Le Parc de la Tête d'Or © Muriel Chaulet / Ville de Lyon

This is a favourite haunt among locals.
The park covers an area of 105 hectares of nature and is ideal for all those who want to sit, play or romp about on the grass under century old trees, or take a walk round the 17 hectare lake.

Explore the African savanna in the zoological park, where zebras, giraffes, antelopes, lions and other rare species roam free over 3 hectares of land (you can even go behind the scenes if you book in advance). And in the spring of 2020, the park will gain an Asian forest, a truly immersive environment that will be home to 25 threatened species.

Enjoy a walk in the botanical garden (with 20.000 species, it's the largest in France) and tropical greenhouses. As early as the spring, you can stroll around the magnificent international rose garden… 

In the park, you can choose your own mode of locomotion (as long as it's alternative!) You can stroll along the shady paths, jog, ride a quadricycle, bike or Segway, or hop on board the miniature train!
In fine weather, it's very pleasant to be able to rent a little boat or pedal boat to relax on the lake amid the swans and ducks!  
When it comes to children, this is the ideal place for them to romp around on the grass, go for a pony ride, play miniature golf or have fun in the playground, on the merry-go-round and various attractions. They can even watch a puppet show with Guignol and devour a waffle at one of the refreshment stands.

La Roseraie internationale du Parc de la Tête d'Or ©Ville de Lyon

Daniel Boulens, ex-Manager of Public Parks and Gardens for the city of Lyon, reminds us of all the things you can do in Tête d'Or Park...

You can admire our magnificent gardens, stroll to the lake or visit the animals at the zoo. You can also take a pedal boat out onto the lake to see the swans, have a ride on the merry-go-round, enjoy a delicious ice cream by the waterside, or climb on board the miniature train. And on Wednesdays when French children are off from school, you can come here to see a puppet show with their favourite Guignol! All year round there are events, summer festivals with concerts, debates, and entertaining events in the various gardens... This park really does deserve to be seen all year round! Every time I open the gate in the morning, I'm surprised by how lovely it looks, sometimes all covered in snow, or under a layer of brown autumn leaves, or when its gardens are brightened by roses.

Practical information:
Animals are allowed in the park provided they are kept on leads no longer than 1 metre long. 
Visitors are authorised to eat their picnics on the grass (but there's no shelter in the event of rain). The "La Buvette des Cygnes" refreshment stand: Tel: +33 (0)4 78 89 11 27, terrace, snacks. 
The "La Buvette de l'Observatoire" refreshment stand: Tel: +33 (0)4 78 89 98 03, shady terrace, ice creams, refreshments, and snacks during the high season.