
In the heart of Europe, on the border between France and Germany, Strasbourg stands out as an increasingly popular expat destination. A city with many facets, it perfectly combines French culture with German influences, thanks to its economic dynamism and the gentle Alsatian way of life.
Why choose Strasbourg as your expat destination?
Strasbourg, a border city with Germany, is much more than just a French city: it’s a gateway to a rewarding experience, in a setting where more than 50 different nationalities live side by side.
Strasbourg: a European and cosmopolitan capital
Strasbourg enjoys a privileged geographical location, on the border with Germany and close to Switzerland, making it an ideal base for exploring Central Europe.
Thanks to its strategic position, the city is home to several major European Union institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of Europe, and the European Court of Human Rights, where diplomats and politicians from all nations cross paths. Strasbourg is therefore naturally a city where English, German, and French are spoken.
This international institutional dimension attracts a particularly diverse expat community. European officials, diplomats, researchers, and international executives settle here, creating a cosmopolitan social fabric where languages and cultures mingle naturally.
An attractive job market
Thanks to its various European institutions and business areas such as Archipel or the European Business District, Strasbourg is a real hub of opportunities. With a developed tertiary sector, job openings in finance, international trade, and European organizations, the city offers many career prospects for qualified expats.
On the research side, the University of Strasbourg, which counts several Nobel Prize winners among its academics, contributes to the city’s intellectual influence. Today it is one of France’s largest universities and attracts researchers from all over the world. For future talent, international schools such as the Strasbourg School of Management or the National School of Administration train tomorrow’s elite, further enhancing the city’s appeal.
Exceptional quality of life
Strasbourg regularly ranks among the best French cities to live in. Committed to sustainable mobility, it is nicknamed the “French capital of cycling” thanks to its 600 km of bike paths, which make getting around easy and enhance its attractiveness.
This sustainable approach is also reflected in the importance given to green spaces. The Parc de l’Orangerie, the city’s green lung, offers an ideal setting for family walks, while the proximity of the Vosges and the Black Forest allows outdoor enthusiasts to escape easily.
But Strasbourg is also a vibrant cultural hub, supported by the Opéra National du Rhin, the Philharmonic Orchestra, numerous festivals, and of course, its famous Christmas market.
And what would life in Strasbourg be without its gastronomy, a subtle blend of French finesse and German generosity? From traditional winstubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, and Alsatian brasseries, the culinary options are numerous and varied.
The best neighborhoods for expats
Strasbourg offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own character and specific advantages. Homat presents five districts that suit the needs of expats.
The Historic City Center (Grande Île)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Strasbourg’s medieval heart charms with its half-timbered houses and Gothic cathedral. Expats will appreciate the cultural immersion, varied dining options, and lively atmosphere. This is the ideal neighborhood for those seeking authentic Alsatian charm.
Bourse-Esplanade-Krutenau
A vibrant area close to the city center, it combines the picturesque Krutenau district, the university quarter of Bourse, and the modern Esplanade. With the presence of the School of Decorative Arts and part of the University, this area attracts a young and international population: foreign students, researchers, and young professionals. The proximity to shops, trendy bars, and the university makes it a practical and lively place to live.
Gare-Tribunal
As its name suggests, this Strasbourg neighborhood has a strategic location. At the junction between the train station and the courthouse district, it offers excellent connectivity (TGV, tram, bus), which appeals to expats who travel frequently. Within the area, expats will find a cosmopolitan atmosphere close to refined residential zones with beautiful bourgeois buildings.
Orangerie – Conseil des XV
The Orangerie – Conseil des XV neighborhood is one of Strasbourg’s most sought-after, as it is simply the district of international residents. Due to its proximity to the many European institutions, this part of Strasbourg is highly popular with the international community, particularly European officials and their families. Located east of the city center, it is marked by the presence of the Parc de l’Orangerie, the city’s oldest and largest green space, offering an ideal setting for relaxation, sports, and family outings.
Robertsau
The Robertsau neighborhood, located in the northeast of Strasbourg, is a true haven of peace. Once a market gardening village, it retains a village spirit with its half-timbered houses, the Robertsau Forest, and the banks of the Rhine. This area offers residents a privileged setting for walking, cycling, and outdoor activities.
The neighborhood is also home to several European institutions and consulates, making it a favorite among expats. Residential and upscale, it is prized for its beautiful houses, suburban subdivisions, and some modern buildings well integrated into the landscape.
Homat: your partner for a successful move to Strasbourg
To complete your relocation and quickly feel at home in Strasbourg, Homat offers furniture rental solutions perfectly suited to expat needs. A specialist in furniture leasing, Homat allows you to quickly transform your new home into a comfortable and functional living space without constraints.
Homat’s furniture rental service offers ideal flexibility for expats, whether for a temporary assignment or a longer-term stay. With options ranging from individual pieces to complete sets for the entire apartment, Homat adapts to your specific needs. Check out all our packages now!