Perhaps you feel the gentle breeze coming off the Rhône river. This is the Parc de la Feyssine. It is a green lung within the city. This park offers a refreshing escape from the urban hustle.
Parc de la Feyssine is more than just a park. It is a testament to Lyon’s commitment to nature. It provides a vital link between two other significant green spaces. These are Parc de la Tête d’Or and the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage.
Imagine this space 150 years ago. A dam had just been built on the Rhône. This area was used as a reservoir. It supplied drinking water to Lyon for almost 100 years. In 2002 the area was transformed. It officially became a natural urban park.
Today Parc de la Feyssine is home to a large diversity of animal and plant life. In 2008 the park received an official designation. It became an urban ecological green-space. This award came from the French organization ECOCERT. This was thanks to the absence of synthetic products. No chemicals are used in the maintenance of this natural area.
Over 50% of Parc de la Feyssine is wooded. This creates a rich natural environment. There are trails for walkers. Mountain bikers can enjoy the terrain. Runners find paths for exercise. One path is a circular route. Another is the “chemin hectométrique”. This path has informational exhibits every 100 meters.
For those who enjoy navigation, there is something special. Parc de la Feyssine has a permanent orienteering course. With a downloadable map and compass. You can navigate between various points.
From April to the end of August, Villeurbanne organizes events here. These are called “Anim’ Feyssine”. These events are geared especially towards children. These are weekly insights. They provide educational activities. Children can delve into the park’s natural world.
There is even a smartphone app game. Here you help a little bat. The bat’s name is “Feyssie”. You help him find his way home.
Created in 2002, Parc de la Feyssine covers 45 hectares. It provides freedom and discovery. The park shows plant evolution. It tames nature without dominating it. Schools visit regularly. They find it a useful place for the discovery of nature. In spring the council organizes a fête. It is called “Les Bons Plants”. This means “good plants” as well as “good ideas”. It opens the park to an even larger public.
Parc de la Feyssine is a space for everyone. It’s open 24 hours a day. Please keep dogs on a leash. Camping, swimming and fires are not allowed. It is a wonderful natural environment. It makes up part of Lyon’s extensive greenbelt area. So come enjoy this piece of countryside in the city.