Strasbourg in 2 Days for Artists - Plein-air sketching under the cathedral spire
A whimsical, handcrafted two-day winter route through Strasbourg for artists: plein-air sketching by the cathedral and canals, visits to major but non-touristy art venues, hands-on creative time at a fablab, and time to browse authentic Christmas artisan stalls for unique materials and inspiration.
Highlights
- Plein-air sketching under the cathedral spire
- Contemporary art at MAMCS and classical treasures at Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Hands-on session at Le Shadok (FabLab) and an art-supply hunt at Rougier & Plé
- Evening strolls through Strasbourg's magical Christmas markets (Place Kléber & Place Broglie)
Itinerary
Day 1
Wake up to the cathedral, sketch by day, warm light and artisan markets by night. Balance museum time, a fablab workshop and a materials run.
Breakfast & sketching warm-up at Maison Kammerzell
Settle into the ornate timbered Maison Kammerzell with a hot drink and a quick thumbnail-sketch session—its carved interior is a feast for pattern studies.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a window seat facing the cathedral to sketch in short 10–15 minute thumbnails before the interior gets busy.
- Carry a small waterproof sketchbook (A5) — the tables are cozy but space is tight, so keep materials minimal.
- If you prefer quieter light for detail studies, arrive early (they open for breakfast) to avoid the midday crowd.
Plein-air sketching at Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Strasbourg
Capture the cathedral’s gothic tracery and the dramatic winter sky — a perfect place for atmospheric studies in charcoal, ink, or quick watercolours.
Tips from local experts:
- Set up on the southern steps for the best morning light and a view of the flying buttresses; bring a small folding stool and a thick glove for sketching.
- In winter the wind off the spire can be sharp — use a heavy clipboard or binder clip to secure papers and keep a spare plastic bag to shield wet washes.
- If you plan a longer easel session, avoid blocking tourist paths and position yourself near the trees on Place du Château for a quieter micro-spot.
Contemporary art hour at Musée d'Art Moderne et Contemporain de Strasbourg (MAMCS)
Observe contemporary pieces and rotating local-artist shows — great for compositional experiments and meeting local curators.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on small-format works and installation details that translate easily into sketch studies — take photos only where allowed and make color notes in your sketchbook.
- Check the information desk for any current exhibitions by Alsatian artists; staff are often happy to point out artist statements useful for inspiration.
- Wear layers — galleries are kept cool in winter; a lightweight glove allows you to sketch while browsing.
Walk (transfer) to La Petite France via medieval streets
A short, scenic transfer on foot through narrow lanes — use this time to make quick compositional thumbnails of rooftops and canals.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep a tiny sketchbook and a pencil in your coat pocket for five-minute thumbnails en route.
- Watch for frosty cobbles in winter — non-slip shoes and ankle support help when carrying sketching gear.
- If you notice an interesting façade, jot down the door-to-window proportions—these little drawings make great studio references later.
Lunch in Petite France at La Maison des Tanneurs
Savory Alsatian dishes in a charming timbered setting — enjoy a relaxed meal and flip through your morning sketches while warming up.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a table with a window view over the canal for inspiration and to continue thumbnailing between courses.
- If you bought wet sketches earlier, use the restaurant's radiator-side seating to let pages dry gently (check with staff first).
- Keep lunch simple so you have energy for an afternoon of materials scouting — a tarte flambée and hot drink is restorative in winter.
Art-supply run: Rougier & Plé Strasbourg
Hunt for specialty papers, winter-friendly pigment inks, and compact plein-air brushes — this larger art-supply shop is stocked for studio and fieldwork.
Tips from local experts:
- Look for oil-bar and wax-medium travel sets that are easier to use outdoors in cold weather.
- Ask staff for sturdy, compact sketching boards and clips made for plein-air use; they often carry small-format papers not shown online.
- Buy an extra roll of blotting paper or a small portable spray bottle — washes in winter dry differently and a mist bottle helps control drying time.
Transfer walk to Le Shadok (creative workshop / FabLab)
Short stroll across the river to Le Shadok — a creative tech and image fablab that often hosts crafts-and-technology workshops perfect for mixed-media experiments.
Tips from local experts:
- Carry purchases in a small backpack for easy mobility; the Shadok entrance area is best for setting up your kit.
- Check Le Shadok’s schedule on arrival — they sometimes have drop-in maker sessions that pair well with sketchbook-to-print experiments.
- If you're bringing a laptop or tablet for digital sketching, keep a compact USB charger handy; power outlets can be limited in workshop spaces.
Hands-on creative session at Le Shadok (FabLab / workshop)
Join an open workshop or use FabLab tools to experiment with scans of your plein-air work, transfers, or small print runs — cross-pollinate analogue and digital methods.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring 2–3 small studies to scan or photograph; Le Shadok has large-format scanners or cameras some days — ask at reception for access.
- If you want to use laser-cutters or vinyl printers, arrive early to brief staff — cold weather schedules can reduce available workshop hours.
- Wear layers and bring tweezers/gloves for handling cold metal tools; workshops can be drafty near the machines.
Transfer to Place Kléber for the evening Christmas market
Walk toward the heart of the Christkindelsmärik — the market’s lights are magical for night sketches and sourcing handmade papers, ornaments, and small embroidered textiles.
Tips from local experts:
- Keep sketching materials in a warm inner pocket so inks and paints don’t thicken in the cold before you use them.
- Carry small coins (euros) for artisan stalls; many small-makers prefer cash and will be glad to show process tips when you buy.
- Pick a bench near a light source for night sketching (lamps cast interesting shadows); wrap your hands around a hot drink between strokes.
Explore the Christkindelsmärik and sketch artisan stalls at Place Kléber
Amble through Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market with an artist’s eye: study wood-carving motifs, textile patterns, and paper craft techniques from local vendors.
Tips from local experts:
- Talk to stall makers about materials — many are happy to explain wood types, dyes, and stitching methods useful for studio reference.
- For material sourcing, look for small paper- and bookbinding stalls that sell remnants ideal for collage and sketchbook decoration.
- Stand back and compose quick 5–10 minute gesture sketches of stall groupings before focusing on a single object for a detailed study.
Dinner: rustic Alsace at La Corde à Linge (Petite France)
End the day with shared plates and seasonal flavors in a cozy Petite France spot—compare notes and lay out sketches over dessert.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a corner table with space to spread out portfolios if you want to review and photograph your day’s work.
- Order something local and hearty to warm up after a day outside; a shared dish encourages conversation and art-swapping among traveling artists.
- If you want to continue working after dinner, request a spot close to an outlet (many cafés will oblige) for phone/tablet use.
Day 2
A quieter second day focused on canalside painting, regional craft studies, museum collections for technique inspiration, and an afternoon of sourcing rare materials at artisan markets.
Light breakfast & planning at Le Pain Quotidien Strasbourg
A simple, wholesome breakfast while annotating your favorite sketches from Day 1 and planning plein-air locations for the morning.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the meal time to make a priority list of three studies to complete outdoors so you stay focused in the short winter daylight.
- Order a hot drink in a to-go cup if you plan to move quickly — it warms your hands while you walk between sites.
- Map nearby public toilets and sheltered spots in case the weather turns; Le Pain Quotidien staff can often suggest quieter corners to work from.
Plein-air painting session in La Petite France canals
Settle near the bridges and half-timbered houses for a two-hour tonal study — the canal reflections offer exquisite compositional rhythm in winter light.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a spot with a sheltered windbreak (near the eastern bank) so paint and paper behave predictably in cold air.
- Bring a thermos and clamping system for your board—cold fingers work more slowly so short, intentional sessions yield stronger studies.
- Frame small studies focusing on reflections and rooflines — these translate well to later studio paintings and linocuts.
Visit Musée Alsacien for folk crafts and pattern study
Explore traditional Alsatian textiles, ceramics, and carved objects — invaluable reference for patterning, colour palettes, and ornament motifs.
Tips from local experts:
- Photograph details of embroidery and trim (where allowed) at mid-range zoom for later studio reference; note natural dyes and color aging.
- Compare motif repeats in textiles and carved frames — sketch one repeat in the margins of your notebook to adapt into modern compositions.
- The museum can be warm; remove gloves briefly to handle sketchbooks more deftly while taking quick notes.
Classical art study at Musée des Beaux-Arts (Palais Rohan)
Absorb composition, chiaroscuro and palette from classical collections — perfect for translating old techniques into contemporary holiday-themed work.
Tips from local experts:
- Focus on one painting and make a 15–20 minute monochrome study to learn how the master handled light; use graphite or a sepia wash.
- Museum labels often mention former restorations — these notes can hint at original pigments worth researching for palette experimentation.
- If you're seeking artist contacts, ask the museum shop or desk for upcoming talks or local artist-led tours.
Transfer stroll to Place Broglie and Place Gutenberg Christmas stalls
A short walk to smaller artisan squares where local makers sell unique supplies — ideal for sourcing rare papers, natural-dyed threads, and carved ornaments.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring fabric swatches or small paper samples to compare colors in person with what you already have in your kit.
- Chat with stallholders about material origins — local makers often offer tips on how pieces were dyed or assembled.
- Buy one small sample (even scraps) rather than a finished object — materials themselves are often the best studio inspiration.
Evening artisan market exploration: Place Broglie & Place Gutenberg
Savour quieter, more local market stalls in the evening light: jewelry, paper-makers, small woodcarvers and textile artisans with studio knowledge.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask makers about their tools and workspaces — many will gladly describe their process and may invite you to visit a nearby studio or give contact details.
- Look for leftover material scraps or offcuts sold cheaply — perfect for collage, mixed-media experiments, and small assemblages.
- Keep a dedicated sketch page for surface patterns and motifs you see; note the stall name and maker so you can follow up after your trip.
Late-afternoon reflective sketch & hot chocolate at Place du Château
Return to the cathedral precinct for a final reflective sketch session as lights come on — round out studies and photograph works under consistent lighting for portfolio use.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a sheltered bench and work on a study that can be finished in 30–45 minutes as daylight fades — use warm, high-contrast strokes for evening drama.
- A thermos or hot chocolate helps maintain dexterity in cold fingers; keep extra tissues to blot damp pages if needed.
- Before packing, mark your favorite pieces with sticky tabs or paper clips and photograph them for high-quality reference under the market lights.
Farewell dinner & sketch-sharing in a cozy bistro
Gather your selections, trade sketches with travel companions, and plan how to turn these studies into studio work back home.
Tips from local experts:
- Lay out only a few favorite pieces and photograph them under soft indoor lighting for documentation before packing.
- Discuss local artist contacts you met and note any recommended follow-ups (email/Instagram) while details are fresh.
- Ask the restaurant staff about a calm corner table or an outside alcove if you need to safely dry any damp materials before departure.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 2 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Artists |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | 5 |
| Total Activities | 15 |
| Total Places | 15 |
| Activities Types | Meal, Outdoor, Attraction, Transfer, Shopping, Experience, Culture, Break |
