Strasbourg is not just meant to be walked through in the cobbled streets of the city center. As a local, I much prefer to hop on my bike as soon as the sun comes out. The city is flat, safe, and offers incredible green escapes within twenty minutes of the center. Here are my must-visit stops for a ride that combines nature, history, and relaxation, without getting lost in tourist clichés.

Bike Path of the Canal de la Bruche

Bike Path of the Canal de la Bruche Address: 2 Quai du Canal de la Bruche, 67200 Strasbourg Google Rating: 4.5/5 (89 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Open 24/7 This is the ideal starting point if you want to quickly escape the urban hustle. This sports infrastructure runs alongside a historic canal and offers a wide, well-maintained path that is less crowded compared to the main roads. It’s flat, it’s green, and it’s perfect for riding without constantly looking over your shoulder. Residents from the Meinau or Koenigshoffen neighborhoods regularly come here for jogging sessions or family outings.

Ill Bruche Urban Nature Park

Ill Bruche Urban Nature Park Address: 67200 Strasbourg Google Rating: 4.6/5 (32 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Open 24/7 Located in the east of the city, this park represents a preserved wetland of vital importance. It is not a French garden with lawns trimmed to perfection, but a true ecosystem. People come here to observe local wildlife, especially migratory birds. Access is often from the previous bike path, creating a very pleasant natural loop. The silence is relative, replaced by the sounds of nature, providing a sharp break from the noise of the road.

Parc de l'Étoile

Parc de l'Étoile Address: 1 Parc de l'Étoile, 67100 Strasbourg Google Rating: 4.2/5 (8551 reviews) Website: http://www.strasbourg.eu/ View on Maps Hours: Monday 08:30 – 17:30, Tuesday 08:30 – 17:30, Wednesday 08:30 – 17:30… Located near the train station and the Esplanade district, this park is more formal. It features interesting landscaping with its geometric paths. However, be mindful of the limited opening hours during the day, unlike the other natural spaces mentioned here. It’s a popular passage for students from the nearby university and people working in the surrounding offices for a quiet lunch break. The mature trees provide welcome shade as soon as the first rays of sun appear.

Jardin des Deux Rives

Jardin des Deux Rives Address: 67000 Strasbourg, France Google Rating: 4.5/5 (8476 reviews) View on Maps Hours: Monday 09:00 – 19:00, Tuesday 09:00 – 19:00, Wednesday 09:00 – 19:00… This is undoubtedly the most symbolic experience of cross-border cooperation. The garden stretches on both sides of the Rhine, connecting Strasbourg to Kehl in Germany. You can cross the Simone Veil footbridge by bike or on foot. The layout is modern, with play areas, picnic spots, and stunning views of the river. It gets crowded on nice days, but the space is large enough not to feel cramped. Take the opportunity to grab a coffee on the other side, in Germany, before heading back.

Île-du-Rohrschollen Nature Reserve

Île-du-Rohrschollen Nature Reserve Address: 67100 Strasbourg, France Google Rating: 4.4/5 (590 reviews) Website: https://reserves-naturelles.strasbourg.eu/ile-du-rohrschollen/ View on Maps Hours: Open 24/7 For wildlife lovers, this is the ultimate sanctuary. Accessible via the bike path along the Ill, this island is a protected area where biodiversity thrives. You must stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing nesting birds. The atmosphere is mystical, especially early in the morning or at the end of the day. You rarely encounter many people, which enhances the feeling of being in a true natural space rather than on the outskirts of a large European city.

Parc de l'Orangerie

Parc de l'Orangerie Address: Parc de l'Orangerie, 67000 Strasbourg Google Rating: 4.6/5 (19123 reviews) Website: https://www.strasbourg.eu/lieu/-/entity/sig/2305_ENV_372/parc-de-l-orangerie View on Maps Hours: Monday 07:00 – 20:00, Tuesday 07:00 – 20:00, Wednesday 07:00 – 20:00… This is the historic green lung of the city, located in the European quarter. With nearly 20,000 reviews and an excellent rating, it attracts both tourists and locals. The free zoo integrated into the park is a major attraction, especially for families with young children. The ponds allow you to see storks, flamingos, and various aquatic species. The paths are wide, ideal for leisurely biking, and the lush vegetation provides a refreshing coolness during summer heatwaves.

Parc du Heyritz

Parc du Heyritz Address: Chem. du Heyritz, 67100 Strasbourg Google Rating: 4.4/5 (1692 reviews) Website: https://www.strasbourg.eu/lieu/-/entity/sig/1682_ENV_370/parc-du-heyritz View on Maps Hours: Open 24/7 Less known than the Orangerie, the Parc du Heyritz is a hidden gem located near Neuhof. It’s a very popular spot for fishing and peaceful walks. The central pond is surrounded by century-old trees that create a tranquil atmosphere. Unlike more central parks, it’s less crowded, making it an ideal spot to read a book on a bench or take a meditative break. Access is free and permanent, allowing visits at sunrise or sunset.

Fort Kléber

Fort Kléber Address: Rue du Fort Kléber, 67202 Wolfisheim Google Rating: 4.5/5 (1066 reviews) Website: http://www.wolfisheim.fr/decouvrir/parc-fort-kleber.htm View on Maps Hours: Monday 08:00 – 18:00, Tuesday 08:00 – 18:00, Wednesday 08:00 – 18:00… To end your ride, head to Wolfisheim, just west of Strasbourg. This decommissioned military fort has been transformed into a public park. The moats are either dried up or turned into water features depending on the seasons, and the ramparts offer unusual perspectives. It’s a place of memory and relaxation, with well-shaded picnic areas. Entrance is free and the atmosphere is very family-friendly. It’s the perfect conclusion to a day of biking, away from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

Practical Information

The Strasbourg cycling network is dense and secure. To access these locations, prefer dedicated bike paths rather than the road.

• Transport: Tram B takes you close to the Parc de l'Orangerie (stop Orangerie). For Fort Kléber, take tram B to Hoenheim and walk or take a bike from a bike-sharing service. The Jardin des Deux Rives is accessible via tram line D (stop Étoile Polygone) followed by a short walk or bike ride.
• Average Hours: Most parks open between 07:00 and 09:00 and close between 17:30 and 20:00 depending on the seasons. Nature reserves and some paths remain accessible 24/7, but visibility may be reduced at night.
• Insider Tip: Avoid the Parc de l'Orangerie on Sunday afternoons in summer, it’s too crowded. Prefer the Parc du Heyritz or the Île-du-Rohrschollen for some peace. Always bring water, as fountains are not available everywhere in natural areas.