Imagine monks tilling agricultural lands where we now stand in Jardin des Chartreux. This garden offers a tranquil escape high above Lyon. Let’s explore its history and beauty.
The Jardin des Chartreux owes its name to the Carthusian monks. This religious order settled here in 1580. At that time, the slopes of Croix-Rousse were mostly farmland. The garden’s creation occurred between 1855 and 1856. Senator Vaïsse initiated these transformations. One of the Büchler brothers designed it. They later designed the Parc de la Tête d’Or.
The Jardin des Chartreux covers about one hectare. It is located in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse. The garden sits almost vertically above the Saône river. It runs along Cours Général-Giraud between Rue de la Muette and Place Rouville. The Passage Gonin crosses it. This pedestrian path connects Cours Général-Giraud to Quai Saint-Vincent.
The Jardin des Chartreux is built on several levels. These levels follow the rocky escarpment. The highest point stands at 212 meters. It offers a beautiful panorama. You can see a meander of the Saône, the Fourvière hill, and the south of the city. Below, you can discover the Clos Saint-Benoît. Its courtyard corresponds to the cloister of an old Benedictine convent.
Monuments to Lyonnais writers dot the Jardin des Chartreux. There is a statue of Pierre Dupont. Auguste Suchetet created it. There are monuments to Pétrus Sambardier, Camille Roy, and Joseph Serre. A bas-relief depicts Serre smoking a cigarette. Emmanuel Cateland erected it. Louis Prost sculpted it. There is also a statue dedicated to deceased Lyonnais painters and sculptors. Georges Salendre created it.
A pavilion built in 1860 is dedicated to Ahmadou Kourouma. He was an Ivorian writer who died in Lyon in 2003. The dedication occurred in November 2010. This date marked the 50th anniversary of Côte d’Ivoire’s independence. It also marked the reissue of Kourouma’s works.
The Jardin des Chartreux includes a play area. It hosts various events like concerts and neighborhood picnics. The Maison du Jardin des Chartreux hosts associations. It was renovated in 2005. The address of the Jardin des Chartreux is 36 cours Général Giraud.
To reach the Jardin des Chartreux, you can use public transport. Take Metro Line A to Hotel de Ville Louis Pradel. Alternatively, take buses S6 or S12 to the Jardin des Plantes stop. Buses C13 and C18 also stop at Place Rouville.
Take a moment to appreciate the blend of history and nature here. The Jardin des Chartreux offers a unique perspective on Lyon. It’s a place for contemplation and remembrance. As you leave, remember the monks. Remember also the artists who found inspiration in this elevated haven.