Strasbourg
Petite France
Petite France is a historic district on the River Ill, beautifully preserved with 16th and 17th century houses along the river and canals. This part of town was inhabited with people who needed water for their businesses - millers, tanners, laundresses. You'll see street names such as Rue des Meuniers (Millers Street), Quai des Moulins (Mill Wharf), Rue des Fosse de Tanneurs (Tanners Street). On Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes is the Maison des Tanneurs, and the date 1572.
Petite France was also an fortified area - three towers, connected by bridges covered with wooden roofs prevented the city from invasion where the river divides into four channels. In the 18th century, the Barrage Vauban was built, a fortified dam which could be flooded in case of attack; today the Barrage is a panoramic terrace with a view of Petite France.
Here's our favorite walk through Petite France:
Start at Place Benjamin Zix, go right on Rue du Bain aux Plantes. Turn right at the Pont du Faisan, the swing bridge. If you time it right, kids can watch the bridge swing open to let the Batorama boat go by.
Cross over the bridge and walk along the river on Quai de le Petite France. Square Louise Weiss has a small playground and benches, bring a picnic if the weather's nice.
At end of walkway, go up stairs to the first tower. Turn left on Ponts Couvert, walk east to next tower, continuing on to third tower.
Go right at the square (Place du Quartiers Blanc) to the Barrage Vauban. Climb up the stairs to the upper terrace for views the three towers and bridges (once covered with wood).
From the Barrage, retrace your steps to the second tower, walk along the Quai Woerthel, then turn right at Rue des Moulins. Walk across the Pont St. Martin, go down the stairs to the walkway along the river, turn left, walk past the lock and you're back at Place Benjamin Zix.
