The Orangerie Park is where Strasbourg goes to take a deep breath. It has been a favourite strolling place for residents since the 18th century, it has been on France’s list of Historical Monuments since 1993, and it covers at least 26 hectares on the edge of the European quarter, close to the Parliament. The park is an unusual mixture of two garden traditions. The 18th-century part follows the French style, with geometric paths and clipped avenues, while a century later landscapers added the winding paths, lawns and tall trees of the English style, so a walk takes you from formal order to romantic wildness in a few minutes. At its heart stands the Joséphine Pavilion, built in 1807 to house a collection of orange trees, which gave the park its name, and dedicated to Empress Joséphine. It now hosts exhibitions and temporary events. Nearby, an artificial lake with a waterfall was created for the Industry and Crafts Exhibition of 1895, and in good weather boat rides are offered on the small lake. The park is also a favourite haunt of storks, the symbol of Alsace, which nest in the area and are often seen on the lawns and treetops, a delight for children and photographers. Playgrounds, cafés and wide lawns make it popular with families, while joggers and picnickers fill it on warm weekends. The park is a public space and is generally free to enter. In spring the blossom, in summer the shade and in autumn the colours make each season distinct, and the mix of open lawns and secluded corners means the park rarely feels crowded even when plenty of people are enjoying it.
How to visit
The park lies on the Avenue de l’Europe, near the European district, and the easiest way to reach it is by tram line E, getting off at the Droits de l’Homme stop. From the cathedral it is a walk of about thirty minutes through the Neustadt, which is a sightseeing walk in its own right, passing the grand imperial buildings of the German era. Entry is through several gates and the park is open daily, with closing times that change with the season, so check at the gate if you plan an evening visit.
What to expect
The park is large, so choose a loop rather than trying to see everything. A leisurely circuit of the lake, the pavilion and the main avenue takes about an hour, and a picnic on the lawns can easily fill an afternoon. Weekends in good weather bring crowds, but weekday mornings are peaceful.
Boat rides on the lake run in fine weather only. Dogs are admitted under conditions, so check the signs. In winter the park is quiet and stark and can be wonderful on a frosty morning, although the pavilion exhibitions and the boats may be closed.
Making the most of it
Combine the park with a visit to the European Parliament, which is a short walk away, and with the longer Batorama circuit that passes through the European quarter. Pack a picnic from the markets of the old town, and look up for storks. If you are with children, the playgrounds and the open lawns are a welcome break from museums and churches, especially during the Christmas market period, when the old town is crowded and the park offers a calm alternative on a sunny weekday afternoon.
What to expect
The experience
A walk through a listed park of French and English garden paths, past the Joséphine Pavilion and the lake, with boat rides in fine weather.
Best time
A sunny weekday morning in spring or summer, when the lawns are quiet and the storks are active.
How long
One to two hours, longer with a picnic.
Tips
Take tram line E to Droits de l’Homme, bring a picnic and check the gate for seasonal closing times.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families, picnickers and anyone who needs a green break from museums and churches.
- Families
- Playgrounds, wide lawns, the lake and the chance of spotting storks make it a good family stop.
- Couples
- A slow circuit of the lake at the end of the afternoon.
- Pair with
- The European Parliament and the longer Batorama circuit through the European quarter.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Where is the Orangerie Park?+
On the Avenue de l’Europe, near the European district. Take tram line E to the Droits de l’Homme stop.
Is the Orangerie Park free?+
The park is a public space and is generally free to enter. Boat rides on the lake and events in the pavilion may be charged separately.
What is the Joséphine Pavilion?+
A pavilion built in 1807 to house orange trees and dedicated to Empress Joséphine. It now hosts exhibitions and temporary events.
Can I take a boat on the lake?+
Boat rides are offered on the small lake when the weather is nice.
Can I see storks in the park?+
Storks, the symbol of Alsace, are often seen in and around the park, particularly in spring and summer.
