The Parc de la Tête d'Or is Lyon's largest urban park, covering 117 hectares in the 6th arrondissement, bordering the Rhône river in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. It is the most visited urban park in France outside Paris, welcoming several million visitors per year. The park was designed by Denis Bühler and inaugurated in 1857 in the English landscape style, with a large artificial lake at its centre — navigable by hire pedal boat — mature plane and cedar tree avenues, an extensive rose garden (Roseraie), and a botanical garden with greenhouses. The free zoo, arranged around the lake's eastern side, houses approximately 180 species including giraffes, zebras, white rhinoceroses, and flamingos; entry to the zoo is included in standard park access. The rose garden holds approximately 16,000 rose plants representing over 350 varieties, and peaks in late May and June. The park is bounded on its eastern edge by the Cité Internationale, a Jean Nouvel-designed complex containing the Musée d'Art Contemporain de Lyon and several event venues. The park's name — Tête d'Or, meaning 'Head of Gold' — derives from a legend that a golden head of Christ was buried on the site. The park opens at 06:00 daily and is a popular early-morning running and cycling destination for Lyonnais residents. On summer evenings the lake and promenades are lively until closing.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 06:00–23:00 (summer); 06:00–21:00 (winter)
- Best time
- Weekend mornings for the botanical garden; weekday afternoons for the zoo with fewer families
Location
Place Général Leclerc, 69006 Lyon, France
45.7780, 4.8553 View on map
Highlights
- Free zoo with approximately 180 species including giraffes, white rhinoceroses, and zebras
- Rose garden (Roseraie) with 16,000 rose plants and over 350 varieties — peak bloom late May to June
- Large artificial lake navigable by hire pedal boats
- Botanical garden with tropical and temperate greenhouses
- Mature English landscape-style park with plane and cedar avenues — entirely free to enter
Tips for visiting
- Visit the rose garden in late May or early June for peak bloom; it is free and at its most photogenic in morning light.
- The zoo is free with park entry — arrive early on weekdays to see the animals most active before the heat of midday.
- Pedal boats on the lake can be hired by the half-hour; queues build on weekend afternoons in summer.
- The park opens at 06:00 — early morning visits before 08:00 offer peaceful avenues and good wildlife photography opportunities.
- Accessible by Metro Line A to Masséna or by Bus C1, avoiding the need to drive into this busy neighbourhood.
When to visit
Late May and June for the rose garden at peak bloom. Early morning (before 08:00) on weekdays for quiet avenues and active zoo animals. Summer evenings are lively and pleasant around the lake.
Accessibility
The main park paths around the lake and in the rose garden are paved and accessible to wheelchair users and pushchairs. Zoo pathways are paved. Some secondary garden paths are gravel or grass. Park entrances are step-free. Metro and bus stops near the main gate are accessible.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is the Parc de la Tête d'Or free?
Yes — park entry, zoo access, and the botanical greenhouses are all free of charge. Pedal boat hire and some children's activities carry a small fee.
How long does a visit take?
A circuit of the lake and a walk through the rose garden takes about 1.5 hours. Adding the zoo and botanical gardens makes for a full half-day visit. Families with children often spend 3–4 hours.
Is the park suitable for children?
Yes — the free zoo, pedal boats, playground areas, and open lawns make it one of Lyon's best family destinations. The zoo path is paved and manageable for pushchairs.