The Gardens of the Grande-Côte: A balcony over Lyon

Perched on the slopes of Croix-Rousse, the Jardins de la Grande-Côte constitute a verdant haven of peace from which a striking view of the city of Lyon unfolds.

History and situation

These terraced gardens stretch along the Grande-Côte, a historic road that once connected the peninsula to the Croix-Rousse plateau. In the Middle Ages, this area was covered with vineyards belonging to the canons of Saint-Paul. Today, these gardens form a true green lung in the heart of Lyon's 1st arrondissement.

Exceptional panoramic view

From the top of the gardens, you will discover a breathtaking panorama of Lyon. Before you, the entire grandeur of the city unfolds:

• To the west, the majestic Basilica of Fourvière, “the hill that prays”, dominates the horizon with its white towers
• Below, you can take in the whole of Old Lyon, its orange tiled roofs and its mysterious traboules.
• Place des Terreaux and the City Hall are revealed in all their splendor.
• On a clear day, you can see the Alps to the east, their snow-capped peaks standing out against the horizon.
• To the south, the view extends as far as the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.

The view is particularly spectacular:

• At sunset, when the golden light illuminates the city's facades
• At night, when the city lights up and the Fourvière Basilica shines with a thousand lights
• In spring, when the flowering trees in the gardens frame the panorama
• On days of light fog, when the towers of the basilica emerge like a castle in the clouds

Garden terraces

As you climb the steps, you will discover a succession of terraces that perfectly follow the natural slope of the hill. Each level offers a different perspective on the city:

• The first terrace hosts a Mediterranean garden with its aromatic plants: thyme, rosemary, lavender.
• Further up, you will find a heritage orchard preserving old varieties of fruit trees.
• At the summit, a belvedere offers you a breathtaking view of the Fourvière Basilica and Old Lyon.

Urban biodiversity

These gardens are a true refuge for urban biodiversity. We observe:

• A wide variety of birds (tits, robins, blackbirds)
• Pollinating insects attracted by the many flowers
• A diverse flora adapted to the local microclimate

The social and cultural aspect

The Grande-Côte Gardens are more than just a green space. They represent:

• A meeting place for local residents
• An educational space where gardening workshops are organized
• A cultural site regularly hosting open-air exhibitions and artistic events

Points of particular interest

Don't miss:

• The golden stone walls typical of the Lyon region
• The remains of the old traboules that crossed the gardens
• Contemporary sculptures that punctuate the route
• The information panels explain the history of the canuts, the silk workers who left their mark on the history of the neighborhood.

Practical aspects

The gardens are accessible free of charge every day:

• From April 1st to September 30th: 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
• From October 1st to March 31st: 6:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The main access is via the Grande-Côte ascent, but you can also access it via the Rue des Tables-Claudiennes.

Conclusion

These gardens bear witness to the rich history of Croix-Rousse while offering Lyon residents a space for nature and relaxation in the heart of the city. They perfectly embody the Lyonnais way of life, a blend of historical heritage and modernity, nature and culture.