A history-filled place
In the late nineteenth century, tucked away by the lakeside in the 117-hectare Tête d’Or Park, stood a wooden cottage. Leisure was a fresh concept and participants gathered there to unwind. In the 1960s, this relic of the past was transformed: the wooden structure was removed to make way for a contemporary architectural symbol, a building that was unmistakably a product of ‘Les Trentes Glorieuses’. Its initial vocation was expanded to welcome friendly reunions and family gatherings in more spacious surroundings, with the added option of dining. The restaurant at the time hosted huge meals for up to 300 participants.
Forever contemporary
Having been closed to the public since 2013, and following a call for projects, in 2022, the premises were acquired by a socially engaged grouping to create an inclusive venue offering varied experiences :
- Exploring exhibitions and workshops to learn about the living world and ecosystems all around us.
- Enjoying creative, local and seasonal cuisine, engaged in the fight against food waste, served up by the chefs at La Fabuleuse Cantine.
- Share an experience through artistic residencies that raise awareness about the living world, hosted by Maison Gutenberg.
- Coming together in an immersive place that sees visitors as active participants in ecological transitions.
Renovation: a design approach centred around reuse
The renovation works naturally entailed conservation of the place’s heritage value, its volumes, its materials, and its Art Deco chandelier that is so closely tied to its identity. Chalet du Parc was also modernised to optimise resource use, or to create a building that produces as much as it consumes.
Electricity is generated from a mixture of PV and heat pump technology, while an air circulation system provides natural ventilation of interior spaces, and grey water is recovered to supply the toilet network and the green space watering system.
On the design side, the aim was to marry aesthetics with quality fittings and sustainability. This was achieved through unique collaborations with Ligne Roset and Fermob, delivering renovated second-hand furnishings that bring the magic back to this iconic, living and engaged venue.
Chalet du Parc will reopen its doors in autumn 2026. It will be available to plan turn-key events at a single venue run by a single team. Beyond reception and catering, it will offer a choice of workshops and incentive activities from a catalogue specifically designed to resonate with the idea that makes this urban yet bucolic place breathe: the living world as a cohesive force.
Pratical informations
6 indoor & outdoor event spaces with capacity for 10 to 300 participants :
- La Clairière room: 156 sq. m, up to 200 participants for a cocktail reception
- La Canopée terrace: 167 sq. m, up to 150 participants for a cocktail reception
- Le Bosquet and Le Sous-bois rooms: 41 sq. m each, combinable to host up to 130 participants for a cocktail reception
Around 3 minutes from the park’s east entrance (Porte de la Voûte) by Boulevard Stalingrad (Villeurbanne). A car park is also accessible to coaches for private events.