Eight important skateboard spots in Lyon, France (2024)
1. Hotel de Ville
Located in the heart of Lyon, the Hotel de Ville plaza serves as a popular gathering spot for skateboarders. Its smooth ground, ledges, stairs, and hubba ledges provide ample opportunities for technical tricks and creative lines. The plaza's central location also offers a vibrant atmosphere and a sense of community among skateboarders.2. La Duchère Skatepark
La Duchère Skatepark, situated in the northern part of Lyon, is a must-visit spot for skaters of all skill levels. The park boasts a wide variety of obstacles, including rails, ledges, stairs, and a spacious bowl. Its well-designed layout encourages creativity and progression, making it an ideal spot for honing skills and pushing boundaries.
3. Skatepark Gerland
Located near the iconic Stade de Gerland, Skatepark Gerland is a paradise for transition skaters. With its large concrete bowl, snake run, and various ramps, the park provides endless opportunities for flowy lines and impressive aerial maneuvers. Skatepark Gerland has become a hotspot for local skaters and hosts numerous skateboarding events throughout the year.
4. Lyon Confluence Skatepark
Situated along the picturesque Saône River, Lyon Confluence Skatepark is a modern concrete park offering diverse features suitable for all styles of skateboarding. From ledges and rails to a large plaza area, the park provides a dynamic and versatile setting for skateboarders to unleash their creativity and skills.
5. Les Terreaux
Les Terreaux is a historic square in Lyon that attracts skateboarders due to its smooth ground and iconic stairs. The square's architectural beauty, combined with various obstacles, makes it an appealing spot for filming and photography. Skateboarders can be seen grinding down the stairs or utilizing the ledges surrounding the square.
6. Tony Hawk Signature Bowl
Named after the legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk, the Tony Hawk Signature Bowl at Espace Tony Garnier is a unique and challenging spot. Designed by the renowned skatepark builder, California Skateparks, this bowl replicates the style of the iconic Upland Pipeline. It presents skaters with deep bowls, pool coping, and a variety of transitions, providing an authentic and exhilarating experience.
7. Skatepark des Brotteaux
Situated in the Parc de la Tête d'Or, Skatepark des Brotteaux is a hidden gem for skateboarders seeking a more tranquil environment. Surrounded by lush greenery, this park features a well-maintained concrete bowl and street area with ledges and banks. Skateboarders can enjoy the serene atmosphere while practicing their tricks and enjoying the beauty of the park.
8. Cerro San Cristobal
Perrache Train Station, besides being a transportation hub, offers an interesting skateboarding spot. The station's long granite ledges and flat ground are perfect for technical ledge tricks and flatland maneuvers. Skateboarders can take advantage of the spacious area, which provides ample room for creative lines and filming opportunities.
Skateboarding is tribal and most locals are welcoming, but if you're new to a spot, or just passing through, have respect for the locals. Listen. Be smart. Have fun.
A human being
Art can change the world – and everybody is an artist. Those who scribble stickmen. Those who paint chapel ceilings. Those who tattoo biceps. Those who are careful with pigment on canvas. Those who create fantasy characters. Those who paint pet portraits. Those who yarn bomb. Those who write poems on crappy old cardboard.
My art lives on the bottom of skateboard decks. It's designed for you to destroy. For you, the rider, my art may come second to the deck’s ability to perform – and that’s awesome. To me, art comes first. Always.
It’s how I think. It’s who I am. It’s what I am.
A machine
This article has been created with the help of artificial intelligence platforms ChatGPT and Bard. If there are inaccuracies or there are opportunities for improvement, please let me know.
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