Built to impress an empress in 1804, the Park of the Orangerie and pavilion still capture the hearts of all who pass through it.
The vast 2600 hectare park was dedicated to the wife of Napoleon, the beautiful Joséphine. It is both the oldest and largest park in the city of Strasbourg, and without a doubt the most popular for escaping to green lawns and soothing waters.
There is something for everyone at the Park of the Orangerie, part of its enduring appeal for over two centuries. The lake invites summer canoers to test their rowing skills and the beautiful waterfall and pavilion calls out to the city’s romantics. Although the main audience is children, all ages are entertained by the Park’s monkeys and lynx at the zoo, barnyard animals at the petting-farm, and of course, the storks. The stork sanctuary provides a place for these white birds to grow and reproduce in peace. Sometimes they are even spotted free-flying and nesting in the trees. This section of the Park is open everyday from 10 am to 6 pm.
Tucked into the Park of the Orangerie is a gorgeous 17th century half-timbered house. Amazingly, the best part of the Buerehiesel is on the inside where the delights of this gastronomic restaurant await. The house was transported to its current location for the Universal Exposition of 1885. After remodeling in 1904, the restaurant began developing the menu for which it is now famous. Popular recommendations include schniederspaetle and frog legs fried with chervil, filet of pike with aromatic seasonings, calves’ sweetbreads roasted with croutons, and cassolette of preserved vegetable.
Orangeries came into popularity in the 17th and 18th centuries as a feature for Renaissance gardens belonging to royals and aristocrats. Once glass-making technology enabled the production of sufficient expanses of clear glass, citrus trees were grown in tubs and covered in order to survive the winter months.
For Strasbourg’s Orangerie pavilion to honor Joséphine, a beautiful white pavilion and central fountain was designed by Le Nôtre, creator of the gardens of Versailles. He also laid out the park’s paths in anticipation of the empress’ visit in 1804.
The location was selected in the most prestigious district in town made up of sturdy bourgeois buildings, hôtels particuliers, and lovely parks. Strasbourg's political centre is also in this area, including Palais des Droits de l'Homme (Palace of Human Rights), the European Parliament, and the European Council which opens onto the Park of the Orangerie, reflecting its glass façade in the water as you stroll past.
Avenue de l’Europe
Transport: Bus 6, 30 or 72 to Orangerie/Palais de l’Europe.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free
Children will want to see the zoo, petting farm, and storks. This section is open from 10 am to 6 pm daily.
Restaurant Buerehiesel in the Park
4 Parc de l'Orangerie
67000 Strasbourg
Tel : 03 88 45 56 65
Prices beginning at 46 euros
http://www.buerehiesel.fr/ (Available in English)
Other nearby attractions include the Palais de la Musique et des Congrès (Music and Convention Centre), the Maison de la Télévision (Television Centre), and the Wacken area, whose own convention centre hosts events like the Foire Européenne (European Fair), the Foire Saint-Jean (Saint John's Fair), and the Egast.
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By Kari Masson, a freelance writer for travel, cross-cultural, and expatriate-focused publications. More than 50 of her articles have appeared in North America, Europe, and Africa. If you are looking to add dynamic creativity to your publication, contact Kari at
www.jkmassonprint.blogspot.com