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Botanical Garden of Lyon

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Botanical Garden of Lyon (France)

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The Botanical Garden of Lyon is located within the Parc de la Tête d'Or and spans 8 hectares, making it one of the largest municipal botanical gardens in France. Established in its current location in 1857, its origins date back to the 18th century. The garden houses an impressive collection of over 15,000 plant species, presented in various thematic areas such as the alpine garden, the rose garden, and the historical greenhouses. Of particular significance are the grand greenhouses built in the late 19th century, which are architectural masterpieces of iron and glass housing tropical and subtropical plants. The garden fulfills critical roles in the conservation of endangered species, scientific research, and environmental education. Visitors can admire rare orchids, carnivorous plants, and a significant collection of water lilies. As part of Lyon's largest urban park, it provides a sanctuary for biodiversity and a center for learning in the heart of the metropolis.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2371115192221171273
Rain mm625061668471697460858773

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The botanical garden is located within the famous Parc de la Tête d'Or and is easily accessible via Lyon's metro system, buses, or on foot.
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Best season
Attractive year-round, especially in spring for the outdoor blooms and during the winter months for visiting the warming, historic greenhouses.
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Terrain & paths
The grounds within the city park are expansive, flat, and fully accessible, featuring wide paved walking paths between the beds and greenhouses.
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What to bring
Comfortable footwear is recommended for longer walks through the large park; no specialized gear is needed for this urban environment.
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Parking
Public parking lots and garages are available around the Parc de la Tête d'Or, though arriving via local public transit is often less stressful.
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Safety
As an urban park, the area is very safe; visitors should simply follow standard botanical garden rules and avoid stepping into the planted beds.
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Time needed
A visit to explore the historic greenhouses and the main botanical collections typically takes about two to three hours of your time.

Geography

Coordinates
45.77000, 4.85000

Facts

  • The garden was opened at its current site in the year 1857.
  • The number of cultivated plant species exceeds 15,000 in total.
  • The large greenhouses cover a surface area of 6,500 square meters.
  • It houses one of the richest collections of orchids in all of Europe.
  • There are 8,000 square meters of outdoor exhibition space.
  • Entrance to the botanical garden is free of charge for the public.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

LyonLyon1 km · SWExplore →
Lyon-NordLyon-Nord2 km · NWExplore →
Lyon Biotech HubLyon Biotech Hub2 km · SExplore →
📍Caluire-et-Cuire3 km · NExplore →
Lyon-SudLyon-Sud4 km · SWExplore →
📍Champagne-au-Mont-d'Or5 km · NWExplore →
📍Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon5 km · SWExplore →
📍Tassin-la-Demi-Lune5 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Botanical Garden of Lyon (10)

Mairie du 6e arrondissement

Mairie du 6e arrondissement is the town hall of the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, France.

square de la Légion d'Honneur🌳 park

Square de la Légion d'Honneur is a park in Lyon.

Église Saint-Joseph des Brotteaux

The church Église Saint-Joseph des Brotteaux is located in Lyon, France.

Église Rédemption

The church Église Rédemption is located in Rhône, France.

♿

Square du Cardinal Villot🌳 park

Square du Cardinal Villot is a green space in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, France.

Église du Saint-Nom-de-Jésus

The church Église du Saint-Nom-de-Jésus is dedicated to the Holy Name of Jesus in Lyon, France.

l'antilope

l'antilope is a gallery in Lyon.

Square Capitaine Billon🌳 park

Square Capitaine Billon is a park in Lyon.

Roi Soleil

Roi Soleil is an arts centre in Lyon.

Galerie Wawi

Galerie Wawi is an art gallery in Lyon.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee?
Entrance to the botanical garden is free of charge for all visitors.
Where is the garden located?
It is located within the Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon's 6th arrondissement.
Are the greenhouses always open?
The greenhouses have specific hours, often from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
How long does a visit take?
Plan for about 1 to 2 hours to see the various collections.
Is picnicking allowed in the botanical garden?
Picnicking is forbidden in the garden, but allowed in the surrounding park.
Botanical Garden of Lyon: where is it located?
Botanical Garden of Lyon is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Botanical Garden of Lyon: what is there to see?
Highlights include Mairie du 6e arrondissement, square de la Légion d'Honneur, Église Saint-Joseph des Brotteaux.
Botanical Garden of Lyon: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Botanical Garden of Lyon: why is it worth visiting?
The Botanical Garden of Lyon is located within the Parc de la Tête d'Or and spans 8 hectares, making it one of the largest municipal botanical gardens in France.
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