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Visit Lyon with a professional tour guide.

Introduction to Lyon

Lyon was founded under the Roman empire in the 1st century BC. It is the 3rd city of France with around 1 million inhabitants. Two main rivers cross the city : Saone and Rhone. The old town is part of Unesco World Heritage. Lyon is also famous for being the world capital of gastronomy.

The city is a geographical crossroads in the country, located north of the Rhône corridor that extends from Lyon to Marseille. Positioned between the Massif Central to the west and the Alpine massif to the east, Lyon occupies a strategic location for north-south transportation in Europe. As the former capital of Gaul during the Roman Empire, it is the seat of an archdiocese whose holder carries the title of Primate of Gaul. Lyon became a bustling commercial city and a major financial center during the Renaissance. Its economic prosperity was driven at that time by silk production, printing, and later by the emergence of industries, particularly textiles, chemicals, and more recently, the image industry.

Historically, Lyon has been an industrial city. The downstream Rhône valley, south of the urban area, is home to numerous petrochemical activities, in what is known as the “Chemical Valley.” After the decline and closure of the textile industries, Lyon gradually refocused on high-tech sectors, such as pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. It is also the second-largest student city in France, with four universities and several prestigious schools. Additionally, the city has preserved significant architectural heritage spanning from Roman times to the 20th century, including the districts of Vieux Lyon, Fourvière Hill, the Presqu’île, and the slopes of Croix-Rousse, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

History of Lyon

The ancient city of Lugdunum is composed of two Gaulish words: Lug, a Celtic god associated with order and justice, and dunos, meaning “fortress” or “hill.” Together, they signify “the fortress of Lug.” Lug is a Celtic god whose messenger is a raven or crow. Thus, Lugdunum can be translated as “the hill of the god Lug” or “the hill of the crows.”

Originally, Lugdunum referred to the Fourvière Hill on which the ancient city of Lyon was founded.

Lower down, in the present-day district of Saint-Vincent, stood the Gaulish village of Condate, likely a simple settlement of rivermen or fishermen living along the banks of the Saône River. Condate is a Gaulish word meaning “confluence,” which gave its name to the Confluence neighborhood.

During Roman times, the city was called Caput Galliae, meaning “capital of Gaul.” As a legacy of this prestigious title, the Archbishop of Lyon is still referred to as the Primate of Gaul.

During the revolutionary period, Lyon was temporarily named Commune-Affranchie on October 12, 1793, by a decree of the National Convention. However, it resumed its original name in 1794 after the end of the Reign of Terror.

While the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, the first city of Lugdunum was founded in 43 BC. Under the Roman Empire, Lyon became a powerful city and the capital of Roman Gaul. The decline of the Roman Empire relegated Lyon to a secondary role in the European landscape due to its distance from centers of power. Later, during the division of the Carolingian Empire, Lyon found itself as a frontier city. Until the 14th century, political power was concentrated in the hands of the archbishop, who fiercely protected the autonomy of the city. It was not until 1312-1320 that the consular institution began to balance the archbishop’s power, coinciding with Lyon’s definitive integration into the Kingdom of France.

During the Renaissance, Lyon experienced significant development and became a major European trading city. However, this second golden age was interrupted by the Wars of Religion. Under absolute monarchy, Lyon remained a mid-sized French city, with its primary wealth derived from the silk industry. The French Revolution devastated the city, which opposed the Convention in 1793. Lyon was militarily captured and severely repressed, emerging from the revolutionary turmoil greatly weakened.

Napoleon contributed to Lyon’s recovery by supporting the silk industry, coinciding with the development of the Jacquard loom. This marked the beginning of an economic and industrial boom that lasted until World War I. During the 19th century, Lyon was known as a city of canuts (silk weavers) and witnessed violent worker uprisings in 1831 and 1834. The Belle Époque period marked the end of Lyon’s silk dominance and the rise of various other industries such as automobiles, chemicals, and electricity. The municipal government regained its powers with the Third Republic and embarked on a century of radicalism, which culminated with Édouard Herriot in 1957. During World War II, Lyon, as one of the major cities in the Free Zone, became a center for resistance networks. Notably, Jean Moulin unified them under the United Movements of the Resistance.

After the war, Lyon quickly recovered and experienced vigorous urban development, with the construction of numerous residential neighborhoods. With strong industries and a thriving tertiary sector, the city established itself as a major French and European metropolis.

Important monuments of Lyon

Fourvière basilica

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was funded by public subscription in 1870 and consecrated in 1896. Situated on “the hill that prays,” it is a historic monument and part of Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage site. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is a prominent symbol of Lyon with over 2.5 million visitors annually.

The basilica measures 86 meters by 35 meters, combines Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque architecture. It features four 48-meter-high towers representing cardinal virtues: Prudence and Temperance face Lyon, while Fortitude and Justice overlook the forecourt.

The interior includes two large churches, with the upper church highlighted by three domes and six stained-glass windows. The rich decor uses materials like Carrara marble, pink granite, Savoy blue marble, green onyx, and accents of silver and gold. The church features three naves, sixteen columns, eight chapels, and an apse illuminated by seven tall windows. Six mosaic panels illustrate Mary’s connection to the Church and France.

Roman theaters

The Grand Theatre and the Odeon are classified as Historic Monuments in 1905 and form a unique Roman complex. Originally repurposed as quarries by the end of Antiquity, they were rediscovered and partially reconstructed in the early 20th century. Today they host a range of events including concerts, festivals, and tours.

The Grand Theatre is the oldest and one of the largest in Roman Gaul with 108 meters in diameter. Initially built with two tiers seating 5000, it was later expanded with a third tier, increasing capacity to 10000. It hosted theatrical performances and dance.

The Odeon is a smaller venue for music and declamations. It also served as a meeting hall. With two tiers for 3000 spectators, its orchestra floor features exquisite marbles from across the Roman Empire. Both theaters were turned into quarries but their ruins have remained prominent.

Saint-Jean cathedral

Saint-Jean Cathedral is a prominent feature of the medieval and Renaissance district of Vieux Lyon. The current building, constructed between 1175 and 1480, reflects a transition from Romanesque to Gothic architecture, influenced by three successive archbishops. The cathedral’s relatively modest size and decoration are partly due to its constrained location and the absence of specialized Gothic craftsmanship from Paris.

The cathedral suffered significant damage during the Wars of Religion, the French Revolution, and the Siege of Lyon, but underwent major restorations in the 19th century to enhance its medieval appearance. Further renovations took place in the 20th and 21st centuries, including repairing damage from World War II. Classified as a historic monument in 1862, it is also part of the first protected sector in France and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998.

Saint-Jean Cathedral remains an important place of worship and a parish church, known for its unique liturgical tradition. It is also a popular tourist attraction, particularly during the Festival of Lights and for its 14th-century astronomical clock.

The Saint-Jean Cathedral of Lyon is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, but its full name also includes Saint Stephen, recalling the former baptistery of the cathedral. It serves as both a cathedral and the primatiale of Gaul, an honorary title reflecting its historical and theological significance. This primacy is based on the early adoption of Christianity in Lyon and the martyrdom of many renowned Christians, including Saint Irenaeus. The cathedral’s primacy in Lyon was challenged during the Middle Ages by the city’s bourgeoisie, who sought to have Saint-Nizier recognized as the first cathedral of the city. However, these claims were based on falsified documents intended to support their quest for autonomy.

The construction of Saint-Jean Cathedral in Lyon started in 1165 and was completed in 1480, culminating in a Gothic masterpiece that brought great joy to the city. However, its beauty was short-lived, as the cathedral suffered significant damage during the Wars of Religion in 1562, when the troops of Baron des Adrets decapitated many statues and destroyed the rood screen. The destruction ceased after a soldier attempting to topple a statue fell to his death, frightening his companions into stopping.

The facade of Saint-Jean Cathedral in Lyon is divided into three sections: the lower section with the portals, the central section with the rose window, and the upper section featuring the gable and the tops of the towers. The upper part reaches 44 meters in height, which is relatively modest compared to other cathedrals. The central section showcases a 12-meter-wide Gothic rose window called the “Rose of the Lamb,” adorned with stained glass depicting scenes from the lives of Saint Stephen and Saint John the Baptist. The lower section of the facade, containing the portals, suffered significant damage during the Wars of Religion. The facade is further decorated with balustrades, gargoyles, and armorial shields, adding to its rich historical and architectural details.

The astromical clock

The astronomical clock at Saint-Jean Cathedral in Lyon was installed in 1379 and is one of the oldest in Europe, featuring an iron mechanism. The clock is nine meters tall and has various automations that activate daily. Its astronomical section displays information such as zodiac signs, lunar phases, and religious dates, effectively bridging the gap between human and divine time. The clock has undergone several restorations, but it remains the only one in France that retains its original mechanism.

Gadagne museums

Located in Old Lyon’s largest 16th-century private mansion, the Gadagne Museums opened in 1921 and include the Museum of Lyon History and the Museum of Puppet Arts. Named after the Italian Gadagne family who owned the building in the 16th century, there’s no evidence they commissioned its construction. The museums reopened in 2009 following extensive archaeological research.

The site has a rich history, with evidence of an artisanal settlement from the 1st century BC and a warehouse under Emperor Tiberius. Abandoned in the early 5th century, it became a dump before being buried by landslide debris. In the 14th century, the area was developed with a prestigious house and later modified by the Pierrevive family.

From the mid-16th century, the block belonged to the Italian Gadagne family, with the southern part seeing significant changes including new construction and a garden. The block’s layout remains largely unchanged. In the 19th century, it was rented out. Acquired by the City of Lyon between 1902 and 1941, it became the Museum of Lyon History in 1921, with the Museum of Puppet Arts added in 1955.

Pink tower house or Maison du Crible

The renowned Pink Tower in Vieux-Lyon, located at 16 Rue du Bœuf in the Saint-Jean district, is one of the most visited landmarks in Lyon. The building, also called the Maison du Crible, is a prime example of Vieux-Lyon’s architectural heritage and has been listed as a historical monument since 1937.

The house features a seemingly simple façade with a distinctive central entrance adorned with an impressive portal, designed by the Bolognese architect Sebastiano Serlio in the 16th century. Inside, visitors find a hidden gem: a massive, circular tower with pink plaster, an imposing spiral staircase, and several terraces and gardens. This architectural marvel was constructed to reflect the wealth and social status of its owners, particularly Martin de Troyes, a 16th-century tax collector.

The Pink Tower’s façade gives no hint of its lavish interior, which was designed to remain discreet from the outside world. The tower, built as a status symbol, was concealed from view and is the tallest structure in the Saint-Jean district. Today, it is a significant cultural and historical site, attracting thousands of visitors annually and contributing to the allure of Vieux-Lyon.

The Change temple

The Loge du Change, constructed in 1653 and expanded in 1750, saw further alterations in the 19th century. By the late 15th century, Lyon was Europe’s leading financial center, with the customs house near the now-demolished Pont du Change. The original Loge, built for merchants, was too small and was expanded by Soufflot in 1748-1750. It was briefly a powder factory during the Revolution before becoming the Temple du Change in 1803. Classified as a Historic Monument in 1913, it hosted the merger of Protestant churches in 1938. The building’s façade, featuring Doric and Ionic elements, underwent 19th-century modifications including a central staircase and sealed windows. In 1999, two clocks were reinstated, including a unique perpetual calendar clock known as the “Cycloscope.”

The traboules

In Lyon, traboules are passageways through buildings that connect streets and make travel faster. Their exact origins are unclear, but they likely date back to the early Middle Ages.

Traboules may have helped silk workers, known as canuts, move quickly or protected people from the weather. They were designed to enhance efficiency and shorten travel routes, saving time for merchants and others.

Traboules are key to Lyon’s rebellious history, providing escape routes during uprisings. In the 19th century, workers used them to avoid military suppression, and during World War II, they aided the French Resistance and facilitated a black market.

Lyon has over 400 traboules, mainly in the Old Lyon district and Croix-Rousse, where they form complex networks.

Traboules vary in design: direct ones have a clear view from entrance to exit, angle passages cross building corners, radiant shortcuts feature multiple entrances, and some have twists and turns.

The Justice palace

The Palais de Justice of Lyon, also known as the Palais des 24 Colonnes, is a prominent example of neoclassical architecture in France. Located on Quai Romain-Rolland, it stands near key landmarks like the Saint-Jean Cathedral and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, and is recognized for its distinctive colonnaded façade. This historic building now houses the Rhône Assize Court, the Lyon Court of Appeal, and the Interregional Judicial Service for Centre-East.

The site has been associated with justice since the 11th century. The current building was designed by Louis-Pierre Baltard in the 1820s and completed in 1847. It underwent a significant renovation from 2006 to 2012, which modernized its facilities while preserving its historical integrity. The courthouse was designated a historical monument in 1996.

Architecturally, the Palais de Justice features an impressive façade with 24 Corinthian columns, symbolizing the 24 hours of the day, and large metal domes that allow for pillar-free interiors. Inside, it reflects the neoclassical values of order and fairness, with extensive use of metal and well-planned decorative elements.

Paul Bocuse covered market

The Part-Dieu district in Lyon, once an agricultural estate and later a military barracks, was transformed in 1967 under the direction of architect Charles Delfante. Today, it is a strategic hub with extensive transportation options, the largest urban shopping center in Europe, and a wide range of cultural, hospitality, and leisure offerings. The Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse, inaugurated in 1971 and renovated in 2006, have become a landmark of Lyonnaise gastronomy, celebrating the local culinary heritage with various vendors and regional specialties.

Gourguillon street

The Gourguillon slope in Lyon dates back to before the Middle Ages and was the only ancient route connecting Lugdunum to the Saône River. Its name is believed to come from the Latin “gurgulio,” meaning “throat,” referring to a legend about the blood of Christian martyrs. The street offers beautiful views and features curiosities such as old houses and a traboule with a unique elliptical staircase. Another legend tells that Pope Clement V lost a diamond from his tiara in a collapse in 1305, and the diamond was never found.

Visit Lyon with a professional guide and get the best experience of the destination

Visit the hill of Fourvière and the Roman theaters

The symbol of Lyon is the basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière dominating the city from the top of the hill. As well as in Paris or Marseille this basilica was built in the 19th century using a byzantine architecture. It offers a magnificent view over the entire city.

Next to the basilica are the remains of the Roman city and its main buildings such as the theater and the odeon. All this area is Unesco World Heritage.

Visit the Old Lyon and explore the traboules

The Old Lyon is listed on Unesco heritage. It is considered as the most real medieval neighborhood in France. It is buzzing with narrow streets and covered passages used to escape in the Middle Ages. The cathedral Saint-Jean in the center on the Old Lyon is the symbol of conflicts between Catholics and Protestants.

The silk in Lyon

In the 19th century Lyon based its wealth on silk. In the Croix Rousse neighborhood, silk is still processed the same way by the same families. Visit a silk workshop with a private guide to touch those incredible fabrics and purchase the best quality at the best price.

Lyon in the 19th century

The connection on the river Saone and the Rhone in Lyon creates a peninsula between the two rivers in the center on the city. The so called Presqu’ile shows a perfect model of imperial architecture with endless squares and massive avenues.

The Confluence Museum

A walk across the Presqu’Ile leads to the Confluence neighborhood. Its the modern and high-tech Lyon with sustainable constructions competing with each other. At the very end of the peninsula, the Museum Confluence shows a vision of mankind history.

Food tasting in Lyon

French gastronomy owes a lot to Lyon and its emblematic chef Paul Bocuse. Joining a local guide for a food tour is a perfect way to understand the city through its gastronomy. You will discover specialties such as Paté en croute, Quenelles or Tarte à la Praline.