The Grand-Large Reservoir, commonly called Le Grand Large, is a remarkable artificial lake nestled along the Jonage Canal, shared between the communes of Décines-Charpieu and Meyzieu, in eastern Lyon.
Its creation dates back to the establishment of the Jonage Canal, an ingenious achievement based on a dike built below the surrounding hills. It is near Décines-Charpieu and Meyzieu that this dike strategically deviates from the line of hills, thus giving rise to the Grand-Large Reservoir. This vast body of water constitutes an essential reserve to supply the Cusset hydroelectric power station, located in Villeurbanne.
The Jonage Canal, which was commissioned in 1897, is a pioneering example of hydroelectric development along the Rhône. This innovative project established a model that would later be adopted downstream from Lyon, while taking into account three primary objectives: electricity production, river navigation and regulation of the river's waters.
Today, the Grand-Large Reservoir is not only a historical and industrial point of interest, but also a place of relaxation and leisure popular with residents and visitors to the Lyon region, offering a peaceful and natural setting in the immediate vicinity of the city.
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, the tallest building in France at the time
The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.
Brotteaux Station, a place full of history and transformations
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.
Guimet Museum: abandonment or rebirth?
Welcome to the former Guimet Museum, a place rich in history and artistic diversity.
The little Valla house in the middle of a building
You are in front of an astonishing scene where past and present meet. Observe the 19th century villa enclosed in an office building.
Brotteaux Crypt – Victims of the Revolution
Welcome to the Sainte-Croix Chapel, also known as the Missionaries of Our Lady Chapel.
The smallest house at 28 avenue Maréchal Foch
Stop in front of number 28 avenue maréchal Foch, where you will find a real curiosity: the smallest house in the city.