Background

Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait: A Charming Slice of Medieval Strasbourg

Discover Strasbourg's medieval charm at the Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait, a picturesque square steeped in history and surrounded by timbered houses.

The Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait, or Suckling Pig Market Square, is a delightful open square in Strasbourg, dating back to the medieval era. Its name reflects its historical use as a marketplace for suckling pigs. Today, it's a picturesque spot surrounded by timbered houses, offering a glimpse into the city's past.

A brief summary to Pl. du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait

  • Strasbourg, 67000, FR

Local tips

  • Enjoy the atmosphere by having a coffee or a meal at one of the restaurants or cafés while people-watching.
  • Take a stroll through the narrow alley leading towards the Cathedral for a stunning view of its spire.
  • Look for the half-timbered house at number 1 Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait and try to spot the weather vane in the shape of a shoe.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait is located in the heart of Strasbourg's historic center, making it easily accessible on foot from many central locations. From the Strasbourg Cathedral, walk southwest along Rue Mercière, then turn left onto Rue du Maroquin. The square will be on your right. The walk is short and takes only a few minutes.

  • Public Transport

    The Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait is well-served by Strasbourg's public transport network. Several tram and bus lines stop within a short walking distance of the square. Tram lines A, B, and D stop at the Porte de l'Hôpital and Langstross/Grand Rue stations, each about a 5-minute walk away. Bus lines C1, C8, C9, 10, and 30 also have stops nearby, such as Zurich. A single tram or bus ticket costs around €2.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Strasbourg and offer a convenient way to reach the Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait. A short taxi ride from the Strasbourg train station (Gare de Strasbourg) to the square typically takes around 10 minutes and costs approximately €9-€10 during the day. Taxi fares in Strasbourg start with a base fee of €3, with a per-kilometer rate of €1.86 during the day and €2.64 at night and on Sundays.

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Discover more about Pl. du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait

The Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait (Suckling Pig Market Square) is one of the most charming and photographed squares in Strasbourg. Its unusual name offers a direct link to the city's medieval past, when squares were often named after the goods traded within them. Once a bustling marketplace where farmers brought their young pigs to sell, today the square provides a tranquil respite from the busier tourist routes. The square is framed by beautiful half-timbered houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, some adorned with wooden galleries. One notable building is located at 1 Place du Marché-aux-Cochons-de-Lait, featuring a weather vane in the shape of a shoe. Legend says that Emperor Sigismund of Hungary bought shoes from a cobbler in this house after forgetting his own for a ball. Located close to the Strasbourg Cathedral, the square is a great place to relax and people-watch from one of the cafes. From here, a small, narrow alley leads to the Place de la Cathedrale in the heart of the Old Town.

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