The park was designed for the 2004 Landesgartenschau, a German horticultural exhibition, and the concurrent French festival.
The Passerelle des Deux Rives bridge deck is suspended without any central pillars in the river to avoid interfering with Rhine shipping traffic.
The park's total surface area of 150 hectares makes it one of the largest public parks in the Strasbourg metropolitan area.
Because it spans an international border, the park is technically located in two different countries simultaneously.
The landscape architecture utilizes natural wetlands to manage the Rhine's fluctuating water levels.
The Jardin des Deux Rives is a sprawling transboundary park that spans the Rhine river, connecting Strasbourg, France, and Kehl, Germany. The centerpiece of the park is the Passerelle des Deux Rives, a 387-meter-long pedestrian and bicycle bridge designed by architect Marc Mimram. This bridge serves as a symbol of Franco-German reconciliation, allowing visitors to cross the international border seamlessly. The park covers approximately 150 hectares of green space, featuring manicured lawns, wooded groves, and expansive walking paths. It hosts various cultural events and installations throughout the year. The landscape design on both riverbanks emphasizes integration with the natural floodplains of the Rhine. Visitors can explore both the French side, managed by Strasbourg, and the German side, known as the Garten der zwei Ufer.
The center point of the Passerelle des Deux Rives bridge, capturing the symmetrical view of the park extending into both countries.
Bring a bicycle to fully traverse both the French and German sides, as the park is extensive.
Check the wind conditions on the bridge before crossing, as it can be significantly windier on the open span than in the park grounds.
Carry identification, as you are crossing an international border, even if border checks are not currently in effect.
Do not expect heavy shade in the central bridge area or the open meadows, as these areas are fully exposed to the sun.
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians on the bridge and follow designated lane markings.
