Tanners' Quarter - dix
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Tanners' Quarter

4.8
·83 reviews·Colmar, France

Explore historic quarters renowned for traditional crafts, from Fes's vibrant tanneries to Strasbourg's charming canals.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early Mornings

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Tanners' Quarter - dix

Tanners' Quarter

Best Time

Early Mornings

Softer light, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore historic quarters renowned for traditional crafts, from Fes's vibrant tanneries to Strasbourg's charming canals.

4.8
(83 reviews)

"A truly unique experience, blending history, culture, and unforgettable sensory details."

Vertical photo
TIP

👃 Beat the Smell

Bring mint or a scarf to help with the strong tanning smell.

📸 Best Photo Spots

Look for terraces overlooking the tanneries for great shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Traditional Tanneries

Traditional Tanneries

Fes

Witness centuries-old leather tanning methods in action, with men working in colorful dye pits.

TikTokInstagram
Half-Timbered Houses

Half-Timbered Houses

Strasbourg

Wander through the charming streets lined with beautifully preserved medieval houses and picturesque bridges.

Instagram
Riverside Charm

Riverside Charm

Strasbourg

Stroll along the canals and enjoy the scenic views of the Petite France quarter, especially during sunset.

Instagram
Historic Quarters

Historic Quarters

Ulm

Explore the old fishers' and tanners' quarter along the Danube, showcasing historic architecture.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Aroma

The Tanners' Quarter is famous for its distinct, pungent smell, a byproduct of traditional leather tanning. While it's a key part of the experience, be prepared! Many visitors suggest bringing a sprig of mint or a scarf to hold over your nose if the scent is overwhelming. TikTok

Best Views & Times

For the most picturesque views of the Tanners' Quarter, aim for early mornings or late afternoons when the light is softer and crowds are thinner. The surrounding terraces offer excellent vantage points to observe the tanning process. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early Mornings
Why
Softer light, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoons
Why
Golden hour views
Crowd
Medium
When
Christmas Time
Why
Festive ambiance
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Looking for the tanners‘ quarter in Fès? Follow the smell! In Fès, leather is still tanned in the same way as hundreds of years ago, with pigeon droppings, quicklime, cow urine and natural dyes. The smell leads the way to the brick basins where men tread on the leather in huge cauldrons to soften it. From the surrounding terraces, you can watch the tanners at work. I quickly understood why we wer...
ydf_ch
5 likes • 112 views

👃 Beat the Smell

Bring mint or a scarf to help with the strong tanning smell. TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Look for terraces overlooking the tanneries for great shots. TikTok

👉🏻10 Must-See Spots in the Most Iconic Quarter of Strasbourg 🌅✨ 🏘️ Pl. Benjamin Zix 🌸 Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes 🏠 House of Tanners 🌉 Pont du Faisan 🚶‍♀️ Quai de la Petite France 🛡️ Protection des Mineurs 🏰 Ponts Couverts 🌊 Barrage Vauban 🚶‍♂️ Passerelle des Anciennes-Glacières 📸 Pont Saint-Martin For more places to see in Strasbourg, comment “MAP,” and I’ll send my Strasbourg Map to you so you can...
sparklingescapes
117 likes • 6.9K views
3 tips for your trip to Strasbourg 🇫🇷 ☀️ walk through „la petite France“ (Tanners‘ Quarter), the historic old town. The medieval architecture with half-timbered houses and bridges is very well preserved and beautiful. ☀️ Strasbourg Cathedral is over 100 years old and there is a very nice view from the top. ☀️ sit next to the river Ill and enjoy the sunset. Have you ever been to Strasbourg? #str...
chrisibosch
106 likes • 1.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Petite France

Wander through Strasbourg's historic quarter for medieval charm. Instagram

🌅 Sunset Views

Enjoy the picturesque riverside scenery in the late afternoon. Instagram

Day 3: A morning in Ulm, climbing the soaring gothic tower of the @ulmer_muenster_offiziell & wandering through the old fishers & tanners quarter beside the Danube @lonelyplanet #journeyorientexpress
simonrichmond
9 likes • 243 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👃 Beat the Smell

Bring mint or a scarf to help with the strong tanning smell. TikTok

📸 Best Photo Spots

Look for terraces overlooking the tanneries for great shots. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore Petite France

Wander through Strasbourg's historic quarter for medieval charm. Instagram

🌅 Sunset Views

Enjoy the picturesque riverside scenery in the late afternoon. Instagram

👟 Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so wear comfy shoes! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(83 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors often praise the unique historical charm and picturesque architecture of the Tanners' Quarters, particularly in Strasbourg and Fes. The traditional tanning process is a major draw, offering a glimpse into ancient crafts. However, some find the strong smell in Fes overwhelming, and during peak holiday seasons, crowds and high prices can detract from the experience.

"Pretty city during Christmas time. However, the weather was not ideal this time for the holidays. In addition, crowded place"

Tran Nhu

"Sunch a loveley place. Worth a day trip to Cmar"

Marilena Neagovici

"Beautiful buildings in a charming neighborhood."

Brian R

What People Like

Historic charm
Picturesque architecture
Traditional crafts

What People Dislike

Strong tanning smell
Crowded during holidays
High prices

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The easiest way to find the Tanners' Quarter in Fes is to follow the distinct smell of leather tanning. Many visitors report that the aroma guides them directly to the area. TikTok

Petite France in Strasbourg is easily accessible on foot from the city center. You can also take local trams or buses that stop nearby. Instagram

The Tanners' Quarter in Ulm is located by the Danube River and is easily walkable from the city center and main attractions like the Ulm Minster. Instagram

Yes, depending on the city, public transport like trams and buses can get you close to the Tanners' Quarters in places like Strasbourg. Instagram

Driving directly into historic Tanners' Quarters can be challenging due to narrow streets and pedestrian zones. It's often best to park nearby and walk. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, exploring the streets of the Tanners' Quarter is free. However, access to specific viewpoints or workshops might require a small fee. TikTok

The tanneries themselves operate on traditional schedules, often starting early. The surrounding areas are usually accessible throughout the day. TikTok

No, Petite France is a public neighborhood, so there's no entrance fee to wander its charming streets and admire the architecture. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are often available, especially in Fes and Strasbourg, offering deeper insights into the history and processes. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can visit during holidays, but be aware that it can get very crowded, especially during Christmas markets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The colorful dye pits in Fes, the picturesque canals and half-timbered houses in Strasbourg, and the riverside views in Ulm offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram+1

Photography is generally allowed from the surrounding terraces, but be respectful of the workers and their environment. TikTok

Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and reducing crowds. Instagram

Drone photography is often restricted in historic city centers and over private properties. Always check local regulations before flying. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the charming streets and architecture, while a zoom lens can be useful for details of the tanneries. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs

Leather goods are the most popular souvenirs, from bags and wallets to jackets and slippers, especially in Fes. TikTok

In many traditional markets, especially in Fes, bargaining is expected. Be polite and have a price in mind. TikTok

Look for shops that clearly display their tanning process or have a good reputation. In Fes, the shops surrounding the tanneries are a good starting point. TikTok

In Strasbourg, you might find local crafts, Alsace wines, and Christmas-themed items. Ulm may offer regional crafts as well. Instagram

Check for genuine leather, good stitching, and consistent color. Be wary of overly cheap prices, which might indicate lower quality. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families, the Tanners' Quarter in Fes offers a unique sensory experience. While the smell might be a challenge, the vibrant colors of the dye pits and the sheer spectacle of the traditional work can be captivating for children. Bring a scarf or mint to help manage the aroma. TikTok In Strasbourg, Petite France is a delight for kids with its fairytale-like streets and bridges, perfect for imaginative play. Consider a boat tour for a fun way to see the sights. Instagram+1

Key advice: Keep little ones close, especially near water in Strasbourg and Fes. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone. Look for interactive elements or stories that can engage children with the history of these areas.

💰 Budget Travelers

Exploring the Tanners' Quarters in Fes and Strasbourg can be very budget-friendly. Wandering the streets and admiring the architecture is free. In Fes, you can observe the tanneries from public viewpoints without charge, though purchasing souvenirs or mint sprigs might incur costs. TikTok Petite France in Strasbourg is also free to explore, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious visitors. Instagram

Tip: Pack your own snacks and water to save on expenses. Look for local eateries away from the main tourist paths for more affordable meals. Bargaining politely in Fes can also help secure better prices for leather goods. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Tanners' Quarters offer incredible photographic opportunities. In Fes, the vibrant, multi-colored dye pits are a photographer's dream, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. TikTokInstagram Strasbourg's Petite France provides a wealth of picturesque scenes with its canals, charming bridges, and iconic half-timbered houses, perfect for capturing architectural details and romantic vistas. Instagram Ulm's riverside setting and historic buildings offer a more serene photographic experience. Instagram

Recommendations: Utilize a wide-angle lens for streetscapes and architecture. Be mindful of the strong smells in Fes and consider bringing a lens cloth to protect against any airborne particles. Respect local customs and privacy when photographing people.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Art of Leather Tanning in Fes

The Tanners' Quarter in Fes, Morocco, is one of the oldest and most iconic in the world. Here, leather is still processed using traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged for centuries. The process involves soaking hides in vats filled with a mixture of pigeon droppings, quicklime, and cow urine, which helps to break down the skin. This is followed by treading the leather in natural dyes, creating the vibrant colors seen from the surrounding terraces. TikTokInstagram

Visitors can observe this fascinating, albeit pungent, process from elevated viewpoints, often offered by surrounding shops. While the smell is intense, it's an integral part of the experience and a testament to the enduring craftsmanship. Many shops offer insights into the tanning process and sell a wide array of finished leather goods, from bags and jackets to slippers and poufs. TikTok

Key takeaway: Be prepared for the strong odor, but embrace it as part of the authentic cultural experience. The visual spectacle of the colorful dye pits is unforgettable. TikTok

Exploring Petite France, Strasbourg

Petite France in Strasbourg, France, is a picturesque historic quarter renowned for its charming canals and beautifully preserved half-timbered houses. Once home to tanners, millers, and fishermen, its medieval architecture evokes a fairytale atmosphere. The area is crisscrossed by waterways, with picturesque bridges like the Pont du Faisan offering stunning photo opportunities. Instagram+1

Walking through Petite France is like stepping back in time. The narrow cobblestone streets, flower-laden balconies, and the gentle flow of the River Ill create a serene and romantic ambiance. It's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, enjoying a coffee at a riverside cafe, or simply soaking in the unique architectural beauty. The area is particularly enchanting during the Christmas season, when it transforms into a magical market. Instagram

Pro-tip: Visit during the golden hour for the most magical light, or consider a boat tour for a different perspective of the quarter's beauty. Instagram

Ulm's Historic Tanners' Quarter

Ulm, Germany, boasts a charming historic Tanners' Quarter situated along the Danube River. This area, also known as the Fischerviertel (Fishermen's Quarter), features narrow alleys and historic buildings that reflect its past as a hub for artisans. While perhaps less internationally famous than its counterparts in Fes or Strasbourg, it offers a quieter, more local experience. Instagram

The quarter is characterized by its well-preserved architecture and its proximity to the river, providing scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a delightful area to explore on foot, discovering hidden courtyards and enjoying the riverside ambiance. The nearby Ulm Minster, with its soaring Gothic tower, is a must-see landmark in the city. Instagram

Best for: Travelers seeking a less crowded, authentic glimpse into historic European city life.

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