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 French northeast is an interesting tourist destination during most of the year and in the autumn months there is a low tourist influx together with a climate that remains much more favorable than in the winter months. 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 the month of November and allow you to make the most of your time and budget.
1. Take the opportunity to make an Alsace wine tour
The wine industry in the Alsace region is one of the great tourist attractions that attract people to visit the city of Strasbourg. In addition, in November there are usually the last excursions of the year that offer the opportunity to tour the fields where the grapes used for the production of this white wine are harvested. You have several options:
- Book a wine tour in Alsace from Strasbourg, from $108
- Book awine tour in Alsace from Strasbourg, from $174.
Also, from mid-December to mid-March or April it will be too cold for tourist agencies to consider walking through the vineyard as something worthwhile, so during those months it is more common that you can only visit the subway cellars.
So my recommendation is that you take advantage of your visit during the month of November and participate 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 little 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 are related to that season of the year. In the case of a visit to the city of Strasbourg during the month of November you have to know that the 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 on a mountain to emulate Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and located between the French and Italian border.
It is typical of this month because chestnuts are a distinctive autumn food. If this November culinary tradition interests you, you should know that you will taste the dessert if you book a gastronomic tour and you will also find it in most traditional French restaurants. In addition, you are likely to see it in some tourist pastry shops downtown.
3. Surprise yourself with Resonance Festival[s]
The world of contemporary art and design has its own space in Strasbourg's November entertainment agenda. The Resonance[s] Festival is an event that year after year is dedicated to showcasing the greatest innovations in conceptual art, decoration, sculpture and fashion. All thanks to the participation of some 180 European designers who year after year join the experience to showcase their work.
The space. as such, functions as a fair where 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 need to know that it usually runs for about three or four days in the first or second week of the month.
It takes place at the Parc d' Expositions in Strasbourg, which is a rather special place that is sometimes 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 can have the chance to visit it.
4. Take advantage of the school vacation 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 Archeology 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 about 7.5 € per person. Although it is also possible that there may be days of free access, especially during school vacations, 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 the month of November during your visit to Strasbourg is to book a guided tour of the Notre Dame Cathedral during All Saints' Day. This Catholic tradition is celebrated worldwide on November 1, and in France it is one of the few non-working national holidays.
Visiting this Cathedral during November 1 is an experience because memorial masses are celebrated throughout the day and, in particular, the afternoon and evening masses stand out because they usually have the accompaniment of candles because it is such a spiritual day.
Anyway, this Cathedral is a must in a single 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 this is one of the most important Catholic churches in the whole 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, is the Municipal Baths building, which for a century has functioned as a public space that allows tourists and locals to enjoy pools that are classified as a historical monument. In addition, it has several jacuzzis, saunas and Turkish baths that bring access to the spa experience for the entire population.
The place is presented as an excellent entertainment plan during the month of November because it is a way to take shelter from the cold temperatures of this time of 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 must keep in mind that only people over 16 years old can enter.
Details of interest:
- Prices: the most complete tickets usually cost about 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 9 am to 8 pm.
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 seek to stimulate the imagination and intelligence of children 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 typical rainy day in November when you can't take your kids to a public park that fits your other tourist interests. The whole thing becomes even more beneficial knowing that because it is a month with a week of school vacations there are usually all kinds of entertaining activities organized at this site.
Details of interest:
- Prices: tickets cost about 8 € per person and there are no age distinctions.
- Hours: This site is open every day of the week except Mondays from 10 am to 6 pm.
8. Listen to some jazz at the Jazzdor festival
The music scene also has its own activity in November: the Jazzdort Festival is usually held every year in the middle of this month. It is an event organized by this institution that bears the same name and seeks to promote contemporary Jazz as well as the world of improvised music within the youth.
The exact date of the festival is something very changeable, since in the more than 30 editions it has had, different parts of the month are usually chosen to organize various musical events. Likewise, you have to know that it is possible that there will be many free concerts both in public spaces and theaters. Although it is likely to add some private events that have separate rates.
My recommendation to enjoy this activity is to be attentive to 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 appropriate for people of all ages and even more for those who consider themselves contemporary music lovers.
9. Participate in the activities commemorating the Armistice of 1918
Another national holiday that occurs during the month of November in France is the Armistice of 1918 Commemoration Day. This event has to do with the ceasefire that took place between the Allied forces and their opponent, the German Empire.
In the region of Alsace and Strasbourg, it is a very important date, since it implied the withdrawal of the German troops from this section very affected by the battles that took place in the western front. For this reason, during November 11, the City of Strasbourg, the European Parliament and the Council of Europe usually organize special educational and cultural activities in commemoration of this date for its significance for France, Germany and the rest of Europe that take place in the city center, on the large island and at the headquarters of the European Parliament.
For this reason, it is advisable that you know how to visit the European Parliament in Strasbourg if your visit coincides with November 11. Although the truth is that this building and its surroundings are a recommended tourist plan even if your visit is not on this national holiday.
10. Stroll along the canals of the River III
The River III is that fluvial body that crosses Strasbourg from north to south and forms different islands in its path. Among them is the Great Island of Strasbourg, a space where the Cathedral, the Rohan Palace and the famous Kleber Square are located.
The month of November is an ideal time to participate in a boat ride through its canals because the tourist demand is down, it is cheaper (the price is reduced from about 40 € per person to about 30 € and even up to about 25 € depending on the route) and the weather is mild.
A recommended activity for the whole family and a good way to appreciate 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 tourist flow in November
The number of tourists in Strasbourg during the month of November is quite low, knowing that it is not a holiday season par excellence, which is not the same for the following month with Christmas and New Year's Eve.
Prices in Strasbourg in November
If you travel to Strasbourg during the month of November you are likely to spend the same as in the rest of the year, except for the summer season and the month of December when prices go up due to high tourist demand.
What to pack to visit Strasbourg in November?
In your suitcase to visit Strasbourg during the month of November you should not miss a good raincoat and warm clothes to enjoy the best things to do in Strasbourg. If you travel in November, it will be cold throughout your visit and it is likely to rain at some point.