Parc de Parilly
The Parilly Park is located in the municipal areas of Bron and Vénissieux. It attracts schoolchildren all year round, as well as nature-lovers, joggers and cyclists, and many athletes use its stadium. The 178 hectares (440 acres) of Parilly Park are harmoniously divided between a wooded area and a sports area.
History
In 1937, the local council wanted to create the finest park in France over a surface area of 500 acres. To choose an architect, a competition was organized by the project's founders and won by Pierre Bellemain, a year before the war. They had great ambitions and wanted to put in a lake, ice-skating rink, canal etc. But the war put a halt to the great schemes of the architects. The local authorities then entrusted the Water and Forestry department with the task of reforestation in the area. The park of Parilly now provides a precious reservoir of fresh air for the south-east of Lyon. A racecourse was built there, instead of a lake, to the delight of local punters.
In 1937, the local council wanted to create the finest park in France over a surface area of 500 acres. To choose an architect, a competition was organized by the project's founders and won by Pierre Bellemain, a year before the war. They had great ambitions and wanted to put in a lake, ice-skating rink, canal etc. But the war put a halt to the great schemes of the architects. The local authorities then entrusted the Water and Forestry department with the task of reforestation in the area. The park of Parilly now provides a precious reservoir of fresh air for the south-east of Lyon. A racecourse was built there, instead of a lake, to the delight of local punters.
Wooded area
It is made up of numerous tree species and each sector has its own identity. Mainly covered with conifers, the park is known for being cool in summer. Several rare trees are hidden in the middle of the wood, for example an American yellowwood at Les Essarts.
The wooded area, with its footpaths, trails (including a fitness track) and an orienteering circuit, is a favorite destination for both athletes and families with children.
From Monday to Friday, these grounds are reserved for schoolchildren and an average of six hundred pupils use them every day. For the rest of the time, access is free.
This area also hosts numerous regional, national or even European sports events (matches, tournaments, various competitions). Every year the park thus becomes the venue for prestigious events such as the Lyon marathon, the "Petite Reine" bicycle day, and the French junior championships.
This area also hosts numerous regional, national or even European sports events (matches, tournaments, various competitions). Every year the park thus becomes the venue for prestigious events such as the Lyon marathon, the "Petite Reine" bicycle day, and the French junior championships.
