Two squares of paved pathways. That’s the Jardin du Père François Marty. Elevated high above the bustle of Lyon. This is no ordinary garden.
The Jardin du Père François Marty sits atop the Perrache exchange center. It boasts two distinct sections. One overlooking the Rhône. The other the Saône. You reach these rooftop oases via escalators. Moving between them is easy. Just use the level 4 passage.
This peaceful haven commemorates Father François Marty. Born in 1901 he was a chaplain in Lyon’s prisons. He also became a resistance fighter. Tragically he was executed in 1944. His bravery is honored here in this elevated sanctuary. From the garden itself you can see Saint Paul prison. A plaque near the prison entrance pays tribute to him. It notes his work as a priest in the Prado district. It also cites his founding of a work for Lyon’s prisons.
The garden itself is a lovely place. Many flowerbeds grace the space. Roses abound. Mature trees shade grassy areas. The views are simply stunning. Northward you see Place Carnot. Southward the station and Cours de Verdun. To the west the highway stretches out. Further still you can see Fourvière Hill. The square bell tower of Saint-Irénée Church is visible in the distance.
The Perrache exchange center opened in 1976. The gardeners started working soon after. The building itself is quite striking from the garden’s perspective. Long and glass-fronted it’s held up by impressive metal structures that extend beyond the building’s perimeter. Its height gives these gardens a remarkable perspective.
The ELAC a contemporary art space. It held exhibitions for years on the same level as the gardens. The flowers provided a nice contrast. A welcome respite after taking in the modern artwork. Some collections have moved to Villeurbanne. Lyon now boasts a contemporary art museum on the Quai Achille Lignon. Photos from Orlan’s visit in 1981 remain memorable.
In 2024 the museum’s amateur practice groups took over the premises. Sections of the garden have been cultivated since 2011. One part by the Jardins suspendus de Perrache. Another by the Institut Saint Vincent de Paul. Even the Perrache social center uses a small portion of the garden.
So here you are in the Jardin du Père François Marty. A peaceful spot with a poignant past. A beautiful view and a quiet tribute to a courageous man. Remember Father Marty’s sacrifice. Take in the beauty of Lyon from above. Then let’s continue our journey.