Esplanade Geneviève-Anthonioz-de-Gaulle: Villeurbanne's central park
In Villeurbanne, the Esplanade Geneviève-Anthonioz-de-Gaulle, also known as the Parc du Centre, extends the famous Gratte-ciel vista northwards. This urban park was laid out on the site of a former dyeing factory, founded in 1924 and demolished in the early 2000s. One chimney survives from that industrial past, preserved and turned into an artwork by Felice Varini, "Vue de la Cheminée". Nature and working-class memory meet here in a single gesture.
In line with the Gratte-ciel
You cannot talk about this park without mentioning the Gratte-ciel, Villeurbanne's emblematic modernist district. The esplanade forms its northern extension and closes off this spectacular urban vista on the green side. In just a few steps you move from the ambitious 1930s architecture to a vast, open, breathing space. For visitors, it is a chance to extend an architectural walk with a break in the open air, in a setting where the planned city and nature answer one another.
A chimney turned into art
The park was created where a dyeing factory once stood, founded in 1924 and demolished in the early 2000s. Rather than erase that past, the town kept the chimney and entrusted it to artist Felice Varini, who turned it into a work titled "Vue de la Cheminée". This vertical landmark recalls Villeurbanne's industrial past while playing with the walker's gaze. It is a rare motif: a park you visit as much for its greenery as for this encounter between working-class memory and contemporary art.
A wide open space to breathe
Beyond its history, the esplanade is first and foremost a park made for strolling. Its open character makes it a bright, pleasant place to walk, sit or let children run around during a break. Set in the centre of Villeurbanne, it is easy to reach and fits naturally into a day exploring the town, which extends Lyon seamlessly. In the warmer months it is a natural stop between two visits, to catch your breath in the fresh air before setting off again.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Esplanade Geneviève-Anthonioz-de-Gaulle?
In Villeurbanne, extending the Gratte-ciel district's vista northwards. Villeurbanne adjoins Lyon and is easy to reach from the city.
Why is there a chimney in the middle of the park?
The park sits on the site of a former dyeing factory (1924, demolished in the early 2000s). The chimney was kept and turned into an artwork, "Vue de la Cheminée", by Felice Varini, in memory of the industrial past.
What can you do there?
It is a large, open urban park, ideal for strolling, sitting in the fresh air and taking a break. It pairs well with an architectural tour of the Gratte-ciel district.
Wikimedia Commons — Romainbehar
