Parc de la Tête d'Or
Lyon's sprawling green lung, offering a free zoo, botanical gardens, a lake, and endless recreational opportunities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy blooming roses & pleasant weather
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Best Time
Enjoy blooming roses & pleasant weather

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Lyon's sprawling green lung, offering a free zoo, botanical gardens, a lake, and endless recreational opportunities.
"A beautiful and spacious urban park in the heart of Lyon, perfect for a relaxing walk or a family day out."
🎟️ Check Opening Hours
Park access can be restricted for security reasons. Always check official sources before your visit .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its many attractions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Free Zoo
Within Parc de la Tête d'Or
Discover a diverse range of animals in this expansive, free-entry zoo. A hit with families and animal lovers alike.

Botanical Gardens & Greenhouses
Within Parc de la Tête d'Or
Wander through lush botanical collections and impressive greenhouses, featuring everything from carnivorous plants to South African flora.

Lake Activities
Central Lake, Parc de la Tête d'Or
Enjoy a leisurely boat ride or rent pedal boats on the picturesque lake, offering beautiful views of the park.

International Rose Garden
Within Parc de la Tête d'Or
In bloom during summer, this stunning garden showcases a vibrant array of roses, perfect for a fragrant stroll.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Parc de la Tête d'Or
Best Ways to Explore the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Parc Tête D'or
🎟️ Check Opening Hours
Park access can be restricted for security reasons. Always check official sources before your visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its many attractions.
What are the must see/do things when visiting Lyon for two (30/32) females from the US. (One has never left the country)
2 days in Lyon
🚂 Take the Mini-Train
A fun way to get an overview of the park's scale and key attractions, especially with kids.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of green spaces make it perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch.
I will be visiting Lyon for the first time this weekend.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Check Opening Hours
Park access can be restricted for security reasons. Always check official sources before your visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The park is vast! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore its many attractions.
🚂 Take the Mini-Train
A fun way to get an overview of the park's scale and key attractions, especially with kids.
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Plenty of green spaces make it perfect for a relaxing picnic lunch.
🚲 Rent a Bike
Explore more of the park's sprawling grounds at your own pace.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Parc de la Tête d'Or is widely praised as a magnificent and vast urban oasis offering something for everyone. Visitors rave about the free zoo, beautiful botanical gardens, and the serene lake. It's considered an essential Lyonnaise experience for relaxation, family outings, and enjoying nature.
"Fantastic Park and is absolutely massive.
We didn’t realise the scale and size of it until we took the little train tour around it which was over 20 minutes and stopped twice.
There is a large outdoor zoo space boat pedal bikes, botanical Gardens and loads of stop offs for ice cream.
You could genuinely spend all day there and would have a great time. Very fun and close to the bus stops for local bus back to the train station."
Liam Stone
"A beautiful and spacious urban park in the heart of Lyon, perfect for a relaxing walk or a family day out. It features a large lake for boating, botanical gardens, and plenty of green spaces. Ideal for jogging, picnics, or simply enjoying nature."
elyes bouneb
"Parc de la Tête d'Or is undeniably the green lung of Lyon, a sprawling urban oasis that offers something for everyone. More than just a park, it's a vibrant hub of activity and tranquility, perfect for a leisurely day out.
From its expansive lawns ideal for picnics and relaxation to the beautiful lake where you can enjoy a boat ride, the park provides endless opportunities for recreation. It's home to a fantastic (and free!) zoo, a stunning international rose garden (currently, in late May, it would be in its prime!), and diverse botanical greenhouses, including fascinating carnivorous and South African plant collections.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful stroll, a family outing, a jog, or simply a place to escape the urban bustle, Parc de la Tête d'Or delivers. Its sheer size and variety of attractions make it an essential and cherished part of the Lyonnaise experience."
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The park is easily accessible by public transport. The metro (Line A) will take you close, with about a 500-meter walk to the gates.
Several bus lines also stop near the park, making it convenient to reach from various parts of Lyon.Yes, there are parking facilities available near the park entrances. However, during peak times, these can fill up quickly. Public transport is often a more reliable option.
Depending on your starting point, it's a pleasant walk, especially if you enjoy exploring the city. Alternatively, a short metro or bus ride will get you there much faster.
Parc de la Tête d'Or is a major landmark in Lyon and is well-signposted. Its large size makes it visible from many surrounding areas.
Given its size, consider the mini-train tour
or renting a bike to cover more ground. Walking is also a great option if you have ample time to explore.🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, general admission to Parc de la Tête d'Or is free. Some specific attractions within the park, like boat rentals, may have associated costs.
The park generally opens early and closes at dusk. However, it's crucial to check the official website for exact hours, as they can vary seasonally and due to unforeseen circumstances like security closures.
No, the zoo within Parc de la Tête d'Or is free to visit, making it a fantastic attraction for all visitors, especially families.
The park often hosts events, especially during summer. Guided tours might be available for specific sections like the botanical gardens. Check the park's official schedule for details.
Generally, dogs are allowed in the park but must be kept on a leash. Specific rules may apply in certain areas like the zoo or greenhouses.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the free zoo, the stunning botanical gardens and greenhouses, the picturesque lake for boating, and the vibrant rose garden (especially in summer).
Yes, there is a large and impressive free zoo within the park, featuring a variety of animals. It's a major highlight for many visitors.
You can enjoy a relaxing boat ride or rent pedal boats on the lake. It's a popular spot for leisure and offers lovely views of the park's surroundings.
Yes, there are several cafes and kiosks within the park where you can purchase snacks and drinks. Many visitors also opt for picnics on the lawns.
Absolutely! The free zoo, playgrounds, and ample open space make it a fantastic destination for families. The mini-train is also a hit with kids.
📸 📸 Photography
The rose garden in bloom, the botanical greenhouses, the lake with its boats, and the diverse animal enclosures in the zoo offer fantastic photo opportunities. The park's grand trees and fountains are also picturesque.
The greenhouses offer unique lighting and exotic plant life, making for stunning shots. Be mindful of other visitors and any 'no photography' signs in specific areas.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a warmer glow. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check local regulations or park rules before attempting to fly a drone.
Yes, photography of the animals is generally permitted. However, avoid using flash, as it can disturb the animals. Be patient and capture them in their natural behavior.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as there are many scenic spots perfect for a family meal. The lake also offers opportunities for boat rentals, adding another layer of fun. With its open spaces and diverse attractions, the park provides a safe and engaging environment for a full day of family adventure.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Rent a boat on the lake for a serene experience, or simply find a quiet bench to read a book or enjoy the scenery. The park's sheer size means you can always find a secluded spot to yourself, making it ideal for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of Lyon.
🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Botanical Gardens
Beyond the greenhouses, the outdoor botanical collections are equally captivating. The park meticulously maintains themed gardens, showcasing a wide variety of species. During the summer months, the International Rose Garden is a must-visit, bursting with color and fragrance. It's a testament to the park's dedication to horticultural excellence and provides a beautiful backdrop for leisurely strolls and photography.
A Day at the Zoo
The zoo is a major draw for families, providing an educational and entertaining outing without any cost. It's a place where children can learn about different animals and their habitats. The sheer variety and accessibility of the zoo make it a standout attraction within the already impressive Parc de la Tête d'Or, contributing significantly to its reputation as a vibrant urban oasis.
Lake Activities and Relaxation
Beyond boating, the lake's perimeter is perfect for a relaxing walk or jog. Numerous benches are scattered along the shore, inviting visitors to sit, enjoy the view, and perhaps feed the resident ducks and swans. It's a tranquil spot to unwind, observe local life, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere of this expansive urban park.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit