1 Rue Bodin, 69001 Lyon
Located at the northern end of the Croix-Rousse plateau, Place Bellevue is aptly named. This natural belvedere, perched on the heights of Lyon, offers a spectacular view of the city and its surroundings.
Panoramic view
From the top of this unique promontory, the panorama is striking:
- To the north, the view extends to the Monts d'Or and the Dombes plateau
- To the east, we discover the Rhone plain, and on a clear day, the Alps chain
- To the southeast, the view extends to the modern district of Part-Dieu and its Crayon tower
- On clear days, you can even see Mont Blanc
Development of the square
This urban esplanade was designed to highlight its exceptional panorama:
- Stone benches allow you to comfortably contemplate the view
- An orientation table helps to identify the remarkable points of the landscape
- Green spaces and trees provide shade in summer
- The traditional cobblestone floor recalls the history of the neighborhood
History of the place
Place Bellevue bears witness to the rich history of the Croix-Rousse district:
- Formerly occupied by the city fortifications
- Strategic observation point used since Roman times
- A popular walking spot for silk workers in the 19th century
- Redeveloped in the 20th century to become a public space accessible to all
Neighborhood life
Place Bellevue is an important living space for the neighborhood:
- Popular meeting point for locals
- A privileged space for amateur photographers
- Popular site for watching sunsets over the city
- Rest stop on the route through Lyon
Special moments
The square reveals all its magic at certain special moments:
- At dawn, when the sun rises over the Alps
- At dusk, when the city lights gradually come on
- During the Festival of Lights, offering a breathtaking view of the illuminations
- Summer evenings, when the cool air attracts walkers
Access and practical information
- Accessible 24/7
- Metro C: Croix-Rousse stop then 10 minutes on foot
- Bus C13: Bellevue stop
- Limited parking nearby
- Ideal starting point for exploring the Croix-Rousse plateau
Advice for visitors
- Bring a camera to immortalize the view
- Come preferably early in the morning or late in the day for the light
- Bring a pair of binoculars to observe the details of the landscape
- Bring a city map to identify visible monuments
Our self-guided tours of Brotteaux

The bust of Claude-Marius Vaïsse, described as the Haussmann of Lyon
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March 4, 2024
The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

The Palais de Flore, the tallest building in France at the time
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March 4, 2024
The Palais de Flore, built by the architect Clément Laval in 1930, stands out for its imposing stature, reaching a height of 40 metres.

Brotteaux Station, a place full of history and transformations
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March 3, 2024
Welcome to the Gare des Brotteaux.
Please note that there was once a small wooden and plaster station, built in 1858 to accommodate the Lyon-Geneva line.

Guimet Museum: abandonment or rebirth?
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February 19, 2024
Welcome to the former Guimet Museum, a place rich in history and artistic diversity.

The little Valla house in the middle of a building
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February 18, 2024
You are in front of an astonishing scene where past and present meet. Observe the 19th century villa enclosed in an office building.

Brotteaux Crypt – Victims of the Revolution
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February 17, 2024
Welcome to the Sainte-Croix Chapel, also known as the Missionaries of Our Lady Chapel.

The smallest house at 28 avenue Maréchal Foch
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February 16, 2024
Stop in front of number 28 avenue maréchal Foch, where you will find a real curiosity: the smallest house in the city.
