Rent a Motorhome in Strassburg & Discover the Heart of Alsace

Strassburg: The Crossroads of Europe and Your Adventure's Starting Point

Welcome to Strassburg, the vibrant capital of the Grand Est region, formerly Alsace, in northeastern France. To truly experience this unique city and its surroundings, the best decision you can make is to rent a motorhome in Strassburg. This gives you the ultimate freedom to explore at your own pace.

Geography and Significance

Strassburg is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe. Situated on the Ill River, which flows into the Rhine on the border with Germany, its geography has shaped its destiny. The city's strategic location made it a cultural and economic hub for centuries. Today, it is one of the de facto capitals of the European Union, hosting institutions like the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. When you rent a camper in Strassburg, you are starting your journey from a city of immense international importance. With a population of around 290,000 in the city proper and nearly 800,000 in its metropolitan area, Strassburg is a bustling, cosmopolitan center.

A Rich History

The history of Strassburg is a captivating tale of shifting identities. Founded as the Roman camp Argentoratum, it evolved into a Free Imperial City of the Holy Roman Empire, a flourishing center of humanism and the Protestant Reformation. Johannes Gutenberg, for instance, lived here while developing his printing press. The city became French in the 17th century, was annexed by Germany after the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, returned to France after World War I, was re-annexed by Nazi Germany in WWII, and finally reverted to France in 1944. This Franco-Germanic heritage is visible everywhere, from the architecture to the cuisine, making it a fascinating place to explore after you rent a motorhome in Strassburg.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Strassburg experiences a semi-continental climate with warm summers and cold, overcast winters. The best time for your trip is from late spring to early autumn (May to October). The weather is generally pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities. If you opt to rent a 4x4 camper in Strassburg, you'll be well-equipped to handle any terrain, whether you're exploring the Vosges mountains in the summer or visiting the magical Christmas markets in winter. Deciding to rent a camper in Strassburg during these shoulder seasons means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.

Exploring this region requires flexibility, which is why to rent a motorhome in Strassburg is the ideal travel solution. It allows you to discover not just the city's famous landmarks but also the hidden gems of the Alsatian countryside. Your adventure begins the moment you pick up the keys.

What to See and Do: Your Strasbourg Itinerary

Once you rent a motorhome in Strassburg, a world of incredible sights and activities opens up to you. The city itself is a treasure trove of history and culture, and having your own vehicle gives you the flexibility to see it all.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strassburg

You cannot miss this masterpiece of Gothic architecture. For centuries, it was the world's tallest building. Marvel at its intricate façade, the stunning stained-glass windows, and the famous astronomical clock. You can even climb the tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the surrounding plains.

La Petite France

This is the city's most picturesque district. Park your camper and take a stroll through its cobblestone streets, past half-timbered houses adorned with flowers, and alongside sleepy canals. This former tanners' and fishermen's quarter feels like stepping into a fairy tale. It's the perfect place for a romantic walk or a delicious meal at a traditional 'winstub'.

The European Quarter

A visit to Strassburg offers a unique glimpse into modern European politics. You can visit the impressive European Parliament building, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights. Many of these institutions offer guided tours that explain their roles in shaping the continent.

Museums for Every Taste

Your decision to rent a camper in Strassburg gives you easy access to the city's many museums. The Musée Alsacien offers a fascinating look at the region's rural life and folk art. For modern art lovers, the Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain is a must-see. The Palais Rohan is a destination in itself, housing three separate museums: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Museum of Decorative Arts.

Parks and Recreation

For a relaxing afternoon, head to the Parc de l'Orangerie, the city's oldest park. It features a small zoo, a stork reintroduction center, a lake for boating, and beautiful gardens. If you decided to rent a 4x4 camper in Strassburg, you might also be tempted to explore the vast Forêt de la Robertsau just outside the city for hiking and connecting with nature.

Unforgettable Road Trip Itineraries from Strasbourg

Renting a motorhome in Strassburg is your ticket to some of Europe's most scenic drives. Here are a few itinerary ideas to get you started:

🚐 The Alsace Wine Route (3-5 Days)

This is the quintessential Alsatian road trip. The famous 'Route des Vins d'Alsace' winds through over 170 kilometers of rolling vineyards and impossibly charming villages.

Day 1: Strassburg to Obernai

Pick up your camper and head south to Obernai, one of the most beautiful towns on the route. Explore its medieval ramparts and well-preserved town square.

Day 2: Obernai to Riquewihr

Continue south, stopping at the magnificent Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg for stunning views. End your day in Riquewihr, a picture-perfect village that looks untouched by time. It's an ideal place to park for the night.

Day 3: Riquewihr to Colmar

Drive to Colmar, the capital of Alsatian wine. Explore its 'Little Venice' district by boat and wander through its colorful streets before heading back towards Strassburg.

🌲 The Northern Vosges & German Border (3-4 Days)

If you chose to rent a 4x4 camper in Strassburg, this nature-focused tour is perfect for you. Explore the wild beauty of the Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Day 1: Strassburg to La Petite-Pierre

Drive north into the heart of the park. Visit the Lalique Museum, dedicated to the master glassmaker, and hike through the dense forests. Settle in near the fortified castle of La Petite-Pierre.

Day 2: Castles and History

Explore the many sandstone castles dotting the landscape, such as Château de Fleckenstein on the German border. The area is rich with history from the Maginot Line.

Day 3: Across to the Black Forest

Cross the border into Germany for a taste of the Black Forest. Visit the elegant spa town of Baden-Baden before beginning your return journey to Strassburg.

🏰 A Swiss & German Triangle (4-6 Days)

Your decision to rent a camper in Strassburg makes a multi-country tour easy. This route takes you through three countries in one trip.

Day 1: Strassburg to Freiburg (Germany)

Drive south along the Rhine into Germany and visit Freiburg, a vibrant university city and the gateway to the southern Black Forest.

Day 2: Freiburg to Basel (Switzerland)

Head south to Basel, Switzerland. This city on the Rhine is a hub for art and culture, with over 40 museums.

Day 3: Basel to Colmar (France)

Cross back into France and spend the day exploring the beautiful city of Colmar before starting the short and scenic drive back to Strassburg.

Returning Your Clean Motorhome in Strasbourg

After an amazing trip, one final task remains before returning the vehicle you chose to rent a motorhome in Strassburg: cleaning it. This can be challenging because most standard car washes have height restrictions that don't accommodate campers or motorhomes.

It's crucial to return your vehicle in a clean state to avoid extra fees. Thankfully, there are dedicated washing facilities for large vehicles like trucks and campers. These often feature open-air bays with high-pressure wands and platforms to help you reach the roof. It is a vital step in the process when you rent a camper in Strassburg.

Here are a few suitable washing stations in and around Strassburg:

1. Eléphant Bleu Vendenheim

These stations are common in France and many have at least one high-vehicle bay. The high-pressure lances are perfect for washing a motorhome's exterior.

Address: Route de Brumath, 67550 Vendenheim, France

2. STARWASH Geispolsheim

Located in a commercial area, this station is equipped to handle larger vehicles and is a reliable option for getting your campervan sparkling clean.

Address: 16 Rue du Commerce, 67118 Geispolsheim, France

3. LKW Waschanlage (Truck Wash) near the Border

If you are returning from Germany, consider using a truck wash ('LKW Waschanlage') just before crossing the border back into France. They are built for large vehicles and offer thorough cleaning services.

Always check the specific height clearances before entering any wash bay, and bring some coins or a credit card, as many stations are automated.

Your Journey to Strasbourg: Arrival by Air and Land

Arranging your travel to rent a motorhome in Strassburg is the first step of your adventure. Here’s how you can get here from major English-speaking countries.

By Air

Strasbourg has its own international airport, Strassburg Airport (SXB), which serves flights from some European cities. However, for most long-haul travelers, flying into a larger nearby hub and continuing by train or car is often more convenient and cost-effective.

• From the UK & Ireland: You can find direct flights to Strassburg (SXB) from London Gatwick. From other UK airports and Dublin, the most common route is a connecting flight via major European hubs like Amsterdam (AMS) or Paris (CDG). Alternatively, flying into Frankfurt (FRA), Zurich (ZRH), or Basel (BSL) and taking a train (1-2 hours) is an excellent option.

• From the USA & Canada: There are no direct flights to Strassburg. The best strategy is to fly from major gateways like New York (JFK), Atlanta (ATL), Toronto (YYZ), or Vancouver (YVR) to large European hubs. Paris (CDG), Frankfurt (FRA), and Amsterdam (AMS) have the most connections. From there, you can take a high-speed train (TGV) directly to Strassburg, which takes under two hours from Paris or Frankfurt.

• From Australia, New Zealand & South Africa: Your journey will involve at least one stop. Common routes from Sydney (SYD), Melbourne (MEL), Auckland (AKL), or Johannesburg (JNB) are via Middle Eastern hubs like Dubai (DXB) or Doha (DOH), or Asian hubs like Singapore (SIN), followed by a connecting flight to a major European city like Frankfurt or Paris. From there, it's a short train ride to Strassburg where your camper awaits.

By Train and Car

Once in continental Europe, Strassburg is exceptionally well-connected. The TGV high-speed rail network links it to Paris, Brussels, and major German cities. If you fly into a hub like Frankfurt, picking up a rental car for the scenic 2-hour drive to Strasbourg is also a great way to start your trip before you officially rent a camper in Strassburg for your main journey.