Is the Jardin des Deux Rives free to enter?

Yes, the Jardin des Deux Rives is a public park and is free for all visitors. It is a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy nature and cross-border views without any admission fee.

How long does it take to walk this route?

The full walk typically takes between 2 and 3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend in the gardens. The distance covered is approximately 5 to 6 kilometers.

Is this walking tour Strasbourg suitable for children?

Absolutely, the route is very family-friendly. The Jardin des Deux Rives has several large playgrounds and plenty of open space for children to run, and the paths are stroller-accessible.

What is the best time of day for this walk?

Late afternoon is ideal, as the sun sets over the river and the lighting on the Passerelle des Deux Rives is particularly beautiful. It also allows you to enjoy the park before it gets too dark.

Are there places to eat along the Rhine walk?

Yes, there are cafes near the Bassin d'Austerlitz and a few options in the Port du Rhin neighborhood. For more variety, you can cross into Kehl, Germany, where there are many restaurants near the riverfront.

Is the walk accessible for people with limited mobility?

Yes, the terrain is mostly flat and the paths are paved or have fine gravel. The cross-border pedestrian bridge is equipped with ramps, making it accessible for wheelchairs.

What should I bring on this self-guided walk?

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. Since much of the route is near the water and open parkland, a windbreaker is recommended, even on sunny days, as it can be breezy by the Rhine.

Crossing Borders: The Jardin des Deux Rives Walk | Self-Guided Walking Tour

About This Guided Walking Tour

Imagine standing with one foot in France and the other in Germany, separated only by the flowing waters of the Rhine. This self-guided walk through the Port du Rhin neighborhood offers a profound look at how a once-fortified border transformed into a symbol of European unity. As you explore this waterfront landscape, you will witness the shift from industrial grit to green serenity, following a route that highlights the shared history of Strasbourg and its German neighbor, Kehl. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to see a different side of the city, away from the medieval timber-framed houses of the center and into the heart of modern, geopolitical Europe. The journey begins at the Bridge of Europe, a site of immense historical weight that now serves as a busy thoroughfare for commuters and travelers alike. From there, the path leads you along the Rhine River Bank, where the scale of the river’s importance to European trade becomes clear. The centerpiece of the route is the Jardin des Deux Rives, a sprawling cross-border park that serves as a literal common ground for citizens of both nations. You will have the opportunity to cross the iconic Passerelle des Deux Rives, an elegant pedestrian bridge that represents the architectural and political bridge-building of the 21st century. As you move back toward the city interior, the walking route explores the Bassin d'Austerlitz. Once a strictly industrial zone, this area has been revitalized into a vibrant urban space where historic warehouses meet modern glass architecture. Finally, you will learn about the Port de Strasbourg, the second-largest river port in France, which continues to drive the region's economy. This walking tour Strasbourg provides a unique perspective on how nature and politics intertwine to create a peaceful, shared future. Whether you are interested in the engineering of the Rhine or the peaceful atmosphere of the riverside gardens, this self-guided adventure offers a refreshing and thought-provoking experience.

Tour Highlights & Things to See

Cross the border on foot via the elegant Passerelle des Deux Rives
Explore the Jardin des Deux Rives, a park spanning two countries
See the industrial-turned-modern architecture of Bassin d'Austerlitz
Learn about the Rhine's role as a vital European waterway
Experience the symbolic Bridge of Europe
Discover the scale of France's second-largest river port

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour.

Tour Stops & Points of Interest (6)

1

Bridge of Europe

Welcome to the Pont de l'Europe, or Bridge of Europe. This isn't just a piece of infrastructure; it is a powerful symbol of post-WWII reconciliation. Opened in 1960, it replaced older structures destroyed during the conflict. As you look across the water, you are looking at Kehl, Germany. For centuries, this crossing was a point of tension and military strategy. Today, thousands of people cross it daily for work and leisure without ever showing a passport. It serves as the primary road link between Strasbourg and Germany, embodying the spirit of the European Union where borders have become permeable lines on a map rather than barriers.

2

Rhine River Bank

Standing here by the Rhine, you are at the edge of one of the world's most important commercial waterways. The Rhine has shaped the history of Europe for millennia, serving as a natural border for the Roman Empire and a contested prize in numerous wars. Take a moment to observe the flow of the water and the large river barges that frequently pass by. These vessels carry everything from grain to industrial components, linking the North Sea to the heart of the continent. The management of this river is a collaborative effort between the nations it touches, reflecting a shift from competition to cooperation.

3

Jardin des Deux Rives

The Jardin des Deux Rives, or Garden of the Two Shores, is a unique 150-acre park created for the 2004 cross-border garden festival. It was designed to literally bridge the gap between Strasbourg and Kehl. Notice how the landscape flows seamlessly, encouraging visitors to forget which country they are currently in. The park features various circular garden 'rooms' and vast open meadows. It serves as a living laboratory for European integration, where French and German families picnic together and share the same public space. It’s a place where the scars of the past have been covered by meadows and playgrounds.

4

Passerelle des Deux Rives

This striking pedestrian and cyclist bridge, designed by architect Marc Mimram, is the true highlight of the park. Its twin-deck design is both a feat of engineering and a poetic gesture. The two decks meet in the center at a wide platform, symbolizing the meeting of two cultures. Walking across this bridge, you can pause in the middle of the Rhine with one country behind you and another ahead. It was inaugurated in 2004 by world leaders as a testament to peace. The bridge's light, airy structure is intended to contrast with the heavy, armored history of this border zone.

5

Bassin d'Austerlitz

As we move inland toward the Bassin d'Austerlitz, you'll see the results of a massive urban renewal project known as the 'Deux Rives' development. This former industrial dockland has been transformed into a trendy residential and cultural hub. Look for the massive red-brick building—the former Seegmuller warehouse—which now houses media libraries and tech startups. This area represents Strasbourg’s future, blending its maritime heritage with modern urban living. The cranes you see are often preserved as historical monuments, reminding us of the thousands of tons of goods that were once moved by hand and machine on these very docks.

6

Port de Strasbourg

Our walk concludes at the edge of the Port Autonome de Strasbourg. Established in 1926, this is the second-largest river port in France after Paris. It is a massive industrial engine, covering over 1,000 hectares. While much of our walk has focused on nature and peace, this stop highlights the economic reality that makes Strasbourg a regional powerhouse. The port handles millions of tons of cargo annually and is a key node in the Rhine-Main-Danube canal system. It stands as a reminder that the river is not just for scenery; it is the lifeblood of the city's industry and its connection to the global market.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can easily walk across the border via the Passerelle des Deux Rives. This pedestrian bridge connects the French side of the Jardin des Deux Rives in Strasbourg to the German side in Kehl. The walk takes only a few minutes and offers great views of the Rhine.