La Doua

La Doua is a 100-hectare university campus and residential district in Villeurbanne housing 80 research laboratories and more than 22,000 students from several institutions, including Claude Bernard University Lyon 1. The site features pedestrian zones, cycling paths, and various academic buildings all arranged within a planned campus layout.

The site was originally a military barracks and was transformed into a university campus in 1957 by architect Jacques Perrin-Fayolle on the grounds of a former hippodrome. This conversion marked the beginning of its development as a research and educational center.

The campus hosts scientific collections in geology and zoology displayed in various buildings, and student theaters like Theatre Astree and La Rotonde show performances regularly. These places shape daily life here and reflect the community's interest in learning and culture.

The campus is easy to explore on foot and features dedicated cycling paths for bicycle riders, with bike rental service available year-round. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and use the many orientation points around the campus to navigate the large area.

The campus houses a significant share of Lyon's scientific research potential through laboratories spanning fields like chemistry and sustainable development. These research activities happen quietly across various locations but drive important advances in these fields.

Location: Villeurbanne

Inception: 1950s

Architects: Jacques Perrin-Fayolle

Website: https://univ-lyon1.fr/campus/plan-des-campus/campus-lyontech-la-doua-731724.kjsp

GPS coordinates: 45.78310,4.87291

Latest update: December 10, 2025 15:54