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Lyon – Urban Utopias II: La Cité des Etoiles and Tony Garnier’s Monument to the Deceased Soldiers

Lyon – Urban Utopias II: La Cité des Etoiles and Tony Garnier’s Monument to the Deceased Soldiers

4.2(5 reviews)
8 hour(s)
english
Lyon, France

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Learn how Renaudie redefined housing with imaginative triangular terraces

Walk through iconic public spaces blending community life, landscape

Visit a revered war monument whose artistic details narrate a profound national history

Discover a neighborhood built in harmony with its natural hillside landscape

Discover the Visionary Architecture of La Cité des Etoiles in Givors Designed by Jean Renaudie


The Cité des Etoiles in Givors represents a bold experiment in twentieth-century social housing, conceived by architect Jean Renaudie between 1974 and 1981. Commissioned by Mayor Camille Vallin, the project sought to revitalize a hillside neighborhood facing industrial decline. Renaudie rejected standard urban planning models, opting instead for complex triangular geometries and cascading terraces that integrate seamlessly into the natural landscape. This visionary approach transformed the site into a living example of architectural innovation and social integration.


The complex comprises 207 apartments, including 150 social housing units, designed to foster a sense of community among residents. Renaudie insisted that no two apartments be identical, ensuring that every unit features a unique layout and a generous private terrace. These outdoor spaces were intended to be reclaimed by vegetation over time, effectively blurring the boundaries between the built environment and nature. The design also incorporates essential community facilities, including a theater, library, and kindergarten.


Throughout the development process, Renaudie maintained a deep commitment to the local community, frequently traveling from Paris to consult with residents. His goal was to ensure the architecture responded directly to the needs of the people and the specific topography of the hillside. By prioritizing human-centric design and environmental harmony, the project stands as a testament to the potential of social architecture to improve the quality of life while respecting the surrounding natural terrain.


Today, visitors can explore this remarkable site to understand the legacy of Renaudie’s work and its impact on modern urban design. The interplay of light, shadow, and greenery creates a dynamic atmosphere that challenges traditional notions of housing. Walking through the complex reveals the intricate planning behind the cascading terraces and the enduring relevance of the architect's vision. It remains a must-see destination for those interested in the intersection of social progress, landscape, and architectural history.

What's Included
  • Customized Guided Tour
What's Not Included
  • Transport
  • Meals
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees
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Activity Provider: Artchitectours

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Explore More Lyon – Urban Utopias II: La Cité des Etoiles and Tony Garnier’s Monument to the Deceased Soldiers
Day In a City

Explore More Lyon – Urban Utopias II: La Cité des Etoiles and Tony Garnier’s Monument to the Deceased Soldiers

Discover the wonders of Lyon, France with this unforgettable experience. His commitment led him to repeatedly travel from Paris to personally share his vision with the local residents, ensuring the project responded to both the site and its community. Highlights of your tour include: Learn how Renaudie redefined housing with imaginative triangular terracesWalk through iconic public spaces blending community life, landscapeVisit a revered war monument whose artistic details narrate a profound national historyDiscover a neighborhood built in harmony with its natural hillside lands. Our second stop leads to Lyon’s Parc de la Tete d’Or, where Tony Garnier’s Monument for the Deceased Soldiers stands on the Island of Memories. After passing through the contemporary architecture of the International City by Renzo Piano and crossing the serene Rose Garden, a tunnel beneath the lake . This tour includes: Customized Guided Tour. “The City of the Stars” in Givors offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of the most visionary social housing projects of the twentieth century. Conceived between 1974 and 1981 by architect Jean Renaudie, the complex was created in response to the decline of the steel industry and the deteriorating hillside neighborhood leading up to the old Château. When the city’s mayor, Camille Vallin, . Duration: 8 hours . Book your Lyon – Urban Utopias II: La Cité des Etoiles and Tony Garnier’s Monument to the Deceased Soldiers today and create memories that will last a lifetime!