How long does it take to walk around Parc de la Tête d'Or?

A complete circuit taking in the major sights like the zoo, rose garden, and greenhouses typically takes between 90 and 120 minutes. The total distance is approximately 4 kilometers if you loop the lake and visit the interior gardens.

Is the Lyon Zoo free to visit?

Yes, the Lyon Zoo, located within the Parc de la Tête d'Or, is free for all visitors. It is one of the few municipal zoos in France that does not charge an entrance fee, focusing on public education and conservation.

Is Parc de la Tête d'Or accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

The park is highly accessible with wide, flat, paved paths throughout. Most areas, including the zoo and the rose gardens, are easy to navigate for those with limited mobility or families with strollers.

What is the legend of the Golden Head in Lyon?

According to local folklore, a 'Golden Head' of Christ was buried in the park grounds by Crusaders. This legend gave the park its name, 'Parc de la Tête d'Or,' though no treasure has ever been found during excavations.

When is the best time to see the roses in Lyon?

The International Rose Garden is at its peak from late May through June. During this time, thousands of bushes are in full bloom, offering the best visual and aromatic experience for visitors.

Can I reach Parc de la Tête d'Or by public transport?

Yes, the park is well-connected. You can take Metro Line A to Masséna or use several bus lines including C1, C4, and C5 which stop directly at the main entrance, Porte des Enfants du Rhône.

Are there places to eat inside Parc de la Tête d'Or?

The park features several snack kiosks, ice cream stands, and a couple of casual restaurants/cafes near the lake and the zoo. There are also many designated lawn areas perfect for a picnic.

What are the opening hours for the greenhouses in the park?

While the park gates are open from early morning until late evening (usually 6 AM to 9 PM or 11 PM depending on the season), the Grandes Serres greenhouses usually close earlier, typically around 4 PM or 5 PM.

Is it worth visiting Parc de la Tête d'Or during a short trip to Lyon?

Absolutely, it is one of Lyon's iconic landmarks. It provides a unique look at 19th-century landscape architecture and offers a relaxing break from the dense historic streets of Vieux Lyon.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Escape the urban bustle of Lyon and step into the city’s emerald crown. Parc de la Tête d'Or is not just a park; it is a sprawling 117-hectare sanctuary that has served as the backyard for Lyonnais families since the mid-19th century. This self-guided walk invites you to explore one of France's largest and most beautiful urban parks at your own pace. As you enter through the monumental wrought-iron gates, you leave the 6th Arrondissement behind for a landscape designed by the visionary Bühler brothers, who transformed a marshy stretch of the Rhône riverbank into a masterpiece of landscape architecture. On this walking route, you will encounter the serene 16-hectare lake, where the water reflects the surrounding weeping willows and the secrets of local legends. The path leads you toward the Île du Souvenir, a poignant memorial designed by the famed Lyon architect Tony Garnier, accessible via an underground tunnel. As you continue your neighborhood stroll, the air fills with the scent of over 30,000 rose bushes in the International Rose Garden, a site of global botanical importance. Nature lovers will appreciate the seamless transition from manicured gardens to the wilder corners of the Lyon Zoo, a pioneer in wildlife conservation that remains free for all visitors. The journey concludes under the soaring glass and iron skeletons of the Grandes Serres, 19th-century greenhouses that house rare tropical flora. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat, a family-friendly adventure, or a deep dive into botanical history, this walking tour Lyon offers a comprehensive look at the city's natural heritage. Unlike a traditional guided tour Lyon, this audio walk allows you the freedom to linger by the lake or spend extra time admiring the giraffes on the African Plain without following a rigid schedule. It is the ultimate green escape within the silk-weaving capital of France.

Highlights

Marvel at the ornate 19th-century Porte des Enfants du Rhône

Stroll around the 16-hectare lake and learn the legend of the Golden Head

Visit the Monument aux Morts on the Île du Souvenir by Tony Garnier

Breathe in the scents of 30,000 bushes in the International Rose Garden

See giraffes and zebras at the free-to-enter Lyon Zoo

Admire the architectural beauty of the historic Grandes Serres greenhouses

Tour Stops (6)

Porte des Enfants du Rhône

Welcome to the grandest entrance of Parc de la Tête d'Or. This monumental wrought-iron gate, known as the Porte des Enfants du Rhône, was crafted in the late 19th century and is a masterpiece of the Belle Époque style. As you stand before these gilded railings, you are at the threshold of 117 hectares of greenery. The park was inaugurated in 1857, the same year as Central Park in New York. It was designed by the Bühler brothers, who aimed to create a 'countryside for those who don't have one.' Take a moment to admire the intricate ironwork before stepping through to begin your independent exploration of Lyon's most beloved green space.

Tête d'Or Lake

Spreading out before you is the 16-hectare lake, the heart of the park. This man-made body of water was created from an old branch of the Rhône River. Its name, 'Tête d'Or' or 'Golden Head,' comes from a fascinating local legend. It is said that a treasure, including a golden head of Christ, was buried here by Crusaders or perhaps by the Hebrews. Despite numerous excavations over the centuries, the treasure has never been found. Today, the lake serves as a peaceful haven for swans, ducks, and rowboats. As you walk along the shaded banks, notice how the landscape changes with the seasons, from vibrant spring greens to the fiery oranges of autumn.

Monument aux Morts de l'île du Souvenir

In the middle of the lake sits the Île du Souvenir, formerly known as the Île des Cygnes. This island houses a powerful war memorial dedicated to the soldiers of Lyon who fell during World War I. The monument was designed by Tony Garnier, Lyon's most famous urban architect, with sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Larrivé. Interestingly, the island is reached via an atmospheric underground tunnel that passes beneath the lake bed. The names of over 10,000 Lyonnais soldiers are inscribed here. It is a place of profound silence and reflection, standing in contrast to the joyful activities found elsewhere in the park.

Roseraie Internationale

You are now entering the International Rose Garden, one of the most prestigious botanical collections in the world. Lyon has a long history as a center for rose breeding, and this garden celebrates that heritage with over 30,000 rose bushes representing roughly 350 different varieties. If you are visiting between May and June, the sensory experience is overwhelming, with a kaleidoscope of colors and intoxicating scents. The garden is divided into sections, including a historic rose garden that traces the evolution of the flower. It is a favorite spot for photographers and anyone looking for a romantic moment during their neighborhood stroll.

Lyon Zoo

Continue your walk toward the Lyon Zoo, which has occupied this corner of the park since 1858. It is one of the oldest zoos in France and remains entirely free to the public. In recent years, it has transformed into a center for conservation, focusing on endangered species. The highlight is the 'Plaine Africaine,' a 2.5-hectare enclosure where giraffes, zebras, and lemurs roam together in a landscape designed to mimic the savannah. The zoo’s philosophy emphasizes animal welfare and education rather than mere spectacle. It’s a wonderful place to observe wildlife in the heart of a major European city.

Grandes serres du parc de la Tête d'Or

Our final stop is the Grandes Serres, a magnificent complex of iron and glass greenhouses dating back to 1880. These structures were architectural marvels of their time, using thin metal frames to maximize sunlight. Inside, you will find a tropical paradise that remains warm even in the depths of a Lyon winter. The central pavilion, which is 21 meters high, houses giant palms and rare exotic plants from around the globe. Nearby, smaller greenhouses contain carnivorous plants, water lilies, and camellias. This botanical collection is one of the richest in Europe, serving as both a research facility and a beautiful end to your green escape.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Parc de la Tête d'Or route is the premier green walk in Lyon. It covers 117 hectares of botanical gardens, a free zoo, and a massive lake, offering a peaceful alternative to the city's historic urban center.