Lyon, France – On Tuesday, January 6, 2026, the city of Lyon officially inaugurated the first phase of the Bois de la Part-Dieu, an ambitious urban forest project designed to bring greenery and freshness to the heart of the Part-Dieu district. This initial phase covers a substantial 5,800 square meters, situated strategically between Boulevard Vivier-Merle and Rue des Cuirassiers, adjacent to the library.
A Vision of Greenery and Freshness Takes Root
While the full maturity of the urban forest will take several years, the inauguration marks a pivotal step in the transformation of a historically mineralized area. Grégory Doucet, Mayor of Lyon and President of SPL Part-Dieu, emphasized the project’s significance: “It will still take some patience for the 73 planted trees to reach their maturity and offer the expected shade. But this space is already synonymous with calm and beauty in this part of Part-Dieu that we have re-enchanted thanks to the work of the Jacqueline Osty et associés workshop.”
The project directly addresses the legacy of 1960s and 1970s urban planning, characterized by concrete slabs and mineralized public spaces. The Bois de la Part-Dieu aims to reverse this trend, introducing a vibrant ecosystem into the dense urban fabric.
Enhanced Biodiversity and Climate Resilience
Beyond the 70 trees already planted, this phase includes the addition of 700 young plants, 2,400 shrubs, and over 16,000 perennial plants. The diverse plant palette features green oak as the primary species, complemented by field maples, Montpellier maples, and hop hornbeams. This rich composition, structured in three layers-trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants-is designed to maximize the forest’s ecological benefits. It will serve as a crucial “cool island,” mitigating urban heat and enhancing the natural absorption of rainwater, crucial for urban resilience.
Safe and Harmonious Coexistence for Pedestrians and Cyclists
A key aspect of the design is the thoughtful separation of pedestrian and cyclist flows, ensuring safety and harmonious coexistence in a high-traffic area. Bruno Bernard, President of the Métropole de Lyon, stated, “There is no conflict of use. The wood has been designed to accommodate pedestrian and cyclist flows separately and securely.” Pedestrians can enjoy a dedicated pathway lined with benches and fountains, while cyclists have a parallel track. The entire area also benefits from a completely revamped public lighting system.
Investment and Future Phases
The first phase of the Bois de la Part-Dieu represents an investment of 2.7 million euros. The construction, carried out by companies including Sogea, Coiro, Sols Confluence, Chazal, Deal Hydraulique, and ADG Energy, spanned from March to December 2025. This is just the beginning of a larger development program that will extend to the northern part of the France Télévisions site.
The second phase of the project is anticipated to commence no earlier than 2027. This subsequent stage will focus on creating a natural space with inaccessible groves, allowing for the spontaneous development of vegetation. Ultimately, the Bois de la Part-Dieu will cover 1.2 hectares, boasting a 75% canopy cover thanks to a total of 140 trees, further solidifying Lyon’s commitment to urban greening and environmental sustainability.
Source: [affiches-parisiennes.com](https://www.affiches-parisiennes.com/69000-lyon/a-lyon-le-bois-de-la-part-dieu-n-a-plus-qu-a-pousser-237182.html), [bfmtv.com](https://www.bfmtv.com/lyon/lyon-dans-le-quartier-de-la-part-dieu-les-travaux-du-bois-de-plus-d-un-hectare-ont-debute_AV-202503110855.html), [actu.fr](https://actu.fr/auvergne-rhone-alpes/lyon_69123/lyon-le-chantier-de-la-grande-foret-urbaine-de-part-dieu-lance-voici-ce-qui-est-prevu_62357933.html), [lyoncapitale.fr](https://www.lyoncapitale.fr/urbanisme/lyon-un-bois-a-la-part-dieu-les-travaux-debutent-pour-plusieurs-mois), [leprogres.fr](https://www.leprogres.fr/economie/2025/03/12/luxuriance-vegetale-pres-de-la-gare-le-bitume-s-arrache-pour-ceder-la-place-au-futur-bois-de-la-part-dieu)
