Where to explore During Your MICCAI Trip

By Caroline Essert, University of Strasbourg and MICCAI Society Past-President
(photo credits: Visit Alsace and Tourisme Strasbourg)

As the MICCAI community gathers in Strasbourg for MICCAI 2026, participants will discover a city unlike any other in Europe. Situated at the crossroads of French and
German cultures, Strasbourg combines centuries of history, vibrant academic life, European institutions, and a unique regional identity that has been shaped by its location along the Rhine River.

What to see in Strasbourg

At first glance, Strasbourg captivates visitors with its remarkable historic center. The city's heart, known as the Grande Île (Great Island), is surrounded by rivers and canals and is home to one of Europe's most celebrated Gothic cathedrals. Together with the Neustadt district, developed at the turn of the twentieth century, Strasbourg forms a unique urban ensemble recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The cityscape reflects centuries of cultural exchange between the French and German worlds, creating an architectural and urban identity found nowhere else. Walking through Strasbourg is an experience in itself. Narrow cobblestone streets lead to picturesque squares lined with half-timbered houses, while waterways weave through neighborhoods. 

Notre Dame Cathedral

Like Paris, Strasbourg also has its Notre DameCathedral. Built from the distinctive pink sandstone of the Vosges Mountains, Strasbourg Cathedral is one of the masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Its richly sculpted façade, magnificent rose window, and famous astronomical clock reward close inspection. Look up and you will notice one of its most distinctive features: unlike most great Gothic cathedrals, Strasbourg Cathedral has only a single spire. Although the original plans envisioned a symmetrical façade, the second spire was never built, leaving the cathedral with the unique silhouette that has become the symbol of Strasbourg. If time permits, climb to the viewing platform for panoramic views over Strasbourg and, on clear days, as far as Germany's Black Forest.

Petite France district

Perhaps Strasbourg's most photographed neighborhood, La Petite France (The Little France) is a maze of canals, half-timbered houses, and flower-filled bridges. Once home to fishermen, millers, and tanners, it is now one of the most charming areas of the city. A stroll through its narrow streets offers countless opportunities for photographs, cafés, and discovering the unique atmosphere that has made Strasbourg famous throughout Europe. 

Can you spot it? In Petite France, one of the canal bridges can rotate to let boats pass. Look carefully at the nearby house, you'll notice that one of its corners has been cut away to allow the bridge to swing open.

Neustadt and place de la République

Just north of the historic center lies the Neustadt ("New Town"), a vast district built during the German period between 1871 and 1918, when Alsace was part of the German Empire. Designed to showcase the ambitions of a modern imperial capital, the Neustadt contrasts sharply with the narrow medieval streets of the Grande Île, featuring broad avenues, monumental public buildings, and elegant parks. At its heart is Place de la République, one of Strasbourg's most impressive squares, surrounded by landmarks such as the National and University Library, the National Theatre, and the former Imperial Palace, now home to the Rhine Palace. Together, the Neustadt and Place de la République offer a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known chapter of Strasbourg's history and are today recognized as part of the city's UNESCO World Heritage site.

European district

Few cities embody the European spirit quite like Strasbourg. Home to the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, the city plays a central role in shaping European cooperation and democracy. The modern architecture of the European District stands in contrast to Strasbourg's historic center, illustrating how a city marked by centuries of conflict between France and Germany became a powerful symbol of peace, dialogue, and international collaboration.

Kehl

How often can you visit another country during a coffee break? Thanks to Strasbourg's unique location on the Rhine, Germany is only a few minutes away. The neighboring town of Kehl can be reached directly by tram, allowing visitors to cross an international border as easily as travelling between city districts. The nearby Passerelle des Deux Rives, a pedestrian bridge linking France and Germany, offers pleasant views of the Rhine and a tangible illustration of European cooperation in everyday life. Accessible with a Schengen visa, you won’t even notice you crossed an international border!

The historic wine cellar of the Hospital

Beneath the Strasbourg Civil Hospital lies a hidden gem that many visitors overlook: the Historic Wine Cellar. Its vaulted galleries house centuries of Alsatian wine history, including some elaborately carved wooden barrels that are works of art in their own right. Among them stands the legendary barrel of 1472, one of the oldest surviving wines in the world. Remarkably, the cellar is still in operation today, preserving a living tradition rather than simply displaying a piece of the past. A must-see for MICCAI participants, hidden beneath a hospital. https://www.vins-des-hospices-de-strasbourg.fr/en/

What to visit in Alsace

One of Strasbourg's greatest advantages is its accessibility to the wider Alsace region. Within less than an hour, visitors can reach vineyard-covered hills, medieval villages, mountain forests, and historic castles. 

The Alsace Wine Route

Stretching through rolling vineyards and picturesque villages, the famous Alsace Wine Route is one of France's most celebrated scenic routes. Even visitors with little interest in wine will appreciate the beautiful landscapes, colorful villages, and centuries-old architecture that line its path.

Riquewihr

Often described as one of the most beautiful villages in France, Riquewihr appears almost unchanged since the Renaissance. Its colorful houses, cobbled streets, and surrounding vineyards create a setting that feels more like a storybook than a modern village.

Kaysersberg

Nestled in a valley surrounded by vineyards, Kaysersberg combines medieval charm with stunning scenery. Visitors can explore its historic center, cross its picturesque stone bridge, and climb to the ruins of its hilltop castle for views across the region.

Eguisheim

Built in concentric circles around its medieval castle, Eguisheim is unlike any other village in France. Frequently ranked among the country's most beautiful villages, it is famous for its flower-lined streets and traditional Alsatian architecture. 

Colmar

While many visitors fall in love with Alsace's picturesque villages, Colmar offers the same charm on a larger scale. Often described as the capital of the Alsace Wine Route, the city combines colorful half-timbered houses, winding canals, lively squares, and a rich cultural heritage. Its famous "Little Venice" district is one of the most photographed locations in the region, while its museums, restaurants, and bustling pedestrian center make Colmar an ideal destination for a day trip, just 30 minutes south of Strasbourg by train.

Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle

Perched high above the Alsatian plain, Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle offers spectacular views extending from the Vosges Mountains to the Rhine Valley. Restored at the beginning of the 20th century, it provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and remains one of the region's most visited landmarks.

The Vosges Mountains

For those wishing to escape the city, the Vosges Mountains offer forests, lakes, hiking trails, and panoramic viewpoints within easy reach of Strasbourg. The region is ideal for a day of outdoor exploration and provides a very different perspective on Alsace.

Europapark

Looking for a break from science and sightseeing? Just across the German border lies Europa-Park, one of Europe's premier theme parks, ten time laureate of the Golden Ticket Award, the highest accolade in the industry, for being the ‘Best Theme Park in the World’. Combining world-class roller coasters, spectacular shows, and themed districts representing countries from across the continent, it offers a unique blend of thrills and European culture. Easily accessible from Strasbourg (45mn bus) with a Schengen visa, it makes for an unforgettable day trip. More than just a tourist attraction, Europa-Park is a true institution for many Alsatian families and a must-see destination across generations.