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The Josephine Pavilion, south-east façade, in the center of the park. Photo By Jonathan M –

Top 10 Remarkable Facts about Parc de l’Orangerie

Parc de l’Orangerie is a public park located in Strasbourg, France. It is part of the Orangery district and is opposite the Palais de l’Europe. Though uncertain, the park is said to have been planted in the early 1800s.

The 26-hectare park is bordered by Canal de la Marne au Rhin to its north, Boulevards du President Edwards to the South, Avenue del Europe to the West, and Francois Xavier-Ritcher to the East.

Parc de l’Orangerie is the town’s oldest park and was named a historical monument in 1993. Throughout its years it has been redeveloped once. Its historical data is available to tourists in the information center at the western edge of the park on Avenue de l’Europe.

The park has two restaurants, ice cream stalls, and a lake where tourists can enjoy water activities such as boat riding. In addition to these, the park has a sports field, zoo, vintage children’s car circuit, small farm, a preserved Russian orthodox church and a bowling alley. The park is the habitat for the migratory white stork species.

1. The Total Area Of Parc de l’Orangerie Is Over 20,000m²

Parc de l’orangerie is the most popular park in Strasbourg. It has an English-style design with its irregularly placed gardens and unnaturally shaped trees.

The park was increased in size during the 1895 industrial and craft exhibition in Strasbourg. The half-timbered Buerehiesel, water features, fountains, and bridges were added to the park during this expansion. As it stands, the park covers an area of 26 hectares.

2. The Orangery District Was Named After Parc de l’Orangerie

The Orangery District is one of the districts in Strasbourg and is part of the Orangeries Complex Council of XV. It was named after the Parc de I’Orangerie which is the largest park in the district.

The Orangery District is famous for hosting consulates and diplomatic European institutions. Despite this, it is essentially a residential district that is sought after by prominent officials and wealthy families.

3. It Is Unknown When Exactly Parc de l’Orangerie Was Planted

Parc de l’Orangerie. Photo By Guilhem Vellut – Wikimedia Commons

There are two existing theories regarding the history of Parc de l’Orangerie. On one hand, sources claim that Engineer Antoine du Chaffat was responsible for the proposed plan of the park. His proposal, Plan Of Strasbourg, It’s Citadel And Fort Of Kehl With All Its Works That ‘Este’ Built During The Peace, was drawn in 1735. The plan represented both German (Kehl) and French (Strasbourg) City layouts and proposals.

On the other hand, different sources state that Andre Le Notre, a landscape architect, was the originator of the actualized plan of Parc de l’Orangerie. Andre was the King’s principal gardener and was responsible for designing the Palace of Â鶹APP gardens. The park is said to have been planted in 1801.

4. Its Artificial Lake Was Dug Up Nearly A Century After The Park’s Construction

Lake At Parc de l’ Orangerie. Photo By Richieman- Wikimedia Commons

During the German period, a grand exhibition was held in the city of Strasbourg. At this time, the park had been in existence for about 94 years.

The exhibition brought about the expansion of the park adding water features such as the lake and its cascades. Animals such as ducks and swans swim on the lake during the day. Moreover, tourists can enjoy a boat ride

5. The Josephine Pavillion In Parc de l’Orangerie Was Destroyed By A Fire 

Josephine Pavillion at Parc de l’Orangerie. Photo By Edelseider – Wikimedia Commons

The Josephine Pavilion was marked as a historical monument 64 years before the classification of the entire park in 1993. In 1968, a fire broke out and burnt the pavilion to the ground. It was rebuilt and repurposed for use and currently is a venue for hosting city exhibitions and events.

6. It Was Renovated In The 21^st Century

Between 2012 and 2013, the Parc de l’Orangerie was redeveloped. The park fountain, which had been destroyed by a fallen tree, was restored in 2012. The alley of Orangerie Josephine and the alley of Platanes were renovated in 2013.

The park design was well thought providing adequate street lighting, pagollas, and street chairs.

 7. Parc de l’Orangerie  Is Home To The Stork Bird

The stock bird is a symbolic representation of the cultural region of Alsace. Due to industrialization and urbanization, the bird species was nearly extinct in the 1800s. It was successfully reintroduced into Parc de l’Orangerie in 1971.

Since then, more than 800 bird species have been born resuming breeding in other European countries. In 1994, the stock bird was listed as one of the least concerned species by the International Union For Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

8. The Park Has An Array Of Activities

Boats along Lake of Parc de l’Orangerie. Photo By Christina – Wikimedia

Parc de l’Orangerie is full of interesting activities. It has a bowling center at the Buerehiesel timber house. Animals such as ostriches, monkeys, and parrots are found in the zoo, West of the park. Tourists are allowed to feed the ducks and swans on the lake.

The children’s playground is equipped with swings, obstacles, and sandboxes. The park is also an ideal place for birdwatchers and outdoor picnics. Residents of Strasbourg often patriciate in jogging and cycling along the designated walkways.

9. It Has The Iconic Goose Girl Of Gottingen Sculptor

The Gaenseliesel statue, also known as the Goose Girl of Gottingen, was originally designed by Heinrich Stockhardt for the city council of Germany. It was the most celebrated icon of Gottingen and was put up as a form of protection and good luck.

The Gaenseliesel sculptor at the park is a duplicate of the original statue. The statue was put up in 1994 by Patrick Baily-Maitre-Grand.

10. The Thief Well In Parc de l’Orangrie Is One Of Maitre-Grand’s Popular Works

Le Puits Valeur, The Thief Well, is a temple-like structure found in Parc de l’Orangerie. It was constructed by Patrick Baily-Maitre-Grand, a well-known photographer and painter and is one of his popular works.

The 2.5-meter structure has four pillars and a dome-shaped rooftop. Its vault is decorated with numerous stars. The structure is a decorative representation of contemporary European art.