Jardin des Deux Rives

The Jardin des Deux Rives is a riverside garden on both banks of the Rhine, in the Port du Rhin district of Strasbourg, in the Alsace area of France's Grand Est region, linked to the German town of Kehl. It was created as a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation and opened in 2004 when the two cities held a joint garden festival. The park is reached via Rue du Rhin Napoléon, and the French and German sides are joined by the Passerelle des Deux Rives, a graceful pedestrian and cycle footbridge with a sweeping steel arch over the Rhine. Walking across the footbridge is the highlight, as visitors cross the border on foot in a few minutes and can look along the river towards the Vosges and the Black Forest. The gardens include lawns, tree-lined paths, play areas, water features and picnic spots, with sculptures and a cafe or kiosk in season. Visitors can walk or cycle through both parks, and the route continues into Kehl, where restaurants and shops are a short walk from the German end. A visit takes about one hour, longer with a picnic or a stroll into Kehl. The garden is free and open at all times. It is reached by Tram D to Jardin des Deux Rives, the terminus for the line in this direction. The park is quiet on weekday mornings and busiest on sunny weekends when families and cyclists arrive. Afternoon and sunset give the best light across the river and the footbridge, and spring and summer bring the gardens into bloom. Visitors who cross the border should carry identification, as a passport or ID card may be useful, although checks are rare in practice within the Schengen area. The location is well suited to a relaxed evening walk away from the crowds of the old town.