Vaulx-en-Velin offers a range of options for a trip: the industrial heritage of TASE, natural areas in Grand Parc, a planetarium, and opportunities for walks and sports. Food and dining are also part of what the Marché aux Puces de Vaulx-en-Velin has to offer. When planning, it is worth distinguishing between the different experiences: a guided tour, a trail with a specified distance, and live-operated journeys at the planetarium are each distinct experiences.

Industrial history at the TASE complex

The TASE factory has been listed as a historic monument since 2011. The Cusset-TASE complex is an open-air museum documenting the area’s development and workers’ lives in the early 20th century. The two dates refer to different things: 2011 to the factory’s historic monument status, and 1924 to the construction of the Petite Cité ouvrière.

The Petite Cité ouvrière has been preserved since it was built in 1924. Guided tours of TASE last two hours and take visitors through the workers’ housing estate and the surviving wing of the factory. Check tour schedules in advance.

Natural areas and walking routes

Grand Parc covers 2,200 hectares of protected nature and lies partly within Vaulx-en-Velin. Visitors can go for walks and swim in the park. L’îloz’ is a place to discover the environment and the Rhône River; it is also the starting point for numerous walks open to a wide audience.

Le Velin offers a different scale: the easy circular hiking trail is 5.4 km long and starts in the centre of Vaulx-en-Velin. Those looking for a clearly defined route can compare this distance with the expansive natural setting of Grand Parc. This offers a choice between a set route and a large natural area for spending time outdoors.

Planetarium and L’îloz’

The Planétarium has a hemispherical 360-degree screen and offers journeys operated live by presenters. This is a distinct focus alongside the historical themes of TASE and outdoor activities.

You can reach the Planétarium on Metro A from Laurent Bonnevay or on buses C3, C8 and 57 to the Vaulx – Hôtel de Ville – Campus stop. Check current route information before travelling, as public transport routes can change.

L’îloz’ features permanent and temporary exhibitions, gardens, activities and performances. Its offerings focus on the environment and the Rhône. The specific programme of activities and performances may change.

Sports and market

The l’Atol leisure centre offers paid sports activities, including golf, rollerblading, tennis, badminton and mountain biking. As individual activities may change, check in advance to see what is available. The choice differs from a single circular hike: here, several sports are available.

The Marché aux Puces de Vaulx-en-Velin offers food and dining options. This makes the market a place to find food and food-related offerings during your trip, complementing the themes of history, nature and exercise.

Discover more destinations: Amplepuis, Saint-Forgeux, Chassieu, Couzon-au-Mont-d'Or, Taponas, Dardilly, Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières, Salles-Arbuissonnas-En-Beaujolais

For the main travel overview: Rhône.