A section of forest bordering Palanga beach was landscaped in 1897 by French garden designer Édouard-François André (1867-1942). More than 18km of cycle paths and footpaths wind among the neatly maintained pines and over 500 fragrant species. They lead to a beach, water features, statues, a rose garden, and the ancient pagan site of Birute Hill (Birutes kalnas). A small chapel now stands on this site, named Birute after the priestess who officiated here before being abducted and married to the Grand Duke Kestutis.