide anything when traveling. If you travel with your boyfriend in a private room, you don’t need to disclose you’re with your boyfriend. The other is connecting with the local LGBTQ community. For us, it's even harder to connect than the straight population because there are less places to do so. Using the platform, I recently met with two guys in their 60s who were traveling a lot for work and we talked about our lives. It’s really about meeting people you would never expect to meet with — this is what people love. Loneliness is something that's dominant within the LGBTQ community, so we're helping them connect with Misterb&b.

Related: 12 Up-and-coming Destinations Around the World for LGBTQ+ Travelers

My overall vision is helping people connect in real life. We recently launched Weere , an app that allows users to source tips from the local community, from where to see a drag queen show to finding the best exhibit. It's really the local community helping the travel community.

You can even find social experiences in your own city, like visiting a museum with someone. There are only dating apps connecting the LGBTQ community, but no social apps, so this is our aim with Weere.

The last trip I did was a staycation in Paris. Sometimes, I travel in my own city to experience and meet with our community of hosts. I stayed with Stefan, and he and his partner opened their house to me. I felt like I was a friend who had known them for 20 years.

It’s weird because a few years ago, we were seeing so much visibility for our community. Even on Netflix shows, we were seeing inclusion and diversity for the community, which was positive. But the last five years have not been positive for the community, even in the U.S.

The world is becoming a bit scary right now. Hopefully this will change. We need more initiatives and to find ways to travel safely. The fight is still there. 

Travel is so important for connecting with local communities and culture — it really helps you grow much faster. It can be challenging to find others in the LGBTQ community, but events like Pride month are [great opportunities] to meet, celebrate, and demonstrate that we exist. It’s joining forces to start our own force, and demonstrate we're here and we need equality. 

Related: These Travel Companies Are Making Big Moves to Help LGBTQ Travelers

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    3. By Train. Train Arriving into Strasbourg. If you're looking for a fast and affordable way to get to Strasbourg from Paris, then the train is for you, especially if you're planning a day trip. Trains depart from Paris' Gare de l'Est train station and arrive at Strasbourg's Central Train Station.

  15. Paris to Strasbourg (Station)

    TGV inOui operates a train from Paris Est to Strasbourg hourly. Tickets cost $75-140 and the journey takes 1h 46m. Two other operators also service this route. Alternatively, FlixBus operates a bus from Paris, Quai de Bercy (Bercy Seine) to Strasbourg every 4 hours. Tickets cost $40-60 and the journey takes 5h 40m.

  16. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg by train

    The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Strasbourg are €21.02. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around €82, while the price is around €71 if you book 7 days in advance. Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it's worth booking ahead of time if you can ...

  17. From Paris to Strasbourg by Train from €18.90

    Travel from Paris to Strasbourg by direct OUIGO and TGV INOUI high-speed-train. The journey time is two hours. The train ticket prices start at 16 EUR. There are hourly train connections. The departure station is "Paris Gare de l'Est". Find the exact train schedules and book your ticket via the given booking links.

  18. Cheap Flights from Paris (PAR) to Strasbourg (SXB)

    Wed, Aug 21 ORY - SXB with transavia. 1 stop. from $101. Strasbourg.$107 per passenger.Departing Mon, Apr 21.One-way flight with Air France.Outbound indirect flight with Air France, departing from Paris Charles de Gaulle on Mon, Apr 21, arriving in Strasbourg.Price includes taxes and charges.From $107, select.

  19. Cheap train Strasbourg

    Travel from Strasbourg to Paris with TER, the low-cost regional train company that covers the whole of France. Perfect for discovering a region and frequent journeys to nearby towns. Reserving is easy: do a search and book your next trip in one of France's 11 regions.

  20. France: Olympic Flame to arrive in Strasbourg, June 26

    The Olympic Flame will arrive in Strasbourg on June 26 as part of the nationwide Torch Relay leading up to the Paris Games 2024. Local authorities will implement comprehensive security restrictions to enable the planned commemorations. Police will close roads and impose traffic diversions along the planned route.

  21. Paris to Strasbourg by Train from $18

    It takes an average of 1h 50m to travel from Paris to Strasbourg by train, over a distance of around 246 miles (396 km). There are normally 16 trains per day traveling from Paris to Strasbourg and tickets for this journey start from $18 when you book in advance. First train. 6:52 am.

  22. I went to a little-known Paris street party that's even bigger ...

    Named the top bakery in France in 2016 by M6 TV channel, it then emerged as a champion at Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris. The competition honours the ...

  23. French-American Foundation announces 2024 'Young Leaders'

    This year, the 2023 and 2024 fellows will travel to Miami in October and to France later in the program. "It is this idea of the power of personal relationships to effect change over time that ...

  24. Trains from Paris Montparnasse to Strasbourg

    It takes an average of 1h 50m to travel from Paris Montparnasse to Strasbourg by train, over a distance of around 247 miles (398 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from Paris Montparnasse to Strasbourg and tickets for this journey start from £66.46 when you book in advance. ... It connects the major cities of France at speeds ...

  25. Strasbourg to Paris train tickets from US$2.00

    The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Strasbourg to Paris are US$2.00. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around US$22, while the price is around US$43 if you book 7 days in advance. Booking on the day of travel is likely to be more expensive, so it's worth booking ahead of time if you can, or check our special offers ...

  26. Strasbourg for Book Lovers

    Strasbourg, a city of half-timbered gingerbread houses, gabled roofs, canals and church spires, has been named the 2024 UNESCO World Book Capital. ... including an 1863 Paris travel guide (€80 ...

  27. I went to the little-known Paris carnival that's even bigger than

    Named the top bakery in France in 2016 by M6 TV channel, it then emerged as a champion at Grand Prix de la Baguette de Tradition Française de la Ville De Paris. The competition honours the ...

  28. I Was Discriminated Against As a Gay Traveler

    I grew up in a small city in the French countryside, near the German border outside Strasbourg. My first big travel experience was when I was about 14.

  29. PSG vs. Strasbourg (Oct 20, 2024) Live Score

    Live coverage of the Paris Saint-Germain vs. Strasbourg French Ligue 1 game on ESPN, including live score, highlights and updated stats.

  30. Strasbourg to Paris by Train from £14.19

    It takes an average of 2h 20m to travel from Strasbourg to Paris by train, over a distance of around 246 miles (396 km). There are normally 16 trains per day travelling from Strasbourg to Paris and tickets for this journey start from £14.21 when you book in advance. First train. 06:40.