NOTE: This is part 1 of 2 parts introducing Lyon. Click here for Part 2. Subscribe to receive automatically any new articles in your email box.
Lyon is the third-largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille. It is located in the country's eastern part, about 470 km southeast of Paris. The city is situated at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, which offers it a picturesque setting.
Lyon is known for its historic and architectural landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's divided into various districts, each offering its unique charm. These districts include:
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon): This is one of the largest Renaissance quarters in Europe, which has been beautifully preserved. You can find famous sights such as the Lyon Cathedral and the Traboules, which are hidden passageways used during the silk trade and World War II.
Presqu'île: This is the heart of the city, located between the Rhône and Saône rivers. It's famous for its shopping, dining, and beautiful squares like Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux.
Croix-Rousse: Known as the "hill that works", this area was home to many silk workshops in the 19th century. It's well-known for its unique passageways (traboules) and its bohemian spirit.
La Confluence: Once an industrial area, this district has been transformed into a modern eco-district, with cutting-edge architecture and design.
Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon, which translates to Old Lyon, is one of the largest Renaissance quarters in Europe. It's located in the 5th arrondissement of the city, along the right bank of the Saône River. This district is particularly noted for its many preserved historical buildings which date back to the Renaissance period, and it was the first protected historic district in France.
Vieux Lyon is divided into three parts:
Saint-Paul to the North, which is the area around the Saint-Paul railway station and the Gare Saint-Paul, where one can find numerous old houses that primarily belonged to the wealthy Italian merchants of the Renaissance era.
Saint-Jean in the center, which is the most touristic part of Old Lyon. The Saint-Jean Cathedral, a Gothic church with a Romanesque façade, is one of the most prominent features. It's also home to the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema, showcasing a variety of film props and miniature models.
Click here to read our review of the amazing Museum of Miniatures and Cinema
Click here to read our review of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste cathedral
Saint-Georges to the South, which is quieter and less frequented by tourists. It features old Renaissance houses and the Saint-Georges church.
In the old city, you will also find
La Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, or the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, is a magnificent religious edifice located on the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, France. Consecrated to the Virgin Mary, it was built between 1872 and 1884 in a Byzantine and Romanesque architectural style, with vibrant mosaics and intricate carvings that embellish its interiors.
The Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière, also known as the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, is an impressive historical site situated on the hill of Fourvière in Lyon, France. Built around 15 BC, it's one of the oldest Roman theatres in France and originally had the capacity to hold around 10,000 spectators. Despite being over two millennia old, the structure is remarkably well-preserved, and today it is not only a historical monument but also a venue for various cultural events.
One of the most notable features of Vieux Lyon are the "traboules," a network of secret, covered passageways that run through the buildings and courtyards. These passageways date back to the 4th century and were used by silk merchants to transport their goods. During World War II, members of the French Resistance used them to evade German soldiers.
Vieux Lyon is a great place to experience the history and architecture of Lyon. Walking its narrow, cobbled streets, you can find many traditional Lyonnaise 'bouchons' (restaurants), and shops selling local products.
This district is also renowned for the "Fête des Lumières" or Festival of Lights, an annual event held in December where buildings are illuminated with various light projections, creating a magical atmosphere.
Click here for Part 2