Our 7 favorite designer and local craft stores in Strasbourg
Bringing back souvenirs from Alsace or finding a gift: a real hassle for some, a pleasure for others... Personally, I prefer to buy things that are handmade and/or artisanal and local. Fortunately, Strasbourg has many art and craft stores that are completely compatible with small budgets! Here are my favorite addresses for designer stores and local crafts in Strasbourg.
The Essentials at a Glance
- 📍 The neighborhood: Downtown Strasbourg, Grand Île, and Krutenau.
- 💶 Price range: € to €€€ depending on the store.
- 🎁 7 places we’ve tried and loved.
My summary
I liked
- A diverse array of artistic worlds all in a few streets: jewelry, ceramics, illustration, pottery, textiles
- Designers, both men and women, are often in the store to discuss their work
- Budgets vary depending on the properties and locations
I liked a little less
- The hours are sometimes limited (L’Atelier du Bain aux Plantes is only open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday): it’s best to check before you go
Map of our good addresses
Designer Boutiques Near Place Kléber
Les Herbes Folles – A Treasure Trove of Handmade Goods
I liked
- Some truly adorable creations
- All the gift and souvenir ideas to find
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
I love everything about this shop featuring local artists! Their stunning interior and exterior decor, the variety of items on offer (jewelry, postcards, accessories, clothing, ceramics, home decor, cosmetics, bags, prepared foods…), and prices to suit every budget… It’s a real treasure trove for finding handmade and locally made gifts.
Even the location is ideal: the rue du Jeu des Enfants has been redeveloped by the inhabitants, associations and shopkeepers of the neighborhood. It is really worth the detour to stroll with your nose in the air, in search of street-art and other original works.
🎨 Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants has been revitalized by local residents and business owners: be sure to take some time to check out the street art there before or after your visit.
📍 44 rue du Jeu-des-Enfants, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
Local Crafts Shop in Krutenau
Le Générateur – The Collective of Creators on Sainte-Madeleine Street
I liked
- To be able to discuss with the designer present
- A variety of items for all budgets
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
This association gathers about fifteen local creators. I particularly appreciate their ceramics and illustrations, which represent Strasbourg as well as fantastic universes, in the form of postcards, paintings, posters… You will also find bags, jewelry, embroidery, accessories, notebooks, engraved stamps and even vinyl.
Here too, it is possible to find very nice things at affordable prices. Another good reason to go there: the store is located in the heart of the very pretty Sainte-Madeleine alley, a stone’s throw from the city center and the quays of the Ill. The opportunity for a nice walk.
🚶 Take this opportunity to extend your walk to the banks of the Ill, which are just a stone’s throw away.
📍 8 rue Sainte-Madeleine, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
Designer Boutiques in Petite France
Little Nuage – A Jewelry Haven in the Heart of Petite France
I liked
- The atmosphere in the store
- Céline’s welcome
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
A room in the basement, a Scandinavian inspired decoration, various objects in the shape of a cloud… Little nuage is an adorable little cocoon where Céline proposes her necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets. She also welcomes in her store other creators of jewelry, stamps, embroidery, illustrations, ceramics and accessories.
Every week, workshops are organized (embroidery, decoration, engraving…) and an ephemeral thematic exhibition allows to discover regularly other craftsmen. Everything is of course local and artisanal. In the heart of Petite France, and right next to an excellent coffee shop called the Bretelles café, it would be a shame to miss this store.
☕ Combine your visit with a stop at Café Bretelles, right next door.
📍 32 rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
L’Atelier du Bain aux Plantes – The Illustrators’ Hangout (weekends only)
I liked
- The diversity of creations
- The principle of ephemeral exhibition and sale
I liked a little less
- The restricted opening days and hours (even if I understand the artists’ constraints!)
Watercolors, oil paintings, colored pencil drawings or collages, printed or engraved objects, comics… This artists’ den will delight people who love illustration or want to discover this universe. The illustrators take turns to run the place and will be happy to discuss their work! A thematic exhibition-sale is proposed every two months. But beware: the workshop is only open on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
⏰ Please note that the workshop is only open on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: plan your visit accordingly.
📍 8 rue du Bain-aux-Plantes, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
Le Terrier – The Gallery and Cabinet of Handcrafted Curiosities
I liked
- The originality of the creations
- Displaying the works in a gallery-style setting
I liked a little less
- Not in my budget, alas!
This shop is a blend of art gallery and cabinet of curiosities. From butterflies displayed in frames or glass domes to ceramics depicting fantastical animals, as well as hand-knitted sculptures and jewelry, you’ll find some truly amazing creations here.
All come from a dozen craftsmen and artists located in France. Ceramics, paper sculptures and textile creations are also on display. We are talking about arts and crafts here, so the budget is not the same as the other stores mentioned. Count from twenty to several hundred euros depending on the pieces.
📍 6 rue du Coq, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
Local souvenir shops near the cathedral
Hanssen and Gretel’s House – Traditional Alsace
I liked
- The kindness of Hanssen and Isabelle
- The pottery, made in an artisanal way but with modern and colorful patterns
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
Another atmosphere in this store with the colors of traditional Alsace! Hanssen (yes, that’s the real name) and Isabelle (not Gretel), the managers, proudly claim 70 to 80% of products made in the region. The gingerbread comes from Gertwiller, the pottery from Soufflenheim and most of the household linen is made by Isabelle, in her workshop located above the store.
The other products are ofFrench or European origin, such as the kelsch (traditional fabric) which comes from Franche Comté, the German “emporte pièces” or the Belgian aprons. Hanssen himself designed the motifs for the modern, colorful pottery made in Soufflenheim. Don’t hesitate to stop by at Christmas time, Hanssen and Gretel’s store is decorated with beautiful decorations and transformed into a real Santa’s workshop.
🎄 Stop by during the Christmas season—the store is decked out in beautiful decorations.
📍 7 rue du Chaudron, Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
Alsatrucs – The Alsatian collective near the cathedral
I liked
- 100% Alsatian objects
- Original creations
- Possibility of customizing certain items
I liked a little less
- Nothing!
Alsatrucs are items created and crafted by about twentyAlsatian artisans who have come together as a collective. The idea is to produce handcrafted pieces inspired by Alsatian culture and traditions, reinterpreting them with a beautiful modern twist.
I discovered them a long time ago at Christmas markets, but Alsatrucs now also has a store right next to Strasbourg Cathedral, as well as an online store. A great place to make beautiful gifts!
🎄 You’ll also find Alsatrucs at the Christmas markets in Strasbourg if you visit in December.
📍 5 Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait, 67000 Strasbourg – 🔗 View hours
What You Need to Know About These Strasbourg Shops
- Most of these locations are concentrated in the city center, Grand Île, and Krutenau, and are easily accessible on foot
- There’s something for every budget, ranging from just a few euros (Herbes Folles, Générateur) to higher-end artisanal crafts (Le Terrier)
- Many of these shops are run by associations or collectives: a chance to talk directly with the designers
Looking for more 100% Alsatian ideas? Check out my article, “What Souvenirs or Gifts to Bring Back from Alsace?”
Access
These seven locations are all within a small area of downtown, the Grand Île, and the Krutenau, all within walking distance of the cathedral or Place de l’Homme de Fer. The Homme de Fer stop (lines A, B, C, D, F) is the most central stop for reaching the neighborhood by tram.
Where can you find local crafts and designer creations in Strasbourg?
The city center, Grand Île, and Krutenau are home to the best spots, located between Rue du Jeu-des-Enfants, Rue Sainte-Madeleine, and the area around the cathedral.
Which store should you choose for a 100% Alsatian gift on a budget?
Les Herbes Folles and Le Générateur offer a wide range of handmade items at affordable prices.
Where can I buy a traditional Alsatian souvenir in Strasbourg?
Hanssen and Gretel’s Shop claims that 70 to 80 percent of its products are made in the region, including pottery from Soufflenheim.
Are these stores open every day?
Most have standard hours from Tuesday through Saturday, with the exception of L’Atelier du Bain aux Plantes, which is open only on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. It’s best to check the hours on each location’s website or Facebook page before heading out.
Can you walk to these stores from downtown?
Yes, the seven locations are all located between downtown, Grand Île, and Krutenau, within walking distance of one another.