Parc de la Tête d'or

Park in Lyon

Parc de la Tête d'Or is Lyon's largest and most beloved green space—a vast urban park that feels more like a natural retreat than a city park. Covering around 117 hectares, it's perfect for everything from peaceful walks and picnics to family outings and boating on the lake. Locals come here year-round to jog, cycle, or simply relax under the trees. It's centrally located near the 6th arrondissement, yet once inside, the city feels far away.

One of the park's standout features is its botanical garden, which houses thousands of plant species across greenhouses and outdoor beds, along with a rosarium that bursts into bloom in spring and summer. There's also a free zoo inside the park, home to giraffes, zebras, monkeys, and more—making it a great stop for families with kids. The large lake at the center of the park offers rowing boats for rent, and the surrounding pathways are ideal for quiet strolls or scenic bike rides.

With open lawns, flowerbeds, wooded areas, and even pony rides and a miniature train, Parc de la Tête d'Or truly offers something for everyone. Whether you're spending a full afternoon or just stopping by for a break between sightseeing, it's one of the most refreshing and relaxing parts of any visit to Lyon.

The Parc de la Tête d'or appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lyon!

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