Garden of Curiosities
The Jardin des Curiosités, perched on the Saint-Just hill, offers one of Lyon's most spellbinding panoramic views, stretching across the city and the Saône River. This tranquil green space is no ordinary park; it is a living canvas, gifted by Montreal, where art and nature intertwine. Six intriguing chair-sculptures by Québecois artist Michel Goulet invite contemplation, each inscribed with poetic musings. It is a serene escape where you can lean back, let your gaze wander over the terracotta rooftops, and ponder the curiosities both within the garden and in the vibrant city below. From here, the city unfolds beneath you, a dynamic blend of history and modernity. It is a testament to international friendship and artistic vision.
Videos
History of Garden of Curiosities
The story of Lyon's Jardin des Curiosités begins with a gesture of international friendship. In the late 1990s, as the twin cities of Lyon and Montreal approached two decades of cooperative relations, Montreal sought a unique way to celebrate this bond. The idea blossomed into a distinctive public garden, a counterpart to a Lyon-gifted garden established in Montreal. Opened to the public in August 2001, the Jardin des Curiosités was a collaborative vision brought to life by a team of Canadian and French designers. At its heart was the renowned Québecois sculptor Michel Goulet, working alongside Montreal-based architecture and urban design agency Daoust Lestage, and the Canadian landscape firm Vlan Paysages. Their collective aim was to create not just a park, but an experience, blending natural beauty with thoughtful artistic intervention. Goulet's signature contribution came in the form of six extraordinary chair-sculptures, each permanently fixed to the ground and bearing etched inscriptions. These are not merely places to rest; they are prompts for reflection, inviting visitors to engage with the landscape and their own thoughts on reality, absence, and imagination. The garden's layout itself is a deliberate journey, with themed spaces that reveal different vistas and textures, from sun-drenched terraces mirroring Lyon's rooftops to shaded, tree-lined expanses. Even a subtle bridge within the garden pays homage to Montreal's iconic Jacques Cartier Bridge, subtly reinforcing the transatlantic connection. This elevated haven continues to serve as a symbol of enduring urban camaraderie, offering both locals and travellers a unique vantage point on Lyon and a quiet space for introspection.
events spanning 1 year
Fun Facts
- • A small, symbolic bridge within the garden is a deliberate nod to Montreal's iconic Jacques Cartier Bridge, which spans the Saint Lawrence River.
- • Its creation was a reciprocal gesture, as Lyon had previously gifted a garden to Montreal in the autumn of 2000, designed by sculptor Jean-François Gavoty and landscape architect Guéric Péré.
- • Six unique chair-sculptures, designed by Michel Goulet, are scattered throughout the garden; they are permanently sealed to the ground and feature poetic inscriptions designed to inspire contemplation.
- • The Jardin des Curiosités was a diplomatic gift from the city of Montreal to Lyon, celebrating two decades of close cooperation between the two international cities.
- • The garden is also known by several other names, including 'Jardin de Montréal', 'Belvédère Abbé-Larue', and 'Jardin du Belvédère'.
- • The layout features distinct thematic spaces, including a lawn bordered by light-foliage trees, a panoramic terrace facing the Saône, and a sloped, wooded area to the north, each offering a different perspective.
- • The name 'Belvédère Abbé-Larue' honours Abbé François Larue, a local Resistance hero who was executed in 1944 for his efforts during World War II.
- • The park covers 6,000 square metres, strategically located on the heights of the Saint-Just district, offering expansive views over the city and the Saône.
- • The primary artistic vision for the garden came from Québecois sculptor Michel Goulet, who collaborated with Montreal-based architecture firm Daoust Lestage and Canadian landscape firm Vlan Paysages.
- • The sandy terrace within the garden mirrors the reddish hue of Lyon's traditional terracotta rooftops, creating a visual link between the park and the cityscape.
RESOURCES
Official WebsiteGarden of Curiosities FAQ
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.
Garden of Curiosities Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Garden of Curiosities. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Places near Garden of Curiosities
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
421mFourvière Nights
Performers take to the stage inside a 2,000-year-old Roman theatre carved directly into the hillside. The festival spans theatre, music, dance, and cinema under the open summer sky. International musicians often alter their usual stadium sets to fit the intimate, ancient acoustics of the stone tiers. Audiences traditionally throw their seat cushions toward the stage at the end of a successful performance. The city stretches out below the venue, providing a dramatic backdrop as darkness falls.
festival view
445mSaint-Georges Footbridge
This bright red pedestrian bridge crosses the Saône, pointing directly at the neo-Gothic facade of the Saint-Georges church. The intense colour of the metal structure provides a sharp contrast to the muted stone buildings of the old town behind it. In the morning, the water is often perfectly still, creating a mirror reflection of the church and the bridge itself. It offers a much quieter, more intimate scale than the massive bridges over the Rhône. The perspective emphasizes the tight relationship between the historic district and the river.
photo spot view
474mFicelle Funicular
The ficelles, French for little strings, are Lyon's funiculars. They climb from Vieux Lyon to the heights of Fourvière and Saint-Just on short, wood-panelled cars. A ride takes only a few minutes and costs the same as a bus ticket, and it saves your legs for the descent on foot.
highlight view
511mRoman Theatre of Lyon
Imagine the roar of 10,000 Roman spectators echoing across the hillside of Fourvière; that's the spirit you'll find at the Roman Theatre of Lyon. This ancient marvel, one of Gaul's oldest, offers a compelling journey back to Lugdunum's glory days. It's not just a collection of old stones, but a meticulously restored amphitheatre that brings history to life, especially during the annual Nuits de Fourvière festival. You can wander through its tiers, touch the aged stone, and feel the weight of centuries, all while enjoying panoramic views of modern Lyon below. It's a place where Roman engineering and cultural heritage blend seamlessly with contemporary artistry, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to connect with the city's profound past.
attraction view
See all nature & parks in Lyon
Including Tête d'Or Park, Gerland Henry-Chabert Park, Heights Park, and more
