Kaysersguet and Lieu d'Europe

Kaysersguet is an estate in the Robertsau district, north of Strasbourg: a neoclassical villa and its public park, home since 2014 to the Lieu d'Europe, an information and exhibition centre devoted to the building of Europe. Together with the neighbouring European quarter, it has held the European Heritage Label since 2015. A good stop for understanding Europe before visiting its institutions.

A publisher's villa turned city property

The estate takes its name from Heinrich Ludwig Kayser, a German publisher and founder of the newspaper Neueste Nachrichten, who owned the neoclassical villa from 1891 to 1926. That year the property passed to the City of Strasbourg. From 1946 it was linked to Paul Wach, whose family lived there until 2006, hence its other name, Villa Wach. The estate stands at the corner of allée Kastner and rue Boecklin, at 8 rue Boecklin.

Lieu d'Europe, Europe explained

Chosen by the city in 2010, the Lieu d'Europe project opened in 2014. It introduces European culture and citizenship through a permanent exhibition, “The European project: from dream to unity”, and a programme of cultural events. After renovation and extension work that closed it from March 2023 to March 2024, it reopened its doors. It makes a good introduction, suited to families and curious visitors alike, before walking past the European Parliament.

A late 19th-century park

Around the villa lies a park laid out in the late 19th century, long private and then opened as a public garden on 26 September 2009 under the name Parc Henri-Louis Kayser. You stroll in the shade of tall trees, in the atmosphere of a country house rather than a municipal garden. A small curiosity: the terminus of tram line E was built on the estate's former kitchen garden. The park offers a green pause among the buildings of the European quarter.

On the doorstep of the European quarter

In December 2015, Kaysersguet and the surrounding European quarter received the European Heritage Label, a distinction that highlights sites that played a part in the history and building of Europe. A visit pairs naturally with a walk to the European Parliament, the Palais de l'Europe and the Parc de l'Orangerie. The Robertsau, a residential district with a village feel, also invites you to carry on towards its natural areas.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Kaysersguet?

In the Robertsau district, north of Strasbourg, at 8 rue Boecklin, on the corner of allée Kastner, close to the European quarter. The terminus of tram line E is right next to it.

What is the Lieu d'Europe?

A centre housed in the villa since 2014 that presents European culture and citizenship through a permanent exhibition and cultural events. It reopened in March 2024 after renovation.

Is the park open to the public?

Yes, Parc Henri-Louis Kayser has been a public garden since September 2009. Opening hours are not given here, so check on site or with the city.

What can I see nearby?

The European Parliament, the Palais de l'Europe and the Parc de l'Orangerie are within walking distance. Further north, the Robertsau leads to the Robertsau forest nature reserve.