Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon: The green jewel in the heart of the city

20/04/2025
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Discover Lyon’s Parc de la Tête d’Or: a green oasis in the heart of the city

Parc de la Tête d’Or, located in Lyon’s prestigious 6ᵉ arrondissement, is much more than just a green space: it’s a place to live, relax, discover and enjoy. A true natural monument, this 117-hectare park appeals to Lyonnais, tourists, sports enthusiasts, families and botany buffs alike. A visit is a must, whatever the season!

🏛️ A little history: why such a curious name?

The name “Tête d’Or” comes from a legend that a treasure with a golden head of Christ was buried there during the Crusades. Although no treasure was ever found, the name stuck. Created in 1857 by Swiss architects Denis and Eugène Bühler, the park was part of a drive to provide Lyon’s population with a large natural area, similar to the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.

🌲 An XXL green lung in the heart of the city

At 117 hectares, the park is one of the largest urban parks in France. It combines :

Wooded areas and inviting lawns
16-hectare artificial lake
Tropical botanical greenhouses
Free zoo
Playgrounds and family entertainment

Ideal for a morning jog, a family picnic or a romantic stroll, the park is accessible to all and invites you to stroll and contemplate.

🦒 A free zoo in the city center

The Parc de la Tête d’Or zoo is one of the few to offer 100% free access to over 400 animals. The 8-hectare zoo offers an educational and entertaining experience.

🌍 La Plaine Africaine, inaugurated in 2006, recreates the natural environment of emblematic species such as :

Giraffes
Zebras
Antelopes
Sacred Ibis
Crowned cranes

It’s the perfect place to introduce children to wildlife in a safe environment.

🌺 An internationally renowned botanical garden

The park’s botanical garden is considered one of the richest in Europe, with over 16,000 plant species. It comprises :

Tropical and cold greenhouses
Carnivorous plant collection
Rose gardens, alpine, aquatic and medicinal plants

Perfect for botany enthusiasts, photographers or those who want to escape into a lush plant world.

🚣 Activities around the lake: relaxation guaranteed

The artificial lake is one of the park’s most popular spots. In fine weather, you can :

Rent a boat or pedalo
Stroll along the footbridges
Watching swans and ducks
Take advantage of shady benches to read or contemplate nature

The suspension bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel, offers a superb panoramic view of the park.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Activities for young and old

The Parc de la Tête d’Or is a veritable outdoor playground:

🧒 Modern, safe play areas for children
🎠 Rides, pony rides and miniature trains
🏃‍♂️ Bike paths and running trails for joggers
📚 Readings on the grass, yoga classes, outdoor meditation
🍦 Ice creams, crêpes, refreshment stands and cafés for a gourmet break

🚗 Easy access with a VTC in Lyon

To reach the park without stress, especially if you are arriving from the train station or airport, a VTC in Lyon is the most comfortable option:

Drop off at the entrance of your choice (Porte des Enfants du Rhône, Boulevard des Belges, Porte de la Tête d’Or…).
Vehicles adapted to families, people with reduced mobility or business travellers
On-demand availability, with no time constraints
Personalized welcome, smooth driving, discreet and professional service

📍 Nearby: what to do around the park?

Take advantage of your visit to the park to discover the surrounding area:

🖼️ Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC) at the Cité Internationale
🍽️ Gourmet restaurants in the Brotteaux district
🏛️ Palais des Congrès, ideal for business visitors
🛍️ Luxury boutiques and markets in the 6ᵉ arrondissement

💬 Testimonials

“A haven of peace right in the center of Lyon. You forget the city in a few minutes.” – Claire, Paris
“Ideal with children! Zoo, boat, ice creams, it’s all there.” – Mathieu, Annecy
“I run there every morning when I’m in Lyon for work. Accessible and rejuvenating.” – Thomas, Marseille

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❓ FAQ – Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon

📅 What are the opening times for Parc de la Tête d’Or?

The park is open every day of the year, including public holidays.

Summer opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Winter opening hours: 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Opening hours may vary slightly according to season and access. Greenhouses and zoo have specific opening hours.

🐾 Are dogs allowed in the park?

Yes, dogs are allowed, provided they are kept on a leash. However, they are prohibited in certain areas, including :

The zoo
Botanical greenhouses
Children’s play areas
Signs indicate restricted areas.

🅿️ Where can I park to visit the park?

Parking is available around the park but is often limited:

Boulevard des Belges
Avenue Verguin
Quai Charles de Gaulle (Cité Internationale)

For added convenience, hiring a VTC in Lyon means you can be dropped off directly at the nearest entrance and avoid the stress of parking.

🛥️ Can you go boating on the lake?

Yes, from mid-April to October, depending on the weather, it is possible to :

Rent a boat or pedalo
Take a trip on an electric boat
Departures are usually from the pier on the Île du Souvenir side.

🦓 Is access to the zoo really free?

Yes, the Parc de la Tête d’Or zoo is 100% free. It is home to over 400 animals and offers a family-friendly, educational tour.
Only private guided tours and events may be subject to a charge.

🌸 Are the greenhouses open to the public?

Yes, the tropical and botanical greenhouses are open to visitors, free of charge. They are home to rare plants, orchids, cacti and spectacular tropical species.
Greenhouse opening hours:

9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to Sunday
Closed on Mondays and certain public holidays

🚲 Is it possible to rent bicycles or scooters nearby?

Yes, there are several Vélo’v stations (Lyon’s self-service bicycle hire service) located around the park.
It is also possible to use self-service electric scooters, provided you ride outside the park. Motorized traffic is prohibited inside the park, except for maintenance vehicles.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 What activities are planned for children?

The park is perfect for families, with :

Several modern playgrounds
A merry-go-round
Weekend pony rides
A little tourist train
Seasonal events (egg hunts, open-air shows, etc.)

☕ Are there any cafés or snack bars in the park?

Yes, you’ll find several refreshment stands and kiosks:

Near the lake
At the entrance to the greenhouses
Zoo side

These restaurants offer ice creams, crêpes, hot drinks and simple snacks. For a more gourmet lunch, visit the restaurants in the Brotteaux or Cité Internationale districts.

🧑‍🦽 Is the park accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes, the park is generally accessible to PRMs:

Wide, flat aisles
Main entrances without steps
Adapted access to the greenhouses and zoo
Wheelchairs can be made available on request via the information points. VTC transport in Lyon is also recommended for direct access without constraints.

📝 A natural setting within easy reach

The Parc de la Tête d’Or is much more than a green space: it’s a natural, cultural and family haven in the heart of the city. Ideal for a bucolic getaway between two business meetings, a family stroll or a sunrise photo shoot. And for smooth access, opt for a VTC in Lyon, the most elegant and comfortable way to reach this emblematic site.