NOTE: This is part 2 of 2 parts introducing Lyon. Click here to read part 1.
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.
Presqu'île
Presqu'île, which translates to "almost island" in French, is the heart of Lyon, located between the Rhône and Saône rivers. It's a vibrant, bustling district known for its shopping, cultural sites, and historical architecture.
Key points of interest in Presqu'île include:
Place Bellecour:
This is one of the largest open squares in Europe, and is the third largest square in France. A statue of Louis XIV stands in its center, with two other notable sculptures nearby. The square serves as a central point for public transportation and is a popular gathering spot.
Place des Terreaux: This square is surrounded by the City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts). The centerpiece of the square is the Bartholdi Fountain, sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, who is also known for designing the Statue of Liberty.
Rue de la République: This is the main shopping street in Lyon, lined with many high-street shops, boutiques, and department stores. It's a wide, pedestrian-friendly street that stretches from Place Bellecour to Place de la Comédie, where the Lyon Opera House is located.
Opera National de Lyon: This is the home of the Lyon Opera Ballet. The original opera house was redesigned and renovated in the 1990s by Jean Nouvel, who added a modern, semi-cylindrical glass and steel dome on top of the existing structure.
Saint-Nizier Church: A beautiful church situated halfway up the Rue de la République. It's known for its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate Gothic architecture.
Printemps and other shopping centers: The Presqu'île is the commercial heart of the city, featuring high-end shops, famous brands, and department stores such as Printemps.
The "Bouchons Lyonnais": Presqu'île is home to many of Lyon's famous "bouchons," small traditional restaurants serving local dishes.
The Peninsula Hotel: This luxury hotel in a renovated historic building is known for its rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Lyon.
Presqu'île is a vibrant mix of old and new, where Renaissance architecture sits alongside more contemporary structures. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere, whether you're shopping, dining, or simply strolling along the Saône River.
Croix-Rousse
Croix-Rousse is a distinctive district in Lyon, often referred to as "the hill that works" in contrast to Fourvière, "the hill that prays". Located in the 4th arrondissement, this historic neighborhood is known for its ties to the silk industry and the worker's revolts in the 19th century. The silk workers, known as "canuts", worked in the tall, light-filled buildings that still characterize the district today.
Key features and points of interest in Croix-Rousse include:
Canut Buildings: The district's iconic high-ceilinged buildings were designed to accommodate the tall Jacquard looms used in silk weaving. Many of these old silk workshops have been transformed into lofts and apartments.
Traboules: Similar to Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse is known for its traboules, covered passageways used by the silk workers to transport their goods. These traboules are often open to the public and are an integral part of the district's historical charm.
The Mur des Canuts: This is one of the largest and most famous trompe-l'oeil murals in Europe, depicting the history and architecture of the Croix-Rousse district. It's updated every decade to reflect changes in the neighborhood and its residents.
Click here to read more about the Mur des Canuts and other murals
La Maison des Canuts: This museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of the silk workers, the history of silk production in Lyon, and the development of the Jacquard loom.
The Croix-Rousse Market: One of the largest outdoor markets in Lyon, offering a wide variety of local produce, cheeses, meats, and other goods. It's a great place to experience the local culinary culture.
Croix-Rousse Theatre: A local cultural hotspot offering a variety of performances, from contemporary theater to concerts and dance shows.
Croix-Rousse is a lively, vibrant neighborhood with a distinct bohemian atmosphere. Its narrow streets and alleys, lined with cafes, boutiques, and art studios, are a testament to its reputation as a haven for artists and creatives. The area provides stunning panoramic views of Lyon due to its hilltop location.
La Confluence
La Confluence is a modern district located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, at the point where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Once an industrial and port area, La Confluence has undergone a significant urban renewal project since the early 2000s and has been transformed into a sustainable, eco-district. It represents a departure from Lyon's historic architecture, featuring innovative, contemporary designs.
Key points of interest in La Confluence include:
Musée des Confluences: This science and anthropology museum is one of the key landmarks in La Confluence, notable for its futuristic architecture. Its exhibitions cover a wide range of themes, from the origins of life to the functioning of human societies.
La Confluence Shopping Center: A large, modern shopping mall that houses many high-street and designer brands, along with several restaurants and a cinema.
La Sucrière: Once a sugar warehouse, La Sucrière has been converted into a contemporary art space. It's one of the main venues for the Lyon Biennale of Contemporary Art.
The Green Cube and Orange Cube: These are two distinct office and residential buildings known for their bright colors and innovative architecture. The Orange Cube, designed by Jakob + MacFarlane, has become an iconic symbol of the district.
Leisure spaces: La Confluence is home to several leisure spaces including a marina, a number of public parks, and the Confluence Dock, a public gathering place.
Sustainable architecture: Many of the buildings in La Confluence are designed with sustainability in mind and include features like green roofs, solar panels, and energy-efficient systems.
Rooftop Garden of the Perrache Train Station: An unexpected green space on the roof of the train station, offering great views of the district.
La Confluence embodies Lyon's commitment to urban sustainability and innovation. The district is still growing, with ongoing projects aiming to increase its residential, office, and retail spaces.
Gastronomy
Lyon is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of France, if not the world. It's renowned for its bouchons, small bistros offering local cuisine, and a number of Michelin-starred restaurants.
The city is also famous for being the birthplace of cinema; Auguste and Louis Lumière invented the cinematograph in Lyon in 1895.
Moreover, Lyon is an important center for banking and the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries. It's also known for its top-tier universities and research institutions. Lyon's vibrant cultural scene includes a renowned opera house, several museums (like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Confluences Museum), and the annual Festival of Lights, which attracts millions of visitors each year.
Some other churches
Apart from the churches mentioned above and in the previous article, here are some other churches you can see during your walks in Lyon:
Sanctuaire Saint Bonaventure
The Church of Saint Bonaventure located in Lyon, is a notable medieval church built in the Gothic style. It's named after Saint Bonaventure, an Italian medieval Franciscan, scholastic theologian, and philosopher.
The church is located in the Presqu'île district of Lyon between the Saône and the Rhône, which is known for its historical and architectural landmarks. The original church was built in the 14th century but has undergone various renovations and reconstructions over the centuries.
As for the term "Sanctuaire," it translates to "sanctuary" in English, often referring to a sacred or holy place.
Click here to access their website (in French only)
Conclusion
Lyon is a city that commands an explorer's intrigue, similar in its allure to Paris, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. The ancient heart of the city is a perfect area for leisurely exploration, where one can uncover the labyrinthine traboules, admire the time-honored architecture, and sample exquisite culinary delights at any of Lyon's numerous fine-dining venues.
While exploring Lyon on foot can be a rewarding experience, it's worth mentioning that the city is expansive, so to fully appreciate its breadth and depth may require some time. However, with the city's excellent public transportation system, you can comfortably tour the majority of Lyon within 2 to 3 days at a minimal cost. If you prefer to traverse the city on foot, bear in mind that many of the magnificent buildings are nestled in the old city, requiring a somewhat uphill journey. Despite this, the breathtaking sights that greet you at the top make the effort well worth it.
Lyon is a destination that deserves purposeful visitation—it's not a city you merely decide to explore on a whim just because you're in the vicinity. Instead, it's a city that merits dedicated travel plans and promises a unique cultural experience.