Lyon is a beautiful city surrounded by nature, which makes it all the more exceptional! But don’t worry, you don’t have to go far to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. We invite you to discover or rediscover the wonderful walks to be had in Lyon. Even though strolling through Lyon’s neighborhoods is one of the most pleasant things you can do, a little greenery goes a long way! That’s why, with spring’s fine weather just around the corner, we’ve decided to put together a selection of our favorite gardens and parks to take a stroll in.
1. Parc de la Tête d’Or
How could we not start with the big boss of all Lyon’s parks and gardens? We’re talking about the beautiful – and vast (105 hectares!) – Parc de la Tête d’Or. Designed on the model of English gardens, it boasts a 16-hectare lake, a splendid botanical garden and a zoological park (the second to be created in France after the Menagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris in 1793) home to giraffes, zebras, pink flamingos, farm animals, Florida tortoises… What’s more, its Botanical Garden houses an impressive collection of 15,000 plant species!
📍Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon, France
2. Rosa Mir Garden
Away from the most touristy areas, the Jardin Rosa Mir is a poetic work of art not to be missed in Lyon. Classified as a Historic Monument since 1987, its confidential access and discreet location between the city walls at 87, Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse give it an atypical, almost solemn spirit. Made of stone mosaics and shells, it bears witness to an exemplary architectural mastery that is unique in Lyon. A real favorite. If you’re curious, note that this garden is the “life’s work” of Jules Senis.
📍 87 Grande Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon
3. Jardin des Chartreux
At the foot of the Croix-Rousse slopes, former farmland has been transformed into a splendid park, home to Osage orange trees and weeping beeches. This is the Jardin des Chartreux, which stretches from the Cours du Général Giraud to the Quai Saint-Vincent, and can be crossed via the winding Passage Gonin. The garden’s main attraction is its panoramic view: at its highest point (212 meters above sea level), visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Saône, Fourvière and the south of the city. And if you like quests, the garden is dotted with statues of Lyonnais men of letters; look out for them!
📍 36 Cours Général Giraud, 69001 Lyon
4. Jardin du Rosaire
Romantic as can be, the Jardin du Rosaire is best visited in spring, when its many green arches are in bloom, and especially its rose garden, a must-see with unrivalled charm. And don’t forget your good shoes: it’s a tough climb! Nevertheless, you’ll enjoy a lovely view of Lyon, including the Left Bank, the Part-Dieu towers and, depending on your sense of direction, the Basilique de Fourvière. Sheltered from the hustle and bustle of the city, this quiet, restful spot is the perfect place to recharge your batteries.
📍 43 Montée Saint-Barthélémy, 69005 Lyon
5. Jardin des Curiosités
Jardin de Montréal, Jardin du Belvédère, Jardin des Curiosités: what if we told you they were all the same garden? All these names are found at 8, place de l’Abbé Larue, where one of Saint-Just ‘s best-known gardens welcomes you on no less than 6000 m2. Donated by the city of Montreal (hence one of its nicknames) on the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of Lyon-Montreal cooperation in 2000, it houses six chairs-sculptures set into the ground (the work of a Quebec sculptor) and overlooking the magnificent panorama of the city. In reciprocation, a garden donated by Lyon was inaugurated in Montreal in 2000!
📍 8 Place de l’Abbé Larue, 69005 Lyon
6. Le Jardin de la Bonne Maison
In La Mulatière, perched on the hillside of Sainte-Foy-les-Lyon, lies a treasure hidden behind discreet walls:the Jardin de la Bonne Maison. In this one-hectare family garden, over 800 varieties of rose thrive peacefully, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
📍 99-101 Chemin de Fontanières, 69350 La Mulatière