A summer’s day at Tête d’Or Park

A green break in the heart of Lyon

Close to nature

Last updated date : 16/04/2024

This summer, reconnect with nature in the heart of Lyon, by spending a day at the park! With walks, activities to discover, games, the Guignol puppet theatre, spots for picnics and naps, pedalos on the lake, and the zoo, there is no shortage of ways to enjoy one of France’s most beautiful urban parks.

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Whether you want to come as a family with little ones, or hang out with friends, there are plenty of ways to occupy your day!

Morning at Tête d’Or Park

Come in the cool early morning, before the crowds arrive, especially if you want to do some jogging, cycling or rollerblading. Make the most of the calm!

In the morning, a visit to the zoo, its African plain and its recent Asian Forest, never fails to please, as well as the large greenhouses in the botanical garden. The rose garden

is no longer at its most resplendent (it is at its best in May), but it is still very attractive in summer.
You can explore the park’s paths on foot, by bike or other non-motorised transport modes.

Plaine africaine, Zoo de Lyon - Parc de la Tête d'Or © Ville de Lyon

For an exertion-free way to see the park, hop on board the Petit Train du Parc (ridable miniature railway), which takes you through the parks shaded spots. Or you can opt for its cousin, Le Lézard du Parc: the same thing, but on tyres!
If you prefer to gently make your own way around the park, you can hire a rosalie, a four-seater cycle (with two seats for children). It’s fun, original and comfortable, especially for the children.
However, the most popular form of transport with children has to be the pony rides!
Further information about activities at Tête d'Or Park (in French)

Lunchtime at the park

If you worked up an appetite during the morning, then take a well-deserved lunch break.
You can have a picnic beneath the trees on the lakeside or lawns, or a snack at La Boutique, the Kiosque or one of the two buvettes (refreshment areas):

La Buvette des Cygnes: Tel +33(0)4 78 89 11 27, refreshment areas.
La Buvette de l'Observatoire: Tel +33(0)4 78 89 98 03, shaded terrace, ice creams, refreshments and snacks during the summer season.

Repos au parc © photoMIX company / Pixabay

Afternoon at the park: time to get active!

Do you like the water?

If it’s too hot to walk or run, head to the L’embarcadère du parc (the park's pier) where you can hire a pedalo, rowing boat or electric boat, for a refreshing break on the lake with the swans and ducks. A very pleasant, relaxing and fun experience to be enjoyed with family or friends.
Tip: don’t forget the sun cream!
Further information on L'Embarcadère and water activities at the park

Sur le lac du parc de la Tête d'Or © Carole Fournet

Or are you a landlubber?

Take your kids for a ride on the beautiful traditional merry-go-round or to the play areas, with their giant swings, mini-boats, pedal quad and mini-kart tracks. Or, there is the park's mini-golf course, with its 18 holes, offering plenty of fun for ages 5 and up.

After your afternoon snack, end the afternoon on a high. Kids (and grown-ups too) will enjoy the hilarious Guignol puppet theatre (one-hour shows at 3, 4:30 and 6 pm).

If you have some time left, you can visit the orangery where contemporary art and photography exhibitions are held.