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Strasbourg - Cathedral Horlage Astronomic Clock

Hi travel experts! We are spending time in Alsace in May and will be coming from Paris to Strasbourg on Sat May 7 by train. We arrive at 10am. Plan to tour Strasbourg all day then drive to our base village of Ribeauville for the remainder of our 5 day stay here. We plan to see the Cathedrale Notre Dame de Strasbourg and its Horlage Astronomic clock. I am wondering if it is worth spending 30min to watch the video since I read it is in French/German only? I speak some French but probably not enough to fully understand the video, and my spouse and friends don't speak any French. We do want to see the clock go into action at the end of the video. If we don't watch the video, can you still buy a ticket to watch the clock in action?

Also, since we only have the one day to tour Strasbourg (including lunch) is it worth trekking over to Pl de la Republique and that area?

Lastly, any suggestions on a good place for lunch somewhere not too far from the Cathedral? How long should we expect to spend for a sit down meal at lunch? Is 1-1.2hrs enough? Do we need a reservation early May for lunch?

Thanks!

Posted by
11055 posts

Skip the video.We saw the clock without video but many years ago.
You should eat a restaurant with an Alsatian menu in Strasbourg since that will be the local cuisine.
Take a river cruise.

Posted by
115 posts

Thanks for your input Suki. we definitely plan to eat some Alsatian meals while we're in Alsace.

Posted by
13809 posts

I've not been there yet so no first hand knowledge but the Cathedral website does say the film is in French, German and English.

https://www.cathedrale-strasbourg.fr/horloge-astronomique

Now I'm calculating timing for my visit from a Colmar base and looks like I need to be there before 11 to purchase a ticket. Plus the walk from the train station, plus a pit stop, lolol.

Posted by
115 posts

Thanks for that update Pam. I had read a blog that stated it was only in French/German. Good to know it's in English too now. Maybe we will consider watching it then. I had also read that you can get there at 1130 and buy your ticket then. There will be 2 lines - 1 for ticket holders and 1 to purchase tickets. However, to be safe might be a good idea to buy them prior to 11am to ensure you get in as there is a limit to the number of people allowed in. They may be allowing more in now that Covid restrictions are loosening up but since it is inside I'm sure there is still some max limit. Bonne Soiree!

Posted by
4324 posts

I was in that cathedral and never saw the clock! Well in my defense it was Christmas time so everything was crazy, and it was cold dark and rainy.

Posted by
115 posts

Oh that's too bad Phred. Hopefully you'll get back there again someday.

As for a lunch spot, I've done some reading and here's a list of ones we're considering.
• Maison Kammerzell: I originally wanted to try this place but very mixed reviews. Looks like a lovely setting.
• Restaurant au Dauphin:
• Caveau Gurtlerhoft:
• Winstub Le Clou:

• Chez Yvonne:
• Le Tire Bouchon:
• Muensterstuewel:
• Le Cornichon Masque Strasbourg:
Any input to narrow down this list or other favorite to consider? Thank you.

Posted by
4324 posts

We tried to have dinner at La Schloss on Rue de Serruiers, which was a funky kind of bar. Unfortunately the chef decided not to come in that night. Nice place to have a bevvie though.

Posted by
731 posts

We did the tour of the astronomic clock In Strasbourg but we had 2 nights there. I think you could find this sort of background information online somewhere if you wanted to skip the video. We did see the video, though.

We had a lovely meal at À la Tête de Lard located at 3 Rue Hannong, 67000, Strasbourg. Try the Flammekueche, a specialty of the region of Alsace! I looked on line and it appears to be open for business which is great news. We also had dinner at a place on a canal there, an upstairs room but I cannot find the information in my notes. Oh wait, hubby had a picture. It was Maison deS Tanneurs and was built in 1570ish maybe? Check out their website: Maison-des-tanneurs.com.

We loved Strasbourg but we were there during the Christmas markets so that really occupied a lot of our time there.

Posted by
115 posts

Merci Kathy and Phred for the tips on cathedral and/or restaurants. We'll have to consider Maison des Tanneurs for lunch. I had it on my list as a photo op but guess it wouldn't be too far to back track to have lunch there if food is good and mostly for the nice setting of the historic bldg and on the canal. I'll check out the other places too. Bonne Journee!