How many stories can one park tell? Parc Jeanne Jugan is named after Jeanne Jugan. She founded the Little Sisters of the Poor. This Lyon park offers a green escape.
Parc Jeanne Jugan is located in Lyon’s 3rd arrondissement. It sits near the Part-Dieu train station. The park covers 8,850 square meters. That is just over two acres.
Let’s step back to 1853. The Little Sisters of the Poor acquired land here. It was once a Capuchin monastery. The property spanned over four hectares. The entrance was on Rue Corne-de-Cerf. Today, it’s Rue Maurice Flandin.
The convent became outdated. It was demolished in 1984. In its place rose the “Ma Maison” residence. Part of the land was sold. This made way for the CRAM building. In 1982, the garden became a public park. Later, in the 1990s, more land was sold. The “Danica” building was constructed.
The Little Sisters of the Poor donated part of their former garden. This created Parc Jeanne Jugan. It honors the founder of their congregation. Some still call it the Little Sisters’ garden.
The park faced challenges between 2016 and 2021. Its proximity to Part-Dieu station led to its use by homeless people. Migrants also found temporary shelter here. In 2017, tensions arose with some residents. This led to a temporary park closure.
Along Rue Pompidou, there is a small botanical garden. On the large lawn, two old robinia trees stand. Younger linden trees were planted in 1992. A green wall protects the park. It consists of bamboo and Italian poplars. This wall runs along the former Rize riverbed. It shields the park from city noise.
Kids can enjoy play areas here. A rope climbing structure was added in 2016. It cost 80,000 euros.
Jeanne Jugan was born in Cancale on October 25, 1792. She died on August 29, 1879. She was declared a saint on October 11, 2009.
In 1839, she took in a disabled person. She formed an association to care for others. Eventually, this became a congregation. At her death, it ran 170 homes. These housed 20,000 residents.
The Little Sisters continued to grow. They now have 6,000 nuns in 300 homes. Two of these homes are in Lyon. They house 50,000 elderly people.
Parc Jeanne Jugan offers more than just green space. It holds a piece of Lyon’s history. It is a tribute to a compassionate woman. Take a moment to appreciate this urban sanctuary.