“Friendship has no borders” is what they say here at Jardin des Deux Rives. This garden symbolizes the bond between France and Germany. Are you ready to explore this unique park that straddles two countries?
Jardin des Deux Rives spans 40 hectares. It beautifully connects France and Germany. The French section covers 25 hectares. The German side occupies 15 hectares.
The stunning cable-stayed bridge is a highlight. Marc Mimram designed it. The bridge almost erases the border concept. World leaders even met here during the NATO summit in 2009. Locals enjoy walking or biking across it in the evenings.
Once, this area was desolate. Now, it is a vibrant space. Even a tram service runs here. The Jardin des Deux Rives differs from other Strasbourg parks.
The French entrance is near the equestrian center. Here begins the Planet Trail. Planets of the solar system align the path. They are represented at a scale of 1 to 16 billion. The Sun and Neptune are 281.5 meters apart. The trail ends at the Mimram bridge.
The Jardin des Deux Rives is divided into several sections. The large esplanade is simple. It offers vast stretches of lawn. Children can cycle or scoot here. Kites fly when the wind rises.
The nooks and crannies are more interesting. You’ll find playgrounds and picnic tables. There are even self-service barbecues. The themed gardens are fun. They sit to the right of the bridge.
The first garden offers sun loungers. It is a small natural haven. A wooden playground is nearby. Next, enter the Flower Game. Colorful wooden stems rise from the ground. Wooden logs form a snail shape.
The Garden of Treats has oversized items. Jam jars tower over you. Climb garden chairs to sit. Orchards evoke childhood memories.
In the Child’s Dream, mushrooms transform into houses. A winding path leads to the Smurfs’ world. Climb to the cabin and waterfall. Observe plants from the pier.
The Water, That’s Life garden feels arid. It resembles Andalusia or Mexico. A plastered wall has small windows. They allow discreet views of cacti. A thin stream of water flows by.
The Franco-German Human Rights Garden encourages free expression. Schools from both countries created it. See the iron silhouette of Tomi Ungerer. This Strasbourg artist is popular with young people. A small hill displays giant crayons.
The Mimram bridge links France and Germany. Cyclist and pedestrian lanes meet. The platform erases any sense of border. In 2009, Barack Obama, Nicolas Sarkozy and Angela Merkel gathered here. Standing 10 meters above the Rhine feels European. Some couples attach padlocks to seal their love.
Germans and French cross paths naturally. On the other side, Jardin des Deux-Rives becomes der Garten der zwei Ufer. The path leads to the rose garden. It also leads to Kehl’s city center.
You can stroll along the Rhine. To the North is Kehl station and Villa Schmidt. To the South is a water play area. The Weisstannenturm is also in this direction.
At the foot of the bridge, artworks symbolize Franco-German friendship. Joseph Fromm’s statue depicts two people hugging. It opens a lovely view of the Rhine and the bridge.
The Weisstannenturm is in the German section. This wooden tower stands 44 meters high. Climb it for views of the Rhine, the Black Forest and the Vosges. It is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
So take a moment and appreciate the unique blend of cultures and landscapes around you here at Jardin des Deux Rives.