Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Orangerie Park, located in Strasbourg in the Neustadt district, is a 26-hectare public park bounded by the avenue de l'Europe, the boulevards of the President Edwards and the Orangerie, and the Marne Canal on the Rhine. Its origin dates back to plans attributed to André Le Nôtre (1801), sometimes to the engineer Antoine du Chaffat (1735), but its major development took place in the German era. In 1804, the Josephine Pavilion, named in tribute to Empress Josephine de Beauharnais, was built to house 140 orange trees confiscated during the French Revolution. These trees came from the castle of Bouxwiller and symbolized imperial prestige.

The park experienced a significant expansion during the industrial and artisanal exhibition in Strasbourg in 1895, during which time an artificial lake and a waterfall were dug, integrating the site with the Neustadt. The Josephine Pavilion, which was listed as a historic monument in 1929, was destroyed by fire in 1968 before being reconstructed in the same way. The park, classified in 1993, now houses remarkable elements such as the Buerehiesel (the 17th-century half-timbered house transplanted in 1895), greenhouses, and sculptures such as Gaenseliesel (1899) or Hercules stunning the lion.

The Orangerie Park is today a place of relaxation and culture in Strasbourg, offering various activities: mini-farm, stork reintroduction centre, playgrounds, sports grounds, and boat rental on the lake. It retains three of the original oranges, visible in its greenhouses during public openings. Other assets include restored fountains (such as the charmille in 2012), kiosks, and glaciers. The site, labeled EcoJardin, illustrates the French and German heritage of Strasbourg, between historical heritage and contemporary use.

The park's architecture combines multiple influences: the Josephine Pavilion (1807, rebuilt in 1968 by Robert Will), the Buerehiesel (1607, dismantled and reassembled in 1895), and the Temple of Love (early nineteenth century). Landscape developments, such as the rock waterfall (circa 1895) or the aisles redeveloped in 2013, reflect urban developments in Strasbourg. Close to the European institutions, the park also embodies the link between local history and the international dimension, while remaining an accessible and living green space.

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