10 Things to Do in Strasbourg in November
November, in principle, is a month with little movement for international tourism. However, there are plenty of plans in cities like Strasbourg - discover them!
The north-east of France is an interesting tourist destination for most of the year, and the autumn months are characterised by low tourist numbers and a climate that remains much more favourable than in the winter months, making it an ideal time to visit this beautiful city. For this reason, it is an ideal time to visit this beautiful city.
Here are 10 plans that will help you enjoy a visit to Strasbourg throughout November and allow you to make the most of your time and budget.
1. Take the opportunity to go on an Alsace wine tour
The wine industry in the Alsace region is one of the major tourist attractions that attract people to visit the city of Strasbourg. In addition, the last excursions of the year usually take place in November, offering the opportunity to visit the fields where the grapes used for the production of this white wine are harvested. You have several options:
- Book an Alsace wine tour from Strasbourg, from CAD 151.
- Book anAlsace wine tour from Strasbourg, from CAD 243.
Also, from mid-December to mid-March or April it will be too cold for the tour agencies to consider walking in the vineyard as something worthwhile, so during those months it is more common that you can only visit the underground cellars.
So my recommendation is to make the most of your visit during the month of November and take part in these walks that are part of the best day trips from Strasbourg. Especially if you consider yourself a wine lover and want to learn a bit more about this peculiar region that combines German traditions in a product that is definitely French.
2. Eat a "torche aux marrons" as a representative dish of the season
One of the most interesting aspects of visiting a city at a specific time of the year is being able to enjoy the dishes that relate to that season. In the case of a visit to the city of Strasbourg during the month of November, you should know that torche aux marron is a dessert that you cannot miss because it is the true protagonist when it comes to autumnal sweets.
It is a recipe that is prepared from a chestnut cream with a traditional meringue. The appearance of the dessert is most peculiar, as it resembles a plate of spaghetti piled up on a mountain to emulate Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, which is located between the French and Italian borders.
It is typical of the month because chestnuts are a distinctive autumn food. If this November culinary tradition interests you, you should know that you can try the dessert if you book a gastronomic tour and you will also find it in most traditional French restaurants. You are also likely to see it in some of the tourist patisseries in the city centre.
3. Surprise yourself with the Resonance Festival[s]
The world of contemporary art and design has its own space on the November entertainment agenda in Strasbourg. The [Resonances ] Festival is an event that year after year is dedicated to showcasing the greatest innovations in conceptual art, decoration, sculpture and fashion. All this thanks to the participation of some 180 European designers who year after year join the experience to show their work.
The space. as such, functions as a fair in which different exhibitors can present their brand or project to compete for special prizes, as well as to capture the attention of galleries and buyers. As for the duration of the event, you should know that it usually runs for about three or four days in the first or second week of the month.
It takes place in Strasbourg's Parc d' Expositions, which is a rather special place that sometimes forms part of the best tours of Strasbourg because of its proximity to tourist areas such as the European Quarter or the Neustadt. So if you book a private tour of Strasbourg you may have the chance to visit it.
4. Take advantage of the school holiday week in France to go to the museums
In mid-November in Strasbourg and the rest of France, primary and secondary school students are usually given a week off. For that reason, the different museums usually start their end-of-year temporary exhibition period, as they are guaranteed to have the free time to visit them and continue to expand their knowledge of history and art.
So the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Archaeology and the Museum of Decorative Arts are just some of the institutions you could visit.
For access to these places you should know that the fee for each of these museums is around €7.5 per person. However, there may also be days when access is free, especially during school holidays, which usually fall in the first or second week of the month.
5. See Notre Dame Cathedral on All Saints' Day
One of the first things you could do to enjoy November during your visit to Strasbourg is to book a guided tour of Notre Dame Cathedral on All Saints' Day. This Catholic tradition is celebrated worldwide on 1 November, and in France it is one of the few non-working national holidays.
Visiting this cathedral on 1 November is an experience because commemorative masses are held throughout the day and, in particular, the afternoon and evening masses stand out because they are usually accompanied by candles as it is such a spiritual day.
In any case, this cathedral is a must on a one-day visit to Strasbourg. So, if the first date of November coincides with your visit, then you need to opt for a private tour of this building. Especially knowing that it is one of the most important Catholic churches in the world, distinguished by its Gothic architecture as well as having been one of the tallest buildings in the world for a couple of centuries.
6. Escape the cold in the wellness area of the Municipal Baths
In the heart of the city of Strasbourg, near the famous Neustadt district, you will find the Municipal Baths building, which for a century has been a public space allowing tourists and locals to enjoy the swimming pools that are classified as a historical monument. It also has several jacuzzis, saunas and Turkish baths that provide access to the spa experience for the entire population.
The place is an excellent entertainment plan during the month of November because it is a way of sheltering from the cold temperatures of this time of the year. This while you are getting to know one of the most interesting and peculiar places of the architectural and historical heritage of the city. You should bear in mind that only people over the age of 16 can enter.
Details of interest:
- Prices: the most complete tickets usually cost around 22 € per person. If you want massages and similar services you will have to pay more money.
- Opening hours: This place is usually open every day of the week from 9am to 8pm.
7. Take the little ones to have fun at Le Vaisseau
The success of a trip depends on all participants feeling that they are having fun and enjoying the experience. For this reason, one of the best plans you can make during the month of November in Strasbourg is to choose a visit that takes you directly to Le Vaisseau, an educational space focused on children's learning through movement and play.
It has different scientific and sensory trails that aim to stimulate children's imagination and intelligence in different ways. It also has a pond and a vegetable garden for them to explore together other aspects such as creativity, logic and survival instinct. Some of the topics covered here include the human body, the animal world, construction and the use of water.
A highly recommended place to spend a morning or afternoon, especially on a rainy November day when you can't take your children to a public park that suits your other tourist interests. The whole thing becomes even more beneficial knowing that because it is a month with a week of school holidays there are usually all sorts of entertaining activities organised here.
Details of interest:
- Prices: Tickets cost around €8 per person and there are no age distinctions.
- Opening hours: This site is open every day of the week except Mondays from 10am until 6pm.
8. Listen to a bit of jazz at the Jazzdor festival
The music scene also has its own activity in November, with the Jazzdort Festival usually taking place every year in the middle of this month. It is an event organised by the institution of the same name, which aims to promote contemporary jazz as well as the world of improvised music among young people.
The exact date of the festival is very changeable, as in the more than 30 editions it has had, different parts of the month are usually chosen to organise various musical events. You should also be aware that there are likely to be many free concerts in both public spaces and theatres. Although it is likely that there will be some private events with separate fees.
My recommendation for enjoying this activity is to keep an eye on what is published directly on the Jazzdor website. It is worth it because it is a highly recommended and entertaining plan that you should not miss. Above all, because it is suitable for people of all ages and even more so for those who consider themselves contemporary music lovers.
9. Take part in the activities commemorating the Armistice of 1918
Another bank holidays that takes place during the month of November in France is the 1918 Armistice Commemoration Day. This event commemorates the ceasefire between the Allied forces and their opponent, the German Empire.
In the region of Alsace and Strasbourg, it is a very important date, as it implied the withdrawal of the German troops from this section, which was very affected by the battles that took place on the western front. For this reason, during 11 November, the City of Strasbourg, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe usually organise special educational and cultural activities to commemorate this date because of its significance for France, Germany and the rest of Europe, which take place in the city centre, on the large island and at the headquarters of the European Parliament.
For this reason, it is advisable to know how to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg if your visit coincides with 11 November. Although the truth is that this building and its surroundings are a recommendable tourist plan even if your visit does not fall on this bank holidays.
10. Stroll along the canals of the River III
The River III is the body of water that crosses Strasbourg from north to south and forms different islands along the way. Among them is the Great Island of Strasbourg, a space where the Cathedral, the Rohan Palace and the famous Kleber Square are located.
November is an ideal time to take part in a boat trip through the canals because tourist demand is down, it's cheaper (the price is reduced from around €40 per person to around €30 and even €25 depending on the route) and the weather is mild.
A great activity for the whole family and a great way to see the city from a totally different perspective.
Temperatures in Strasbourg in November
November temperatures in Strasbourg can be considered quite cold compared to other parts of the world. Highs are usually around 12°C and lows can drop to as low as 5°C on cold nights.
Strasbourg's November tourist numbers
The number of tourists in Strasbourg during the month of November is rather low as it is not a holiday season par excellence, which is not the case for the following month with Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Prices in Strasbourg in November
If you travel to Strasbourg during November you are likely to spend the same as the rest of the year, with the exception of the summer season and December when prices rise due to high tourist demand.
What to pack for a visit to Strasbourg in November?
Your November Strasbourg suitcase should be packed with a good mackintosh and warm enough clothes to enjoy the best things to do in Strasbourg. If you're travelling in November, it will be cold throughout your visit and it's likely to rain at some point.