Parc de l'Orangerie: the storks and the lake
The biggest park near the centre: a lake, the Pavillon Joséphine and white storks in the open. The Strasbourg family outing, free, fifteen minutes by tram.
This is the Strasbourgers' own park: twenty-six hectares of paths, a lake with rowing boats, a neoclassical pavilion and, above all, white storks in the open, watched at very close range on the nests perched all around. Its excellent Google rating, on a very large number of reviews, says enough about what the city thinks of it.
What is there
The lake and its boat hire, the Pavillon Joséphine, which hosts exhibitions, playgrounds, a vintage car circuit for children and a bowling alley. The old zoo, closed in 2022, has given way to L'Arche de l'Orangerie: the former petting farm has become MICADO, open by registration only, and a care centre for wild animals is due to open on the site in the years ahead. White storks are visible all year: the park played a part in bringing the species back to Alsace.
Getting there
Tram line E, stop Droits de l'Homme or Boecklin, about fifteen minutes from the centre. On foot from the cathedral, allow thirty-five minutes along the quays, pleasant but long with children.
When to go
On a weekday morning if you want quiet, on a Sunday if you want the atmosphere. The park is open all year and never closes its paths, which makes it a fine winter walk too.
Sources: Google Maps data collected in July 2026 (rating, reviews, address, opening hours), City of Strasbourg notices. Hours and prices change: check the day before you visit.
Frequently asked questions
Can you see storks at the Parc de l'Orangerie?
How do you get to the Parc de l'Orangerie from the centre?
Théo Lindner
Théo grew up between Strasbourg and the Vosges. He walks every route before publishing it, times every leg, and would rather cut a stop than pretend a day is longer than it is.
