Lyon Launches France's First Outdoor Nursery to Foster Inclusive, Nature-Based Early Learning

Lyon has inaugurated "Souris en herbe," the country's first outdoor nursery, located on the requalified esplanade Mandela behind Fort Montluc. Managed by the association Une Souris Verte, this pioneering facility provides a nature-immersive environment where children aged 15 months to 6 years spend the majority of their day outdoors, engaging in activities ranging from play to eating and napping regardless of weather conditions.

The 285 m² courtyard offers ample green space, facilitating motor, sensory, and emotional development, a model inspired by Scandinavian outdoor nurseries. Despite winter temperatures, parents like Natalia, mother of 15-month-old Eloïse, report health benefits such as the absence of illness since enrollment, attributing this to staff vigilance in ensuring proper clothing.

Inclusion is a cornerstone of the nursery’s philosophy, with a third of its 20 places reserved for children with disabilities or chronic illnesses, integrating diverse needs within the communal learning environment. The nursery itself exemplifies eco-construction, featuring a lightweight wooden structure raised on pilotis to maintain soil permeability, coupled with biosourced insulation for sustainability. Indoor facilities include child-friendly restrooms and a small activity room for adverse weather.

Notably, "Souris en herbe" is the first nursery in France to receive accreditation specifically for an outdoor-focused early childhood project, marking a significant step in educational innovation and eco-conscious design.