Plizio Visual Lab

Vaulx-en-Velin

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°6203
Vaulx-en-Velin (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Vaulx-en-Velin

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The best way to reach Lyon city center is by taking the Metro Line A from Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie station.
  • If you plan to visit the Planétarium, book your tickets in advance online, especially during school holidays.
  • Explore the Usine TASE area to see the striking remnants of the region's silk manufacturing history.
  • The TCL public transport network is the cheapest and most efficient way to get around; consider a daily pass.
  • Renting a bicycle is a great idea to explore the extensive paths around the canal and nearby parks.

🍽 Food

🍽
Praline tart

Look for bakeries around the center offering this classic pink, sweet Lyonnais pastry.

🍽
Bouchon specialties

Try local bistros near the La Soie district for traditional Lyonnais sausages and quenelles.

🍽
Weekend market snacks

Grab some fresh cheese, cold cuts, and fresh bread at the local farmers market on Sunday mornings.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Carré de Soie

A large modern shopping and leisure complex excellent for retail therapy and dining.

🛍
Marché aux Puces du Canal

A famous nearby flea market located in Villeurbanne, just a short trip away for antiques and vintage finds.

🧘
Grand Parc Miribel Jonage

A massive nature reserve with a huge lake, excellent for walking, cycling, or bird watching.

🧘
Canal de Jonage banks

Enjoy a peaceful stroll or bike ride along the quiet towpaths of the canal.

Highlights of 2026

6

Vaulx-en-Velin is an animated and highly multicultural suburb on the eastern outskirts of Lyon, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades thanks to extensive urban renewal projects. Situated strategically between the Rhône River and the Canal de Jonage, the city has a surprising mix of urban energy and expansive natural spaces. The absolute highlight for outdoor enthusiasts is the massive Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, a 2,200-hectare nature reserve and recreation area featuring large lakes, forests, and sandy beaches. During the summer, it becomes a hub for swimming, kayaking, sailing, and cycling along its extensive network of trails. In the city center, the cutting-edge "Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin" attracts science lovers of all ages with its interactive space exploration exhibits and immersive 3D dome shows projecting the mysteries of the universe. The diverse local community also brings a rich culinary mosaic to the area; visitors can explore colorful weekly markets and numerous small eateries offering authentic dishes, exotic spices, and flavors from around the globe.

Explore on the map

How well do you know France?

Find cities, landscapes and regions in 10 varied challenges on the interactive map.

Start the map quiz 10 challenges

Your journey, your memory

A postcard from Vaulx-en-Velin

Turn your own photo into a personal postcard with a local stamp. Free and no sign-up required.

Create a postcard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C2371115192221171273
Rain mm625061668471697460858773

Geography

Population
37,489
Coordinates
45.78690, 4.92500

Facts

  • Elevation ranges between 165 and 193 meters.
  • The Planetarium was opened in 1995.
  • Population is approximately 53,000 residents.
  • City area covers 20.95 square kilometers.
  • Hosts the ENTPE engineering school.
  • Carré de Soie covers 500 hectares of area.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
Motorhome dimensions

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Vaulx-en-Velin (20)

Planetarium🏛 museum

One of the most important centers for astronomical culture in France with immersive shows.

Mini World Lyon🏛 museum

The largest animated miniature park in France, featuring detailed landscapes and scenes.

Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage🌿 nature

Vast natural area offering beaches, water sports, and hiking trails near the city.

Hippodrome de Lyon-Carré de Soie🎡 recreation

Modern horse racing venue in the Carré de Soie district hosting prestigious trotting events.

Usine TASE🏺 historical

Historic industrial building recognized for its architectural and social significance.

Charlie Chaplin Cultural Center🎭 culture

Dynamic venue for theater, dance, and music at the heart of the community's cultural life.

Carré de Soie🎡 recreation

Major shopping and leisure complex built in a former industrial district of the city.

Cirque Imagine🎭 culture

A permanent circus installation offering high-quality cabaret shows and traditional performances.

Ebulliscience🏛 museum

An interactive science center designed to help children discover scientific phenomena through play.

Elsa Triolet Park🎡 recreation

A peaceful neighborhood park named after the famous writer, great for local relaxation.

Château de Sermenaz🏰 castle

The Château de Sermenaz is a historical castle in the Vaulx-en-Velin region. It is an interesting example of local architecture and history.

Menhir de Montaberlet ou de Pierre-Fitte🏺 historical

The Menhir of Montaberlet is a significant archaeological site in Vaulx-en-Velin. This prehistoric monolith is evidence of early human settlement.

Maison de la culture arménienne de Décines🎭 culture

The Armenian Cultural House of Décines promotes Armenian culture and traditions near Vaulx-en-Velin. It serves as a meeting place and event venue for the community.

Église de la Sainte-Famille⛪ religious

The Church of the Holy Family is a modern religious building in Villeurbanne, near Vaulx-en-Velin. It is characterized by its simple architecture and spiritual atmosphere.

Église ukrainienne Saint-Athanase⛪ religious

The Ukrainian Church of Saint Athanasius is an important spiritual center for the Ukrainian community in the region. It is located in Villeurbanne, near Vaulx-en-Velin.

Église Saint-Didier de Neyron⛪ religious

The Church of Saint-Didier in Neyron is a historical religious building near Vaulx-en-Velin. It is a nice destination for visitors interested in local church history.

Parc du Centre🌳 park

The Parc du Centre gives a green oasis in the heart of Vaulx-en-Velin. It is a convenient place for relaxation and outdoor strolls.

Parc de la Feyssine🌳 park

The Parc de la Feyssine is a large natural park on the banks of the Rhône near Vaulx-en-Velin. It provides numerous paths for hiking, cycling, and nature watching.

Batterie de Sermenaz🛡️ fortress

The Batterie de Sermenaz is a former military defense fortification in Vaulx-en-Velin. It provides insight into late 19th-century military architecture.

MJC Ô Totem📍 landmark

MJC Ô Totem is an animated music and cultural venue in Vaulx-en-Velin. It has a broad program of concerts, workshops, and creative activities.

🕒 Tu 14:00-21:00; We 10:00-13:00, 14:00-20:00; Th 14:00-19:00;

Frequently asked questions

What can you do at the Vaulx-en-Velin Planetarium?
It features immersive shows about the universe, astronomy workshops, and interactive exhibitions for all age groups.
What is Carré de Soie?
A large shopping and leisure center built on a former industrial site once dedicated to silk production.
Are there nature areas there?
Yes, the Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage is partly located in the municipality, offering lakes, beaches, and hiking trails.
How far is Lyon?
Vaulx-en-Velin directly borders Lyon and is quickly accessible via metro line A or tram T3.
What is Mini World Lyon?
The largest miniature park in France, located in Carré de Soie, featuring detailed landscapes and cities at a 1:87 scale.
Vaulx-en-Velin: where is it located?
Vaulx-en-Velin is located in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France.
Vaulx-en-Velin: what is there to see?
Highlights include Planetarium, Mini World Lyon, Grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage.
Vaulx-en-Velin: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Vaulx-en-Velin: why is it worth visiting?
Vaulx-en-Velin is an animated and highly multicultural suburb on the eastern outskirts of Lyon, which has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent decades thanks to extensive urban renewal projects.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in France →

Nearby cities