Île de Miribel-Jonage, River island in Lyon metropolitan area, France
Miribel-Jonage is a river island in the Rhône valley with extensive woodlands, wetlands, and open grasslands. The landscape is shaped by wide waterways that create gentle transitions between dense forests and cleared fields.
This island was formed by the construction of two major canals in the 1800s that transformed the river system. A large hydroelectric plant was later built, which powered the region for decades.
The Grand Park serves as a gathering place where schools and organizations bring students to study wildlife and explore natural ecosystems. You can see how the island functions as an outdoor classroom for environmental learning.
The island is accessible from several surrounding municipalities, each with parking available nearby. Regular bus services connect the area to central Lyon, making visits straightforward to arrange.
Hidden beneath the island is a large water treatment facility that has served as a backup water supply for Lyon since the late 1980s. This underground infrastructure allows the city to secure its drinking water without any visible trace above ground.
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