Parc de la Tête d'Or
Open since 1857, the Parc de la Tête d'Or is one of France's largest urban parks and the great green lung of Lyon. Designed by the brothers Denis and Eugène Bühler, it brings together a lake, a botanical garden and wide lawns. People come to run, picnic or simply look up through the trees.
A green lung
The Parc de la Tête d'Or is a public urban park in the northern part of the 6th arrondissement. It covers about 117 hectares, leaving plenty of room to get away from the crowds. It opened in 1857, the same year as Central Park in New York.
What you'll find
The park includes the Jardin botanique de Lyon as well as a lake with boating in the summer. It grew richer over time: the large greenhouses in 1865, the park chalet in 1894, the collection greenhouses in 1899, the war memorial on the Île aux Cygnes between 1914 and 1930, then a new rose garden between 1961 and 1964.
A history written in the landscape
The park opened in 1857 while the works were not yet finished, and kept being completed: velodrome and guards' chalet in 1894, fence in 1896. It is protected as a historic monument (listed), holds the 'Patrimoine du XXe siècle' label and the 'jardin remarquable' designation.
Getting there and hours
From 15 April to 14 October the park is open from 6:30 am to 10:30 pm; from 15 October to 14 April, from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm. These long hours allow for an early-morning walk as well as a twilight stroll. Please check before visiting.
Frequently asked questions
What are the opening hours of the Parc de la Tête d'Or?
15 April to 14 October: 6:30-22:30. 15 October to 14 April: 6:30-20:30. Please check before visiting.
Where is the park?
In the north of Lyon's 6th arrondissement.
What is there to see in the park?
The botanical garden, the lake with summer boating, the large greenhouses, the rose garden and the Île aux Cygnes memorial.
Can you go boating there?
Yes, in summer, on the park's lake.
Wikimedia Commons — Daderot · Wikimedia Commons — Gnrc
