The visits desk
One good visit can set the pace for a day. Use these shortlists to decide what to book, what to do on foot, and which stops still work if the museum is closed.
Rail and walking
Start in Strasbourg. Make a separate choice for Colmar and Obernai. That leaves one hotel room to come back to and keeps the shorter days flexible.
01 · The first stop in the old center
Give yourself time to look at the pink sandstone from the square before going inside. If the astronomical clock is the reason you’re coming, check its visitor arrangements before you set your day. Ordinary visiting hours can change around services.
Check cathedral visits02 · An hour or two on foot
Follow the canal banks toward the Ponts Couverts, then come back through the lanes. It works as an afternoon after the cathedral or as the entire outing if you’ve just arrived. Wear shoes you’re happy to walk in on uneven streets.
See the visitor office’s walk03 · Half a day to a full day
Start at the museum if you want the Isenheim Altarpiece, then walk south through the old center. On a Tuesday, when the museum normally closes, make the canals and streets the day. Check your train back before choosing a late lunch.
Check the museum calendar04 · A flexible half-day
Start in the center and walk a short section near the ramparts. Obernai is the easier extra day when you want lunch and a walk without a second museum. Set the return train before deciding how long to stay.
Read about the rampartsRail and walking
Give the palace and Arles separate days. In Marseille, choose how much of your waterfront day you want to spend inside the Mucem.
01 · Make it the morning’s main visit
Start with the palace, where the rooms and route are the visit in their own right. Read the access information before choosing a slot if stairs are a concern. Decide about the bridge after lunch, with the current last-entry time in mind.
Check palace entry and access02 · One substantial stop, then choose a second
Start with the arena and add the Roman theater if the opening hours and your energy line up. If you came for archaeology, leave time for the museum instead of trying to cover the whole city. Use your return train as the stopping point.
Compare the Roman sites03 · Allow a half-day if exhibitions are the priority
Choose an exhibition before setting out. The fort and the J4 building are connected by a footbridge, but it has its own closing time. If you only want the views, check access to the outdoor spaces. Tuesday is normally the museum’s closed day.
Check the fort and footbridge hours04 · A flexible waterfront walk
Start by the boats, then walk toward Le Panier when you’re ready to leave the quay. This is a good first afternoon or a backup when the museum is closed. Keep the route close to the water if steep lanes or steps would make the walk difficult.
See the Old Port visitor guideVisitor links checked . Time suggestions are for planning. Confirm dates, access and tickets with the operator.