Top 5 Parks To Visit In Lyon

Our Local Expert Says:

This beautifully landscaped park should not be missed on a visit to Lyon. Mature lush greenery, cultivated flower gardens, an outdoor zoo and a romantic boating lake, all accessed via grand tree lined pedestrian walk ways that may leaving wishing you were accessorized with a parasol and 19th century perambulator.

Description:

Visitors entering the lovely Parc de la Tête d'Or may find it reminiscent of locations used in a multitude of English period dramas; in fact, the park design was inspired by traditional English gardens, but landscaped on a very grandiose scale. Covering 105 hectares, the park includes a large man-made boating lake, which covers roughly one quarter of the park area. The lake features an enigmatic island area which can be accessed using an underground tunnel (closed after 5pm), or used as a landing spot for boaters. The rest of the park includes large green spaces with mature flora, a zoo, botanic gardens and tropical greenhouses. Access to the park and all mentioned attractions (excluding boat hire) are provided free of charge. To experience the most enchanted entrance to Parc de la Tete d'Or, take a walk along the tree lined river Rhône and enter the park through the 'Enfant du Rhône' gate.

Description:

The 'Parc Chambovet', located just between Bron and Lyon's 3rd arrondissement, has an immense space of grasslands stretching over 58000 m2 (ideal for picnics and spur of the moment football matches), as well as jungle gyms for children and a more traditional public garden. It's close to the medical centre, and is the perfect place to reinvigorate yourself every day of the week.

Description:

Following the example of the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, the Rosa Mir Garden is a place where the marvelous and the artistic mingle into one. A mason, Jules Senis Mir, built this stunning place in honor of his mother. It is something in between a private garden and a small temple consisting of naturalistic art: there are concrete sculptures with shells pressed into them, and untouched forests. The style employed in its construction shows heavy Catalonian influences, espcially modernist in nature. Admission is free. Hours vary seasonally; check website for more details.

Description:

Chemin de Fontanières is one of the ancient Roman roads that lead to Lyon. In the 19th century the privileged bourgeoisie built their homes along it. One of these vast private mansions has a garden that looks as though it has come straight out of Alice in Wonderland, even though it is very close to the housing estates of La Mulatière. This unexpected floral paradise is hidden from view on the slopes of the hill. It has a perfect lawn and roses in all shapes and sizes: climbing varieties, a pergola by the house, rose bushes. All around there is a multitude of different bushes and climbing plants. The garden is open in March, April, May, June, September and October only.

Description:

Standing on the verge of the western side of the Croix-Rousse hill, the Parc Chazière is a pocket of gorgeous nature and large grassy areas where families come to stroll around, picnic and get some relief from the city. There are play areas for children as well as art sculptures all throughout the parc. Each spring, the Parc Chazière hosts the outdoor festival Les Intranquilles, featuring events such as readings, concerts and other cultural events. If you are around during september, the Parc Chazière even has its own vine, which the locals come harvest before making the wine on the Croix-Rousse square the next weekend. A neighborhood family event surely not to be missed!