Île aux Épis

Île aux Épis is a river island in Strasbourg situated between the Rhine on the east and the Vauban and René Graff basins on the west. The northern portion contains industrial operations including a malting facility and steel works, while the southern section features housing and green spaces.

In the late 18th century, this site served as a neutral border zone where Marie-Antoinette was ceremonially handed over between French and German territories in 1770. This exchange highlighted its location as a crossing point between the two realms.

The southern part hosts residential neighborhoods and the Garden of Two Rivers, which connects French and German territories across the water. This green space serves as a meeting point between the two sides, making the shared border landscape visible to visitors.

The island is accessible by car or bicycle across multiple bridges, with the southern section offering walking paths and green areas. The industrial northern zone is generally not open to the public, so plan your visit around the accessible southern portions.

Below the water surface lie numerous submerged groynes built perpendicular to the current to slow the Rhine's flow. These hidden structures are a critical part of managing the river's behavior at this location, even though visitors cannot see them.