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Parc de la Tête d'Or
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · FR

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Getting around: On the east bank of the Rhône in central Lyon, about a 15-20 minute walk from Place Bellecour, or reachable by metro/tram to nearby stops.
Hours: Open daily, generally from around 6:30am-8:30pm in summer and shorter in winter; the free zoo section has its own similar hours.

Parc de la Tête d'Or is Lyon's largest urban park, laid out in the 19th century around a sizeable artificial lake, and includes botanical gardens, a rose garden, and a free zoo — one of the few free zoos in France, home to giraffes, lions, and other animals in a modest but well-regarded setting. Rowboats can be rented on the lake in season.

It's a genuinely large green space, easy to spend half a day wandering, cycling, or picnicking in, and is popular with locals rather than being especially touristy. The botanical greenhouses are a highlight for anyone with an interest in plants, and the whole park works as an easy, low-cost break from sightseeing in the historic center.

Parc de la Tête d'Or FAQs

Is the zoo really free?

Yes, it's one of the few zoos in France with free admission, funded by the city.

Can you rent a boat on the lake?

Yes, pedal boats and rowboats are available for rent during the warmer months.

How big is the park?

It's Lyon's largest, over 100 hectares, easily filling half a day if you explore the gardens, lake, and zoo.

Is it walkable from central Lyon?

Yes, about 15-20 minutes from Place Bellecour, or a short tram/metro ride.

Is it good for a picnic?

Yes, it's a popular local spot for exactly that, with plenty of open lawn.

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