In Lyon and Villeurbanne

  • Lyon 1er  : The Jardin des Plantes, a lush green space on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, housing the amphitheatre of the Three Gauls, where chariots once raced, and gladiators and martyrs of the early Christians once fought.
  • Lyon 2e: The Saône river banks are great for a stroll along the water’s edge all the way to Confluence, where you can take a relaxing break in Confluence Park or in the Garden of the Musée des Confluences, which forms the very tip of the Presqu’Ile. 
  • Lyon 3e : Chambovet Park spans 5.8 ha of meadows and woods, right at the heart of the Montchat neighbourhood! It was created in the 19th century and has resisted the threat of rampant urbanisation. What luck!
  • Lyon 4e : The Parc de la Cerisaie, where the Gillet family villa is nestled, offers 4.5 ha of greenery in the heart of Croix-Rousse, and continues all the way down to the banks of the Sâone river, where its paths invite you to stroll in the pleasant shade of century-old trees. You also wouldn’t want to miss the famous Canuts Republic vineyard located within the park.
  • Lyon 5è, Fourvière : The Parc des Hauteurs, overlooking congregation gardens, offers a lovely walk with a view of Croix-Rousse and the Sâone river. Or the Rosary Garden, which connects Fourvière to the Old Lyon on a gently-sloped walk through greenery.
  • Vieux-Lyon : The Garden behind the cathedral is great for children thanks to its playground.
    Towards Point du jour : the Parc de la Mairie is pleasant and its play area is also great fun for kids!
  • Lyon 6e et Villeurbanne : The Tête d’Or Park, is sure to leave you in awe! Stroll around the lake, visit the rose garden or the deer park – but due to its size, you won't be able to see everything at once! And that’s great since you can always come back to discover more!
  • Lyon 7è : Gerland Park and its colour garden, or Blandan Park, one of the largest parks in Lyon, located in the site of the old Blandan barracks. Some of this park’s best features include play structures for children, which they will love, terraces and hidden nooks for a breath of fresh air in the tranquillity of nature. 
  • Lyon 8è : The Lumière Garden is a great spot for playing games or having a snack with the children. Adults can stroll around looking at the exhibition panels, or go to the filmmakers’ wall to view the new plaques placed during the previous Lumière festival.
  • Lyon 9e : Barbe Island, a small green paradise with a playground for children. 
    The Parc du Vallon : 11 ha of meadows and woods right next to La Duchère, with a public garden, play areas and informative panels on the flora and fauna to complement the walk.
Promenade au Parc de la Tête d'Or © Carole Fournet

Around Lyon, in the métropole

Some of Lyon’s communes are already virtually in the countryside and offer a wide range of options in terms of walks, such as the Monts d'Or, the Val de Saône communes, or those at the edge of the Monts du Lyonnais, the Beaujolais or the Dombes. For other more urban locations, here are some suggestions that are even closer.

La Voie Bleue à Rochetaillée © Guillaume Robert-Famy
  • Bron ou Vénissieux: Parilly Park covers 178 ha of meadows and woods. This tremendous green space offers beautiful walks along its paths, as well as fitness trails and other activities, providing ample space for a more intimate setting!
  • Caluire, Rillieux-la-Pape and Sathonay Camp : The Dombes route or the “Green route” connects Rillieux to Cuire, and crosses Caluire for a pleasant walk or bike ride that can be enjoyed by all ages. Along the path there are a few playgrounds, chairs and benches as well as a fitness trail.
  • Ecully : The jardin de la Condamine is brimming with charm thanks to its French-style layout and play areas for children. A great option for a walk with the family! 
  • Francheville : Aquavert Park, has lovely wooded paths, meadows and a children’s play area, and is currently open from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday.
  • Oullins : home to many parks and gardens, and even a path called the “endless garden”! There is no shortage of greenery for you to enjoy! 
    Chabrières Park invites you to enjoy a peaceful stroll in its shaded paths. You will find play areas, sprawling lawns, and a green path or “Garden of Symbols” which is both fascinating and educational. This park is famous for its iris garden, which includes some 250 varieties. A sight to behold!
  • Sathonay Village : The Parc de la Mairie is a large meadow shaded with century-old trees and has a relaxing play area. This park is perfect for enjoying nature in a more intimate setting, without the crowds.
  • Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon : this commune has seven large parks. For an experience that is a bit out of the ordinary, stroll along the Esplanade Lichfield and enjoy the scenic view along the shaded path adorned with flowers, all with a clear view of Lyon. Along the path, you’ll find benches where you can rest or simply observe the surrounding beauty. This path can be reached via Avenue Valioud or Chemin de la Fournache.
  • Saint-Genis-Laval : Beauregard Park dates back to the 16th century. This breathtaking park with terraces, gardens, play areas and public lavatories promises a wonderful time with the family.
  • Saint-Priest : a small tour through the 2.2 ha of the Château Park is sure to delight you! 
  • Tassin-la-demi-Lune : head over to the Hôtel de Ville Park, or to the one in la Vernique, which has play areas for children.
  • Décines, Meyzieu et Vaulx-en-Velin : the Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage awaits you! Enjoy its paths through nature, a stroll around the lake and its play areas!

Here’s to a lovely stroll through nature!

Vue aérienne du Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage - photo Hubert Canet