It is partially situated on a slope, leading from the plateau of the Croix-Rousse down towards the river Saône.

The park was constructed on a 19th-century property by the rich industrial Gillet family, on the land above their factories.

Today the house is the base of operations of the Villa Gillet cultural institution,[2] and the park is open to the public.

[3] The park has children's playgrounds, lawns and benches, an exercise area and plenty of paved paths, making it a popular and important green space for people from the surrounding neighbourhoods.

The park houses a sculpture trail, including works from César Baldaccini, Gérald Martinand, Jean-Pierre Raynaud, Geneviève Dumont, Gérard Michel, Markus Raetz, Bernard Pagès, Alain Lovato, Takis and Ulrich Rückriem.