La Petite France Walking Tour (Self Guided), Strasbourg

La Petite France is a charming and genteel neighborhood, crisscrossed by the canals of the River III. It is within easy walking distance of the center of Strasbourg, and your point of entry will be the Pont Saint-Martin.

As you cross over the bridge you should be able to see the Pont du Faisan, a revolving steel bridge that was constructed in the late 19th century. Stroll along quiet streets lined with half-timbered houses that date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, some with window boxes filled with flowers. One of the most famous is Maison des Tanneurs (House of Tanners), built in 1572. Today, it is a restaurant, popular for its chacroute, a recipe made from fermented cabbage. Take a table by a window to enjoy views over the canals.

The area has several more restaurants by the water where you can sample traditional Alsatian cuisine accompanied by gorgeous views. As you are making your way through Le Petite France, you may also be able to see the workings of the canal locks. At the far end of the district, beyond the towers and covered bridges is the Barrage Vauban. This beautiful bridge, which looks like a house stretched across the waterway was built in 1681 as a defensive structure.