Dresden's green lung, this magnificent park is one of the Dresden people's favourite places to get some fresh air, take the kids to the zoo, canoe and bike. Created in 1676 under the reign of John George III of Saxony, designed as a French-style garden, Grosser Garten offers many opportunities for entertainment and rejuvenation. A simple walk through the garden's groves, adorned with charming Baroque sculptures and populated by red squirrels, is enough to change the visitor's scenery. The highlight of the walk is undoubtedly its little steam train, driven by children and teenagers only!

The summer palace (Sommerpalais). In 1680, the architect Johann Georg Starckes built a baroque palace in the heart of the garden to host numerous summer festivities: theatre, music, dance, fireworks... it is decorated with sculptures representing scenes from Faust. Original Baroque sculptures are on display on the ground floor. The palace is closed to the public except for temporary exhibitions and special events.

The little train (Parkeisenbahn). Inaugurated on June ¹, 1950, the day of the Children's Day (Tag of the Kindes) under the communist regime, this adorable little train pulled by a steam locomotive is a delight for young and old alike. The circuit, 5.5 kilometres long, allows you to discover the park without having to walk too long. The Parkeisenbahn is a rather special kind of company, because it is run by volunteer children who are trained to become train drivers, gatekeepers, controllers... and operate with great seriousness, pulled to four pins in their small uniforms.

Canoe rental. On the Carolasee (Lake Carola), you can can canoe with swans and ducks from spring to autumn. You can also eat by the lake in the Biergarten of the Carolasee.

Kavaliershäuser (riders' houses). The Grand Jardin originally had eight small one-storey attic houses, built in 1693-1694 by the architect Johann Friedrich Karcher. There are only six left today. You can see several of them around the large pool, in front of the Summer Palace. During the first half of the 19th century, these houses were rented to private individuals; the painter Oskar Kokoschka lived in one of them from 1917 to 1923.

The zoo. Unauthorized in 1861, it is one of the oldest zoos in Germany. You can admire 2,000 animals and 300 species spread over 13 hectares.

The mosaic fountain (Mosaikbrunnen). In the southwestern part of the garden, don't miss this beautiful Art Deco fountain built in 1926 by the expressionist artist Hans Poelzig, on the occasion of the International Garden Exhibition.