Strasbourg is the capital and main city of the Alsace region in north-eastern France. It is well-known for its sandstone Gothic cathedral and its attractive medieval cityscape of timber-framed buildings with gables and pitched rooves. Strasbourg is on the River Rhine and is the second biggest river port in France after Paris.

Aside from its quaint historic centre, modern-day Strasbourg has an important place in the administration of the continent as home to several key European institutions including the European Parliament, European Council and the European Court of Human Rights.

With an Avis Car Rental, you can easily and conveniently explore Strasbourg and the surrounding area and experience all it has to offer.

Whether you're visiting Strasbourg for business or leisure, you'll find Avis rental stations conveniently located at Strasbourg Railway Station and at Strasbourg Entzheim Airport.

Strasbourg is a city of contrasts combining the charm of a stunning medieval city with the iconic complex of modern buildings around the European Parliament and the thriving industry at its port along the River Rhine. Add to the mix the blend of French and German culture that run through this part of Alsace in the Grand Est region and you have the recipe for a great weekend break or longer stay with plenty to occupy you in and around Strasbourg.

The city’s vast and magnificent cathedral, Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg is impossible to miss. Close by is La Petite France, the city’s 16th century old town where you can wander the cobbled streets, marvel at the picture perfect architecture and while away time in the restaurants and cafes. On your way, you’ll cross the Barrage Vauban, a 17th century defensive weir across the River Ill. To understand the culture of the region, the city’s atmospheric timber-framed museum, the Musee Alsatian is a popular attraction to visit.

Strasbourg in the Grand Est region of France is surrounded by the stunning wooded hills and valleys of Alsace and being so close to Germany which lies just across the River Rhine, there are some great opportunities for road trips across the border too.

One of the most popular destinations from Strasbourg is the university city of Freiburg im Breisgau in Germany’s Black Forest, just a 1.5hr drive away along the A5.

One of the best day trips by car from Strasbourg is a scenic drive around the villages of Alsace. Head south along the A35, to Ribeauvillé a 50min drive away regarded as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This just one of the 11 wine growing villages on the famous Alsatian wine route. The drive takes you on to the beautiful medieval town of Colmar 20min away, where you can stroll through the old town, enjoy the café culture and take a boat trip on the River Lauch.  

While there is good public transport in and around Strasbourg and the centre of the city is easy to get around on foot, it is worth hiring a car to travel across and outside the city. Renting a car in Strasbourg gives you the chance to explore further afield and means you are free to enjoy the open road on a road trip across Alsace or in Germany’s Black Forest region. Hiring a car is also ideal if you are travelling to Strasbourg on business and need the flexibility and freedom self-drive brings.  

As the city is on an island, the top tip for driving around Strasbourg is to plan your route before you travel and use GPS to navigate. It’s worth noting the city’s low emissions zone came into effect in 2022 and to drive in this zone, you must have a Crit’Air sticker on your windscreen. The friendly rental team at Avis Strasbourg are on hand to offer advice.

It’s worth checking the driving rules in France before you travel and pick up your hire car. In Strasbourg, like the rest of mainland Europe, you will be driving on the right-hand side of the road.

See more on the France road rules you need to know.

There are underground car parks in the centre of Strasbourg and many hotels offer guests their own parking facilities but if you are spending the day in Strasbourg, a park and ride system operates with car parking close to the tram stations and bus stops.