A gift from Montreal. That’s how the story of Jardin des Curiosités begins. This isn’t just any park. It’s a unique space nestled in Lyon’s 5th arrondissement. It’s also known as Jardin de Montreal or Jardin du Belvédère.
The Jardin des Curiosités wasn’t always here. It came to be in 2000. This was the twentieth anniversary of the cooperation between Lyon and Montreal. Montreal gifted this park to Lyon. Montreal’s citizens helped design it. They wanted a place for peace and relaxation. Lyon returned the favor. They created a green space in Montreal called Jardin de Lyon. It’s located at Place J-Ernest-Laforce.
Inspired by New York’s “pocket parks” Jardin des Curiosités is small but beautiful. It’s a green and poetic spot in the heart of Lyon. It was designed by Daoust Lestage and built by Vlan Paysages.
Walk through the entrance. You’ll see a curved path. It leads to the belvedere. This is the park’s highlight. The belvedere offers a breathtaking view of Lyon. It has sections inspired by Montreal’s landscape. There’s a reddish terrace. It evokes the color of Lyon’s rooftops. There’s a grassy area bordered by trees.
Six chairs are fixed to the ground. They offer different perspectives. Sculptor Michel Goulet created them. They invite contemplation. Inscriptions on the chairs encourage reflection. One inscription reads “From the heights of Lyon at the limit of sight you can sometimes see more than 150 kilometers away where the sun rises the summit of Mont Blanc.” This reminds us to appreciate the view.
You can reach the Jardin des Curiosités easily. A twenty-minute walk from Place Bellecour is a good option. You can also take bus C20. The funicular to Saint Just is another picturesque way to arrive. There’s even parking right at the entrance if you drive.
The Jardin des Curiosités is open year-round. It’s lovely in summer. You can have a picnic and watch the sunset. The view is just as spectacular in winter. Snow covers the roofs of Lyon. It’s a place worth visiting again and again to experience the changing seasons. In the evenings the park gets busy in the summer. If you want a good spot for your picnic arrive early. It’s not really a park for young children. It’s more for peaceful contemplation. So take some time to enjoy this little piece of Montreal in Lyon. A tranquil retreat offering breathtaking views. It’s a park you won’t soon forget.