Strasbourg: The city
of crossroads 

Sitting pretty on the border with Germany, the quaint French city of Strasbourg in the Alsace region has two UNESCO Heritage City listings. The first was awarded in 1988 for the Grande Île and the second for the Neustadt, an imperial district, built at the end of the 19th century. 

In 2022, the city is home to 11 European institutions including the European Parliament and the European Court of Human Rights and is continuing to invest in infrastructure to attract an international audience.  

The new Strasbourg Exhibition Centre, operated by GL Events adds another architectural dimension to the city. Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, the new 22,000 sqm Strasbourg Exhibition Centre holds sustainability at its heart. Using wood from the local Vosges Forest as structural pillars that can capture 1,700 tons of CO2e. Internally, the wooden panels act as an ecological heating and cooling system. The roof will soon host 5,000 sqm of solar panels.  Its polished concrete floors exude Scandi chic and run throughout the halls. The venue encourages clients to eliminate the need for single-use flooring, particularly carpets.

Laure Vaissermann, deputy corporate communication director of GL Events Venues, explains: “This venue was built with sustainability in mind and using carpet doesn’t fit with the philosophy of the venue.” This reconsideration of flooring materials was demonstrated by the Exhibition Centre’s inaugural event, the Foire Europeenne Tradeshow which, for the most, set up stands on the concrete floor.  

The €120m investment adds to the existing venues in Strasbourg’s Parc de Expo which began with the Strasbourg Convention Centre, also known as Palais de la musique, in 1974. Built with the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra in mind, the original 1970s structure was refurbished with soundproof rooms and a peristyle casing to unify the style of each venue within Parc de Expo.  

The new exhibition venue forms part of the region’s plan to build its international events reputation. “The competition in which we evolve is national, European, and international,” said Christophe Caillaud-Joos, general manager of Strasbourg Events, part of the GL Events Group which manages Parc de Expo. “We need this equipment to pick up, bring people, and introduce as many people as possible to our territory,” he continued. 

Sustainability is a theme that runs throughout Strasbourg and is reinforced by Strasbourg’s mayor, Jeanne Barseghian, a member of Europe Ecology – The Greens Party. Barseghian’s approach to running the city, combined with France’s ban on short-haul flights where a train or bus alternative of two and a half hours or less exists, limits the number of international flights to and from Strasbourg Airport. Currently, there’s no direct flight from the UK to Strasbourg. However, the train from London St Pancras to Strasbourg takes just over four hours with only one change in Paris.  Getting to the Eastern French city couldn’t be easier, plus the Eurostar and onwards trains offer free Wi-Fi meaning the working day need not be sacrificed.  

Intellectual capitals  

Aside from hosting several European Institutions, Strasbourg is also a knowledge hub for many industries including medical technologies and therapeutic innovation. The region has strong international influence with 1,200 international companies calling the city home along with 50,000 students choosing to learn in the city. Strasbourg University is ranked amongst the world’s top 150 and employs five Nobel prize-winners who are currently professors there. 

Major International organisations for scientific cooperation have put down their roots in Strasbourg, including the European Science Foundation, the International Space University (ISU), the European Pharmacopoeia and the Human Frontier Science Program. 

These organisations boost the international audience built up by the University of Strasbourg and the research activities of major public laboratories, which include the Institute of Supramolecular Science and Engineering (ISIS), the Institute of Cell and Molecular Biology and Genetics (IGBMC) and the privately-run Roche, Synthélabo Biomoléculaire, Transgène and General Motors laboratories. 

Why should planners choose Strasbourg?

“Strasbourg is a city with a strong historical and cultural identity which makes it an open-air museum,” explains Strasbourg Convention Bureau director, Mireille Dartus.

“Strasbourg has a large number of reception venues and hotels - thanks to major international events that take place in the European capital. It is not surprising that Strasbourg is a leading destination for international conventions and events. Strasbourg is also connected to the high-speed train when you arrive in Paris. An opportunity to travel sustainably.”

What sets Strasbourg apart from other French destinations?

“Strasbourg has a rich cultural mix, thanks to its dual German and French influences. It’s also a gourmet city and the wine route is less than 30km from Strasbourg,” adds Dartus.

“It's not surprising that Alsace is considered the cycling capital of France, with more than 600km of cycle paths, Strasbourg has a strong cycling culture with 16 per cent of workers travelling by bike. The city is also pedestrian-friendly - with one of the largest pedestrian zones in France. You can also get around the city easily thanks to the transport network.”

Hotel rooms  

Boasting 11,000 hotel rooms, Strasbourg isn’t short of a place for delegates to lay their heads. The 245-room Hilton Strasbourg is conveniently located next to Parc de Expo with 15 meeting rooms of its own.  

In town, a 10-minute walk or 5-minute tram ride from Parc de Expo, delegates can experience the luxury of Maison Rouge Strasbourg Hotel & Spa, part of the Marriot Bonvoy Autograph Collection. Refurbished a little more than a year ago, the historical building was restored to its former 1920s gilded luxury with original staircase and stained-glass window intact. All other amenities including the restaurant, bar and newly added meeting room are fitted with 21st-century mod cons for guest comfort.