To walk in France and to pass in Germany in a few steps or pedal strokes… This experience remains rather rare in the transborder countries. This is what I like about the Jardin des Deux-Rives located in Strasbourg and Kehl (the neighboring German city). This huge park of 150 hectares, inaugurated in 2004, is located on the French and German banks of the Rhine. It is worth the detour for a family walk with children, between friends or as a couple.
A beautiful footbridge designed by the architect Marc Mimram allows you to cross the river, to enjoy an original view of Strasbourg and Kehl, and to watch the barges go by.
The mini thematic gardens of the Jardin des Deux-Rives
But before that, I suggest you discover some pretty little themed gardens surrounded by hedges. They can be discovered by taking a path on your right, shortly after the entrance to the Jardin des Deux-Rives on the French side. The first of them invites you to test your balance on stumps and between colored posts. The second one is inspired by Alice in Wonderland, and in the third one, you will come across a hobbit house!
A little further on, the Human Rights Garden houses a sculpture in homage to the Strasbourg artist Tomi Ungerer. I won’t say more, to leave you with some surprises. As you continue your walk, you can take a break at a children’s playground.
Follow the path along the Rhine towards the bridge and take time to observe the many colorful paintings on the ground. They were made by students from schools in Strasbourg and Kehl and translated into different languages.
A magnificent view from the observation tower
Once you have crossed the Rhine, you are in Germany! Follow the banks on your right for a few hundred meters and follow the “Blaue weg” (blue path). This one will lead you to a playground on the theme of water and the sea. It is very popular with children in the summer, who can swim and have fun.
Don’t miss to climb the wooden observation tower of Kehl, a few meters further. The 220 steps are worth it, with a 360° view of Strasbourg, Kehl, the Black Forest, the Vosges and the Rhine.
There is a beer garden near the playground and the tower, where you can have a bite to eat or a drink in the spring. You can also take a walk in the small center of Kehl. Food and hygiene products are much cheaper than in France. And for the language, no worries: here, everyone speaks French!
Many other small gardens, games, sculptures or commemorative steles can be found in the Jardin des Deux-Rives, both on the French and German sides. It’s up to you to discover them…
I liked
- Small thematic gardens
- The view from the observation tower in Kehl
- Crossing to Germany in a few minutes with the bridge
- This symbol of reconciliation between France and Germany
I liked less
- Public toilets are often closed 🙁
My photos of the Jardin des Deux-Rives
Practical information
Rates
Access to the Deux-Rives garden is free 🙂
Schedules
You can find the opening hours of the garden here.
Access
By car
The address is: rue des Cavaliers, 67100 Strasbourg. Count approximately :
- 76 km from Colmar (about 1 hour)
- 118 km from Mulhouse (about 1h20)
By public transport
Tramway line D (Port du Rhin stop) or bus linesus 2 and 21 (Jardin des Deux Rives stop)
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