Festivals, workshops and gardens to visit in Strasbourg this spring
This April and May, explore arts, science, and urban culture events in the capital of France's Grand Est region
A vibrant array of events are on offer in Strasbourg this spring and you can also visit the city's extensive gardens and parksStrasbourg Tourist Office
"There are three particularly interesting events happening in April," says Nicolas Wevelsiep of the Strasbourg tourist office.
Festivals celebrating the arts, culture and science
From March 31 to April 6, Strasbourg is really pushing the boat out for the international 'Journées Européennes des Métiers d'Art'. "The aim is to highlight the huge variety of professions which exist in the arts," he said. "Even if you are not a frontline creator. There will be opportunities to talk to people working in the arts, take a workshop, watch a demonstration, and meet people working in the arts."
Also in May, all across Alsace artists are opening their workshops and studios to the public for the weekends of May 17-18 and 24-25. Visitors can watch artists and talk to them about their work, as well as buy original items.
Take part in a workshop to learn a new artistic skillDikova Maria/Shutterstock
The Curieux Festival runs from April 1-12 shining a light on the strange area where arts and science meet. There will be theatre, music, and dance shows (tickets from €2-€20), plus meetings with mixed pairs of scientists and artists (free) and plenty of fun activities including workshops, projections, immersive events, exhibitions and even tastings. The whole programme is online at lecurieuxfestival.com along with maps and a ticket office. "The point is to make both arts and sciences fun and accessible to everyone."
Strasbourg became the Unesco World Book Capital for a year running from last spring. Timed to celebrate the culmination of the year, the annual 'Rencontres de L'Illustration' festival runs for three weeks from the third week of April well into May. This annual event brings together illustrators from all over the world, and includes conferences, workshops, performances, exhibitions and projections. The public is welcome although the event is at least partially designed to promote partnerships between established illustrators.
"The best way not to miss anything is to come to the Tourist Office and we'll tell you what's on,” said Nicolas.
“For example, to celebrate Easter the city organises a free Easter Egg Hunt, with chocolate eggs hidden all over the city centre.”
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Gardens in bloom
April is also a great time to explore the city's extensive gardens and parks. The 26-hectare Parc de l'Orangerie is the biggest and in early April the magnolias are in bloom.
Hire a bike and cycle there along the Quai des Belges. Look out for the self-service book swap hut, and locals make a point of stopping at Franchi for an ice cream. (There are branches at both entrances.) It is also popular with joggers, and there is plenty to look at including a vintage car circuit, and a boating lake.
Hire a bike and explore the city's green spacesStrasbourg Tourist Office
If it is raining, head down the Quai des Bateliers to visit the tropic greenhouse in the Jardin Botanique.
Strasbourg has a Green Belt of promenades and parks forming a ring 600m wide and 17km long around the city centre.
"It is mainly flat, meaning people cycle everywhere. You can get out of the city and be in the countryside in less than 15 minutes. There are three natural reserves within reach, and plenty of opportunities to mess around on the water, or just find a waterside café."
Urban sports events
On May 23-25 the Festival International des Cultures Urbaines is held at the Skatepark de la Rotonde. More than a simple competition, it is a meeting place for around 450 urban sports athletes, and a great place to find out about newly emerging sports including roller, BMX, skateboard, freestyle scooter, parkour, streetball, and breakdance.
The event attracts around 40,000 people who enjoy DJs, graffiti artists and an extensive market. Day passes cost €5.
