Culture of Lyon. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces
A walk around the city will give a lot of unforgettable experiences. You could see beautiful historic buildings and interesting monuments at every step in Lyon. One of the most popular excursions remains the tour to Notre-Dame de Fourviere. It was built in the second half of the 19th century; during its existence it has changed its original look completely. The architectural style of the basilica is very special; it represents a unique combination of Christian and Byzantine traditions. The top of one of Basilica’s towers is equipped with a viewing platform from which you can admire the panorama of the city.
Want to make your stay in Lyon truly special? The ancient city keeps many secrets and is ready to offer its guests a lot of incredible entertainment. To clear up one of the secrets, just go … Open
In Lyon, shopping enthusiasts can visit Confluence Shopping Center, which is considered the most beautiful in the city. Its guests will be delighted with a wide selection of clothing stores … Open
An interesting tourist attraction is Metallic tower of Fourviere. The steel tower closely resembles the Eiffel Tower with its appearance. The height of this unique construction is 85.9 meters, and weight is 210 tons. At present, the tower is closed to the public, but the tourists still come to admire the sight and make a memorable photo.
Discovering the architecture of Lyon from bird's eye view! Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Museum of Fine Arts, Saint-Nizier Church, Eglise Saint Paul, Notre Dame Saint-Vincent, Great Mosque of Lyon, Chapelle de la Trinite, all those monuments are defining the image of Lyon … Open
Among other museums that would be of interest to every tourist, the Musee Miniature et Cinema stands. Here you can learn about how special effects and miniatures for movies are created. Here you can get into rooms themed on cult films, each with its music, interior and atmosphere - “Perfumer”, “X-Men”, “Alien”, “Gremlins”, “The Mask”. A noteworthy detail is that all the exhibits are original and brought directly from the shooting stage. Another interesting museum is the Musee des Automates where various scenes from fairy tales, novels, musicals, operas are recreated with the help of mechanisms. Among other things, you can see models that were used at different times. And if you take children with you, they will be genuinely happy.
Lyon Cathedral, Ancient Theatre of Fourviere, Town Hall, Eglise Saint Georges, Eglise Saint-Pothin, as well as many others, they all become the world's cultural heritage objects and remain as iconic monuments for Lyon … Open
Hotel de Ville is another interesting architectural monument. Its luxurious baroque building was erected in 1676. Despite the fact that it was damaged by a fire two years after its completion, the authorities could not afford to lose such beauty, so it was decided to restore the building. Subsequently, it has been restored several times. It is worth pointing out that the building is of equal interest to those who wish to go inside - here they can find amazing sculptures of Roman gods, beautiful murals on the walls and ceilings, stucco molding. What impresses tourists the most is an elegant staircase and an armorial hall.
Lyon is a large city in France that is located near Saone and Rona Rivers. The population of Lyon estimates over 1 million of inhabitants with suburbs. The city was founded yet during … Open
Lyon is rich in religious sights. Among them is Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the main church of Lyon since the 13th century and a monument of sacred architecture inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. A church striking with its scale and grandeur - that's how the cathedral can be described at first glance. Once inside, visitors can enjoy the view of a magnificent astronomical clock, which is the oldest in France (14th century). In addition to the clock, of interest are magnificent stained-glass windows (including 13th-century windows), a chapel housing the tomb of Cardinal Charles de Bourbon, as well as the statue of John the Baptist and an organ of 1841. As for the building, it is worth noting that the construction of the majestic Gothic temple began in 1165 and was completed only by 1481.
Lyon has many unusual amusement parks. One of the most original is Mini World Lyon. In this beautiful miniature park, there are many interesting expositions thought out to the smallest … Open
City tours, excursions and tickets in Lyon and surroundings
Plan your own excursion through Lyon: churches, museums and castles
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere, Lyon
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is a landmark of Lyon that is under the protection of UNESCO. It is located on top of the Fourviere hill and seen from any parts of the city. » The basilica was built in 1168 at the site of an old church. When it was destroyed, the chapel remained undamaged and has survived to this day.
» The magnificent church with four towers and a belfry has two naves. The upper one is decorated with stained glass windows, sculptures, and mosaics. In the basement, there is the crypt of St. Joseph. The basilica was completed only in 1964.
» The chapel preserved since ancient times was restored in 1845. Its top is decorated with the huge golden statue of the Virgin Mary. Exactly in this chapel, Anne of Austria prayed for the birth of a son in 1630.
Lyon Cathedral, Lyon
Location on the map: Facts:
» Lyon Cathedral is an oldest temple of the 12th century, which, together with the medieval part of the city, is included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist had been built for a long time, until 1481. » The 14th-century clock, which, in addition to time and date, demonstrates the astronomical position of celestial bodies and some stars over Lyon, has survived to our days. It chimes four times a day with mechanical human figures showing religious scenes.
» The cathedral’s 13th-century stained-glass windows have been preserved to the present day. In the burial chapel, there’s Cardinal Bourbon’s tomb (1488).
» The square in front of the cathedral has a sculpture of John the Baptist made by sculptor Blaise in 1780. The Cathedral is adjacent to a church singing school, which houses a museum of church treasures.
» The temple witnessed a few remarkable medieval events. In 1600, the wedding of Henry IV and Marie de Medici took place here, and in 1622, Armand Jean du Plessis Richelieu became the cardinal of France here.
Museum of Fine Arts, Lyon
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Museum of Fine Arts opened its collection in 1860. Before that, the building belonged to a convent. After the dissolution of the convent in 1806, a drawing school worked in the palace that had a collection of paintings belonging to the church. » In 1860, the building was redesigned into a museum. The 70 exhibition halls display works by French, Italian, Spanish, German artists from the 15th century on.
» The sculptural collection consists of 1,300 items. A part of the collection – bronze sculptures of the 19th century – is displayed in the museum garden.
» A collection of ancient Egyptian art exhibits occupies 9 halls. Egyptologists Alexandre Varille and Victor Loret gave over 1,000 artefacts to the museum, including the sarcophagi of Ptolemy III and Ptolemy IV.
» The museum also exhibits the country’s largest numismatic collection consisting of 50,000 items.
Saint-Nizier Church, Lyon
Location on the map: Facts:
» The Church of Saint-Nizier is a beautiful Gothic temple building having a long history of existence and construction. The first building was erected in the 5th century on the site of the ruined Roman temple. » Over centuries, it was gradually acquiring its current appearance: the facade was made in the 14th century, the pink-stone bell tower was made in the 15th century, the side chapels were built in the 16th century, one of the spires appeared here in the 19th century. Therefore, the spires are different.
» There is a burial place of Bishop Nicetius (573) in the church and an ancient 6th-century crypt with an epitaph of St. Sacerdos, a bishop that is also buried here, in the dungeon.
» A picturesque statue of the Virgin Mary by Antoine Coysevox (17th century) and original stained-glass windows have been preserved here.
» The last renovation lasted for 20 years, until 1993. Today, the Church of Saint-Nizier has a parish and holds regular services.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Lyon
» Architect René Dardel used balconies, columns, allegorical statues, and stone carvings to decorate the building.
» The construction was completed in 1860. Its opening was attended by Napoleon III and his wife.
» The building housed trade companies, courts, banks. Today, it is the city’s chamber of commerce and industry.
» In 1894, the Palais de la Bourse hosted an exhibition that was attended by French President Sadi Carnot. During President’s speech, a criminal attacked him and mortally wounded him with a knife.
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What to visit during two-day excursion in Lyon
Musée des Beaux Arts
Where: Palais Saint-Pierre 20, place des Terreaux, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 72 10 17 40;
Where: Palais Saint-Pierre 20, place des Terreaux, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 72 10 17 40;
Musée d’Art Contemporain
Where: 81 quai Charles de Gaulle, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 72 69 17 17 or +33 (0)4 72 69 17 18; Tickets: 10€ / Free acess with the Lyon card;
Where: 81 quai Charles de Gaulle, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 72 69 17 17 or +33 (0)4 72 69 17 18; Tickets: 10€ / Free acess with the Lyon card;
Musée des Tissus
Where: 34, rue de la Charité, Lyon; Telephone: + 33 (0)4 78 38 42 00; Tickets: 5€ / Free access with the Lyon city card;
Where: 34, rue de la Charité, Lyon; Telephone: + 33 (0)4 78 38 42 00; Tickets: 5€ / Free access with the Lyon city card;
Fourvière Basilica
The Old Town
La Place des Terreaux/Bartholdi Fountain
Le Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
Where: 14 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 78 72 23 11; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.30 Saturday and Sunday 9.30 - 18.00; Tickets: 4 € / Free access with the Lyon city card and for children;
Where: 14 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon; Telephone: +33 (0)4 78 72 23 11; Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9.00 - 17.30 Saturday and Sunday 9.30 - 18.00; Tickets: 4 € / Free access with the Lyon city card and for children;
Institut Lumière
Where: 25 rue du Premier-Film, Monplaisir, Lyon;
Where: 25 rue du Premier-Film, Monplaisir, Lyon;
Walk along the Rhône
Reference information
Art galleries in Lyon and around
♥ Art museum 'Musée des Beaux-Arts' Lyon, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Art museum 'Musée des Beaux-Arts' Lyon, 0.2 km from the center. On the map Photo
Cathedrals and basilicas near Lyon
♥ Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Saint-Just, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Saint-Sixte, Ars-sur-Formans, 24.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Maurice, Vienne, 27.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Cathédrale Saint-Charles Borromé, Saint-Étienne, 50.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Co-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bourg, Bourg-en-Bresse, 57.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Vincent, Mâcon, 59.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Saint-Just, Lyon, 1.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Basilique Saint-Sixte, Ars-sur-Formans, 24.9 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Maurice, Vienne, 27.4 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Cathédrale Saint-Charles Borromé, Saint-Étienne, 50.5 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Co-cathédrale Notre-Dame de Bourg, Bourg-en-Bresse, 57.3 km from the center. On the map Photo
♥ Ancienne cathédrale Saint-Vincent, Mâcon, 59.8 km from the center. On the map Photo
Thailand Relaxes Its COVID-19 Policy
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
29.03.2024
New Year events in Thailand are likely to bring more people this year because everyone is tired of lockdowns and craving normal life. Many tourists, who book hotels in Pattaya, Krabi, or Phuket for the holiday season, also want to participate. As champagne has become an essential drink for New Year celebrations, the question regarding alcohol consumption comes to mind. The government allowed serving alcoholic drinks during the New Year countdown but only open-air cafes and restaurants with good ventilation will be permitted to do this until 1 am on 1 January 2022. This rule is nationwide. Read this
29.03.2024
Photogallery of cultural heritage of Lyon
Landmarks of culture on Lyon map: art-galleries, monuments, palaces, etc
Culture guide to Lyon. Which fascinating sights to visit once you are in Lyon: temples, churches, museums, theaters and castles. Recommendations (with addresses, phone numbers and links) on the places 'must visit' in Lyon. Plan your own city excursion by using this page info!