Recognized as the largest pedestrian square in Europe, this vast esplanade provides access to various main routes in the city center, where you can find shops, restaurants, bars, and museums. In its center stands a bronze statue of Louis XIV, depicted in a Roman style, riding bareback without saddle or stirrups, crafted by François-Frédéric Lemot in 1825.

In the southwest corner, have fun searching for the statue of Saint Exupéry accompanied by the Little Prince—a nod to the famous aviator who is said to have been born in one of the buildings overlooking the square.

As soon as you exit the Funicular you took from Old Lyon, you’ll be able to admire the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, designed by architects Bossan and Sainte-Marie Perrin. Construction began in 1870, and it was consecrated in 1896.

At the top of the hill, the basilica dedicated to the Virgin Mary is listed as a historic monument and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lyon.

When leaving the Basilica, take a right to admire the breathtaking view of our beautiful city. Then continue down the stairs to the right to descend towards the St. Jean district through the Parc des Hauteurs and the Montée des Chazeaux with its 230 steps!

The highlight of the historic Old Lyon district is Saint-Jean Cathedral, also known as Primatiale St. Jean (seat of the Primate of the Gauls), a building blending Gothic and Romanesque styles. Its construction spanned three centuries, from 1175 to 1481.

One of the unique features of this cathedral is its astronomical clock. Built at the end of the 16th century, it displays the date, the positions of the moon, sun, and Earth, as well as the stars above Lyon.

The magnificent building of the Palais de Justice houses the Rhône Assize Court. Its construction began in the late 19th century, and it is now known as the "Palace of the 24 Columns" because justice operates 24 hours a day without pause. Its beautiful facade, illuminated for special occasions, is perfectly visible from the left bank of the Saône, which you can easily reach by crossing the Pierre-Truche footbridge. Two sculptures adorn its entrances, the most iconic being “Le poids de soi” (“The Weight of Oneself”)—a man carrying his double, becoming both his own savior and his own burden. This symbolizes the civic responsibilities discussed here in the Palais de Justice.

The only dramatic art theater still in operation in France, alongside the Comédie Française and the Odéon. It takes its name from the Celestine Monks' Convent, which once stood on the theater’s current site. The best time to visit Place des Célestins is in spring, when the surrounding magnolias are in bloom. However, each season is a good time to stop by and take a look through the telescope in the middle of the square. Like a kaleidoscope, it uses a mirror system to let you see the underground parking lot turning and projecting its lights and shadows. This is an artwork by Daniel Buren.

A crossroads of several main arteries of the city, such as:

Rue Mercière: Restaurants with beautiful terraces await you for a culinary journey to satisfy all tastes (bouchons, bistros, oyster bars, tartine bars…). Here, a lively and festive atmosphere reigns supreme.

Rue du Président Herriot: For shopping enthusiasts, this is the perfect spot to shop or simply enjoy some window-shopping.

Passage de l’Argue: One of the oldest arcades in France, built in the same style as the arcades in Paris. Historic shops coexist with new brands, adding a fresh touch to this historic promenade.

Here, in this beautifully renovated square, you’ll have a perfect view of Lyon’s main landmarks: the Hôtel de Ville, the Museum of Fine Arts, and the Bartholdi Fountain.

Hôtel de Ville: This is one of the most imposing historical buildings in the city, featuring a lunar clock on its main facade, as well as the second-largest carillon in France. Still in use, the municipal council meets here monthly, along with exceptional events organized by the mayor.

Museum of Fine Arts: This museum rivals the Louvre with its collection of 700 paintings spanning from the Renaissance to the first half of the 20th century, not to mention its Egyptian, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts. Don’t leave without taking a stroll through its cloister, a peaceful haven in the heart of the Presqu'île.

Bartholdi Fountain: Created by the same sculptor as the Statue of Liberty, Bartholdi designed this innovative fountain for the city of Bordeaux. It represents the Garonne River and its four tributaries, symbolized by horses. Ultimately, the city of Lyon acquired it in 1890 after its exhibition at the 1889 World’s Fair. Its horses, with nostrils that actually steam, have now become one of Lyon’s most iconic symbols.

The largest urban park in Lyon, it gets its name from a legend that tells of a treasure, including a large solid gold head of Christ, supposedly buried by bandits in the land now occupied by the park, which was then an impenetrable swamp. The golden head was never found, but this park has become the real treasure for the people of Lyon—a green oasis where you can stroll, watch tennis matches, visit the botanical garden (the richest in Europe with 15,000 plants), or take a pedal boat ride on the lake.

Scattered throughout the neighborhoods of the city and beyond, more than a hundred murals cover walls and buildings.

The most famous include:

The Fresque des Canuts, where characters and buildings change with each renovation. It remains the largest trompe-l'œil mural in Europe, depicting the history and life of the Canuts of the Croix-Rousse.

rue Denfert-Rochereau, 69004 Lyon – Metro C, Hénon stop

The Fresque des Lyonnais features 24 historical figures who shaped Lyon's history and reputation, from Saint Irenaeus (130-200 AD) to Bernard Pivot (1935-2024).

2 rue de la Martinière, 69001 Lyon – Metro A and C, Hôtel de Ville stop or Saint-Paul bus stop

The Library of the City showcases a hundred literary works written by Lyonnais authors, both past and present.

6 rue de la Platière, 69001 Lyon – Metro A and C, Hôtel de Ville stop

If you have an afternoon to spare, why not explore the Garnier Museum in the open air? Here, Tony Garnier envisioned an Ideal City across 25 painted walls that decorate the façades of the Etats-Unis neighborhood.

4 rue des Serpollières, 69008 Lyon – Tram 4, Lycée Lumière stop

Strolling along the Rhône, you’ll enjoy a variety of relaxation and activity spaces, including pétanque courts (or Lyonnaise boules), fitness areas, the municipal swimming pool, a skate park, children’s play areas, and picnic spots.

Take a seat on the terrace of one of the riverboats—true social hubs for all generations. Each boat has its own personality; you can enjoy an ice cream or waffle in the afternoon, or a drink in the early evening. Continue the experience with dinner, a jazz concert, or an evening with a DJ. There’s something for everyone!