Lyon Parks and Gardens

(Lyon, Rhône Alpes, France)

Lyon's many parks and gardens are delightful havens in which to take stroll or watch the world go by. Whether you choose to relax under the shade of trees in one of the city's squares or to sample the numerous attractions of the biggest park in Lyon, the Parc de la Tête de l'Or, it's easy to forget that you're still at the heart of a busy city.

Many of Lyon's best parks can be found in the old Croix Rousse district, where they continue to delight visitors. Information about the main parks and gardens is below.

Parc de la Tête de l'Or

Address: Boulevard des Belges, 69006, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 4 7889 0203
The Parc de la Tête d'Or is Lyon's largest park and one of the most popular places for visitors to head at the weekend and during warm summer days. The head of gold in the park's name is reputed to be that of Christ. What's more, it is said to be hidden somewhere in the grounds of the park. Whether or not the legend holds any truth, there is no shortage of attractions for visitors to this 260-acre / 105-hectare green space. These include a zoo, a magnificent rose garden, botanic greenhouses, and a beautiful lake complete with its own island.
Open hours: daily, April to September - 06:00 to 23:00
Admission: free

Parc des Hauteurs

Address: Montée Nicolas-de-Lange, 69005, Lyon, France, FR
Built on the site of an abandoned funicular line and viaduct, this hillside park's footpaths are a pleasant place to go for a stroll. The park also features an observation table to help visitors identify landmarks in and around the city of Lyon.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jardin Rosa Mir

Address: 83 Grande Rue de la Croix Rousse, 69004, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 4 7839 2628
Dotted around this unusual small garden within the Croix Rousse district of Lyon are numerous sculptures, all created with a naturalistic theme in mind. The creator of this park is said to have been influenced by the surreal work of Facteur Cheval in nearby Hauterives.
Open hours: April to November - 15:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Parc de la Cerisaie

Address: 25 Rue Chazière, 69004, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 4 7827 0248
A fine 19th-century mansion sits at the heart of this park. Once the home of one of Lyon's richest industrialists, it's now used as a showcase for art created within the city. Visitors taking a stroll around the park can also discover a number of outdoor sculptures.
Open hours: April to May - 07:00 to 19:00; June to September - 07:00 to 22:00; December to March - 08:00 to 18:00
Admission: free

Jardin des Plantes

Address: 12 Rue du Jardin des Plantes, 69001, Lyon, France, FR
Tel: +33 4 7828 8677
This small public park continues to delight visitors who make the effort to climb up into the Croix Rousse district of Lyon. Originally home to the city's botanical greenhouses, these have since been moved to the Parc de la Tête de l'Or.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Jardin du Rosaire

Address: Montée Saint Barthélémy, Esplanade de Fourvière, 69005, Lyon, France, FR
Visitors choosing to walk up Fourvière Hill may like to take time out to stroll around this peaceful garden. Plenty of seating is available, with shady areas out of the sunshine.
Open hours: daily, October to March - 09:00 to 18:00, April to September - 8:00 to 21:00
Admission: free