Le Parc de la Tete d’Or: Lyon’s magnificent urban park.
It’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty and includes dozens of trails for walking, jogging or bicycling and large open spaces for activities and picnics.
Fun for everyone.
History of the park
Created in 1857 by the brothers Denis and Eugène Buhler in the same year as New York’s famous Central Park, Le Parc de la Tete d’Or has seen numerous additions since it’s initial creation, including in 1865 the impressive glass houses containing species of plants and flowers from all over the world and in the 1960’s the inclusion of the rose gardens featuring 30,000 rose bushes comprising 350 different varieties.
The name of the park originates from a legend that says treasure with the “head of Christ” could be buried somewhere in the park.
Le Parc de la Tete d’Or is a wonderful place for all the family. There are plenty of options for a bite to eat or a drink so plan on spending the day and there are many attractions and special events throughout the year.
The Zoo to preserve threatened species
France’s second public zoo after the Ménagerie du Jardin des Plantes in Paris contains almost 400 different animals divided into 64 different species.
The last 10 years have seen improvements to the zoo’s infrastructure including in 2006 the new African Savannah featuring zebra, giraffes and pink flamingos. The zoo is a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums and is dedicated to the preservation of species threatened by extinction.
The zoo is open from 9h to 17h in winter and 9h to18h in summer.
Botanical Gardens
The history of the botanical gardens goes back to 1796 when they were first created on the slopes of La Croix Rousse by Poullain-Grandprey.
In 1857 the gardens were moved to their present location in the park and in 1860 the construction of the glass houses allowed for the inclusion of tropical and equatorial plants and flowers.
The primary goals of the gardens are education, conservation and research.
How to get to the park
Location
The park is located just a short walk northeast of the centre of Lyon in the 6th arrondissement.
The simplest way to get there is to cross the River Rhone behind the Opera and walk north for about 15 minutes.
Using public transport take the metro line A from Hotel de Ville to Massena and then take bus C1, C6 or C38.
If you’re coming by car there is nearby parking at la Cité Internationale or free parking on Boulevard Stalingrad or Boulevard des Belges.
Tips
It’s a very romantic setting. Perfect for a wedding!
Practical information
Parc de la Tête d’Or, Direction des Espaces Verts – Mairie de Lyon 69205 Lyon cedex 01
The park is open from 6h30 – 22h30 in the summer (15 April – 14 October) and from 6h30 – 20h30 in the winter (15 octobre – 14 avril) : 6h30 – 20h30
