Lyon wears its history in stone and greenery alike. From the slopes of Fourvière to the modern riverbanks of the Rhône, the city offers a remarkable variety of outdoor spaces that feel less like simple parks and more like open-air living rooms.
Whether you are a local looking for a quiet lunch spot or a visitor trying to escape the urban rush, the green spaces here provide a perfect counterbalance to the dense Renaissance architecture of Vieux Lyon. Unlike many European cities where parks are merely decorative, Lyon’s gardens are deeply integrated into daily life.
You will see students studying on shaded lawns, families playing pétanque, and joggers tracing the waterways. The city’s unique geography—two rivers and two large hills—creates microclimates and scenic viewpoints that make each park feel distinct from the next.
Some of the best green spaces in Lyon are hidden behind ornate iron gates, while others stretch openly along the water. Many feature botanical collections, rose gardens, or remnants of historic estates. The diversity means there is a perfect spot for every mood, whether you want a lively social atmosphere or a secluded corner to read a book.
Accessibility is another strong point. Most of these parks are easily reached by metro, tram, or bicycle, and they often connect to larger green corridors that crisscross the metropolitan area. You do not need a car to enjoy a full day outdoors in Lyon, which makes these spaces especially valuable for short-term visitors and eco-conscious travelers.
In this guide, we have selected the most rewarding parks and gardens across the city, balancing famous landmarks with lesser-known local favorites. Each entry highlights what makes the space special, from panoramic views and historic monuments to playgrounds and picnic areas. You will also find practical advice on how to make the most of your visit at the end.
The following list covers the essential green escapes in Lyon, arranged by their appeal rather than any strict ranking. Use it as a starting point to plan your own outdoor itinerary, whether you have a free afternoon or an entire weekend.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
| Address | Boulevard des Belges, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 10 30 30 |
Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the most stunning parks I have ever visited. It is beautifully designed, exceptionally well maintained, and offers something for everyone. The atmosphere is peaceful, relaxing, and perfect for families.
The park features a large lake along with several smaller ponds, where you can rent pedal boats or electric boats. There are also bicycles and four-person pedal carts available for rent, making it a fun experience for both children and adults.
Throughout the park, you’ll find convenient kiosks offering delicious ice cream, slushies, snacks, fresh juices, water, and everything visitors might need during the day. The walking paths are wide, comfortable, and ideal for long strolls.
One of the highlights is the incredible variety of gardens. There is a beautiful rose garden, a botanical garden with dedicated sections for different types of plants, including aromatic plants, flowers, and many other botanical collections. The small zoo is another wonderful attraction, especially for families with children.
This is truly one of the best parks I have ever visited. It is beautiful, clean, thoughtfully organized, and exceptionally well maintained. A family could easily spend several days here without getting bored, thanks to the wide range of activities and attractions.
The only small suggestion for improvement would be to add more public restrooms throughout the park, as additional facilities would make the experience even more convenient for visitors.
My sincere appreciation goes to everyone responsible for maintaining this remarkable park. If you are visiting Lyon, I highly recommend adding Parc de la Tête d’Or to the top of your itinerary. It is an unforgettable place that should not be missed.
This is a large, beautiful park that we explored for just under an hour. The botanical gardens were closing not long after we arrived, so we only had time to walk through them briefly, but they were quite beautiful.
There's also a family area with a small fairground for kids, and we saw plenty of people jogging, cycling, or simply relaxing under the trees with a book. We didn't have time to explore the zoo, but it's easily accessible from within the park.
It's definitely worth visiting on a warm day if you're looking for a quieter place to relax and enjoy nature. We were especially struck by the variety of plants throughout the park. There are many different types of vegetation from a range of climates, and it was really interesting to see how much they grow and maintain there.
A very large green space near the center of Lyon. The main gate to the Parc is quite impressive, very large black iron gate with gold trimmings.
The parc itself has many walking/biking trails that circle the parc and also surround the lake. Many of the paths are shaded which is a plus when walking during the mid day sun.
There are many trees in the parc, very limited flowers. Walking under these massive trees is quite peaceful and shady, which is so nice. There are a few pieces of sculpture in the parc, they are beautiful to see.
The parc is very large, you could spend hours walking through the parc or around the lake.
Great spot to spend the afternoon.
A must-visit urban oasis!
Had a fantastic day at Parc de la Tête d'Or! It's massive, beautifully kept, and completely free to enjoy.
Free Zoo & Botanical Gardens: Amazing to see giraffes, zebras, and gorgeous plant collections without paying an entry fee.
Great for Picnics: Tons of spacious, peaceful green spots to roll out a blanket and relax.
Clean Facilities: Plenty of free public restrooms available throughout the park.
Highly recommended for a relaxed afternoon in Lyon!
It’s a very nice park with a lot of things to do.
It will be a great place for families as there so many things to do and entertain kids
But unfortunately, all the toilets we have tried we completely un maintained and not working
This is highly disgusting and other families were trying to even lose their business outside the toilet making it even dirtier.
Having working toilets is a minimum. With high temperatures in July, it’s completely unhygienic and smelling terribly bad around
That will be one of the highest priority for the management to make sure families, people will need to go like elderly, people with difficulties school go to decent toilets as we will expect in an average park.
Lyon Botanical Garden
| Address | 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM |
| Phone | — |
free entrance to this huge garden, was super quiet with not a whole lot of people. they have different sections with plants from all over the globe. they have little infographics about each plant (most in French but you can get the gist of them). would recommend bringing a book if you have time and maybe a mini chess set to play with a friend.
In a city full of parks and gardens like Lyon, this is probably the most beautiful of them all.
It offers a wide variety of plants from all over the world, numerous themed gardens, each with its own design (congratulations to the landscapers), and several greenhouses where visitors can admire/observe/study exotic plants which normally wouldn’t survive in France.
On top of all that, admission is free.
So, if you’re in Lyon, be sure to add the Botanical Garden to your list of things to do, and you won’t regret the experience.
Highly recommend a visit. It’s free and fun. So much to see.
It's simply unbelievable that such a gorgeous botanical garden is open to the public completely free of charge.
The park and the greenhouses contain innumerable plants from all over the world. In the middle of the city but away from the rush and noise you can easily spend some hours here, walking through the colourful flowers or sit in the shadow of old trees and just relax.
Enjoyed the visit a lot, very well taken care of. Entry free.
Jardin des Curiosités
| Address | 8 Pl. de l'Abbé Larue, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 69 47 60 |
Little peaceful corner that can be reached with an uphill walk from Presqu'ile after crossing the Kitchener Marchand bridge. This garden was donated by the city of Montreal to mark the 20th anniversary of the cooperation relations with Lyon. Probably one of the best panoramic views on the city.
Very beautiful place. The ideal location to take outstanding pictures and have a picnic. You can arrive very easily by bus and it’s a great option if you want to explore Lyon a little bit.
A lovely, quiet park overlooking Lyon. It's small, but a great place to relax. But I couldn't find any grocery stores or coffee shops nearby to grab refreshments.
Simply the best view over Lyon. With a calmer less touristy vibe than Fourviere’s.
If you're looking for a quiet and peaceful time by yourself or your friends in Lyon, this is THE best place to be hands down❤️❤️
Parc des Hauteurs
| Address | 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Tuesday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Wednesday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Thursday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Friday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Saturday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM Sunday: 7:45 AM – 6:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 69 47 60 |
Parc des Hauteurs names a walked sequence across Fourvière rather than a single enclosed park. From the basilica edge, paths, terraces and belvederes carry walkers through the Rosaire gardens, hillside viewpoints and lower approaches to Saint-Jean. The Passerelle and Chemin du Viaduc keep the trace of the old Loyasse line, the Tramway des Macchabées, giving the route a harder memory beneath its tree-level views. In the Rosaire section, old roses, hydrangeas, terraces and an orchard guide the descent from sanctuary slope towards the archaeological edge. Sacred ground, old transport, planted garden and city panorama remain separate, yet the park lets Fourvière’s pieces gather meaning in sequence, step by step.
A park with a view by Notre dame. Provides magnificent view of Lyon from the top of the hill.
If you are in the Vieux Lyon district and want to visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (or, conversely, if you are up at the basilica and want to go down to the old quarter), you have two options:
1. The fast but unpleasant option: by funicular. If you can’t stand crowds and/or unpleasant smells, it’s best to avoid it.
2. On foot — the more time-consuming and tiring option, but by far the more pleasant one.
Immediately below the basilica, you will pass through the small but beautiful Parc des Hauteurs, from where you can admire the monastic complex from below (an impressive view), as well as the city of Lyon at the foot of the hill.
A word of caution: the hill is quite steep, and the stairs in the old quarter may be too challenging for people with health or mobility issues.
I did not even realize i was in a park until i got there by mistake on my way to the cathedral. It is very quiet and has a nice flora ans view over the city. Great place to relax on your climb up.
As an international student in Lyon, Parc des Hauteurs quickly became one of my favorite escapes from the busy city. Hidden behind Fourvière hill, the park feels peaceful and almost secret, with paths winding between trees, gardens, and ancient Roman ruins. I love walking there after classes, especially in the evening when the view over the Saône River and the rooftops of Vieux Lyon is breathtaking. It’s not a huge park, but its charm lies in the quiet atmosphere, the small bridges, and the sense of history surrounding it. Sometimes I bring my books and study on a bench, other times I just sit with friends and enjoy the sunset. Compared to tourist-heavy spots like Place Bellecour, Parc des Hauteurs feels more intimate, a place where I can breathe, reflect, and feel connected to the city’s natural beauty. For me, it’s one of Lyon’s hidden treasures.
Jardin des Plantes
| Address | Rue Lucien Sportisse, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
I can't think of a better place to relax and be up close to nature, while staying in town. With the mountains in the background and a well-thought design, the botanical gardens are just beautiful. We walked through the different areas and learned a lot of things about the flora of South Africa.It's a great experience to share with friends and family, but also alone with a nice book.
This green space cannot be called a garden at the moment. It’s neglected, dirty and not welcoming at all. I suppose it might have been a nice garden and will need work to bring it back to have the feel of a maintained garden.
Nice place, but the surrounding gardens could have been better kept.
Nice garden, perfect for a picnic. Frequently someone is playing the guitar.
Minuses - the cars that are passing by all the time.
Lovely place, with a lot of music concerts around! Got a nice view too ^^
Jardin Rosa Mir
| Address | 87 Gd Rue de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: Closed Friday: Closed Saturday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 04 72 69 47 78 |
A truly beautiful garden, open only on Saturdays from April to October. The one day a week opening brings a large influx of people, and the wait is often very long. The passageway inside is very narrow, and often, with so many people inside, it's impossible to walk. I recommend arriving at the opening, so you can at least have some space. Otherwise, it's a little gem hidden among Lyon's buildings. Definitely worth a visit at least once 🙂
Original, good place to discover. This is a really cute garden with peculiar architecture. A pleasure to the eyes. This is an intimate place to see. Be carefull, this is open only Saturday starting at 14:00 until 18:00. The visit by yourself is roughly 20-30 minutes if you take your time.
They organize visits during the other day that need to be booked online.
Really nice little Garden, with very unique ornaments. Unfortunately very limited opening hours (only Saturday affernoons), so expect a queue that might be longer than your actual stay (We waited 25min for a 15min visit, but imo it was a absolutely worth it)
Jardin Rosa Mir is a hidden gem in the heart of Croix-Rousse. We had to wait for about 20 minutes to enter, but it was well worth it. This small garden is a peaceful oasis in the city. The only drawback is that it can get crowded, but the staff there does a great job controlling the flow, allowing only a certain number of visitors at a time. The garden is lush with a variety of plants and charming coquillettes. A delightful place for a serene escape within the city.🌿🌸
A beautiful Garden. Something like facteur Cheval build. Mir came from Spain in 1950. Build in memory of his Mother, Rosa Mir.
Parc de Gerland
| Address | All. Pierre de Coubertin, 69007 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 73 68 00 |
Beautiful park for a walk by the confluence.. play options for kids.
Beautiful parks with lots of trees and flowers. Water tap, fitness free installation and playground for kids.
Place clean thanks to very good work of public team.
Good place for excerce along the parc !!
Peaceful parc. Many activities can be done ✔️
Not bad are for a walking!
Jardin de la Grande-Côte
| Address | Mnt de la Grande-Côte, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 72 69 47 60 |
Jardin de la Grande-Côte sits on the old climb between lower Lyon and the Croix-Rousse plateau. Before it became a garden, this line carried movement up the Pentes, later entering the textile world of weavers and canuts linking workshops with merchants below. Its present openness has a more unsettled origin. In the 1970s, houses on the upper montée were demolished under a renewal scheme opposed by residents defending the old canut quarter. Later design turned that cleared break into stairs, planted slopes, a garden and a broad stone esplanade. From the top, the route opens into a view across Lyon, while the mulberries along the climb keep the silk memory rooted in the route below.
The esplanade provides a breathtaking panorama of Lyon's peninsula.
What a beautiful spot to catch the sunset. Great views of the city and La Basilique
One of the best sightseeing of the city! Perfect place to spend a good moment and to watch the start of the sunset.
A haven of coolness and tranquility in the heart of the Croix Rousse district of Lyon. Lots of benches to relax . Great view from the Esplanade.
Roseraie Internationale
| Address | 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 37 47 23 75 |
A perfect rose garden
Formal enough to be impressive and casual enough to be intimate.
Located in the huge Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon’s International Rose Garden is the largest and most elegant of three rosaries spread quite far apart.
We had the good fortune of visiting in May when the roses were in peak bloom. The variety is not only in colors but also in sizes and shapes. I’ve grown roses for 50 years and had no idea some of those cultivars existed or were even possible.
Visit with a loved one. It’s beautiful, educational, and romantic.
Nestled within the sprawling beauty of Lyon's Parc de la Tête d'Or, the Roseraie Internationale is a truly enchanting destination. This magnificent rose garden is a vibrant tapestry of color and fragrance, offering a serene escape from the city bustle.
Home to an astonishing collection of rose varieties from around the world, the Roseraie is a joy to explore. Paths wind through meticulously maintained beds, each bursting with blooms of every conceivable hue and form. The air is thick with the sweet, intoxicating scent of roses, creating a truly immersive sensory experience.
Well maintained park. Excellent to go for a morning run, an evening stroll or evening spend a lazy afternoon. Don't forget to take along you camera!
It's not a plain old Park. It has some elements of beauty hidden among the healthy tree bushes. I'd definitely not miss this park if I were somewhere close by.. Again..
Just gorgeous! Many roses in full bloom! Nice landscaping and gazebos.
Nice place to chill and smell some roses.
Jardin Archéologique
| Address | 5 Rue des Estrées, 69005 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 72 77 69 69 |
When a planned courthouse extension opened the ground north of Saint-Jean Cathedral, it exposed the buried layout of Lyon’s first Christian centre. Excavations from 1972 to 1977 uncovered a tight episcopal complex arranged near the Saône: Saint-Jean for the bishop’s liturgy and councils, Saint-Étienne growing from the baptistery and episcopal font, and Sainte-Croix serving the surrounding parish. The city bought the land and turned it into an open-air archaeological garden, later classified as a Monument historique. Today the rectangular, terraced plot keeps the ruins in situ. Paths and panels help pick out the baptistery’s circular trace, Sainte-Croix’s apse fragments, a freestanding arch and low wall lines in the grass, turning scattered masonry into a readable map of early Christian Lyon.
There is almost nothing left to see here—just a few fragments of the old walls and part of a portal.
In fact, most of the photos you find online are not of the archaeological site itself, but of nearby tourist attractions.
There is no point in planning a specific route to visit this place. If you wander through the streets of Vieux Lyon, you will come across it anyway.
🌳 Special small park in downtown Lyon 🏙️🌳
In downtown Lyon, a park so dear, 🌳🏙️
Where tranquility reigns, crystal clear. 🌿
Remnants of a cathedral, from the past, ⛪️🏰
Whispers of history that forever last. 📜🌟
A view of Notre Dame, atop the hill, 🌅⛪️
A sight that fills the heart, a thrill. 🌆💖
For locals, a haven to stroll and play, 🚶♂️🎶
Where laughter and dance color the day. 💃🎵
Tourists too, find joy in this place, 🌳🚶♀️
A moment of respite, a smile on their face. 😊🌅
🌟AJ suggests to park🌟
Grow more flowers 🌺🌼🌻
A quick visit is worth it, especially since it's so close to other sites. Amazing to think of all the history behind that spot.
Nice place to visit!
Parc de la Cerisaie
| Address | 25 Rue Chazière, 69004 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 69 47 60 |
Really nice and chill park away from the city with a great view and occasional events
It's rather quiet and not big, but for someone who like that it's very nice.
Such a nice place.
I love this❤️
Pretty nice park. There are many modern sculptures. Kids fun area is great with tiny plants observation path. It's cool to go downhill through this place.
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Blandan park
| Address | 37 Rue du Repos, 69007 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 10 30 30 |
One of the best public spaces for children, nice castle like structured playground with giant slides, super safe and fun. Hard to get the kids out to leave however 😅
On the downside.. parking lot is small, and street parking is paid.. if you can find a spot... But hey, this is Lyon!
This is very nice park for people to walk, run and relax. You can come with your family for a day picnic.lots of people come for exercise and other activities.
Very beautiful, large and quiet park with a lake and a nice small zoo to visit for free. You can rent boat and 4 person pedal ride at the lake side
Good place to paint ❤️
Good place to have a small walk, or sit there with book or bring children here to play.
Porte des Enfants du Rhône
| Address | Parc de la Tête d'Or, Rue de Créqui, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Thursday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Friday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Saturday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM Sunday: 6:30 AM – 10:30 PM |
| Phone | 04 72 10 30 30 |
The Porte des Enfants du Rhône (Children of the Rhône Gate) is arguably the most iconic and grandest entrance to Lyon's magnificent Parc de la Tête d'Or. Situated on the park's western side, facing the Rhône river, this impressive gate welcomes visitors with a sense of scale and history.
Stepping through these ornate gates, you're immediately immersed in the park's vastness and beauty. Its prominent location makes it a popular starting point for exploring the entire park, from its expansive lawns and serene lake to its famous zoo and botanical gardens. The area around the gate is often bustling, serving as a natural meeting point and a gateway to a day of relaxation and recreation. It truly feels like the main artery into Lyon's beloved green lung.
Huge gate. Reminds me of Anagkazo gate. You need to go and see this for yourself. It's nice. Behind the gate, a beautiful garden,,,, peaceful and nice for a good relaxation
The most beautiful gate to enter the Parc de la tête d'or. All the important bus stops to go to other parts of Lyon are nearby.
Beautiful Door and Monumen! The Park was awesome. Huge
An absolute must do if you’re visiting Lyon. For my fellow Americans this is equivalent to Central Park in New York. I’ve never been to such a well maintained and beautiful park before in my life. There’s a rose garden, a free zoo, volleyball court, botanical garden, mini lake for boating and of course plenty of places for a lovely picnic
Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
| Address | Chem. de la Bletta, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 78 80 56 20 |
Beautiful parc full of trails for cycling, walking and running. There are many places to picnic and bbq, with swimming and sunbathing next to the water.
We had lunch at La Brasserie then did a 12km hike around the circumference of the lake (which is pretty flat).
Great place for “free fun” with the kids.
We visited this park as part of exploring Lyon and its surrounding areas. It's a great place to bike and walk while being surrounded by nature. It's about 30 minutes from the Place Carnot area of Lyon. We enjoyed it even though it was overcast and there were periods of some light rain.
Good lake, clean and organized, but the swimming place is a little small and crowded.
The price is a little high compared to other similar places, 5 euros the entry after 17h30, so probably in the morning it would have been more…
Excellent, a complete day around with the family just 40 min from Lyon Perrache by public transport and 30 min for car drive. BBQ, swimming, day out, leisure, whatever, enjoy the day with nature and lake for free.. hoghly recommended....
Never thought I could visit a lake and have a chance to swim with ducks and swans. The park is very big and you will have to do some walking to get around, but it was very serene and beautiful. It was a great place to watch the sunset, too.
Jardin Alpin du Parc de la Tête d'Or
| Address | Jardin botanique de Lyon, 69006 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Tuesday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Wednesday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Thursday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Friday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Saturday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM Sunday: 9:00 – 11:30 AM |
| Phone | — |
Very nice park, the zoo part is a lil empty but understandable cus the place is too enormous for them to taking care of. Still one of the place you should visit in Lyon ✨
Nice place with different beautiful flowers!
Nice garden.
Nice!
A superb garden to visit. It's small but incredibly diverse! We thoroughly enjoyed exploring its various corners. Please note: this garden is only open for a very short time each day, presumably to ensure it's well-maintained and supervised.
Parc naturel de la Feyssine
| Address | 69100 Villeurbanne, France |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 78 03 67 67 |
Quite place, not so full with visitors.. Great for some yoga, readings, hiking
This park is a bit more wild and less crowded than La Tete d'or nearby. It's a good place if you want to run in nature or walk along the river.
Not enough water fountain though.
Nice natural park
This is less of a park and more of a nature reserve. It's a great place walk and jog.
Green is everywhere
You can enjoy the nature harmony and do lot of activities
Jardin du Gros Caillou
| Address | Unnamed Road, 69001, 69001 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | — |
The Jardin du Gros Caillou stands on old boundary ground, where the ramparts and the fort edge once pressed against the slope above Lyon. That left a difficult site: cut off from the boulevard, steep in profile, easier to skirt than to occupy. The redesign opened it up with ramps, steps, terraces and cross-routes, easing movement through the hillside and making the edge usable from more than one direction. The later talus path and renewed play area carry that same logic into daily life, giving children and families a way into the slope instead of leaving it as dead ground. What counts here is the conversion. Former edge ground has become shared neighbourhood ground, kept in use by the very people it once pushed aside.
One of the most known views in lyon, you can always grab a coffee or so , and enjoy the panorama spot.
Recommended well enjoyable 😉
Good walk up from the opera, even better for a longer round from the old town
Not much to see but good view over the top
Great hang out. Both for adults and kids
Jardin du Musée des Confluences
| Address | 86 Quai Perrache, 69002 Lyon |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Open 24 hours Tuesday: Open 24 hours Wednesday: Open 24 hours Thursday: Open 24 hours Friday: Open 24 hours Saturday: Open 24 hours Sunday: Open 24 hours |
| Phone | 04 28 38 12 12 |
I couldn't visit the museum because it was closed for a national holiday, but I came here anyway to see the confluence of the two rivers Rhône and Saône. It is a very nice place with some green areas where to relax. It is quite far from the city center but you can reach it with a long walk along the eastern bank of the Rhône.
The museum's architecture is an exquisite blend of form and function, captivating visitors with its grandeur and elegance. Its design transcends mere functionality, serving as a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. As visitors step inside, they are enveloped in an atmosphere of wonder and discovery. The exhibits within are carefully curated to showcase the richness and diversity of human culture and creativity, offering a journey through history, art, and innovation. Each exhibit is a masterpiece in its own right, inviting visitors to explore, learn, and be inspired. From ancient artifacts to contemporary works of art, the museum offers a truly immersive and unforgettable experience that leaves a lasting impression on all who visit.
You get to see the museum, enjoy the park and the river! What else does a solo traveler wants!
The place is beautiful but when I was there it was very empty with no one around, felt a bit insecure
Great spot for photos and to see the rivers as you walk to get here.
A bit of a trek but worthwhile.
Tips for Visiting Lyon’s Parks and Gardens
A little planning goes a long way when exploring Lyon’s outdoor spaces, especially if you want to avoid crowds or catch the best light for photos. These tips will help you navigate the city’s green network like a local, from understanding seasonal changes to knowing where you can actually sit on the grass.
First, check the opening hours before you go. Many of Lyon’s larger parks close at night and may have different schedules in winter versus summer. Smaller squares and riverside promenades are usually open around the clock, but gated gardens like the Jardin des Curiosités or certain sections of the Tête d’Or have strict closing times. Arriving an hour before closing is often the quietest and most beautiful time to visit.
Second, remember that French parks often have rules about lawns. Unlike in some countries, walking or sitting on the grass is not always allowed. Look for signs that say “pelouse autorisée” if you want to picnic or lie down. When lawns are open, they are usually well-maintained and perfect for a relaxed afternoon. When they are roped off, respect the rule and use the many benches instead.
Third, bring your own water and snacks. While some parks have kiosks or cafés, they are not always open, especially on Sundays or during off-peak seasons. A refillable water bottle is useful because many parks have drinking fountains, but they can be turned off in winter. Packing a simple picnic from a nearby boulangerie is one of the best ways to enjoy Lyon’s green spaces affordably.
Fourth, use public transport or a bike to connect multiple parks in one day. The Vélo’v bike-share system is excellent for moving between the riverbanks, the Tête d’Or, and the hillside gardens. Walking between distant parks can take longer than expected because of the hills. The metro and tram network is reliable and will drop you within a short stroll of most major green spaces.
Finally, consider the season. Spring and early autumn are the most pleasant times for visiting Lyon’s gardens, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. Summer can be hot, so aim for early morning or late afternoon. Winter visits are still worthwhile, especially for evergreen parks and river views, but some botanical displays will be dormant.
Lyon’s parks are more than just a break from sightseeing—they are a core part of the city’s identity. Spending time in these green spaces gives you a deeper sense of how Lyonnais people live, relax, and connect with their environment.
Whether you watch the sun set over the Saône from a hillside garden or share a bench with a local reading the newspaper, these moments often become the most memorable part of a trip.
