Jardin des Deux-Rives (Garden of the Two Banks)
The Jardin des Deux-Rives is a cross-border public park of about 40 hectares, shared between Strasbourg in France and Kehl in Germany, on both sides of the Rhine. Opened in 2004, it links its two halves with a footbridge reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. You cross the border on foot, among the lawns: a European walk in the literal sense.
One park, two towns, two countries
The garden stretches over both banks of the Rhine: about 25 hectares on the French bank, in Strasbourg, and 15 hectares on the German bank, in Kehl. The idea of a shared garden emerged in 1995. On the French side, the land had hosted a racecourse from 1925, then a public park. Work began in 2002 and the garden opened in April 2004 for a Landesgartenschau, a German regional garden show held for once across the border.
Marc Mimram's footbridge
The link between the two banks is a footbridge designed by the Paris architect Marc Mimram. Reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and accessible to people with disabilities, it consists of two decks that meet in the middle of the river at a viewing platform. It is a natural place to pause, watch the barges go by and take in both countries at once. The park itself was designed by German landscape architect Rüdiger Brosk, around a circular layout.
Temporary gardens and lawns by the Rhine
The French part has 19 temporary gardens, often water-themed, which give the walk a common thread. Between them, wide lawns slope down to the river and draw families, joggers and picnickers from both sides of the border. The park holds the EcoJardin label. Since 2005 it has also been the setting for an open-air concert by the Strasbourg Philharmonic Orchestra, the “symphonie des Deux Rives”.
By tram to the Rhine, and even to Kehl
The garden is easy to reach from central Strasbourg: tram line D stops at Port du Rhin on the French side and has run to Kehl Bahnhof, in Germany, since 2017; bus line 2 also serves the area. You can therefore arrive on one side and leave from the other, crossing the park and the footbridge on foot. A nice half-day idea: wander through the garden, then explore the centre of Kehl, the neighbouring German town.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Jardin des Deux-Rives in France or Germany?
Both: it is a cross-border park, with about 25 hectares in Strasbourg, France, and 15 hectares in Kehl, Germany, linked by a footbridge over the Rhine.
How do I get there from central Strasbourg?
On tram line D, to Port du Rhin on the French side or Kehl Bahnhof on the German side. Bus line 2 also serves the area.
Can I cross the Rhine by bike?
Yes, the garden's footbridge is reserved for pedestrians and cyclists and is accessible to people with reduced mobility.
What else is there to do around the garden?
On the German side, the centre of Kehl is a few minutes away. On the French side, Parc de la Citadelle and its Vauban remains lie on the way back to the city centre.
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