Golden Head Park

A Jewel of Nature and History in the Heart of Lyon

The Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon's majestic green lung, is an emblematic space that harmoniously combines nature, history and leisure. Spread over 117 hectares, this colossal urban park has become one of the largest public parks in France, embedded in the heart of the city, offering a peaceful and green escape to its residents and visitors.

Historical Origins

The history of the Parc de la Tête d'Or dates back to 1857, when the Lyon municipality decided to transform an agricultural estate into a place of leisure for citizens. Work began under the direction of landscaper Denis Bühler and architect Alphonse Cordonnier. The inauguration in 1857 marked the beginning of its evolution into an exceptional green space.

Auguste Paul Charles Anastasi - Tête d'Or Park in Lyon 1867
Tête d'Or Park in Lyon 1867 – Joseph Burn Smeeton, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

A Botanical Jewel

The park is a living tableau of botanical diversity. It features manicured French gardens, tropical greenhouses housing a multitude of exotic species, a serene lake reflecting the majestic trees, and lush vegetation, including majestic redwoods, offering visitors a visual delight.

Golden Head Park - 6
Gonedelyon, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultural Attractions

In addition to its extensive green spaces, the park is home to a zoo, founded in 1858, which is home to a fascinating variety of exotic animals, allowing visitors to escape to faraway lands without leaving the city. The zoo is also involved in the preservation and protection of endangered species, contributing to the conservation of biodiversity.

Deer of the Tête d'Or park
Deer of the Tête d'Or park – Remy Ryan Robert, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Botanical and Environmental Conservatory

Beyond its recreational vocation, the Parc de la Tête d'Or is home to a botanical and environmental conservatory. This place of research and preservation of plant species, in collaboration with national and international organizations, contributes to the safeguarding of endangered plants and environmental awareness.

Golden Head Park (23621854744)
Thomas Bresson from Belfort, France, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A Refuge of Urban Serenity

Over time, the park has become a sanctuary of tranquility, a place where city dwellers can recharge their batteries, play sports, stroll or simply relax in the heart of the city. Its natural beauty and history make it a space of convergence between unspoiled nature and the urban fabric, offering a breath of fresh air to all who visit it.

General view - Tête d'Or Park - DSC05249
Daderot, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Heritage and Future

Today, the Parc de la Tête d'Or remains one of Lyon's main attractions, drawing visitors from all walks of life. Its historical and botanical heritage make it a treasure that the city strives to protect and preserve for future generations, highlighting the importance of green spaces within modern metropolises.

Tête d'Or Park View of the lake7
Tête d’Or Park View of the lake – Phinou, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Conclusion

The Parc de la Tête d'Or, with its perfect blend of unspoiled nature, cultural attractions and rich history, embodies Lyon's desire to create a harmonious balance between urban planning and the environment. It is a symbol of the value of green spaces in the urban fabric, offering a haven of peace and beauty amidst the hustle and bustle of city life.

Our self-guided tours of Brotteaux

The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

Welcome to the Gare des Brotteaux. Please note that there used to be a small wooden and plaster station, built in 1858 to accommodate the Lyon-Geneva line.

Welcome to the former Guimet Museum, a place rich in history and artistic diversity.

You are in front of an astonishing scene where past and present meet. Observe the 19th century villa enclosed in an office building.

Welcome to the Sainte-Croix Chapel, also known as the Missionaries of Our Lady Chapel.

Stop in front of number 28 avenue maréchal Foch, where you will find a real curiosity: the smallest house in the city.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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