For some reason, it took me ages to find a good, short running route in Strasbourg. Actually, I do know the reason. It’s because I have a terrible sense of direction and because, as a rule, I generally dislike running in cities. But, now that I’ve lived in Strasbourg Center for about a year and a half now, I’ve found so many pleasant running routes! This place is such a pleasant blend of urban and rural, honestly. Classic cobblestones and half timbered architecture abound in the city, but if you’d like to get out and really run – bike, park, and forest trails abound. You just have to connect the dots!
There are so many gorgeous sites to see in Strasbourg, but if I’m being honest, seeing them up close while on the run isn’t ideal. That’s why this route begins in the center of Strasbourg and loops outside the city center. You get away from the congestion of the city, pass flâneurs along the canal, and loop out past some of the most gorgeous buildings in the city. Then, on the way back, you’ll see the magnificent Strasbourg Cathedral on the horizon growing larger as you return home.
Read more: A brief history and can’t-miss events at the Strasbourg Cathedral
But remember, this is a running route in a city, so it’s not all sunshine and daisies
When you arrive at Homme de Fer, follow the map across the bridge (Pont de Paris) towards Les Halles. Just after you cross the bridge, immediately on the right is a little staircase that descends to the canal. This is where you begin your run, but hold your nose! You have unwittingly just discovered every man’s favorite place to pee in Strasbourg. (For some inexplicable reason, this is the worst-smelling bridge in Strasbourg. But, the stench always gives me a burst of energy to start the run off at a good pace!)
The first part of the running route follows the canal in more-or-less a straight line. That is to say, not at all. The first major turn is when the canal takes a sharp left. From here, you get an abrupt, gorgeous view of the facades across the canal and boat-bars.
Once you turn, you’ll go under a bridge and have the option to take stairs or a ramp up to the sidewalk. Follow the sidewalk until it intersects with the road with the church (you’ll see it, don’t worry).
This is the only part that’s a little tricky on this route
Two roads diverge at the church, forking to the left and right. You want to make sure you take the right fork, so that the church is on your left when you past by. After this, you stay straight/follow the road until the little green bridge, which will be your signal to begin the loop back.
On the way back, you’ll stay on the sidewalk, and it might get a smidge crowded. Make sure you keep an eye out for cyclists and dog poop – in that order! Your next major turn will be at the Protest Church of Saint William, a lovely white church that looks two-dimensional from certain angles. It also dates from the 14th century!
After you turn right at the church to cross the bridge (Pont Saint-Guillaume) and take a right, follow the curve until it opens to a classic view for any Strasbourg local, the Lycee des Pontonniers. Directly across the street from the high school is the building where Alliance Francaise is located. This French language and culture immersion is part of an international effort by the French government to perpetuate knowledge of French language and culture.
Read more: My experience studying French language and culture at Alliance Francaise in Strasbourg
After you’ve snapped the obligatory pic, take the right to cross the bridge and, again, take the little staircase immediately to your right. On sunny days during school hours, there will likely be lots of high schoolers hanging around and chattering in French. After you’ve skittered around them, you’re home free! On a sunny day, there’s truly no better feeling than being able to stretch out your legs for a run beside the canal. Don’t forget to hold your nose up the staircase on your way back!
You might be wondering why I started and concluded the run in such a gross-smelling place. Well, there’s an amazing local Thai food restaurant just a stone’s throw from Pont de Paris. So, if you’re a Thai food-foodie, you’ll definitely want to check out Thai Square on Place Clement. It’s my favorite Thai spot in Strasbourg and the perfect reward for completing a running route in Strasbourg! Even better – you’d never know such a foul-smelling bridge was even in the area once you’re dining on a scrumptious three-course lunch on the sun-dappled terrace!
