Petite France (Little France), Strasbourg (must see)

Little France is one of Strasbourg’s most picturesque and historically rich districts, known for its canals, half-timbered houses, and medieval atmosphere. Despite its romantic name, the quarter was not originally French in character. In the Middle Ages, this area lay just outside the main city centre and was home to tanners, millers, and fishermen whose trades depended on direct access to water. The canals of the Ill River powered mills and helped wash animal hides, making the district an important—if pungent—centre of craft production.

The name of the district emerged much later, in the 17th century, and has a darker origin. It refers to a hospice that treated soldiers suffering from syphilis, then known as the “French disease.” Over time, the name lost its grim association and came to describe the entire neighbourhood. While many industrial activities faded, the district’s architecture survived remarkably intact, preserving rows of timber-framed houses from the 16th and 17th centuries with steep roofs, wooden galleries, and colourful façades.

Today, Little France is one of Strasbourg’s most popular areas to explore on foot. Narrow lanes wind between canals and locks, while flower-lined bridges offer postcard views in every direction. Highlights include the Tanners’ House, once a guild house for tanners and now a restaurant, as well as the Covered Bridges and the Vauban Dam at the western edge of the district.

The appeal lies in both atmosphere and accessibility. Cafés and traditional winstubs serve Alsatian specialties such as sauerkraut, while riverside terraces invite lingering pauses. Boat tours glide through the canals, offering a different perspective on the historic buildings. In every season—but especially in spring and during the Christmas markets—Little France captures Strasbourg’s blend of Germanic and French heritage, combining history, architecture, and everyday city life into one of the city’s most memorable quarters.