Strasbourg has a large Muslim community and one of the biggest mosques in France, about 20 minutes’ walk from the cathedral. Halal food is easy to find in the neighbourhoods, less so on the market squares.
Museums, stations and shops do not normally have prayer rooms. The Grande Mosquée is about 20 minutes on foot from the cathedral; otherwise pray at your hotel and carry a light mat.
Friday prayers
Jumu’ah at the Grande Mosquée is busy; arrive early.
Short winter days
Dhuhr, Asr and Maghrib fall close together in December, with sunset around 4:30pm. Plan sightseeing around them.
Ask every time
Halal listings change. Ask restaurants about certification and whether alcohol is served before you sit down.
Christmas market food: what is fine
Usually fine
Roasted chestnuts, gingerbread (pain d’épices), bredele biscuits, plain bretzels, chocolate, waffles, crêpes with sugar or chocolate, and hot chocolate.
Ask for the alcohol-free drink
Vin chaud (mulled wine) is everywhere. Look for hot apple juice or hot chocolate; some stalls offer a children’s punch. Ask, as recipes vary.
Pork is common
Sausages, choucroute, ham and lardons (on tarte flambée) are pork. Some bretzels are topped with lardons too.
Check the details
Some Christmas breads and cakes contain kirsch or rum, and gummy sweets often use pork gelatine.
Muslim traveller note: the market squares are crowded and alcohol is sold at many stalls. Go in the afternoon for a calmer visit. Headscarves are fine everywhere; face coverings that hide the face are banned in public spaces in France.