Bron

In French, ‘Brondillant’ is a noun that means ‘a resident of Bron’. We like to imagine that, if this word was an adjective, it would be a portmanteau of ‘étonnant’ (amazing) and ‘brillant’ (brilliant)! Like its two most well-known ambassadors, Karim Benzema (winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or) and Mourad Merzouki, a major figure on the contemporary dance scene, Bron is a town with a lot to offer. With 4500 births per year at the Femme-Mère-Enfant hospital, Bron is literally the cradle of the Lyon metropolitan area. The town also boasts a dynamic economy, with two large business parks, a packed sporting calendar (it was named ‘France’s most sporty town in 2008’) and an original cultural scene.

Pôle Pik, Ferme du Vinatier, Alizés: unusual places

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Claire Morel

You will find some unique cultural venues in Bron, such as Pôle Pik for example. Nestled in the heart of the working-class neighbourhood of Parilly, just next to the motorway, this choreography centre run by Mourad Merzouki is a landmark on the local hip-hop scene. It welcomes and assists dance companies, and runs classes and training courses for all levels. It was also behind the creation of the high-profile hip-hop festival Karavel, held in October. In the same premises, the Albert Camus centre produces drama, dance, music and circus arts shows.

The Ferme du Vinatier is another amazing place. It has breathed fresh life into the former farm building located on the grounds of the Le Vinatier psychiatric hospital. This cultural venue, complete with a performance hall and exhibition area, offers a rich programme designed to fight prejudice about mental illnesses, people with mental health issues and the psychiatric hospital. In addition to its original shows and exhibitions, the Ferme du Vinatier offers a chance to discover the magnificent grounds of this hospital that was opened in 1876.  

Lastly, in an unassuming building surrounded by the apartment blocks of Bron’s town centre, Les Alizés has become an important cinema in the Lyon metropolitan area. Saved from closure by the association ‘Les amis du cinéma’ in the 1970s, it holds the festival ‘Drôle d’endroit pour des rencontres’ in January, where leading figures of French cinema and up-and-coming directors gather to interact with the general public in a lively, welcoming atmosphere.

The Fort de Bron and the aerodrome: places filled with history

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Claire Morel

The fort is one of the town’s historical buildings, as well as a landmark for hikers and ramblers. Built to protect Lyon during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870, it lives on today thanks to the work of volunteers from the association Fort de Bron, who organise a monthly guided tour. In addition to history buffs, this tour is very popular among fans of the French film Kaamelott, directed by Alexandre Astier, as the fort was the location used to shoot the film’s prison scenes. Surrounded by beautiful countryside, this building is also the starting point for some lovely walks.

Another place that played an important role in the town’s history, the aerodrome was considered to be the “world’s largest air terminal” from 1930 until its occupation by Germany in 1942. Now dedicated to business and leisure aviation, it is the meeting place of enthusiasts from the Aéroclub du Grand-Lyon. At their pilot school, you can learn how to fly or enjoy a first-flight experience.

Lastly, for more than 50 years, the hippodrome of Bron-Parilly has attracted horse racing fans and curious visitors on weekdays, weekends and during major events, such as the ‘Grande Nocturne de Bron’ in June, an evening of horse races, shows and fireworks. Located in the heart of Parilly Park, a 178-hectare green space straddling the towns of Bron and Vénissieux, it brings together an eclectic audience in the exciting atmosphere of horse betting.

Just a few tram stops from the centre of Lyon, Bron offers a range of unique experiences!