The European Parliament in Strasbourg
The European Parliament in Strasbourg is open to visitors six days a week throughout the year. Visits are always free of charge.
During your visit, you can see the European parliamentary chamber – the Hemicycle, the Parlamentarium Simone Veil and several exhibitions.
In Strasbourg, Members of the European Parliament meet twelve times a year during plenary sessions to debate and vote on European legislation. As a visitor, you can attend the session to see and listen to your representatives speak from the visitor gallery. Have a look at the calendar of plenary sessions.
There are different options to visit the parliament, depending on when you plan to come. Find all practical information below.
Visit the European Parliament outside plenary session
Discover the official seat of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. See the inside of the iconic building where European democracy comes to life. Take a tour with a multimedia guide available in the 24 official languages of the European Union, or book a guided tour in French, German or English for your group.
Visit the European Parliament during plenary session
Seize the opportunity to see European democracy in action during a plenary session. Visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg during plenary sessions is a great way to soak up the atmosphere of the world’s largest transnational parliament and the only directly elected EU institution.
Events and exhibitions
In addition to the not-to-be-missed visit to the Hemicycle, you can explore permanent and temporary exhibitions during your visit, or take part in one of the many events happening in the European Parliament throughout the year.
Accessibility
The European Parliament is committed to constantly improving access for people with disabilities. If you or someone in your group requires special assistance, please notify the visitor service in advance:
Have a safe visit
The European Parliament prioritises a safe visit by respecting security and public health measures. Visitors are invited to read and take note of the following information, in order to ensure a safe visit for all:
- A valid identity document (ID card or passport) is required to access European Parliament buildings.
- All visitors and bags are subject to airport-style security checks before entry. Firearms, explosive or inflammable substances, pepper sprays, sharp items and other objects that could be considered weapons are prohibited. In accordance with French national legislation, certain prohibited items may be handed over to the police.
- Photography and filming are permitted inside the visitor area, but are prohibited in the security area and in the Hemicycle gallery during plenary sessions.
- Wearing a facemask is not mandatory. Visitors can wear one if they would like to.
- Hand sanitiser gel is available at the entrance and throughout the exhibition. Visitors are encouraged to make use of it.
- All equipment and material (like personal media guides and interactive exhibition elements) as well as the public sanitary facilities and other sensitive areas (handles, doors) are cleaned on a regular basis.
- The air quality is constantly monitored to ensure adequate ventilation.
- If you feel unwell, please stay at home and postpone your visit. We will be happy to welcome you back when you are feeling better.
For more information about the health prevention measures in France, go to www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus.fr.
Last updated: 03/2023
