Le Jardin des Deux Rives stands as a remarkable symbol of Franco-German reconciliation, stretching across the Rhine River between Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany. This unique cross-border park has become not just a physical connection between two nations but also a vibrant hub for wellness and physical activity for communities on both sides of the river. Designed to promote active lifestyles while celebrating European unity, this 40-hectare green space offers visitors diverse opportunities to engage with nature and maintain their wellbeing in a historically significant setting.
The unique cross-border fitness environment
A symbolic space for franco-german active lifestyle
Le Jardin des Deux Rives represents more than just a typical urban development project; it embodies the shared commitment of France and Germany to create spaces that nurture both physical and social wellbeing. Designed by German landscaper Rüdiger Brosk and constructed in 2004, this park creates a village atmosphere where residents from both nations can come together in pursuit of healthy activities. The garden extends across 40 hectares in total, with 25 hectares on the French side and 15 hectares on the German side, offering ample space for various forms of exercise and recreation against the backdrop of the Rhine River.
Accessible recreational infrastructure for all ages
The garden has been thoughtfully designed to accommodate visitors of all ages and abilities. The inclusion of playgrounds distributed throughout the park ensures that children have dedicated spaces to engage in active play, fostering healthy habits from a young age. For adults and families, the varied terrain and open spaces provide excellent opportunities for casual sports and games. The park designers have ensured that visitors with reduced mobility can access the facilities, making this wellness space truly inclusive. The entire area serves as an extension of the broader green network in the region, connecting with other parks like Parc du Petit Rhin and Parc de la Citadelle to create an extensive recreational corridor along the Rhine.
Cycling and Pedestrian Networks Along the Rhine
The Iconic Passerelle Bridge as an Active Transport Link
At the heart of Le Jardin des Deux Rives stands the remarkable Passerelle pedestrian bridge, designed by Parisian architect Marc Mimram. This elegant structure does more than simply connect the French and German sides of the park; it serves as a vital artery for active transport, encouraging walking and cycling as alternatives to motorised travel. The bridge has become an iconic symbol of connectivity and sustainable mobility in the region. Each day, countless cyclists and pedestrians traverse this structure, enjoying panoramic views of the Rhine while engaging in physical activity. The design specifically accommodates both foot traffic and bicycles, reinforcing the garden's commitment to promoting active lifestyles across borders.
Dedicated Paths and Routes for Fitness Enthusiasts
Beyond the bridge, Le Jardin des Deux Rives features an extensive network of dedicated paths that weave through the landscape, creating perfect routes for runners, joggers, and walkers. These trails connect with the broader system of riverfront walkways, including the Citadelle quayside, Starlette quayside, and Rhineland walkway, offering fitness enthusiasts varied terrain and scenic vistas. The thoughtful design of these paths makes them suitable for different fitness levels, from casual strollers to serious athletes training for events. Many local running clubs and informal fitness groups regularly meet in the garden to take advantage of these well-maintained routes, strengthening both physical health and community bonds across the Franco-German border.
Green spaces and outdoor wellness opportunities
Natural Settings for Mental Wellbeing and Relaxation
The extensive green spaces within Le Jardin des Deux Rives contribute significantly to mental wellbeing alongside physical health. With the ambitious tree planting initiative that has added thousands of trees to the area, visitors can enjoy shaded areas and natural beauty that foster relaxation and stress reduction. The careful landscaping creates diverse environments within the park, from open meadows to more intimate garden spaces, allowing visitors to find settings that suit their mood and wellness needs. The connection to water through the Rhine River and various water features, including a distinctive water wall, adds another dimension to the sensory experience. The sound of flowing water combined with greenery creates an atmosphere particularly conducive to mindfulness practices and mental restoration.
Seasonal activities and outdoor exercise options
Le Jardin des Deux Rives transforms throughout the year, offering seasonal opportunities for outdoor exercise and wellness activities. During summer months, the park hosts cultural and musical events that encourage movement and social interaction. The German side features a water playground that provides refreshing exercise options during warmer weather. As seasons change, the landscaped gardens and tree-lined paths offer different experiences, from spring blooms that motivate outdoor walks to autumn colours that create picturesque running routes. Winter brings its own charm, with frost-covered landscapes encouraging brisk walks to maintain activity during colder months. This year-round accessibility, combined with free entry to the park, ensures that wellness opportunities remain available regardless of season or economic status.
Community health initiatives and social wellbeing
Cross-cultural fitness events and programmes
The garden has become a focal point for cross-cultural fitness events that bring together communities from both sides of the Rhine. Regular organised activities such as yoga sessions, tai chi classes, and group fitness challenges take advantage of the open spaces and inspiring surroundings. These programmes not only promote physical health but also foster social connections across national boundaries. The shared experience of exercise in this symbolic location reinforces the sense of European unity while contributing to public health. During special occasions like European Heritage Days, scheduled for September 2025, additional wellness activities and sports demonstrations are planned to highlight the importance of active lifestyles within the cultural heritage of the region.
The garden's role in promoting regional public health
Beyond individual fitness pursuits, Le Jardin des Deux Rives plays a significant role in broader public health strategies for the region. The park exemplifies how thoughtful urban planning and green space development can address contemporary health challenges like sedentary lifestyles and stress-related illnesses. Local health authorities from both France and Germany recognise the value of this space in promoting preventative health measures through regular physical activity. The garden connects with other health-promoting infrastructure in Strasbourg, including its extensive public transport network that makes accessing the park sustainable and straightforward. As part of the ongoing urban regeneration efforts in districts like Citadelle, Starlette, Coop, and Port du Rhin, the garden demonstrates how wellness-focused design can transform urban areas into healthier living environments for all residents, regardless of which side of the Rhine they call home.
Water-based activities and riverside wellness
The Jardin des Deux Rives stands as a magnificent Franco-German park spanning the banks of the Rhine river, creating a unique space where visitors from both Strasbourg and Kehl can enjoy various recreational activities. This 40-hectare park—with 25 hectares on the French side and 15 hectares on the German side—offers a brilliant setting for waterfront wellness pursuits. The pedestrian bridge designed by Marc Mimram serves as the physical link between the two nations, allowing both cyclists and pedestrians to move freely between the French and German sections of this splendid urban development.
Aquatic Sports and Recreation Along the Rhine
The riverside location of the Jardin des Deux Rives makes it a perfect spot for water-based activities. Visitors can take advantage of the Rhine's steady flow for various aquatic sports, whilst the park itself complements these activities with purpose-built sports amenities. The waterfront provides ample space for paddleboarding, kayaking, and casual swimming during the warmer months. The park forms part of a larger network of green spaces, including the planned conversion of the old Petit Rhin canal into parkland, linking the Neuhof forest with the Robertsau forest. This expansion will further enhance opportunities for water-based recreation across the area. A 'sports plain' within the development adds to the leisure facilities available to visitors seeking active pursuits.
Riverside relaxation areas and mindfulness spaces
Beyond active recreation, the Jardin des Deux Rives excels at providing tranquil spaces for relaxation and mindfulness along the riverfront walkways. The park features several gardens, artworks, and contemplative spaces where visitors can unwind whilst enjoying magnificent views of the Rhine. The German side boasts a water playground and a Biergarten, perfect for family outings and social gatherings. Three main walkways with river views—Citadelle quayside, Starlette quayside, and Rhineland walkway—offer scenic routes for peaceful strolls. The park's design incorporates extensive tree planting, with more than 2,000 new trees complementing the existing 1,000, creating shaded areas ideal for meditation and quiet reflection. During summer months, cultural and musical events transform parts of the park into vibrant cultural spaces, adding another dimension to the wellness experience at this symbolic place of European unity.
