Visiting Lyon:
must-see places

Impasse Turquet is one of the most discreet and authentic passages in Old Lyon. It is accessed via the Montée du Gourguillon, through a small medieval staircase that immediately immerses the visitor in a timeless atmosphere.

This cobbled alley, about twenty meters long, has preserved rare architectural elements dating from the 14th and 15th centuries. The houses lining it still feature the oldest wooden balconies in Lyon.

In an adjoining courtyard, a small Renaissance tower recalls the gradual evolution of the neighborhood over the centuries.

The dead-end street owes its name to Étienne Turquet, a key figure in Lyon's history, who was responsible for the establishment of the silk industry in Lyon.

Exploring the Turquet cul-de-sac is like stepping back in time in just a few steps, in an intimate and preserved place.

Located south of Old Lyon, the Saint-Georges district is the quietest part of the Renaissance area. Its narrow streets and colorful facades create a village atmosphere.

The area is dominated by the Church of Saint George, rebuilt in the 19th century in a neo-Gothic style.

Saint-Georges was for a long time a district of artisans, notably the first master weavers.

The House of the Sun is one of the most iconic buildings in the neighborhood.

Less frequented than neighboring areas, Saint-Georges offers a peaceful and authentic walk.

On Fourvière Hill, the Ancient Theatre and the Odeon form the heart of the archaeological site of Lugdunum.

The theatre, enlarged during the imperial era, is distinguished by its vast hemicycle and remarkable acoustics.

The Odéon, more intimate, was dedicated to music and the spoken arts.

Rediscovered in the 19th century, the monuments now host the Nuits de Fourvière festival.

The walk allows you to understand the ingenuity of Roman urban planning.

Built at the end of the 19th century on the Fourvière hill, the basilica overlooks Lyon.

It combines neo-Byzantine and neo-Gothic influences.

Its richly decorated interior impresses with its mosaics and stained glass windows.

From the esplanade, the view over Lyon is spectacular.

A place of pilgrimage, it is a powerful symbol of the city.

Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, Saint-Jean Cathedral is the seat of the Archbishopric of Lyon. It embodies the early Gothic style with a simple facade and a bright interior.

Its most famous treasure is the 14th-century astronomical clock, which indicates celestial and liturgical cycles.

Medieval stained glass windows and side chapels complete a decor rich in symbols.

A place of great religious and historical ceremonies, the cathedral remains today an essential landmark of the Saint-Jean district.

Located on Fourvière hill, the temple of Cybele testifies to the religious fervor of the inhabitants of Lugdunum.

Dedicated to the Eastern goddess of fertility and nature, it was built in the 1st century.

Today, only monumental columns and bases remain, integrated into the archaeological site.

These remains are a reminder of the importance of Eastern cults in the capital of Gaul.

Behind Saint-Jean Cathedral, the archaeological garden reveals the remains of the first Christian churches in Lyon.

Among other things, you can discover the foundations of the Basilica of Saint Stephen and the Church of the Holy Cross.

The site highlights the evolution of the episcopal quarter between the 4th and 10th centuries.

Developed as a visitor area, the garden offers a historical stroll in the heart of Old Lyon.

Built in the 16th century, the Chamarier house was the residence of the officer in charge of policing the canonical quarter.

It exemplifies Renaissance architecture with its elegant facades and spiral staircases.

Located near the cathedral, it testifies to the administrative role of the chapter of Saint-Jean.

Its sculpted decorations and interior courtyards make it a discreet jewel of Old Lyon.

Located in Place Colbert, the Cour des Voraces is one of the most emblematic traboules in Lyon.

It is famous for its monumental six-story staircase, a true architectural feat of the 19th century.

A place of working-class life, it was a key location in the history of the Canuts.

Classified as a historical monument, it embodies the social memory of Lyon.

The House of Lawyers, recognizable by its ochre facades and arcaded galleries, is one of the most photographed buildings in the Saint-Jean district.

Built in the 16th century, it housed lawyers from the Parliament of Lyon. Restored, it now houses the miniature and cinema museum.

Its architecture, typical of Old Lyon, illustrates the wealth of Renaissance bourgeois houses.

This iconic traboule connects Rue Saint-Jean to Rue du Bœuf. It passes through several courtyards and staircases, offering a labyrinthine route in the heart of Old Lyon.

Once used by artisans and residents to move around under cover, it embodies the spirit of Lyon's traboules: secret passages, Renaissance architecture and a mysterious atmosphere.

Visiting it means immersing yourself in the intimacy of the neighborhood and discovering unique perspectives on the facades and hidden courtyards.

The Gadagne Museum occupies two 16th-century mansions. Its vast inner courtyard, bordered by galleries and Renaissance staircases, offers a unique architectural setting.

A place for both passing through and resting, the courtyard is a vibrant space where history and conviviality intertwine. It allows visitors to appreciate the elegance of the facades and the richness of the sculpted details.

Freely accessible, it is an ideal stop to discover the Renaissance spirit of Old Lyon.

The Mandragore shop is a unique place, dedicated to the medieval and fantasy world. There you'll find costumes, accessories, collectibles, and handcrafted creations inspired by legends.

Its captivating atmosphere attracts fans of history, fantasy, and role-playing games. Every corner evokes an imaginary world, filled with dragons, knights, and witches.

A must-see for curious visitors seeking originality in Old Lyon.

Built in the 16th century, the Hôtel Bullioud is famous for its vaulted gallery designed by the architect Philibert Delorme. This bold space illustrates the architectural innovation of the Lyon Renaissance.

The residence, with its elegant facades and interior courtyards, testifies to the prestige of the bourgeois families of the time.

Classified as a historical monument, the Bullioud hotel is a discreet gem in the Saint-Jean district.

The Paterin Hotel, nicknamed the Henri IV house, is a Renaissance residence remarkable for its sculpted facades and arcaded galleries.

Its decor evokes the era of Henry IV, with symbolic motifs and refined architectural details. The house illustrates the rich bourgeois heritage of Old Lyon.

It remains one of the most elegant examples of Lyon's architectural style at the turn of the 16th century.

Place Bellecour is the largest square in Lyon and one of the largest in Europe. Located in the center of the Presqu'île, it is a true landmark for the people of Lyon and visitors alike.

In the center stands the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, surrounded by vast open spaces. The square regularly hosts events, markets and entertainment.

Bellecour is the main commercial artery of the city, making this place an essential crossroads.

Place des Jacobins is one of the most beautiful squares in Lyon, known for its monumental 19th-century fountain. It pays homage to the great artists of Lyon.

Surrounded by Haussmannian buildings and elegant facades, the square embodies the architectural refinement of the Presqu'île.

A place for strolling and contemplation, it is a jewel of Lyon's urban heritage.

The Place des Célestins is renowned for its intimate atmosphere and its elegantly designed theatre. The Théâtre des Célestins, inaugurated in the 19th century, is one of Lyon's premier theatre venues.

The square, lined with trees and elegant facades, offers a peaceful setting in the heart of the Presqu'île.

It illustrates the balance between cultural heritage and urban conviviality.

Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon's most iconic locations. It is bordered by the City Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts.

At the center stands the Bartholdi fountain, a masterpiece by the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty. The square is a lively space, animated by cafes and cultural events.

It embodies the energy and heritage of the Peninsula.

The Saint-Pierre garden, nestled in the heart of the Museum of Fine Arts, is a cloister transformed into a green space. Its paths lined with sculptures offer a peaceful atmosphere.

Formerly a monastic garden, it retains a harmonious architecture and a timeless charm.

A place for rest and contemplation, it allows visitors to discover the museum's collections in a soothing setting.

The Bartholdi fountain, installed on the Place des Terreaux, is one of the masterpieces of the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty.

It represents an allegory of the Garonne River and its tributaries, pulling a majestic chariot. The powerful horses and sculpted details impress with their realism.

A symbol of Lyon, the fountain is an essential part of the urban and artistic heritage.

Located between the 2 Government Square and the 10 Quai Romain-Rolland, This traboule occupies the site of a former 15th-century inn. It retains an authentic charm, marked by its courtyards and Renaissance staircases.

Entering from Place du Gouvernement, a few steps lead you to a magnificent courtyard, remarkable for its rich detail and impeccable condition. Continuing your exploration, a spiral staircase descends back to the starting level, revealing a skylight that offers a view of the Lyon skyline.

The following, more modest passageway leads to the Quai Romain-Rolland, thus concluding the crossing. The entrance is often open during the day, particularly due to the presence of a nearby tea room, making it a popular traboule with visitors, cameras in hand.

As with all inhabited traboules, it is essential to respect the peace and quiet of the residents. Proceed discreetly and enjoy this unique setting, a witness to daily life in Lyon for centuries.

Located between the 27 Quai Saint-Antoine and the 58 Mercière Street, This traboule reveals an exceptional architectural ensemble in the heart of the Presqu'île.

The two 15th-century access walkways, adorned with ribbed vaults and double arches decorated with grotesques, lead to a remarkable courtyard. A 16th-century gallery with slender columns connects two 15th-century buildings, one of which, on the Rue Mercière side, was transformed in the 17th century.

The Renaissance-style well retains its shell and lantern, adding to the charm of this preserved space. The two stair towers, also dating from the 15th century, house remarkable spiral staircases: the one in the hexagonal tower impresses with its scale, while the one in the round tower captivates with its magnificent columns.

The façade on rue Mercière, dated 1654, reflects the style of the 17th century and completes this unique architectural ensemble, a witness to the urban and artistic evolution of Lyon.

Located at 13 rue de la Poulaillerie and connecting the 2 rue des Forces, this traboule opens onto the former Hôtel de la Couronne, a 15th century building which was the third City Hall of Lyon from 1604 to 1652.

The city acquired the building in 1957 thanks to a donation from Crédit Lyonnais. Transformed into a Banking Museum in 1963, it has housed the Printing Museum, dedicated to the history of the book and graphic arts.

Architecturally, the courtyard features vaulted passageways with pointed arches and a first courtyard with three galleries leading to a spiral staircase. The large 15th-century courtyard retains remarkable elements: the reproduction of the Claudian Table and a pediment adorned with allegories of the Rhône and the Saône.

This place illustrates both the municipal history of Lyon and its major role in the dissemination of knowledge through printing.

Located at 2 rue de la Martinière, In the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, the Fresque des Lyonnais is one of the most famous murals in the city.

Created by the CitéCréation collective, it covers more than 800 m² and represents around sixty Lyon personalities, historical or contemporary: from Emperor Claudius to Paul Bocuse, via the Lumière brothers.

This monumental mural illustrates the cultural, scientific, and artistic richness of Lyon. Each painted figure embodies a facet of Lyon's identity.

Freely accessible, it has become an unmissable attraction, drawing visitors and photographers who come to admire this open-air museum.

Rue Mercière, located in the heart of the Presqu'île, is one of the oldest and most lively streets in Lyon. It owes its name to the haberdashery merchants who settled there as early as the Middle Ages.

Over the centuries, it became a hub of Lyon's printing industry, housing numerous workshops and booksellers. Today, it is primarily known for its restaurants and terraces, making it a true culinary artery.

Its narrow facades, shop signs, and friendly atmosphere bear witness to the city's commercial history. Rue Mercière is therefore an essential stop for discovering both Lyon's heritage and gastronomy.

Located in the heart of the peninsula, the Chapel of the Trinity It is the first Baroque building constructed in Lyon in the 17th century. Built by the Jesuits, it illustrates the influence of Italian religious art in the city.

Its understated yet majestic architecture is distinguished by a classical façade and an interior richly decorated with frescoes, stucco, and woodwork. The chapel was for a long time a major spiritual and cultural center.

Restored, it now hosts concerts and events, taking advantage of its exceptional acoustics. It has become a space where heritage and music meet.

The Trinity Chapel is a discreet but essential gem for discovering Lyon's Baroque style and the history of the Jesuits in the city.

THE Grand Hôtel-Dieu, Located on the banks of the Rhône, it is one of the largest architectural complexes in Lyon. Founded in the 12th century as a hospital, it was enlarged and transformed over the centuries, becoming a masterpiece of Lyon's heritage.

Its imposing classical façade, its inner courtyards and its galleries bear witness to its major role in the medical and social history of the city. For centuries, it was a place of care and hospitality for the people of Lyon.

Recently restored, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu has found a new life: it now houses shops, restaurants, cultural spaces and a prestigious hotel, while retaining its heritage identity.

Among its iconic landmarks, the Dome Restaurant It occupies the former archives room beneath the majestic dome. This spectacular setting, blending heritage and contemporary gastronomy, makes it a unique experience for visitors and gourmets.

This monument embodies Lyon's ability to preserve its heritage while adapting it to contemporary uses.

Leaving Place Bellecour, the Victor Hugo Street guides you towards the south of the peninsula. This shopping street, bustling with its boutiques and elegant facades, offers a pleasant stroll that leads directly to the Ainay district.

At the end of the street, the Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay, one of the oldest religious buildings in Lyon. Built in the 11th century, it is a rare example of Romanesque art in the city.

Its sober and massive architecture contrasts with the vitality of Rue Victor Hugo. Inside, the antique columns, sculpted capitals and 19th-century mosaics tell the spiritual and artistic history of Lyon.

Discovering Ainay by this route means going from the commercial bustle to the serenity of a major heritage site, where time seems suspended.