Parc de Parilly

Description

Ever been to a park that feels more like a sports lover’s paradise mixed with a nature retreat? That’s exactly what you’ll find at Parc de Parilly. I absolutely love how this massive 178-hectare green space manages to combine athletic facilities with peaceful woodland areas. It’s honestly one of Lyon’s best-kept secrets – and trust me, I’ve explored my fair share of parks!

The park strikes an amazing balance between organized sports venues and natural spaces. You’ll find the impressive athletics stadium right alongside serene walking paths that wind through wooded areas. And if you’re into horse racing (who isn’t excited by the thunder of hooves?), the hippodrome here is pretty spectacular.

What really makes this place special is how it doesn’t feel crowded despite being so popular with locals. The sheer size means you can always find your own quiet spot, whether you’re looking to have a peaceful picnic or watch serious athletes training at the facilities.

Key Features

• Professional-grade athletics stadium with regular sporting events
• Extensive network of walking and jogging trails through woodland
• Horse racing track (hippodrome) hosting regular race meetings
• Multiple sports fields and courts for various activities
• Dedicated cycling paths throughout the park
• Children’s play areas scattered across different sections
• Wide open grass areas perfect for picnics and relaxation
• Natural wooded sections with diverse local flora
• Several water features and decorative gardens
• Ample parking facilities around the park perimeter

Best Time to Visit

Y’know what? Spring and early summer are absolutely magical here. The weather’s just right – not too hot, not too cold – and the park comes alive with blooming flowers and fresh greenery. If you’re planning to catch some athletic events or horse races, these seasons typically have the busiest competition schedules too.

Early mornings are fantastic if you’re looking for some peace and quiet – I’ve had some of my best runs here just as the sun’s coming up. But honestly? The park really shines during those long summer evenings when locals come out to play sports or have picnics in the golden light.

Weekend afternoons can get pretty busy, especially when there’s an event at the stadium or hippodrome. If you’re not specifically coming for an event, I’d suggest visiting during weekdays or earlier in the day for a more relaxed experience.

How to Get There

Getting to Parc de Parilly is actually super easy – even for first-time visitors to Lyon. The metro’s your best bet – just hop on Line D and get off at either Parilly or Gare de Vénissieux station. Both stations are right by the park entrances, and you really can’t miss it once you’re there.

If you’re more of a bus person, several local routes stop near the park. And for those driving (which, tbh, can be really convenient if you’re planning to spend the whole day), there’s plenty of parking available around the different entrances to the park.

Tips for Visiting

Okay, here’s what I’ve learned from my many visits: Bring water! The park is huge, and you’ll do more walking than you expect. I learned this the hard way during my first visit when I had to cut my exploration short because I wasn’t prepared.

Download a park map before you go – it’ll save you tons of time. The park’s layout can be a bit confusing at first, and you don’t wanna miss the best spots. I usually snap a quick pic of the map at the entrance on my phone.

If you’re planning to watch any sporting events or horse races, check the schedule in advance. There’s nothing worse than showing up on a quiet day when you were hoping to catch some action! Also, pack a picnic – there aren’t many food vendors in the park itself.

And here’s a pro tip: bring a blanket, even if you’re not planning a picnic. The grassy areas are perfect for impromptu rest stops, and sometimes the benches can get pretty crowded, especially during events or sunny weekends.

For photographers, the early morning or late afternoon light creates amazing shots, especially in the wooded areas. The stadium and hippodrome also offer some really unique photo opportunities during events.

Last but not least, wear comfortable shoes! You’ll want to explore every corner of this amazing space, and trust me, those 178 hectares feel even bigger when you’re walking them. The paths are well-maintained, but you’ll be covering quite a bit of ground!

Location

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