The European Parliament in Strasbourg – Plenary Session
The Hemicycle can seat all Members of the European Parliament. During plenary sessions, the most important European debates and votes take place here. It also provides the setting for formal sittings by official guests addressing the European Parliament, such as heads of state, Sakharov laureates or other major public figures.
Visits are free of charge. Advance booking is required for groups, but no reservation is needed for individual visitors.
A valid identity document (ID card or passport) is required to access European Parliament buildings.
Individual visitors
During a plenary session, it is possible to follow the plenary sit in the visitors’ gallery and to visit the Parlamentarium Simone Veil. Groups of fewer than 10 people are considered as individual visitors and no prior booking is needed for individual visitors.
Individual visits are available in any of the 24 official European Union languages. A limited number of places are available for individual visitors to follow the session for up to 30 minutes. As such, entry is based on a first come, first served basis.
Opening hours
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| 9:30 − 12:00 and 17:00 − 18:00 | 9:00−12:00 and 15:00 − 18:00 | 9:00 − 12:00 |
Groups
Visits of the Hemicycle in Strasbourg can be organised for groups of 10 to 100 people and should be booked 2-3 months in advance.
Groups receive a personalised briefing held by a European Parliament staff member in one of the 24 official European Union languages, covering the role and powers of the European Parliament, a question and answer session and a one-hour visit to the Hemicycle visitors’ gallery to follow plenary debates.
Opening hours
| Monday | Tuesday, Wednesday | Thursday |
|---|---|---|
| 14:30 − 18:00 | 8:30 − 18:00 | 8:30 - 12:30 |
Check the European Parliament calendar to see when the Strasbourg sessions take place.
Groups are welcome to visit the Parlamentarium Simone Veil before or after the Hemicycle visit without prior booking.
Alsace-Moselle memorial
[Closed from 31/12/2022 to 31/01/2023] Visitors to the Alsace-Moselle Memorial in Schirmeck can find out all about the history of the region; from life on the Maginot Line and the destruction of World War II, to Franco-German reconciliation and the reconstruction of Europe. Admission is free of charge for groups also visiting the European Parliament during the same week, upon presentation of their confirmation letter.
Accessibility
The European Parliament is committed to constantly improving access for people with disabilities. Should you or someone in your group require special assistance, please notify us in advance:
Facilities
There is a cafeteria with refreshing beverages and tasty snacks and a gift shop in the visitors’ area. The visitors’ canteen is available to groups on reservation via restauration-reservation-strasbourg@ext.europarl.europa.eu.
A cloakroom, located at the visitors’ entrance just after the security control point, is only available during plenary sessions. There is no cloakroom service available outside of plenary sessions.
Security
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 visitors’ area, but are prohibited in the security area and in the Hemicycle gallery during plenary sessions.
- Wearing a facemask is not mandatory. Visitors are of course permitted to wear one if they would like to.
- Hand sanitiser gel is available at the entrance and throughout your visit. Visitors are encouraged to make use of it.
- All equipment and material (such as multimedia guides, non-disposable earphones and interactive exhibition elements) as well as the public sanitary facilities and other sensitive areas (handles and doors) are cleaned on a regular basis.
- The air quality is constantly monitored to ensure adequate ventilation.
- If you have symptoms, 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.
Last updated: 09/2022
