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Vaulx-en-Velin

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City
—°6203
Vaulx-en-Velin (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Vaulx-en-Velin

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The best way to reach Lyon city center is by taking the Metro Line A from Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie station.
  • If you plan to visit the Planétarium, book your tickets in advance online, especially during school holidays.
  • Explore the Usine TASE area to see the striking remnants of the region's silk manufacturing history.
  • The TCL public transport network is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around; consider a daily pass.
  • Renting a bicycle is a great idea to explore the extensive paths around the canal and nearby parks.

🍽 Food

🍽
Praline tart

Look for bakeries around the center offering this classic pink, sweet Lyonnais pastry.

🍽
Bouchon specialties

Try local bistros near the La Soie district for traditional Lyonnais sausages and quenelles.

🍽
Weekend market snacks

Grab some fresh cheese, cold cuts, and fresh bread at the local farmers market on Sunday mornings.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Carré de Soie

A large modern shopping and leisure complex excellent for retail therapy and dining.

🛍
Marché aux Puces du Canal

A famous nearby flea market located in Villeurbanne, just a short trip away for antiques and vintage finds.

🧘
Grand Parc Miribel Jonage

A massive nature reserve with a huge lake, excellent for walking, cycling, or bird watching.

🧘
Canal de Jonage banks

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride along the quiet towpaths of the canal.

Highlights of 2026

6

Vaulx-en-Velin is an animated and highly multicultural suburb on the eastern outskirts of Lyon, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades thanks to extensive urban renewal projects. Situated strategically between the Rhône River and the Canal de Jonage, the city has a surprising mix of urban energy and expansive natural spaces. The absolute highlight for outdoor enthusiasts is the massive Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, a 2,200-hectare nature reserve and recreation area featuring large lakes, forests, and sandy beaches. During the summer, it becomes a hub for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and cycling along its extensive network of trails. In the city center, the cutting-edge "Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin" attracts science lovers of all ages with its interactive space exploration exhibits and immersive 3D dome shows projecting the mysteries of the universe. The diverse local community also brings a rich culinary mosaic to the area; visitors can explore colorful weekly markets and numerous small eateries offering authentic dishes, exotic spices, and flavors from around the globe.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2371115192221171273
Rain mm625061668471697460858773

Geography

Population
37,489
Coordinates
45.78690, 4.92500

Facts

  • Elevation ranges between 165 and 193 meters.
  • The Planetarium was opened in 1995.
  • Population is approximately 53,000 residents.
  • City area covers 20.95 square kilometers.
  • Hosts the ENTPE engineering school.
  • Carré de Soie covers 500 hectares of area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Vaulx-en-Velin (20)

Planetarium🏛 museum

One of the most important centers for astronomical culture in France with immersive shows.

Mini World Lyon🏛 museum

The largest animated miniature park in France, featuring detailed landscapes and scenes.

Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage🌿 nature

Vast natural area offering beaches, water sports, and hiking trails near the city.

Hippodrome de Lyon-Carré de Soie🎡 recreation

Modern horse racing venue in the Carré de Soie district hosting prestigious trotting events.

Usine TASE🏺 historical

Historic industrial building recognized for its architectural and social significance.

Charlie Chaplin Cultural Center🎭 culture

Dynamic venue for theater, dance, and music at the heart of the community's cultural life.

Carré de Soie🎡 recreation

Major shopping and leisure complex built in a former industrial district of the city.

Cirque Imagine🎭 culture

A permanent circus installation offering high-quality cabaret shows and traditional performances.

Ebulliscience🏛 museum

An interactive science center designed to help children discover scientific phenomena through play.

Elsa Triolet Park🎡 recreation

A peaceful neighborhood park named after the famous writer, great for local relaxation.

Château de Sermenaz🏰 castle

The Château de Sermenaz is a historical castle in the Vaulx-en-Velin region. It is an interesting example of local architecture and history.

Menhir de Montaberlet ou de Pierre-Fitte🏺 historical

The Menhir of Montaberlet is a significant archaeological site in Vaulx-en-Velin. This prehistoric monolith is evidence of early human settlement.

Maison de la culture arménienne de Décines🎭 culture

The Armenian Cultural House of Décines promotes Armenian culture and traditions near Vaulx-en-Velin. It serves as a meeting place and event venue for the community.

Église de la Sainte-Famille⛪ religious

The Church of the Holy Family is a modern religious building in Villeurbanne, near Vaulx-en-Velin. It is characterized by its simple architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Église ukrainienne Saint-Athanase⛪ religious

The Ukrainian Church of Saint Athanasius is an important spiritual center for the Ukrainian community in the region. It is located in Villeurbanne, near Vaulx-en-Velin.

Église Saint-Didier de Neyron⛪ religious

The Church of Saint-Didier in Neyron is a historical religious building near Vaulx-en-Velin. It is a nice destination for visitors interested in local church history.

Parc du Centre🌳 park

The Parc du Centre gives a green oasis in the heart of Vaulx-en-Velin. It is a convenient place for relaxation and outdoor strolls.

Parc de la Feyssine🌳 park

The Parc de la Feyssine is a large natural park on the banks of the Rhône near Vaulx-en-Velin. It provides numerous paths for hiking, cycling, and nature watching.

Batterie de Sermenaz🛡️ fortress

The Batterie de Sermenaz is a former military defense fortification in Vaulx-en-Velin. It provides insight into late 19th-century military architecture.

MJC Ô Totem📍 landmark

MJC Ô Totem is an animated music and cultural venue in Vaulx-en-Velin. It has a broad program of concerts, workshops, and creative activities.

🕒 Tu 14:00-21:00; We 10:00-13:00, 14:00-20:00; Th 14:00-19:00;

Frequently asked questions

What can you do at the Vaulx-en-Velin Planetarium?
It features immersive shows about the universe, astronomy workshops, and interactive exhibitions for all age groups.
What is Carré de Soie?
A large shopping and leisure center built on a former industrial site once dedicated to silk production.
Are there nature areas there?
Yes, the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage is partly located in the municipality, offering lakes, beaches, and hiking trails.
How far is Lyon?
Vaulx-en-Velin directly borders Lyon and is quickly accessible via metro line A or tram T3.
What is Mini World Lyon?
The largest miniature park in France, located in Carré de Soie, featuring detailed landscapes and cities at a 1:87 scale.
Vaulx-en-Velin: where is it located?
Vaulx-en-Velin is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Vaulx-en-Velin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Planetarium, Mini World Lyon, Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage.
Vaulx-en-Velin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vaulx-en-Velin: why is it worth visiting?
Vaulx-en-Velin is an animated and highly multicultural suburb on the eastern outskirts of Lyon, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades thanks to extensive urban renewal projects.
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