Parc de la Cerisaie explained

Parc de la Cerisaie
Type:Urban park
Location:Lyon, 4th arrondissement
Coords:45.7761°N 4.8149°W
Area:11 acres (4.5 ha)
Created:1913
Operator:City of Lyon
Open:Winter: 8am - 7pm

Summer: 8am - 10pm

Website:Lyon City website's entry

The parc de la Cerisaie (Park of the Cherry Orchard) is an urban park in the Croix-Rousse 4th arrondissement of Lyon, France. It is partially situated on a slope, leading from the plateau of the Croix-Rousse down towards the river Saône.

History

The park was constructed on a 19th-century property by the rich industrial Gillet family, on the land above their factories. The park was designed in 1913 and included about 1,200 trees. In the center of the park they had a large house built, known as Villa Gillet.[1] The park and villa were sold to the city in 1973. Today the house is the base of operations of the Villa Gillet cultural institution,[2] and the park is open to the public.[3]

Recreation

The park has children's playgrounds, lawns and benches, an exercise area and plenty of paved paths, making it a popular and important green space for people from the surrounding neighbourhoods.

Sculptures

The park houses a sculpture trail, including works from César Baldaccini, Gérald Martinand, Jean-Pierre Raynaud, Geneviève Dumont, Gérard Michel, Markus Raetz, Bernard Pagès, Alain Lovato, Takis and Ulrich Rückriem.

Vineyard

The République des Canuts association has a small vineyard in the park; 300 plants of gamay grape, planted in 1986. Pressed in Croix-Rousse, the wine produced is the Clos des Canuts.

Notes and References

  1. http://www.lyon.fr/lieu/patrimoine/parc-de-la-cerisaie.html Lyon City website's entry for the park
  2. http://www.villagillet.net/ Villa Gillet institution website
  3. Book: Parcs jardins de Lyon. Philippe Vouillon. 2006. 34. 9782915928051. fr.