10 of Strasbourg's Top Markets

There’s no place like Strasbourg at Christmas. With its 300 stalls spread out over the city centre, Strasbourg’s Christmas market is one of the oldest in Europe, harking back to 1570. Strasbourg enriches the long tradition of Christmas in Alsace and in the market you’ll find craft objects, regional produce and typical Alsatian Christmas decorations, within a warm and friendly atmosphere. The best-known markets take place in the Cathedral square, the more intimate ‘Flavours of Alsace’ foodie stalls in Place des Meuniers, and the charming vendors around the gigantic Christmas tree in Place Kléber.

A cute tiny market a few steps from the cathedral. Local florists showcase their beautiful bouquets and blooms du jour on Tuesdays and Wednesday in Rue des Grandes Arcades. Under threat of extinction, the Marché aux Fleurs has somehow managed to keep going.

On the Rue des Hallebardes and on Place Kléber on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, an open-air book market beckons. It’s a grouping of about ten bouquinistes,enough to provide a couple of hours of entertaining treasure hunting among books of every genre, age and language. You may also come across stamps and old coins. Place Kléber is an upscale shopping pedestrian square with lovely cafés and places to eat.

A flea market of a more bric-a-brac variety takes place between place de l’Étal and Place de la Grande Boucherie at the corner of Rue de la Douane every Wednesday and Saturday from 7am to around 4pm. Here you can find small objets d’art, furniture, jewelry, kitchenalia, pretty frames, antique linen and a thousand other finds. Remember the adage – as applied to any flea market – the early bird catches the worm.