Orangerie, Robertsau and Jardin des Deux Rives Rhine Walk

The Orangerie, Robertsau and Jardin des Deux Rives walk is a flat urban route of about 9 km one way that links the Parc de l'Orangerie in northern Strasbourg with the Rhine border and the German town of Kehl, in the Bas-Rhin department of Alsace, in the Grand Est region of France. The start is at the Parc de l'Orangerie on the Allee de la Robertsau, the oldest and largest park in the city, laid out in the seventeenth century and later associated with the Pavilion Josephine. The park lies close to the European institutions, including the Council of Europe and the European Parliament districts. Access is by tram E to the Parc de l'Orangerie stop, and the walk ends at the Jardin des Deux Rives, where tram D provides the return and continues across the Rhine to Kehl. There is no elevation gain, and surfaces are mainly paved paths, park gravel and riverside tracks, with some grassy sections. Shade is plentiful in the Orangerie and Robertsau woods but sparser along the open riverfront near the end. Landmarks on the way include the Orangerie lake and its storks, the leafy Robertsau district with its old farm and market gardening heritage, the Rhine waterfront and the Passerelle des Deux Rives, the footbridge that crosses the Rhine to Germany. Walkers who plan to cross the bridge should carry passport or ID, since border controls can be applied. The recommended turn-around or exit points are the tram stops along the route, which allow the distance to be shortened at will. Water can be bought at cafes in the Robertsau and at the Jardin des Deux Rives, and benches and picnic areas are frequent, but there are no mountain huts. The Jardin des Deux Rives has playgrounds, lawns and public art, and offers shelter at nearby cafes in poor weather. The route suits relaxed walks of about 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours and combines green spaces with views of the border river.