Landmark
Barrage Vauban
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The Barrage Vauban, also known as the Vauban Dam, is a massive structure built in the 1680s by the French military engineer Sébastien Le Prestre de Vauban. It spans the Ill River and was designed as a defensive work to control flooding and protect the city. The dam is 120 meters long and features a series of arches. On its top, a panoramic terrace provides one of the best views in Strasbourg: you can see the cathedral, the covered bridges (Ponts Couverts), and the rooftops of La Petite France. The interior of the dam houses temporary art exhibitions and a small museum about the structure's history. The terrace is free to access and is a popular spot for photographers, especially at sunset.
Don't miss
- The panoramic terrace with views of the cathedral, Ponts Couverts, and La Petite France
- The interior exhibition space with rotating art and historical displays
- The architectural details of the dam's arches and stonework
- Sunset views from the terrace
- The nearby Ponts Couverts (covered bridges) and their four towers
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit Barrage Vauban
You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.
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