How about we explore Bron? It is a town often passed through. But Bron has exceptional experiences.
Bron is found in the Lyon metropolitan area. It is a town with much to offer. Consider Karim Benzema. He is a Bron native and winner of the 2022 Ballon d’Or. Or Mourad Merzouki. He is a major figure in contemporary dance.
Bron is literally the Lyon area’s cradle. This is due to 4500 births per year at the Femme-Mère-Enfant hospital. Bron also has a dynamic economy. There are two large business parks. Bron has a packed sporting calendar. It was named France’s most sporty town in 2008. There is also an original cultural scene.
Pôle Pik is a unique cultural venue in Bron. It is in the working-class neighborhood of Parilly. Mourad Merzouki runs this choreography center. It is a landmark on the local hip-hop scene. The center welcomes dance companies. It runs classes for all levels. Pôle Pik created the Karavel hip-hop festival in October. The Albert Camus centre produces drama too. It also hosts dance, music and circus arts shows.
Let’s visit Ferme du Vinatier. It is another amazing place. It has breathed fresh life into the former farm building. The building is on the grounds of Le Vinatier psychiatric hospital. This cultural venue has a performance hall. There is also an exhibition area. The program fights prejudice about mental illnesses. It also supports people with mental health issues. See original shows and exhibitions here. Discover the hospital grounds. It opened in 1876.
Les Alizés is an important cinema. It is in an unassuming building. Apartment blocks surround it in Bron’s town center. The association ‘Les amis du cinéma’ saved it from closure in the 1970s. It holds the festival ‘Drôle d’endroit pour des rencontres’ in January. French cinema figures gather here. Up-and-coming directors interact with the public. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming.
The Fort de Bron is a historical building. It is a landmark for hikers. It protected Lyon during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870. Volunteers from the association Fort de Bron organize monthly guided tours. History buffs love this tour. Fans of the French film Kaamelott enjoy it too. The fort was the location for the film’s prison scenes. Beautiful countryside surrounds the building. It is the starting point for lovely walks.
The aerodrome played an important role in Bron’s history. It was the “world’s largest air terminal” from 1930. Germany occupied it in 1942. Now, it is for business and leisure aviation. Enthusiasts meet at the Aéroclub du Grand-Lyon here. Learn how to fly. Enjoy a first-flight experience.
The hippodrome of Bron-Parilly has attracted horse racing fans for over 50 years. Curious visitors come on weekdays and weekends. Major events happen here. The ‘Grande Nocturne de Bron’ is in June. It is an evening of horse races. See shows and fireworks. Parilly Park surrounds the hippodrome. It is a 178-hectare green space. It brings together an eclectic audience. They enjoy the exciting atmosphere of horse betting.
Just a few tram stops from Lyon’s center Bron offers unique experiences.