Parc des Palmes: a future natural setting in the heart of Lyon

A new 80-hectare natural park will soon see the light of day between the slopes of Fourvière and the districts of Gorge-de-Loup and Saint-Pierre-de-Vaise. Named Balmes Park, this ambitious project led by the City of Lyon promises to transform a little-known, wild and steep space into a real green haven, relaxation and panoramic discoveries. Ultimately, this park will link the 5th and 9th arrondissements, offering a unique nature experience in the heart of the metropolis.

🌿 A major project on the Balmes lyonnaises

The word "balme", of Franco-Provençal origin, designates a cliff or natural caveIn Lyon, the balmes are these wooded slopes, steep and rich in biodiversity, located between the hill of Fourviere and the valley of the Saone. Long left fallow or difficult to access, this natural territory will be the subject of a progressive landscaping to become one of the largest urban parks in the city.

THE Balmes Park is part of the continuity of the Heights Park, already appreciated for its breathtaking views and its calm. Ultimately, the new park will cover nearly 80 hectares and will propose more than 10 kilometers of trails, belvederes, planted stairs, soft paths for pedestrians, tree plantations and rest areas.

👣 A walk between heritage, nature and spectacular views

The future park will have the aim of reconciling nature and the city, by promoting access to an exceptional natural site while respecting its ecological identity. Three major links are planned:

• Place Abbé-Larue (Lyon 5th) : redeveloped with 5,000 m² of redeveloped surface area, including 1,500 m² planted with vegetation and a 230-meter panoramic promenade.

• Cardinal-Gerlier ↔ Pierre-Audry : 220 meters of steep path, with a 40 meter drop and the planting of 30 trees.

• Sergent-Berthet ↔ montée des Carriers (Lyon 9th) : 440 meters of promenade, 250 meters of planted fences and 40 meters of elevation gain.

These courses will offer breathtaking views over the city, the Saône and even the Alps on a clear day. An invitation to contemplation as much as to walking!

🧭 A place to discover… from 2026

The project is now in the active phase: after several landscape, ecological and geotechnical studies, the work on the first phase is expected by the end of 2025, with a partial opening from 2026The budget allocated to this first stage amounts to 4.39 million euros.

The city is focusing on a sustainable approach: revegetation of the soil, choice of local species, gentle management of slopes, creation of ecological continuity with existing gardens, and heritage enhancement (old workers’ gardens, forts, historic walls, etc.).

🧑‍🌾 A participatory and lively project

Since 2023, urban hikes are organized with residents and associations to discover the places and better understand the project. The objective: include the Lyonnais in the evolution of the park, preserve current uses (such as shared gardens) and make the Parc des Balmes a citizen space.

Some concerns have emerged, particularly around the preservation of historic allotments. But the City has committed to integrating these elements into the future development, in a spirit of memory and collective use.

🌟 Why you should keep a close eye on Parc des Balmes

The Parc des Balmes will undoubtedly become a must-see in Lyon for walkers, families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Its originality lies in its spectacular topography, to his hidden heritage and to the richness of its biodiversity.

It will also be a magnificent starting point for exploring Fourvière hill in a different way, linked to historical, religious or simply contemplative journeys.

📝 To remember

• Name : Balmes Park

• Location : Between Fourvière, Gorge-de-Loup and Saint-Pierre-de-Vaise (Lyon 5th and 9th arrondissements)

• Area : 80 hectares

• Partial opening : planned in 2026

• Special features : natural cliffs, biodiversity, panoramic trails, integration of gardens and heritage