With its 300 hectares of parks and gardens, its 400 km of cycle tracks, the banks of the River Ill and its pedestrian city centre, Strasbourg is the ideal place to relax. Observing the city from the top of the cathedral, you can assess just how much Strasbourg and its suburbs enjoy a privileged environment. From its beginning as a mediaeval islet, the city has become a harmonious urban whole, criss-crossed by a dense network of canals. The banks of these water courses, its numerous parks and gardens, and also the proximity of the natural parks of the Vosges and the Black Forest give the region an air of changeless life.
The Parc de l'Orangerie, opposite the Council of Europe building, is the city's largest and oldest park. At its centre rises a pavillion of pleasure constructed in 1804 to honour the Empress Josephine, who stayed in Strasbourg a number of times. The Orangerie is a living park thanks to its many attractions: its mini farm, its zoo, and its stork sanctuary. But it is also pleasant just to wander around, taking in the lake and its romantic waterfall, its harmonious avenues, or to taste the delights of its gastronomic restaurant, the "Buerehiesel".
In the university district, the
Jardin Botanique (Botanical Gardens) takes us to the heart of eighteenth century medicine and pharmacy. Created in 1880, it was initially intended for students in these disciplines but now opens its gates to any visitor with an interest in botany.
Since spring 2004, the Parcs de la Citadelle and Pourtalès and the Jardin des Contades have been joined by the "Garden of two shores". A cross-border landscaped park, the "Jardin des Deux Rives" is laid out on both sides of the Rhine, covering a total surface area of 55 hectares with, at its centre, a footbridge over the river, making it possible to walk or cycle from France to Germany. It offers residents and visitors alike a unique space to stroll, relax and explore or re-explore the beauty of the Rhine.
Strasbourg and its region are committed to giving nature its rightful place by allowing it to spread into the heart of the city. The "green pathways" project participates fully in this impetus. Laid out along the banks of the main waterways – the Ill, the Bruche and the Aar – green pathways will offer new places in which to relax, covering an area of 5,000 hectares.
Wherever you find yourself, the verdant Rhineland forest is never far away. An exceptional heritage, unique in Europe for the rarity of its flora and fauna, the forest is criss-crossed with pleasant signposted tracks and paths, which lend themselves to learning and understanding. You can move around on foot, by bicycle or on horseback, and fitness tracks have also been laid out.
