WEEKEND IN STRASBOURG

I just finished up my VLOG on my weekend in Strasbourg. I had a great time (Yes, even after the Christmas Markets were packed up for the year!). You’ll follow me around the city to a few different restaurants, stores, and other places to go. But because the video moves pretty fast, so I wanted to take the time to outline all the locations I went to and little tips and tricks I learned. I separated it by category, and included the time stamp of where you can see it in the video! Let’s get started!

TRANSPORTATION

FLIX BUS (0:16): To get to Strasbourg, I used Flix Bus. The cost was 10.99 euros each way. There is a stop right in my small town of Saint Dizier, and it drops you off right outside the center of Strasbourg near Place Étoile. There is a tram stop right at the bus station, and many city bus stations nearby. If you type in “flix bus drop off” into Google Maps, it will show you exactly where. Google Maps also has great public transportation directions, to get you where you need to go next.

CITY BUS (0:21): According to Google Maps, my best route to my friend Brenna’s was by city bus. I had to walk about 5 minutes to the station, and then waited another 5 minutes or so until the bus came. The bus was running about 5 minutes behind its scheduled time, so if this happens don’t panic. When I got on the bus, I paid 2 euros for a one-way trip. Don’t forget to hit one of the “STOP” buttons when it is about to be your stop. They will only stop if you hit a button. If you’re unsure just look up to the front of the bus and if the “Arrête Demandé” is lit up, that means you’re good to go!

TRAM (5:53): The tram system is really great in Strasbourg, they run every few minutes in many directions. Google Maps is your best bet to map out your route. You can buy your tickets at little kiosks at the station, some are touch screen and some you have to turn a wheel. Be sure to scan your ticket BEFORE getting on the tram. If you don’t, your ticket isn’t validated and you could be fined upwards of 90 euros. Now, I’ll be honest, I did ride the tram once or twice for free… but do so at your own risk.

WALK (whole video, lol): At some points I was freezing my ass off, so walking wasn’t a great option. But I have to say, it is a BEAUTIFUL city. So if you can hack it, walk!

RESTAURANTS & FOOD

AU BRASSEUR (1:21): This was a great little spot in the heart of the city. Au Brasseur is actually a micro brewery, so it’s the perfect spot to indulge in some brewskis (or whatever the kids are calling them these days). Here I was able to get a tarte flambée (1:55). Because of Strasbourg’s unique location (Alsace region) and history flip-flopping between France and Germany, they have their own brand of cuisine— Alsatian cuisine, to be exact. Tarte flambée is an Alsatian classic. It’s kind of like a pizza. It has thin crust smothered crème fraîche, topped with whatever you want! I got mine with ham and mushrooms, yum!

La Graffateria (6:07): This is where we tried to get brunch, unfortunately we were too late! It looked like a hostel-style brunch, would love to try the next time I’m there! Good thing to keep in mind though, France’s hours on Sunday and Monday are usually pretty kooky. So don’t be surprised if you show up somewhere and it’s closed.

Academie de la Bière (6:54): We grabbed lunch here after we couldn’t go to the other place. I got a double cheese burger with warm crunchy fries. It was the perfect hangover food. 10/10 recommend.

Kubler: While not in the video, this patisserie is right by Brenna’s apartment and we enjoyed some pain au chocolate and baguettes from here. And who can travel in France without indulging a bit, right?

SHOPPING

The shops were all having major post-Christmas sales. I think every window had a “SOLDES” sign, which means sale in French (2:35). We did most of our shopping on/around Place Kléber (3:04). This is the largest square, located in the center of the city. During the Christmas markets, it’s home to the large Christmas tree.

Where I purchased the clothes you saw:

*Pimke: Charisme shirt (3 euros)

*New Look: Multicolored sweater (14 euros), Marseille sweater (13 euros), Yellow beanie (5 euros)

MOVIE THEATER

We went to see A Star is Born on Sunday night! Maybe this makes me lame ?? But I really could’t care less! I can’t imagine a better winter night than curling up with a bucket of popcorn watching a movie. We went to the UGC Ciné CIté which was just a short tram ride away. When seeing a movie in France you’ll look for VOSTF (version original, sub titles french). Also, don’t forget to bring a student ID so you can get the ticket at a discounted price! Also, in french theaters they usually offer both salty popcorn (salé) and kettle corn (sucré), so make sure you’re getting the one you want. And unfortunately no butter stations here… so either BYO (lol) or live without it.

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

I did one more walk around the city and checked out the cathedral before heading home. Definitely worth your time if you come to Strasbourg for any amount of time!

As always PLS ask any questions on my latest instagram @planetochampagne OR by email planetochampagne@gmail.com.