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Monument aux Morts de l'île du Souvenir: A Lyon Memorial

A solemn tribute to Lyon's fallen World War I soldiers, located on a serene island in Parc de la Tête d'Or. A place for reflection and remembrance.

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Located on the Île du Souvenir (Island of Remembrance) in Lyon's Parc de la Tête d'Or, the Monument aux Morts is a poignant memorial dedicated to the Lyon residents who lost their lives during World War I. Accessible via a small footbridge, the island provides a serene space for reflection amidst the city's largest park.

A brief summary to Monument aux Morts de l'île du Souvenir

  • Lyon, 69006, FR

Local tips

  • Visit on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
  • Take time to read the inscriptions on the monument to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.
  • Combine your visit with a stroll around the Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of France's largest urban parks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From within Parc de la Tête d'Or, follow signs towards the lake. The Île du Souvenir is located in the lake and is accessible via a small footbridge. The monument is located on the island. No costs are associated with accessing the monument or the park.

  • Public Transport

    From central Lyon, take Metro line A to Masséna station. From there, it's approximately a 5-minute walk to the Tête d'Or entrance of the park. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the Île du Souvenir. A single ticket for the metro costs €2 and is valid for one hour on buses, trams, and metro lines. Alternatively, bus lines C1, C4, C5, and 70 stop near the island.

  • Taxi/Ride-share

    From Lyon city center, a taxi or ride-share to the Parc de la Tête d'Or will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic and the specific starting point. Ask the driver to drop you off near the main entrance, and then follow the walking directions within the park to reach the Île du Souvenir.

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Discover more about Monument aux Morts de l'île du Souvenir

The Monument aux Morts de l'île du Souvenir, situated in Lyon's Parc de la Tête d'Or, serves as a powerful tribute to the city's fallen soldiers from World War I. The memorial is located on the Île du Souvenir, also known as the Île aux Cygnes (Island of Swans), a small island within the park's lake. This location enhances the site's contemplative atmosphere, creating a sense of separation from the bustling city. The monument was designed by architect Tony Garnier, with sculptures by Jean-Baptiste Larrivé, Louis Bertola, and Claude Grange. The construction was a result of a competition launched in 1920 to create a memorial for the Lyonnais who died during the Great War. The winning design, a collaboration between Garnier and Larrivé, was selected in 1922, and the first stone was laid in December of that year. After seven years of work, the monument was inaugurated on October 5, 1930. Approaching the monument involves crossing a small footbridge, symbolically transitioning visitors into a space dedicated to remembrance. The memorial features a cenotaph, carried by six muscular figures, symbolizing death. The names of over 10,600 Lyon residents who died in the war are inscribed on the walls. Bas-reliefs by Bertola depict scenes of departure and war, while Grange's sculptures represent peace and victory. The monument underwent renovation in 2013 to clean and restore the inscriptions, which had become difficult to read. The island reopened to the public in early 2017 after several years of closure. The monument is an important site for remembrance, especially during annual commemorations on November 11 and May 8.

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