Tanners House (Maison des Tanneurs)

The basics

The former tannery was built in 1572 and features timbered galleries and slanted roofs, where dyed hides were once draped to dry in the sun. It was transformed into a restaurant, La Maison de la Choucroute, in 1949, and today serves up traditional Alsatian cuisine in authentic surroundings.

While foodies won’t want to miss a lunch or dinner date at the famous restaurant, the house is equally an architectural landmark and a popular stop on walking tours of Strasbourg. Admire the corbelled timber-frame house with its original 16th-century beams as you explore the La Petite France district, or take a boat cruise along the River Ill and enjoy the view from the water.

Things to know before you go

• Restaurant reservations are essential. For the most atmospheric spot, book a table on the open-air terrace, where you can enjoy riverfront views.

• The Tanners House is one of Strasbourg’s most photographed sights, so have your phone ready!

• The ground floor of the restaurant is accessible. When you visit, be aware that the narrow lanes and cobblestones of the La Petite France quarter can make access tricky in places for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

The Tanners House (Maison des Tanneurs) is located along the River Ill in the La Petite France district on Strasbourg’s Grand-Île. It’s easy to reach the restaurant on foot—it’s about a 10-minute walk from Strasbourg Cathedral. Alternatively, take tram A or D to the Langstross Grand’Rue stop, about a 5-minute walk away.

When to get there

The Tanners House is prettiest in the summer months, when its window boxes overflow with colorful geraniums; however, tables can book up quickly through July and August. Alternatively, plan a visit over the holiday season when festive decorations render the restaurant even more atmospheric. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Traditional cuisine of Alsace

The Alsace region is famous for both its rich gastronomic traditions and wine production, and regional specialties include a mix of German- and French-inspired dishes. Flammekueche (tarte flambée), baeckeoffe (white-wine casserole), and coq au riesling (stew with chicken braised in white wine) are popular choices, along with choucroute (sauerkraut), spaetzle (noodles), and bretzels (pretzels). Must-try sweet treats include kougelhopf (buttery brioche cake) and tarte Alsacienne (fruit tart).