87 Main Street of Croix-Rousse - 69004
Nestled in the heart of Croix-Rousse, in a discreet courtyard accessible via the Impasse Viard, lies one of Lyon's most unusual treasures: the Jardin Rosa Mir. This unique place, listed as a Historic Monument since 1987, is the result of the passionate work of Jules Senis, a Spanish mason and tiler who took refuge in France.
A story of resilience and love
The story of this garden begins in the 1950s, when Jules Senis, after surviving a long battle with cancer, made a vow to create a garden if he achieved remission. He then decided to dedicate this work to his mother, Rosa Mir Mercader, as well as to the Virgin Mary. For twenty years, from 1958 to 1977, he shaped this “extraordinary” garden with incredible meticulousness, transforming this restricted space of 400 m² into a true work of art.
An enchanting and unique setting
Upon entering the Rosa Mir Garden, the visitor is immediately transported to a world apart. The garden is made up of columns and arches covered with thousands of shells, carefully arranged alongside stones and lush vegetation. The influence of Catalan architecture, reminiscent of the works of Antoni Gaudí such as the Park Güell in Barcelona, is felt in every corner.
Although modest in size, this garden is overflowing with detail and poetry. It sometimes evokes for visitors the work of the postman Cheval, but here, the juxtaposition of mineral and plant life creates a unique Mediterranean atmosphere, both dense and harmonious.
A preserved heritage
After being threatened by time and wear, the garden was closed to the public in 2013 for a complete renovation, led by the city of Lyon. This work brought this emblematic place back to life, while respecting the original work as much as possible. Since its reopening in 2016, the Jardin Rosa Mir has once again welcomed visitors, offering them a poetic and spiritual interlude in the heart of the city.
A visit worth the detour
Easily accessible from the Hénon and Croix-Rousse metro stations (line C) or via the C13 bus line, the Jardin Rosa Mir is a must-see for lovers of art, history and architecture. Its unique atmosphere, at the crossroads of cultures and styles, makes it a must-see for anyone wishing to discover a little-known facet of Lyon's heritage.
The Rosa Mir Garden is not just a green space, it is a living testimony to the resilience and creativity of a man, an intimate and universal work that continues to amaze all those who pass through its doors.
