Parlement européen

The Parlement européen building stands at Allée du Printemps in the European Quarter of Strasbourg, in the Alsace area of France's Grand Est region. Strasbourg is the official seat of the European Parliament, and the plenary sessions of all members are held here for about 12 weeks a year, with the rest of the year's work done in Brussels. The Louise Weiss building, completed in the 1990s, is a large glass and stone complex beside the Ill and the Marne-Rhine canal, topped by an unfinished-looking tower that is a landmark of the district. Visitors can take free visits that include the hemicycle, the large semicircular chamber where members of the European Parliament vote and debate, along with exhibits and audiovisual displays about the institution. Individual visits are mainly offered on non-session days, while groups book a programme online in advance at europarl.europa.eu. Security checks are carried out at the entrance, and visitors should carry a valid photo ID. A visit takes about 1-2 hours. During plenary weeks, access for visitors is restricted, hotels in the city are full and prices rise, so travellers who want to see the chamber should plan around the calendar. The area is easily reached by Tram E to Parlement européen, a walk of about three minutes. Weekdays outside session weeks are best, with smaller crowds and more flexible entry. The surrounding district also contains the Council of Europe and the European Court of Human Rights, and the riverside paths provide good views of the Parliament and the neighbouring buildings. Photography is allowed in some areas but may be restricted inside the chamber, and visitors should follow staff instructions. Hours, booking rules and the plenary calendar should be confirmed before travelling.