Nature & Parks in Lyon

Lyon • Parks

Parc de la Tête d'Or is Lyon's largest urban park, featuring a beautiful lake, a zoo, and a botanical garden. Established in 1857, it offers visitors a chance to enjoy a wide array of flora and fauna. The park is a favorite among locals and tourists alike for its scenic walking trails and picnic spots.

Lyon • Parks

Parc des Hauteurs is an elevated park located on the slopes of Fourvière Hill. It offers visitors a tranquil escape with beautiful gardens and walking paths. The park provides excellent views of Lyon and the surrounding areas, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists. The park's unique layout includes suspended walkways and a variety of plant species, offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.

Lyon • Parks

Parc de Parilly is a sprawling park located on the outskirts of Lyon, offering a haven for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. With extensive paths for jogging and cycling, it also features numerous sports facilities including a velodrome and football fields. The park's lush greenery and varied landscapes provide a peaceful escape from city life, making it a popular spot for picnics and leisurely walks. It's an excellent place to observe local wildlife, including a variety of bird species.

Lyon • Parks

Parc de Gerland is a contemporary green space located in the Gerland district of Lyon. It boasts a variety of sports facilities, including skate parks and basketball courts, alongside beautifully designed themed gardens. The park is known for its innovative landscaping and is a popular spot for both leisure and sports activities.

Lyon • Parks

Located in the Croix-Rousse district, Parc de la Cerisaie offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural interest. The park is home to several contemporary art installations and sculptures, making it a delightful spot for art lovers. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Lyon from various vantage points, and its cherry trees add a splash of color during the spring. The park's tranquil atmosphere is perfect for leisurely walks and quiet reflection.

Lyon • Parks

Parc de la Feyssine is a serene green oasis located along the Rhône River in Lyon. This expansive park is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, offering a perfect escape from the city bustle. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, cycling paths, and riverside picnics amidst a variety of local flora and fauna. The park's landscape features meadows, wooded areas, and wetland zones, creating diverse habitats for numerous species.

Lyon • Botanical Gardens

Created by Spanish mason Jules Senis Mir, Jardin Rosa Mir is a hidden gem that showcases intricate mosaics and vibrant plant life. This small yet captivating garden is a testament to personal dedication and artistic flair, with its walls adorned in shells and stones. Visitors can explore its intimate pathways and marvel at the lush greenery and colorful blooms, offering a serene escape within the city.

Lyon • Botanical Gardens

Le Parc des Berges du Rhône is a picturesque natural escape located along the scenic banks of the Rhône River in Lyon. This park is renowned for its vast collection of native plants and carefully maintained walking trails. Visitors can enjoy the serene atmosphere while observing a variety of local wildlife. The park's design encourages relaxation and reflection, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Lyon • Botanical Gardens

The Jardin de la Bonne Maison is a charming private garden located just outside Lyon. It boasts an impressive collection of over 800 varieties of roses, making it a paradise for rose enthusiasts. The garden is meticulously maintained and offers a peaceful retreat with its picturesque surroundings. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that provide insights into the cultivation and care of roses, as well as the garden's history.

Lyon • Botanical Gardens

Jardin des Chartreux is a tranquil escape located in the heart of Lyon, offering stunning views over the Saône River. This botanical garden is known for its historic significance and beautiful array of plant species. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks through its well-maintained paths, while taking in the diverse flora, including rare plants and beautifully arranged flower beds. The garden is also home to art installations and offers seating areas for relaxation.

Lyon • Botanical Gardens

Located in the heart of Lyon, the Jardin des Plantes de Lyon is a serene oasis that specializes in medicinal and aromatic plants. This garden is ideal for those interested in herbal medicine and natural remedies. It offers educational displays and guided tours that delve into the uses and benefits of various plant species. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the well-maintained pathways and learn about the garden's historical significance.

Lyon • Hiking Trails

Monts d'Or is a stunning hiking destination located just outside Lyon, offering a network of trails that wind through lush forests and open fields. The area is famed for its panoramic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. Hikers can explore various paths that range from easy to moderately challenging, making it suitable for families and seasoned hikers alike. The trails are well-marked and provide an excellent opportunity to observe local wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

Lyon • Hiking Trails

The Sentier de la Boucle de Rochetaillée is a captivating hiking trail that follows the scenic curves of the Saône River near Lyon. This 10 km trail provides hikers with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, varied terrains, and the serene waters of the river. Ideal for nature lovers, this trail is rich in local flora and fauna, including glimpses of herons and kingfishers. Along the route, hikers can explore charming villages and historical sites, offering a perfect blend of nature and culture. The trail is moderate in difficulty, making it accessible for most hikers.

Lyon • Hiking Trails

Sentier des Crêtes offers a challenging hike for those seeking adventure and stunning vistas. The trail runs along the ridges overlooking the Rhône Valley, providing breathtaking views that make the effort worthwhile. This trail is best suited for experienced hikers due to its steep sections and varying terrain. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna native to the region. It's a perfect choice for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Lyon from a higher perspective.

Lyon • Hiking Trails

The Sentier du Mont Thou is a hidden gem for hikers seeking breathtaking views of the Lyon metropolitan area and beyond. This trail is moderately challenging, with a length of approximately 5 kilometers, making it suitable for most hikers. The path winds through lush forests and open clearings, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife such as red squirrels, woodpeckers, and butterflies. The summit offers stunning panoramic views of the cityscape, the Rhône River, and the surrounding countryside. Ideal for a day trip, this trail is a perfect escape into nature without straying far from the city.

Lyon • Hiking Trails

Parc de la Bastille is a popular hiking destination that combines natural beauty with historical intrigue. The trails here lead hikers through dense woodlands and up to the remnants of old fortifications, offering a glimpse into the past while enjoying the present. The park is known for its serene environment and is ideal for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Visitors can enjoy a variety of trails that cater to different fitness levels, making it a versatile spot for outdoor enthusiasts.

Lyon • Nature Reserves & Wildlife

The Réserve Naturelle de la Tourbière des Saisies is a stunning natural area near Lyon, known for its unique peat bog ecosystems. This reserve offers visitors a chance to explore diverse flora and fauna, including many protected species. Its tranquil setting makes it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers, with numerous trails and observation points. The reserve plays a crucial role in preserving the region's biodiversity and offers educational opportunities about the importance of peatlands.

Lyon • Nature Reserves & Wildlife

Located just north of Lyon, the Réserve Naturelle Nationale de la Dombes is a haven for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. This protected area features a network of ponds and wetlands that support a rich diversity of wildlife, particularly bird species such as herons and storks. The reserve is recognized for its efforts in conservation and offers several walking trails for visitors to explore. It's an ideal spot for those looking to escape the city and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

Lyon • Nature Reserves & Wildlife

Located just outside Lyon, the Réserve Naturelle Régionale de l'Ile de la Table Ronde is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts. This reserve features a rich ecosystem with wetlands, woodlands, and meadows that support a variety of species. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching, with numerous local and migratory birds calling it home. The reserve also offers educational trails that highlight the region's natural heritage and conservation efforts.

Lyon • Nature Reserves & Wildlife

Réserve Naturelle de la Confluence is a protected area where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. This reserve is known for its rich biodiversity and is a hotspot for birdwatching. It features wetlands, meadows, and woodlands, providing habitats for various species. Visitors can explore the area through walking trails and observation points, making it an ideal spot for nature photography and education.

Lyon • Playgrounds

Parc Blandan Playground is nestled within the historic Parc Blandan, offering a dynamic play environment for children. The playground features a variety of play equipment suitable for different age groups, including slides, swings, and climbing structures. The park itself is steeped in history, having been a military site before its transformation into a public space. Families can enjoy a picnic in the lush surroundings or explore the park's walking paths.

Lyon • Playgrounds

Parc des Lutins is a charming playground nestled in the heart of Lyon, offering a magical escape for families. With its fairy-tale themed play structures and lush green surroundings, it provides a safe and enjoyable environment for children. The park includes slides, swings, climbing frames, and a sandpit, designed to spark imagination and creativity. Its location offers easy access for city dwellers and visitors alike, making it a favorite weekend spot.

Lyon • Playgrounds

Parc de la Garde is a spacious park in Lyon, perfect for a family day out. It features a well-equipped playground with a variety of play structures suitable for toddlers and older children. The park is surrounded by scenic walking paths and picnic areas, inviting relaxation amidst nature. Its tranquil environment is ideal for unwinding while children play safely. The park's design encourages both active play and quiet moments of reflection.

Lyon • Playgrounds

Parc des Berges de Saint-Cyr offers a beautiful blend of nature and recreation along the banks of the Saône River. This park is perfect for families with young children, featuring well-maintained playgrounds and picnic areas. The scenic walking and cycling paths provide a peaceful escape from the city's hustle, making it a popular destination for locals. The park's location offers stunning views of the river, and visitors can occasionally spot local wildlife such as ducks and swans.