La Robertsau, a village spirit in Strasbourg

A vast forest, typical Alsatian houses, small shops and even a castle make the Robertsau a unique district. Located in the northeast of the city, it is appreciated for its gentle lifestyle and village atmosphere, just 15 minutes from downtown Strasbourg.

Originally, the Robertsau district was devoted to market gardening. While there were over a hundred market gardeners in the 1920s, today there are just two: Andrès Maraîcher and Jardin de Marthe. So, if you’re looking for locally-grown vegetables, made in Robertsau, run and see these earth-lovers!

But this district is also known for its natural spaces, and in particular its 493-hectare Rhine forest. A true haven of peace, the Forêt de la Robertsau is a paradise for walkers, families, horse riders, sports enthusiasts and, of course, nature lovers. It’s home to a wide variety of species, yet retains a wild aspect despite its signposted paths and fitness trail. I love walking through it, whatever the season, because it offers such a sense of plenitude and serenity. At its entrance is the Château de Pourtalès and its adjoining park, dating from 1870. The residence of Countess Mélanie de Pourtalès, who used to entertain all the European nobility, it is now a venue for festivities, a conference center and a hotel.

With excellent public transport links, the Robertsau district is just a 5-minute streetcar ride from the European institutions, Wacken and Orangerie Park. Downtown Strasbourg is just a 15-minute bus or streetcar ride away. But believe the locals, once you’ve had a taste of the area’s gentle lifestyle, you won’t want to leave! This is because they have everything on site: supermarkets, beauty salons, bookshops, dry cleaners, patisseries, fishmongers… Mostly independent, these small shops offer a quality of products and services that are much sought-after. Most of them can be found along Rue Boecklin, at the entrance to the district. Here, leave your car in the garage – shopping in Robertsau is easy on foot or by bike.

And it’s along this famous Rue Boecklin that I invite you to meet Sylvain Girard. Creator and manager of the delicatessen La Cave à Terroir, he’s passionate about wines and exceptional products. Don’t hesitate to order a cheese and charcuterie platter, the perfect way to start an evening with friends! Would you like to meet a friend for a pastry? Chez Pomm’s matcha cakes are a must! Want to savor an authentic coffee? Go to Café Henri. And for chocolate lovers, I can’t recommend Henner Frères enough. It’s a rare thing: the duo make all their chocolates on site, in a laboratory adjoining the shop.

When it comes to restaurants, the Robertsau has nothing to envy from Strasbourg’s other districts. First and foremost, there’s the elegant Violon d’Ingres, offering refined cuisine based on local produce. Its deliberately limited menu currently features a Meyer Farm chickling, simmered in a casserole with cream and Riesling, accompanied by mehlknepfles sautéed in butter and croutons… how could you resist? More family-friendly, La Cocotte offers inventive, well-balanced cuisine. Its chef, Julia Noth, is constantly on the lookout for new combinations of flavors. Finally, if you’re looking for an authentic Alsatian restaurant, the Sandkischt is sure to please! I love its traditional decor, its unmissable tartes flambées and its service “just like home”.

Opposite this traditional restaurant, you’ll find an exceptional guest house: Du Côté de Chez Anne. Dedicated to weddings and family events, this upscale establishment stands out for the charm of its building and its verdant country setting. Du Côté de Chez Anne is, in a way, a perfect illustration of what the Robertsau district is all about: a skilful blend of unspoilt nature, traditional architecture and top-quality services.