Spring is here: a walk through Lyon’s most beautiful parks and gardens

The Tête d’Or Park and botanical garden  

Tête d’Or (= ‘Golden head’) is the largest and most popular park within the city of Lyon. It covers 105 hectares of beautiful and refreshing nature, and is home to a 17-hectare lake, as well as a botanical garden (the largest in France with around 20,000 species) and a zoological park over 3 hectares of land. It’s the perfect place to rest and get some fresh air in the middle of the city.  

The Rosary Garden in the Heights Park 

Located between the Fourvière and Saint Jean neighborhoods, the 2.5-hectare garden features around 1400 meters of pathways built upon the remains of original private gardens. It showcases a rich botanical collection alongside an orchard that merges into the archaeological site. The northern section offers a peaceful environment with a variety of small gardens.  

The Blandan Park  

The Blandan Park offers 15 hectares of relaxation and activities divided into three main areas: a 28,600 m² esplanade equipped with rainwater collection basins, a playful space with a wave-shaped playground and slides, and wild gardens for wildlife and flora. Sports fields have replaced former military hangars, complementing a large meadow suitable for rest and games. 

The garden of the Fine Arts museum  

Located at the heart of the Lyon next to the popular Place des Terreaux, the garden of the Fine Arts museum is a calming refuge from the busy surrounding streets. Before becoming open to the public along with the museum, the location used to be the cloister of a 17^th century abbey. A circular fountain featuring an antique sarcophagus adorns its center, and a couple of sculptures are displayed within the garden, offering a glimpse the art that can be found inside the museum.