Lyon Botanical Garden — Attraction in Lyon

The Jardin botanique de Lyon, also known as the Jardin botanique du Parc de la Tête d'Or, is an 8 hectares (20 acres) municipal botanical garden located in the Parc de la Tête d'Or, Lyon, Rhône, Rhône-Alpes, France. It is open weekdays without charge.

The garden was established in 1857 as a successor to earlier botanical gardens dating to 1796, and now describes itself as France's largest municipal botanical garden. Today it contains about 15,000 plants, including 3500 plants of temperate regions, 760 species of shrubs, a hundred species of wild roses, 750 varieties of historical roses, 200 varieties of peonies recognized by the Conservatoire Français des Collections Végétales Spécialisées (CCVS), 1800 species of alpine plants, 50 varieties of water lilies, and 6,000 species in its greenhouses.

The garden's greenhouses enclose a total of 6,500 square metres (70,000 sq ft) in area, and include a central pavilion for tropical plants including camellias over a hundred years old; a greenhouse-aquarium with Amazonian water lilies; a Dutch greenhouse containing carnivorous plants; small greenhouses with orchids; and small cold greenhouses with azaleas, cactus,...

Tucked within the expansive Parc de la Tête d'Or, the Lyon Botanical Garden (Jardin botanique de Lyon) is a true treasure for plant enthusiasts and casual visitors alike. Boasting one of Europe's richest collections with over 15,000 plants across 8 hectares, it's a fantastic journey through global flora, all free of charge.

The garden is thoughtfully laid out, featuring a diverse range of outdoor sections including an arboretum with ancient trees, an alpine garden, and a charming historical rose garden (separate from the larger Roseraie Internationale). What truly sets it apart are its magnificent greenhouses. These include the grand central pavilion housing tropical plants and century-old camellias, an impressive greenhouse-aquarium with Amazonian water lilies, and specialized houses for orchids, carnivorous plants, and species from Madagascar and...

Beautiful park to spent afternoon. With lovely autumn leaves falling into your hair as you walk the shaded pathways and the gentle breazes offering relief from the afternoon heat, this place has something for every age. There a free zoo that appears well kept, and a little restaurant next to a man made lake, serving cold low quality wine. There are many a lovely place for a short rest and cold drink, or a full meal if your appitite and budget permits. Garraiffes Zebras, flamingos monkeys and giant turtles watched us stroll by, seeingly preoccupied the the fact that their nexr feeding time was fast approaching. . The massive green house has exotic fruits and rainforest specimens growing profusely. Easy access via...