Experience
France

BUCKET LIST TRAVEL : LYON

Capital of the Gauls and a city of lights

With more than 2,000 years of history, Lyon is a mixture of medieval and Renaissance architecture in its Old Town and modern architecture in its La Confluence and Presqu'Île areas. Enjoy strolls along the Rhône and Saône rivers, the bohemian atmosphere in the La Croix-Rousse neighbourhood and extraordinary cuisine; there are a thousand reasons to love Lyon.

THE SECRET ALCOVES IN THE BASILICA OF NOTRE-DAME DE FOURVIÈRE

A remarkable religious building with exquisite decor, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a must on a visit to Lyon. On top of Fourvière Hill, it has watched over the city of Lyon since being consecrated in 1896.

The Basilica is imposing, with four 48-metre towers representing one of the cardinal values. Step inside to be amazed by the splendour of décor, stained-glass windows of a thousand colours and the impressive scale.

The materials used reflect the grandeur of the building and the care taken by the architects during construction: white marble from Carrara, pink granite from the north of Italy, blue marble from Savoy, green onyx, gold and silver shards, ebony, ivory and more. Nothing was deemed too beautiful for this Basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Every year, millions of pilgrims and visitors stroll down its aisles to see the stained-glass windows. On a guided tour, you can also walk on the roof of the building at night. The guide will share the secrets of the Basilica, a historic building and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step into history and discover the secrets of the large gallery, attics and 23 bells. You’ll be rewarded for your efforts: climb up the stone steps to admire the view: Lyon stretches as far as the eye can see. Experience a unique moment on your nighttime tour of the Basilica.

Must-sees in Lyon

Stairs of the basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

VIEUX LYON

Running along the right bank of the Saône river at the foot of Fourvière Hill, Vieux Lyon (Lyon Old Town) is the city’s most iconic and historic neighbourhood. It’s one of the largest Renaissance neighbourhoods in Europe! Wander cobbled streets and admire medieval houses, not forgetting the Cathedral of Saint John in Gothic and Romanesque style, famous for its astronomical clock.

PLACE BELLECOUR

The city’s largest square and the largest pedestrianised square in Europe became the property of Louis XIV in 1658. He had a statue of himself built there to be permanently admired. The opulent buildings that line the square are classed as historic monuments. Today it’s a lively square with lots of people passing through and demonstrations of all kinds, reflecting the pace of the city of Lyon.

LA CROIX-ROUSSE

In the 19^th century, the utterly charming La Croix-Rousse neighbourhood was home to silk workshops. The former textile workers’ houses and tree-lined squares now offer a bohemian side of Lyon. Previously a community of workers, it’s now an area full of artists with a display of street art. Don’t miss the impressive Mur des canuts (wall of silk workers) mural, a gigantic trick of the eye that’ll stop you in your tracks.

THE TRABOULES

A real Lyon oddity, the traboules are concealed pedestrian passageways that go from one street to another by passing through buildings. There are more than 500 in Lyon, many in Vieux Lyon and on the slopes of La Croix-Rousse. Book an organised tour to explore.

THE FOURVIÈRE NEIGHBOURHOOD

The Fourvière neighbourhood centres around the Basilica of Notre-Dame, at the top of the hill that dominates the city. Accessible by a funicular, this part of Lyon is also well known for its metallic tower resembling the Eiffel Tower that overlooks the whole city. Concerts and other events are regularly put on in Fourvière’s Gallo-Roman theatre.