Follow The Amazing Race to Strasbourg
Chase episode 10’s remaining contestants to France’s Alsace region for hearty fare, peaceful canal jaunts and storybook medieval architecture
Warning: The Amazing Race season 37 spoilers ahead! Bookmark this page and come back later if you’re not caught up...
“I can smell the baguettes!” This week, The Amazing Race teams hit France, as the show takes contestants to Strasbourg. But it’s not just famous for its cuisine, fabulous as it may be. Sitting right by the border with Germany, this charming medieval city has changed nationality four times since 1870, and its unique blend of German and French culture make it fit perfectly as one of the four de facto capitals of the European Union. That uniqueness is something that our five remaining teams experience from the instant they touch down in Germany and take the train into France, before dashing straight to the Council of Europe for their first clue.
From there, teams must survive a head-to-head jousting challenge on canal boats, clean an entire basket of clothes by hand on the riverside (while local women watch in amusement), take a brisk climb to the top of a cathedral, and detour to build a stork’s nest, which locals use to help their beloved bird population. Oh, and there’s the chance to taste one of France’s top culinary accomplishments: cheese. So much cheese.
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Interested in visiting perfectly picturesque Strasbourg? Be sure to spend at least two full days here to soak up everything on offer. And there’s no bad time of year to come: Strasbourg is also known as the “capital of Christmas,” so visit in the winter for lavish festive markets, while in the spring, the clement weather is perfect for scenic strolls. And whether your idea of culture is exploring the city’s Roman ruins or tasting the famous Alsace wine, there are plenty of reasons to visit year-round.
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The Amazing Race-inspired Strasbourg experiences
Ready to plan your visit to Strasbourg? Read on to learn about the stunning history, Insta-worthy sights and indulgent cuisine that will help you make the most of your The Amazing Race-themed vacation.
Watch the two-night finale of The Amazing Race series 37 on Wednesday, May 14, and Thursday, May 15, at 9:30 p.m./8:30 p.m. Central on CBS/Paramount+
Lean into the luxury of the French countryside without leaving the city at Boutique Hôtel des XV. Or enjoy the benefits of a spa right outside your door at Maison Rouge Strasbourg. Fans of minimalist, unfussy design will enjoy Hôtel Origami, while budget travelers and those planning a longer stay will appreciate the self-contained mini-apartments at Student Factory Strasbourg Étoile. And for those who prioritize an eco-friendly trip, a stay at Hôtel Tandem is a must.
Strasbourg is a great place to sample both traditional French fare and regional Alsatian cuisine, which blends German and French culinary traditions. Start your day off at Café Bretelles for baguettes, with ham and cheese sourced from a local delicatessen. Sample pastries at Mokka, a decadent bakery and tearoom that also offers gluten-free options. Try a regional favorite, tarte flambée (a savory, flatbread tart) at brasserie Le Grand Tigre. For the royal choucroute (sauerkraut and sausage), head to Le Tire-Bouchon. Meat-eaters and vegetarians alike will enjoy Le Café Potager, a lunch and coffee spot with a variety of plant-forward options.
Nothing says France like scenic views and outstanding wine, so experience both on a medieval villages and wine-tasting tour. Strasbourg is famous for its whites, including Riesling and Gewürztraminer, but thanks to its unique German heritage, the city is also no slouch when it comes to beer, which you can learn more about on a local craft-beer tasting tour. In terms of Strasbourg’s storybook cityscape, there’s a reason why the canal challenge prompted The Amazing Race contestant Jack to shout, “This is so medieval, so ren faire, so fantasy!” Get a deeper look at the region’s iconic architecture on a ”best of Alsace” historical day trip. And if your main goal is to grab that perfect snapshot, let the experts have your back—and your best angles—with a photo-oriented tour of the city.
Laura Studarus is a Los Angeles-based writer, traveler and tea drinker who has contributed to Lonely Planet, Wired, and The Daily Beast among others. Sometimes she can go for several hours without a cup of tea.
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