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Parks #27 in Lyon

Jardin des Curiosités

4.7 · 2,005 reviews
A quiet urban belvedere
Jardin des Curiosités, 8 Pl. de l'Abbé Larue, 69005 Lyon, France
Interesting facts
1

The park is officially known as the Jardin de Montréal in some municipal records, reflecting its origin as a gift from Canada.

2

The artistic chairs placed throughout the park are engraved with excerpts of texts and poems, curated to reflect the relationship between Lyon and Montreal.

3

The park provides a direct visual axis toward the Part-Dieu business district and the iconic 'Crayon' tower.

4

It was designed by architects from Montreal, specifically incorporating the aesthetic of urban belvederes common in Canadian city planning.

Overview

Jardin des Curiosités is a small, secluded park located on the Fourvière hill in Lyon. It offers an unobstructed, elevated view of the city center, the Presqu'île, and the surrounding mountains. The park was a gift from the city of Montreal to Lyon in 2000 to mark the twin-city partnership. It features several modern art sculptures, including the stylized chairs by Quebec artist Michel Goulet. The site occupies the former garden of the Saint-Just school. Unlike the nearby Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, this park is tucked away in a residential neighborhood, limiting crowds. The space is largely paved with gravel paths and minimal formal landscaping, prioritizing the vista over garden density.

Photo spot

The metal-railed terrace edge facing the city center, specifically framing the view toward the Presqu'île.

Insider tips

Visit during sunset to watch the city lights emerge across the peninsula.

Bring a light jacket, as the hilltop location is often windier than the city center.

The space is small and quiet; it is better suited for a brief rest than for extended recreational activities.

What to avoid

Do not expect a large botanical garden; this is a viewpoint park with limited seating and shade.

Good to know

The park generally closes at night; consult local signage at the gate for seasonal evening access restrictions.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
30-45 minutes
Best time to visit
Sunset, year-round; the lack of dense tree cover allows for clear visibility of the cityscape at dusk.
Address
Jardin des Curiosités, 8 Pl. de l'Abbé Larue, 69005 Lyon, France
45.755, 4.822
Get directions
Details
Shade & rest areasLimited natural shade; provided primarily by sparse trees and dedicated bench seating.
Viewpoint typeUnobstructed 180-degree panoramic lookout.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 30-45 minutes to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Sunset, year-round; the lack of dense tree cover allows for clear visibility of the cityscape at dusk..

The metal-railed terrace edge facing the city center, specifically framing the view toward the Presqu'île.

Close by you'll find Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Musée Cinéma et Miniature.