Feyzin

Welcome to Feyzin, probably the only place where you can buy a lamp from an independent designer in the underground galleries of a fort, spot a nightingale along a walking trail, happen upon a vast field of roses, or see an American rock band play at a non-profit venue! With its singular geographical make-up (one third of its territory is comprised of industrial zones along the banks of the Rhône and, on the plateau, one third of residential areas and one third of natural green spaces), the town has nurtured and developed its multi-faceted identity.

Since the late nineteenth century, Feyzin has been both an industrial town, around the district of Les Razes, and an agricultural community, on the Plateau des Grandes Terres. Formerly the home of the Lumière Brother’s film factory and today of companies in Chemistry Valley, the town has used its industrial assets to develop an attractive living environment.

Discover the very lively fort of Feyzin

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Claire Morel

An important landmark in the town, the fort has been converted into a public space. It was built between 1875 and 1877 to defend Lyon against Prussia. Today, this 22,000 m² building nestled in green surroundings is a living heritage place. On weekends, you can take a guided tour (free, in French), ride a pony at the UCPA horse-riding centre, taste pizzas cooked in the renovated oven (on the last Sunday of the month), explore the educational farm, and discover the local animal and plant life with a nature association (free, in French too).

In its lush 26-hectare grounds, the fort is also a space for companies that hire its seminar and training rooms all year round, as well as the horse-riding club. 
Events are also held in this original venue, such as the European Heritage Days, Le Fort en Bal(l)ade, Grandes Terres en Fête and Marché de Créateurs, offering a chance to go to concerts, watch street art performances, shop at markets and more.

Exploring Les Grandes Terres on foot or by bike

The fort is the ideal starting point for a day out in Les Grandes Terres. With 17 km of signposted trails, this 600-hectare agricultural area, straddling the towns of Feyzin, Vénissieux and Corbas, is a magnificent place to explore for ramblers and cyclists. Protected by nature projects run by Greater Lyon and listed as an ‘Espace Naturel Sensible’ (Sensitive Natural Area), this land is home to many animals, including 46 bird species. In the fields of wheat and alfalfa, you might come across a Melodious Warbler, a Blackcap or a Chiffchaff.

When the weather is fine, you can admire the wild orchids and the field of roses at the famous Orard rose gardens. Near the fort, you can take in one of the most unique views in Les Grandes Terres, where fields of wheat stretch off to the horizon and the high-rises of Vénissieux stand in the distance.

Explore Feyzin’s ambitious and accessible cultural scene

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Vincent Assié Photographe

Lastly, for a morning or evening of culture, Feyzin boasts two exceptional cultural offerings: the ‘Micro-Folie’ project at the municipal library and the Épicerie Moderne! Micro-Folie is a digital museum set up in collaboration with several high-profile national cultural institutions, where a virtual gallery of some 1600 works can be viewed via touch-screen tablets and a big screen. It is free and open to visitors to the library each Saturday morning.

The Épicerie Moderne is well-known on the local contemporary music scene as a major venue in the metropolitan area. As a non-profit organisation and subsidised by the local authority, it offers very reasonable prices and an ambitious programme. What’s more, a shuttle bus service is provided at the end of the night to bring concert-goers back to Lyon. With cultural, natural and historical attractions, Feyzin has plenty going for it!