Travel photography tips for Petite France, Strasbourg

Are you visiting Strasbourg and looking for photography tips for la Petite France?

Look no further.

Petite France, Strasbourg is by far the cutest and most charming part of town. It’s located on Grand Ile, which is a UNESCO site and historic area surrounded by water. My favorite part of Strasbourg was walking through Petite France and seeing the many historic half-timbered houses reflected in the water. It was gorgeous!

In this blog post, I’ll share some of my photography tips for this beautiful, historic part of Strasbourg.

Travel photography tips for Petite France

Petite France is a small historic quarter and you get around by boat or foot. The best way to explore the area is wandering the streets and allow yourself to get lost. You always discover new and fun places that way.

From Petite France you’ll see three towers in the distance. They are known as the covered bridges (in French: ponts couverts), and they were built in 1300 for defense of Strasbourg. They’re all that remains of the defensive wall that surrounded the French city in the Middle Ages. Petite France was originally built for the town’s millers and tanners, but today you’ll mostly find restaurants, cafes and small shops there.

When you’re there, make sure to try the Alsace food – it is D to the licious!

1. Avoid the crowds

Get there in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds

2. Capture the reflection

You’ll get the best reflection photos when the sun has set.

3. Bad weather is your best friend

Rain clouds create dramatic images and low light brings out the reflection in the water.

4. Have patience

Places like Petite France are crowded with tourists, but sometimes it’s only a matter of waiting 2-3 minutes for people to get out of the frame.

5. Use a shower cap to protect your camera if it rains

I always bring one of those shower caps you get free at hotels.

6. Bring an umbrella and rain jacket

In Europe, always carry rain gear – you just never know when the sky decides to open. 

7. Be creative

For night photography or low light: If you don’t have a tripod, use the bridge rails and handrails as a stabilizer.

8. Find the best viewpoints

There’s a great viewpoint of Petite France from the top of Barrage Vauban.

From La Petite France you can easily walk to Notre Dame Cathedral or other central parts of Strasbourg. You’ll pass the beautiful Pont Saint-Martin bridge, which is the entry to Petite France.

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Have you been to Petite France? Would you go?

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