Happy TravellerWelcome to Illkirch-Graffenstaden, a charming commune located in the Bas-Rhin department of Grand Est in north-eastern France. This hidden gem is the second-largest suburb of the city of Strasbourg and is adjacent to it on the south-southwest. Illkirch-Graffenstaden is one of the fastest-growing cities in France and probably in Europe, with its population having more than doubled in fifty years. The town is unique in that it is akin to two long villages, one to the north of the other, giving rise to an exceptionally long main street lined with traditional small half-timbered houses. The modern buildings tend to respect the traditional size and look of the older ones, making for a picturesque and charming atmosphere.
Illkirch-Graffenstaden is crossed by the river Ill, which runs from south to north, parallel with and roughly ten kilometers to the west of the river Rhine. The town also lies by the Rhône-Rhine Canal, which runs between the two rivers. The area has a rich history, with Illkirch believed to be a Frankish foundation. The town takes the first syllable of its name from the river that crosses it, and the second syllable is simply the German word for a church. The spelling of the name has changed as language developed, with the contemporary name being Illkirch.
The town has a number of small lakes in the region, a couple of which have been adapted for recreational swimming. The International Space University is located on the part of the University of Strasbourg campus lying in the territory of Illkirch-Graffenstaden. The town is also home to Leclerc barracks, which is home to the French 2nd Armoured Brigade and the German 291st Light Infantry Battalion, a unit of the Franco-German Brigade.
Illkirch-Graffenstaden has a rich culinary scene, with local cuisine that is sure to tantalize your taste buds. The town is also home to a number of notable individuals, including horologists Jean-Baptiste Schwilgué and Frédéric Rollé, track and field athlete Mehdi Baala, and chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or simply want to relax and enjoy the local cuisine, Illkirch-Graffenstaden has something for everyone. Come and discover this hidden gem for yourself and see why it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in France and Europe.
