Parc de la Tête d'Or
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Parc de la Tête d'Or is a major urban park located in Lyon, France, covering approximately 117 hectares. Designed by the Swiss Bühler brothers and opened in 1857, it is one of the largest and most beautiful urban parks in France. The park features a large 16-hectare lake at its center, extensive botanical gardens including historic greenhouses, and the Lyon Zoo, home to around 300 animals from 66 species. Its landscape design was inspired by the Bois de Boulogne in Paris and English gardens, combining naturalistic scenery with recreational spaces. Over time, the park has been enriched with various structures such as the grand greenhouses built in 1865, velodrome, guard chalets, and a war memorial on the Île aux Cygnes. It serves as a green lung for the city and hosts cultural events like films, theater, and exhibitions. The zoo includes an African savannah area and an Asian forest biotope dedicated to endangered species conservation. The park is accessible through multiple entrances and is committed to accessibility for visitors with disabilities, offering adapted facilities and guided tours for the visually impaired.
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Tip: Visit during spring and early autumn for pleasant weather and vibrant flora. Entry to the park and zoo is free, but guided tours of the greenhouses and special exhibitions may require advance booking. The park is accessible via seven entrances, with ample parking and facilities adapted for visitors with reduced mobility. Check the official website for event schedules and seasonal activities to enhance your visit experience.
Interesting facts
- •The park opened in 1857, the same year as New York's Central Park, making them contemporaries in urban park design.
- •The name 'Tête d'Or' (Golden Head) originates from a legend about a buried treasure including a golden head of Christ.
- •The park’s lake covers 16 hectares and is central to its landscape design.
- •The Lyon Zoo within the park houses about 300 animals from 66 species and is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
- •Since 2006, the zoo includes an African savannah area with species like giraffes and antelopes.
- •In 2021, the park added an Asian forest biotope hosting 25 endangered species, many listed on the IUCN Red List.
History
The land of Parc de la Tête d'Or was originally owned by the Lambert family in the 16th century and named after a local legend about a buried golden head of Christ.
The area was a flood-prone wetland until the mid-19th century when the city of Lyon purchased it in 1856.
The park was designed and developed by the Bühler brothers and engineer Gustave Bonnet, inspired by English gardens and Paris’s Bois de Boulogne.
It opened in 1857, with major landscaping and construction continuing into the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the addition of large greenhouses, a velodrome, and ornamental structures.
The zoo was established in 1858 by Claude-Marius Vaïsse and has evolved to include modern conservation biotopes.
Place Guide
The Great Greenhouses1865
Built in 1865, these historic glasshouses showcase a diverse collection of tropical and exotic plants. They are open daily and offer guided tours, including special visits for visually impaired visitors.
The Lake and Boating Area1857
A 16-hectare artificial lake at the heart of the park, offering boating activities and scenic views. The lake was created by excavating land and building a protective dyke to prevent flooding.
Lyon Zoo1858
Established in 1858, the zoo houses around 300 animals representing 66 species. It includes themed areas like the African savannah and Asian forest biotope focused on species conservation.
The Botanical Garden
Located within the park, the botanical garden features a wide variety of plant species and serves educational and conservation roles.
Contact
Phone: 04 72 10 30 30
