How about a stroll through a space that was once an industrial site? That space is now Parc Henry-Chabert. This large greenspace in Lyon offers recreation and sports activities. It is situated near the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
Parc Henry-Chabert was previously known as Parc de Gerland. Some people also call it Parc du Confluent. The park officially became Parc Henry-Chabert on December 19, 2020. This renaming honored the politician Henry Chabert.
Construction of Parc Henry-Chabert began in 1996. The park spans 80 hectares. That is about 200 acres. Landscape architect Michel Corajoud oversaw the first phases. These phases finished in 2000 and 2006. Grand Lyon managed the project.
Within Parc Henry-Chabert, you will discover varied attractions. Playgrounds offer fun for children. A skatepark allows skateboarders to show off their skills. The botanical garden called “Megaphorbiaie” displays diverse flora.
The “Megaphorbiaie” features unconventional plant life. It contains heterogeneous plants with large leaves. These plants thrive in rich and humid soils. The garden showcases plants arranged by species. Their colorful blooms create an ever changing seasonal display. This area evokes horticultural landscapes. It resembles plant arrangements in ornamental plant nurseries.
Water defines another part of the garden. A series of channels surrounds the area. These channels teem with aquatic plants and animals. They link different spaces, integrating the park with the river environment.
The Maison des Fleurs is a unique structure. It was built on a former industrial building. This exhibition space focuses on nature and plants. It provides environmental education workshops. The workshops cover gardening related activities. These centers engage the public. They promote biodiversity. They also teach about the environment. One workshop teaches about beavers. Beavers are slowly recolonizing the Rhône river.
As night falls, a magical transformation occurs in Parc Henry-Chabert. Laurent Fachard developed the chromatic garden. Lights illuminate the vegetation in different colors. This illumination transforms the park into a magical environment. Hidden speakers play sounds. These sounds create a special atmosphere. A nighttime visit engages all your senses. It offers a chance to fully enjoy the surprising landscape.
Parc Henry-Chabert hosted the French archery championship finals in 2007 and 2012. It has been classified as an Ecojardin since 2012. It has also been named a Remarkable Garden. Parc Henry-Chabert is a place where nature and recreation blend. It offers a unique experience in Lyon.