Bienvenue à Strasbourg! If you’re new to the city, getting to know local customs and Alsatian traditions will help you feel more at home — and avoid a few awkward moments! Here’s a fun and friendly guide to understanding the cultural norms and etiquette in Strasbourg and the Alsace region.
Strasbourg’s Unique Vibe
Strasbourg sits right on the border with Germany, so the local culture is a cool blend of French and German influences. People here are proud to be Alsatian, and they have their own traditions, foods, and way of doing things.
Everyday Etiquette
Greetings!
- Always say “Bonjour” (hello) when entering shops, cafés, or even elevators. It’s basic politeness in France.
- “Au revoir” means goodbye, but it’s not the most used form when you leave. People in Strasbourg are so kind, they tend to wish you a pleasant day, afternoon, or evening. Here’s how you say it in French:
- bonne journée = have a good day
- bonne soirée = have a nice evening
- bon après-midi (or bon aprèm) = have a nice afternoon
Politeness!
- Use “vous” (formal “you”) with strangers, teachers, or professionals unless invited to use “tu” (informal).
- if you bump into someone accidentally, or you simply need to say “excuse me” in rush hours, say “pardon”.
- If you need to say “excuse me” to catch someone’s attention, go for “excusez-moi”
- ALWAYS say thank you! Come on, you know this one: it’s “merci”!
- do you also know how to answer? You can say “De rien”, but you will often hear “Je vous en prie”, literally “You are welcome”, or sometimes “Pas de soucis”, meaning “no problerm”.
Alsatian Traditions You’ll Notice
1. Christmas is HUGE
- Strasbourg is called the “Capital of Christmas” for a reason!
- Locals take holiday traditions seriously – markets, mulled wine (vin chaud), lights, and homemade cookies like bredele are everywhere in December.
2. Pride in Local Culture
- Many Alsatians speak a regional dialect (Alsatian), especially older generations.
- People love traditional dress, dances, and music – and they celebrate it at festivals year-round.
3. Food = Culture
- Sharing food is a big deal – try local dishes like:
- Tarte flambée (flammekueche) – Alsace’s version of pizza
- Choucroute garnie – Sauerkraut with sausages and meats
- Bretzels – Fresh and salty, sold everywhere!
- It’s polite to wait for everyone to be served before starting to eat.
Shoes Off? Kisses on the Cheek?
- Shoes stay on inside homes, unless the host says otherwise.
- Greeting with la bise (cheek kisses) is less common now – handshakes or waves are more typical for newcomers or in formal settings. But don’t be scared if the younger generations cheek kiss when greeting in informal situation.
Multilingual City
- Most people speak French, but you’ll also hear German and Alsatian dialects, especially in older neighborhoods or at local events.
- English is widely understood, especially always understood, especially in elderly generations. Be patient and polite, most people will try to help you anyways…
- but learn French! Find out more about it on our website.
Local Events to Soak Up the Culture
- Fête de la Bière (Alsace beer festival)
- Fête de la Musique (June 21 – music everywhere!)
- Journées du Patrimoine (free historic site visits in Sept)
- Carnaval de Strasbourg (colorful & fun!)
Be Respectful of Local Identity
Alsace has a unique identity within France. People love their:
- Flag (red-white-red)
- Regional language
- History (it’s changed between France and Germany several times!)
Show interest, ask questions, and you’ll be warmly welcomed!
Photo by Free Nomad on Unsplash
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