Located at the foot of the Fourvière Basilica, the Jardin du Rosaire is both a must-see place to stroll and one of the best spots to admire Lyon from above. Classified as a historic monument and popular with walkers all year round, it underwent extensive restoration work in January 2026. The work will restore this iconic site to its former glory, but in the meantime, it also invites visitors to (re)discover other parks in Lyon that also offer superb panoramic views of the city.
The Jardin du Rosaire – a historic garden undergoing a renaissance
©VisiteLyon
Created at the end of the 19th century, at the same time as the Basilica of Fourvière, this 2.5-hectaregarden is inseparable from the history of the hill. Born from the merger and extension of two former Stations of the Cross, it originally hosted processions dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Today, it remains an essential passageway to reach the basilica, while offering spectacular panoramic views of Lyon.
With nearly three-quarters of its surface areaclassifiedas a historic monument, the Rosary Garden is currently undergoing extensive restoration, led by RL&A in collaboration with the French government. Approved in 2024, the project began in January 2026 and is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2027.
The objective is clear: to preserve the heritage, restore a more legible historical interpretation of the site, and enhance the diversity of vegetation, all while respecting the 19th-century spirit that defines the identity of the place.
Where can you enjoy the most beautiful panoramic views of Lyon while the work is underway?
While the Jardin du Rosaire is getting a makeover, Lyon has no shortage of other spots to enjoy the view. On Fourvière hill, the Jardin des Curiosités remains a sure bet for admiring the city, with unobstructed views of the Saône, the Presqu’île, and the rooftops of the city center, in a contemporary and peaceful setting.
A little further away, the Parc des Hauteurs allows you to extend your stroll on the heights. Connecting several green spaces between Fourvière and Saint-Just, it offers superb views of Lyon along its paths, and sometimes as far as the Alps when the weather permits.
On the Croix-Rousseside , the panoramas are just as impressive. The more discreet Parc de la Cerisaie charms visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and open views of eastern Lyon, while the wilderbalmes de Fourvière reveal unexpected perspectives of the city along their natural trails.
There is plenty to admire in Lyon from its most beautiful viewpoints, while we wait for this iconic garden to regain its full splendor by 2027.