A green outer district of Strasbourg, Contades contains European political institutions and cultural gems. At its core is Contades Park, which is bordered by the River Ill as it meanders through the zone. Visit Contades to stroll along the banks of the waterways for a scenic journey past the religious and theatrical highlights here.

The 18th-century Contades Park has long been at the heart of the region, with its quaint historic buildings and vast open fields. Bring your kids to the playground and set up a picnic in the shade of a tree beside the 19th-century bandstand. Admire the mix of architectural styles in the early 20th-century Osterloff Villa, with its red turrets and medieval tributes.

Gracing the park’s boundaries are several religious buildings, such as the Communauté des Franciscains church and the Communauté Etz Haïm synagogue Admire the symbolic markings and stylish colonnade of the Synagogue of Peace. Inspect the neo-Renaissance design of the nearby Strasbourg National Theater on Republic Square, whose enchanting gardens wrap around the majestic Rhine Palace.

As you move away from the center, you’ll reach the green squares of the Place de Bordeaux and the Square Tivoli. Visit some of the cultural institutions here, including the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès, Le Maillon Theater and the Parc des Expositions de Strasbourg.

At the juncture of two tributaries of the River Ill stands the semi-domed frontage of the European Parliament. Join a free tour of the extraordinary hemicyclic building where much of the European Union has management offices.

The Contades district runs from the edge of the Grande Île in central Strasbourg to the city’s northeastern corner. It stands between the Orangerie and Kable zones. Travel by tram to the Parc du Contades and République stops in the southern part of the district or continue north to the European Parliament and Wacken stations.