Gerland Henry-Chabert Park
Escape the urban buzz at Gerland Henry-Chabert Park, an expansive green haven meticulously carved from former industrial grounds in Lyon's dynamic south. This modern marvel, spanning 18 hectares, offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and recreational pursuits. Wander through the unique Megaphorbiaie, a botanical garden showcasing a riot of tall herbaceous plants, or simply unwind in one of its meticulously designed plains. The park's commitment to ecological excellence is underscored by its 'Écojardin' and 'Jardin remarquable' classifications, ensuring a visit that's both invigorating and inspiring. Whether you're seeking active fun at the skatepark or a tranquil moment amidst vibrant flora, this park provides a genuinely special retreat for all ages.
Videos
History of Gerland Henry-Chabert Park
The land where Gerland Henry-Chabert Park now flourishes once represented Lyon's industrial past, a vast expanse of former factories and warehouses. As the city evolved, a bold vision emerged in 1996: to transform this grey, forgotten terrain into a vibrant green lung for its southern districts. This ambitious project, spearheaded by the renowned landscape architect Michel Corajoud, aimed to create not just another park, but a living testament to ecological innovation and urban renewal. The initial phases of development, completed in 2000 and 2006, saw Corajoud's blueprint take shape. He ingeniously incorporated diverse natural landscapes, including the remarkable 'Megaphorbiaie', a unique botanical garden designed to showcase specific herbaceous flora. This wasn't merely about planting trees; it was about reimagining urban space, fostering biodiversity, and providing a dynamic environment where nature and recreation could coexist harmoniously. The park quickly became a symbol of Lyon's commitment to green initiatives, earning prestigious classifications like 'Écojardin' and 'Jardin remarquable'. Over the years, Gerland Henry-Chabert Park cemented its role as a vital community asset. It became a popular destination for families, sports enthusiasts drawn to its skatepark and open plains, and nature lovers exploring its themed gardens like the chromatic garden. In a fitting tribute to a figure instrumental in Lyon's urban development, the park was officially renamed in 2019 after Henry Chabert, a local politician whose legacy helped shape the modern city. Today, it stands as a celebrated example of how a city can reclaim its industrial heritage and cultivate a thriving natural sanctuary for generations to come, seamlessly blending history with a forward-looking ecological spirit.
events spanning 23 years
Fun Facts
- • Among its diverse features, the park includes a 'Jardin chromatique' (Chromatic Garden), designed to explore the interplay of colours through different plant species, offering a unique sensory experience.
- • Before its transformation, Gerland Henry-Chabert Park occupied a large plot of former industrial land, a common site in the rapidly changing Gerland district of Lyon.
- • Beyond its tranquil gardens, the park boasts a modern skatepark, drawing enthusiasts from across Lyon and providing a dynamic contrast to its natural settings.
- • Gerland Henry-Chabert Park holds the prestigious 'Jardin remarquable' (Remarkable Garden) label, awarded by the French Ministry of Culture for its design, botanical interest, and careful maintenance.
- • Nestled adjacent to the famous Stade de Gerland, the park has served as a venue for sporting events, notably hosting the finals of the French Archery Championship in both 2007 and 2012.
- • The 'Maison des Fleurs' (House of Flowers) within the park serves as a hub for horticultural education and provides visitors with insights into the diverse flora cultivated within its grounds.
- • The park is home to a distinctive botanical area known as the 'Megaphorbiaie', a specific type of habitat featuring tall herbaceous plants that thrive in nutrient-rich, moist soils.
- • The park's innovative design was largely shaped by the vision of acclaimed French landscape architect Michel Corajoud, known for his work on several major urban green spaces.
- • While currently encompassing 18 hectares, the original master plan for the park envisioned an even larger expanse of 80 hectares dedicated to leisure and botanical discovery.
Gerland Henry-Chabert Park 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.
Gerland Henry-Chabert Park Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Gerland Henry-Chabert Park. 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 Gerland Henry-Chabert Park
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
806mHalle Tony Garnier
Built between 1909 and 1914 as part of Tony Garnier's visionary Industrial City project, this immense iron-framed hall once sheltered the livestock market. Today it hosts concerts, trade fairs and the Lumière Festival ceremonies. The span is over 200 metres long, and the rhythm of its metal arches is hard to ignore.
architecture view
1178mConfluences Museum
Perched right where the Rhône and Saône crash together at the southern tip of the Presqu'île, this building looks less like a civic hall and more like an angular starship grounded on the riverbank. Designed by Coop Himmelb(l)au, the architecture pairs soaring glass cantilevers with a stainless steel cloud floating over a cavernous concrete base. Inside, centuries-old cabinets of curiosities collide with Egyptian mummies, a 1958 particle accelerator, and articulated dinosaur skeletons. Stepping onto the upper rooftop terrace puts the meeting of two river currents and the distant Alpine foothills directly in front of you. A sharp wind can whip around the outdoor vortex walkways on blustery afternoons, but moving through the dimmed galleries feels like exploring the outer edges of human curiosity. At ground level, winding footpaths lead straight to the water's edge where the rivers merge.
attraction view
3375mSergeant Blandan Park
Forget your typical city park; Lyon’s Sergeant Blandan Park offers a remarkable blend of vast green space and tangible history. This isn't just a place for a picnic; it's a journey through time, set on the grounds of a formidable 19th-century military fort. Imagine wandering through serene pathways, then stumbling upon imposing fortifications or repurposed barracks that whisper tales of a bygone era. With its impressive 17 hectares, Blandan provides ample room to explore, play, or simply unwind amidst its varied landscapes, from wilder natural zones to expansive lawns. It’s a bold reimagining of urban space, transforming a once-restricted military site into a lively, accessible haven for everyone.
park & nature view
3473mSaint-Martin d'Ainay Basilica
Thick, austere stone walls define the only entirely Romanesque church remaining in the city. The eleventh-century architecture lacks the flying buttresses and massive glass windows of later Gothic structures, creating a heavy, grounded atmosphere. The square bell tower is unusually stocky, designed for stability rather than soaring height. Inside, ancient granite columns salvaged from Roman ruins support the low, dark arches. It sits quietly in a wealthy residential district, offering a severe contrast to the ornate Renaissance buildings across the river.
architecture view
Featured on These Itineraries and Routes
5 Days in Lyon: The Complete Experience
Five days entirely removes the pressure of tourism, allowing you to settle into the rhythm of the city. You have time to cross the rivers multiple times, explore the vast parks on the outskirts, and hunt down hidden courtyards that most visitors miss. This duration allows for a deep dive into the museums and a dedicated focus on the modern architecture of the southern peninsula. You can afford to spend an entire afternoon reading in a café or cycling the riverbanks without feeling like you are wasting time. It transforms a busy trip into a temporary residence.
view itinerary
Rhône River Promenade
Wide wooden decks and landscaped grassy banks replace what used to be a sprawling concrete car park. You walk right at the water level, with the massive, fast-moving current of the Rhône rushing past. University students sprawl on the lawns, drinking wine and playing guitars. Terraced cafes on moored boats play soft electronic music as the sun hits the water. It offers five kilometres of uninterrupted, relaxed strolling right through the heart of the metropolis.
view walking route
See all nature & parks in Lyon
Including Tête d'Or Park, Garden of Curiosities, Heights Park, and more
