A giant mirror for tired people
The lake in the Orangerie park is essentially a very large and very flat mirror. On a good day, the water is so calm that it perfectly reflects every branch and leaf of the trees surrounding it. It is quite impressive how the surface manages to capture the green plants so clearly. If you are tired of looking at other people, you can just stare at these reflections instead. It is a bit like looking at a painting that someone forgot to finish. The water does not move much, which is great for your mental health and even better for your photos.
A lake with a bit of history
This lake did not just appear out of thin air. It was artificially created as part of the park’s expansion during the late nineteenth century. Specifically, it was dug out around 1895 when Strasbourg was under German rule. They designed it to look natural, even though every curve was carefully planned by engineers. It has stayed largely the same since then, serving as a backdrop for thousands of awkward first dates and family picnics.
Shallow water and simple secrets
You might think the lake is a deep and mysterious abyss, but it is actually quite shallow. In most parts, the water is only about one metre deep. You could probably stand up in it, though the mud at the bottom would make that a very disgusting experience. Because it is an artificial basin, it does not have a natural current to keep it clean. This means the city of Strasbourg has to step in to stop it from becoming a giant bowl of green soup.
Keeping the water from smelling
The maintenance of the lake is the responsibility of the city’s green spaces department. They have to manage the water levels and deal with the algae that loves the sun. Sometimes they use mechanical systems to circulate the water and add oxygen. They also have to clean out the rubbish that people drop. It is a never ending battle against gravity and human laziness. The workers do a decent job of keeping it looking blueish rather than brown, which is all we can really ask for.
Dealing with the Sunday crowds
The Parc de l’Orangerie is not exactly a secret. When the sun comes out, it feels like every person in Strasbourg has decided to visit at the exact same time. The paths get crowded and the noise levels can rise quite quickly. However, the lake remains the best spot to find a tiny bit of space. Even when the park is packed, the water creates a natural barrier that keeps people at a distance. You can watch the rowing boats go past and feel superior because you are not the one doing the hard work. It is a lovely place to sit, as long as you do not mind the occasional loud teenager.
