Relaxation, Nature in the town centre | Bourg-en-Bresse destinations

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Bourg-en-Bresse, the parks and gardens

Bourg-en-Bresse is a little urban gem in the midst of the lush-green countryside.

Nature has happily invaded the town centre and taken over the squares, gardens, promenades, parks and other footpaths. The town of Bourg-en-Bresse is a medieval town that is still to this day partly surrounded by a border of greenery. Some of the moats that were filled in in the 18th century were transformed into green areas. So what are you waiting for? Come and explore the town.

History and a great man

The Promenade du Bastion, ruins of the 16th century fortifications, is lined with beautiful linden trees. Lalande play area is a mineral environment with some beautiful vegetation, including the honey locust that towers over the bust of the famous astronomer Lalande. At the square in front of the prefecture, there are chestnut trees around a landscaped pond.

The town’s most beautiful French-style garden

The Jardin des Quinconces is like a small-scale version of Versailles… Sounds fancy doesn’t it? Just a bit. The difference here is that the symmetry created by the flowers stretches before a charming 19th-century bandstand, not a château. This bandstand is used by artists every summer who come to play at the concerts organised as part of the ‘Jeudis du Kiosque’ event. The most ancient trees in Bourg-en-Bresse’s town centre, plane trees with trunks that look like elephant’s feet, way over a hundred years old, stand proudly in the garden. You’ll have fun trying to wrap your arms around these huge trunks, we hope you haven’t come alone or you won’t manage it !

Welcome to the Parc de la Visitation

It’s incredible, just a short walk away, a whole other atmosphere awaits. A little woodland in the town centre, around a mysterious hill with a single column at the top… Huge maple, beech and cedar trees tower over you, and there’s a delicate sea of blue periwinkles at your feet. There are also some tall yew trees. This symbolic species is a tribute to the garden’s history, formerly used by the nuns of the Visitation order.

Extérieur Campus De Bourg Lyon3 Credit Ceuba

Hidden behind a university campus

The Parc de la Charité is a sort of open book behind the former hospital which is now Bourg-en-Bresse’s university campus. Would you like to find out more about the huge trees there? A friendly expert has labelled them for us. There is a botanical display of plants and flowers that runs around the periphery of the park, almost like a herbarium.

A park with promise

The Parc de la Madeleine is a vast space that is still awaiting developments. Meanwhile, you can still relax on a bench or enjoy the huge play area, the choice is yours!