The Best Parks In Lyon You Should Visit

The picturesque and historical Lyon is a city that offers much to explore, and the same is true of its parks. Green spaces are certainly not lacking in Lyon, whether they be large gardens or smaller city parks, and are perfect oases to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Ideal for having picnics, doing exercise, visiting a zoo, or simply enjoying the surroundings, Lyon’s parks are excellent spots to spend some free time.

1. Parc de la Tête d'Or

Botanical Garden, Park, Zoo

Parc de la Tête d’Or

Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of France’s largest parks, with an area of 290 acres, and has been open to the public since 1857. This park is a true breathing space in the city and is a splendid place to take a walk and enjoy some fresh air. With a beautiful lake on which boating is possible in the summer, three rose gardens, a zoo, huge greenhouses, a botanical garden and a velodrome, the Parc de la Tête d’Or offers attractions for everyone.

Parc de la Tête d’Or, Lyon, France

Flower Parc de Gerland | ©Julien REBOULET/Flickr

2. Parc de Gerland

Botanical Garden, Park, Skate Park

Parc de Gerland

The Parc de Gerland, otherwise known as the Parc du Confluent, is another of Lyon‘s wonderful green spaces and runs along the River Rhône. This area is the perfect place to relax, play sports, and enjoy the beautiful flora, as it has a cycle path, a skate park and a botanical garden called ‘Megaphorbiaie’. The Parc de Gerland is also home to one of Europe‘s biggest fog systems. With so much to offer, the Parc de Gerland is a fantastic place to spend the day with family or friends.

Parc de Gerland, Allée Pierre de Coubertin, Lyon, France

3. Parc Sergent Blandan

Park

Parc Sergent Blandan

Located between the 3rd, 7th, and 8th arrondissements of Lyon, the Parc Sergent Blandan is the most recent addition to the city’s parks, having been opened in 2013. Three distinct and unique areas make up the park: the northern area is suitable for multiple purposes, the southern area is a nature zone, and the central area is a panoramic park. When in Lyon, don’t miss out on exploring the city’s newest oasis.

Parc Sergent Blandan, 37 Rue du Repos, Lyon, France

Parc de la Cerisaie | ©RadishSlice/WikiCommons

4. Parc de la Cerisarie

Park

Parc de la Cerisarie

The Parc de la Cerisarie historically was part of the property owned by the Gillet family and was designed in 1913 and sold to the city 60 years later. A large house was built in the center of the park, which today is where the Villa Gillet cultural institution is based. Nowadays, the park is a great attraction for locals and visitors of Lyon with its green lawns, playgrounds, exercise areas, a sculpture trail, and even a vineyard.

Parc de la Cerisaie, Lyon, France

5. Parc du Vallon

Park

Parc du Vallon

Lyon’s fourth-largest park is the Parc du Vallon, offering over 11 hectares of greenery. Its size and location on the hill La Duchère makes it the perfect spots for families to spend a day out, enjoying the views over the city. With spacious pastures, winding paths, a pretty stream, and information points explaining the flora and fauna of the area, the Parc du Vallon is a superb choice of park for those who want to explore the nature of Lyon.

Parc du Vallon, Boulevard de la Duchère, Lyon, France

6. Parc de Parilly

Park

Parc de Parilly

Parc de Parilly is another of Lyon’s parks that is worth visiting, stretching out over 178 hectares of land. Since 1937, the park has offered locals a luscious green space to enjoy the outdoors and play sports. Currently, the Parc de Parilly offers a hippodrome, running tracks, football and rugby pitches, volleyball, cricket, and handball courts, and a path perfect for rollerblading. For any sports-lovers in Lyon, the Parc de Parilly is the place to go.

Parc de Parilly, 36 Boulevard Emile Bollaert, Bron, France

Basilique de Fourvière | ©MickaëlG/WikiCommons

7. Parc des Hauteurs

Park

Parc des Hauteurs

The Parc des Hauteurs is a city park located on the Fourvière hill in Lyon. This small green area is an oasis in Lyon and links up to the Fourvière Basilica as well as leading along to the banks of the River Saône. This park is in fact the gardens of the rosary in which beautiful flowers and trees grow, including roses and hortensias. Because of its convenient central location, it is considered one of the prime tourist stops in Lyon.

Parc des Hauteurs, Esplanade de Fourvière, Lyon, France

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