The Gardens of the Grande-Côte: A balcony over Lyon

Perched on the slopes of Croix-Rousse, the Jardins de la Grande-Côte are a green haven of peace from which a striking view of the city of Lyon unfolds.

History and situation

These terraced gardens extend along the Grande-Côte hill, a historic road that once connected the peninsula to the Croix-Rousse plateau. In the Middle Ages, this area was covered with vines belonging to the canons of Saint-Paul. Today, these gardens are a veritable green lung in the heart of the 1st arrondissement of Lyon.

Exceptional panoramic view

From the top of the gardens, you will discover a breathtaking panorama of Lyon. Before you, the entire grandeur of the city unfolds:

• To the west, the majestic basilica of Fourvière, "the hill that prays", dominates the horizon with its white towers.
• Below, you can take in the whole of Old Lyon, its orange tiled roofs and its mysterious traboules.
• The Place des Terreaux and the Hôtel de Ville are revealed in all their splendor
• On a clear day you can see the Alps to the east, their snow-capped peaks silhouetted against the horizon.
• To the south, the view extends to the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône.

The view is particularly spectacular:

• At sunset, when the golden light illuminates the city's facades
• At night, when the city lights up and the Fourvière Basilica shines brightly
• In spring, when the flowering trees in the gardens frame the panorama
• On days of light fog, when the towers of the basilica emerge like a castle in the clouds

Garden terraces

As you climb the steps, you will discover a succession of terraces that perfectly follow the natural slope of the hill. Each level offers a different perspective on the city:

• The first terrace hosts a Mediterranean garden with its aromatic plants: thyme, rosemary, lavender.
• Further up, you will find a conservatory orchard preserving old varieties of fruit trees.
• At the summit, a belvedere offers you a breathtaking view of the Fourvière Basilica and Old Lyon.

Urban biodiversity

These gardens are a true refuge for urban biodiversity. We observe:

• A wide variety of birds (tits, robins, blackbirds)
• Pollinating insects attracted by the many flowers
• A diverse flora adapted to the local microclimate

The social and cultural aspect

The Grande-Côte Gardens are not just a green space. They represent:

• A meeting place for local residents
• An educational space where gardening workshops are organized
• A cultural site regularly hosting open-air exhibitions and artistic events

Special points of interest

Don't miss:

• The golden stone walls typical of the Lyon region
• The remains of the old traboules that crossed the gardens
• Contemporary sculptures that punctuate the route
• Explanatory panels on the history of the canuts, these silk workers who marked the history of the district

Practical aspects

The gardens are accessible free of charge every day:

• From April 1st to September 30th: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• From October 1st to March 31st: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The main access is via the montée de la Grande-Côte, but you can also access it via the rue des Tables-Claudiennes.

Conclusion

These gardens bear witness to the rich history of Croix-Rousse while offering the people of Lyon a space of nature and relaxation in the heart of the city. They perfectly embody the art of living in Lyon, between historical heritage and modernity, between nature and culture.