Strasbourg Parks and Parliament Spectacular

This is a gorgeous and multi-varied run incorporating Strasbourg’s major parks and gardens, some canal paths, and a jaunt up to the European Parliament.

We start at the entrance to the city’s most impressive park, the flower-filled Parc de l’Orangerie, which dates to the 17th century. Run up the central allée and then do a jaunt around the paths back, about 2 km in the park. Then run along Rue Touchemolin toward the Bassin des Ramparts, and then south on the canal path for nearly 1.5 km before hitting the Parc de la Citadelle, where a 1 km loop includes a nice pond. After another brief run along the Quai, turn RIGHT on Avenue du Général de Gaulle for 1 km, passing the Place de L’Esplanade (alternative: run through the University campus). Just past Blvd. de la Victoire, LEFT on Rue Schoch into the Botanical Garden, enjoying 1 km along the lovely landscaped paths. The there are two options:

SHORT ROUTE. For a 10.7 km route, at the end of the Botanical Gardens, turn RIGHT on the Quai Rouget-de-Lisle, and run along the canal path for a little over 1 km, then turning Parc de l’Orangerie on the Quai de l’Orangerie, which skirts the perimeter of the park.

LONG ROUTE. Adds 2 km and includes the Parc Contades, Tivoli Square, and Parliament. At the end of the Botanic Garden, head west onto Av. Alsance and the small bridge, then bearing right into Park Contades, with 0.5 km of pleasant paths. Out the northern end, passing Place du Quebec, Tivoli Square, and then turning RIGHT on the Allée du Printemps, to the modernist European Parliament building. Bear LEFT on Rue Lucien Febvre, over the canal, and then RIGHT on the canal path, passing the European Court of Human Rights, crossing back over to the Quai de l’Orangerie to complete the run.