Attractions in Old Lyons (Lyon)

Vieux Lyon

UNESCO recently listed the old part of Lyon, Vieux Lyon, including the Croix-Rousse and Presqu'île areas as a world heritage site,this Gothic and Renaissance district, famous for its maze of narrow streets and elegant buildings certainly deserves it! The culturally rich district is famous for its quaint cathdrals, churches and building of historic importance. The Office du tourisme de Lyon organizes guided tours in English and French, which help you discover the complexity and beauty of Cathédrale Saint Jean and the maze of streets and passageways, such as the famous traboules. Meeting point is the Bureau des Guides at the avenue Adolphe Max. Call for more details.

Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain

An inscription that was discovered in 1958 and is now on display in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation helped date the construction of the Amphithéâtre Gallo-Romain to 19 AD, under Tiberius. This amphitheater was used for entertainment and showcasing of tragicomedies, but it was also the federal sanctuary of the Three Gauls in which each tribe was represented, thus ensuring loyalty of the Gallic people to the Emperor. The highest social standing a Gaul could reach was to become a federal priest of Rome and Augustus. The amphitheater is nestled atop a hill and measures 128 x 104m. Coins displayed in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation reproduce the holiness of the altar of Rome and Augustus which is overlooked by two statues of the Victory perched on columns. Call the museum for more details.

Palais épiscopal Saint-Jean

The domus ecclesia has always been part next to the cathedral, but the building which remains was expanded during the second half of the 15th century by Charles de Bourbon, Archbishop of Lyons at that time. This palace is one of the rare examples of civil Gothic architecture inspired by the religious architecture from the end of the Middle Ages. The architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot made some changes between 1747 and 1749 by making the palace face the rue Adolphe Max rather than the banks of the Saône. He designed two classical style porticoes and a monumental staircase to replace the side passages, recreating in his own style a classical architecture (see Hôtel Dieu, Loge du Change). Today the Palace Saint-Jean is used to store the municipal archives of Lyons and as an annexe of the public library. Libra ry's Opening Times: 1p-7p Tu-W; 10a-2p, 1p-7p Th-Fr; 10-noon, 1-5p Sa.

Maison du Soleil

This house was built in the 17th century and the Barou du Soleil family made their home here in the 18th century, hence the name given to the house. The entrance at 2, Rue St. Georges leads into one of the most beautiful courtyards in the St. Georges district worth visiting. Each floor overlooks a large oval courtyard covered by a glass rood. The name Trinity refers back to the canons house of the Trinity which stood there in the 17th century. Two sheltered statuettes in the corners are dedicated to the Virgin and to Saint Peter. The place itself inspired Laurent Mourguet, the creator of Guignol, in his theatrical scenery. It is true that he lives just around the corner.

Maison du Chamarier

A chamarier was a canon responsible for security within the walls of a cathedral complex. The house which can still be seen rue Saint Jean was built between the late 15th and early 16th centuries against the North wall since one of the chamarier's" functions was to check who was entering and leaving via the different gates. The façade, restored in the 19th century, is an example of secular architecture at the end of the Middle Ages (windows separated by pinnacles although only one is still mullioned). There is an interesting spiral staircase in a small tower inside the inner courtyard. This eclectic house is decorated with scrolls and a shellshapes which mark the transition from late Gothic to Renaissance architecture.

Manécanterie

Apart from the remains of the groupe épiscopal excavated during archaeological digs, the façade of the "manécanterie" (a singing school) represents one of the oldest parts of the medieval church buildings (to the right of the cathedral's façade). Built in the 12th century, probably on a site from the Carolingian era (see the semi circular arches on the far right), this edifice is an example of Norman architecture (see the twin arches supported by smaller columns with carved capitals). This is exceptional since most of the buildings in the old part of Lyons are from the Gothic or Renaissance periods. The various subjects taught in medieval schools (philosophy, grammar, astronomy) are represented in the alcoves under the twin arches. From the late 14th to early 15th century the cathedral choristers lived here. The mullioned windows were added to this Roman complex in the late 15th-early 16th century.

Eglise catholique Saint Paul

One of the oldest churches in Lyon (it appears in a 9th century text by Bishop Leidrade), the Romanesque architecture of Saint Paul matches the abbey church of Saint-Martin d'Ainay (cf. Saint Martin d'Ainay). In the 19th century the revival of interest in medieval art prompted several neo-Gothic additions (spire, west portal), but the church thankfully keeps its Romanesque coherence. The octagonal tower at the transept crossing and the chapels near to the apse have also kept their arched openings decorated with small columns. The west steeple dates from the 15th century. The nave and the lower sides of the church have a surprising Romano-Gothic look. For the most part, the Romanesque walls were replaced in order to make more space and allow more light in - notably with the addition of rib vaults (a characteristic of what is called Gothic architecture). In the church of Saint Paul the Romanesque wall s were kept but spiced up with Gothic innovations - this is the particular architectural feature of the church. The dome situated at the transept crossing is remarkable because it consists of two superimposed octagons.

Traboules St-Jean

As villages developed around the bottom of Fourvière hill in the 12th-13th centuries, another community grew up around Saint-Jean cathedral. The constructions here were practically all the same - a house overlooking the street and a house behind that overlooked inner courtyard, which were connected by loggias and spiral staircases. Passages were created to make it easier to get from the street to the house in the courtyard. There are quite a few of these passages, named "traboules", in the Vieux Lyon district, which give you access to the inner courtyards of Gothic and Renaissance houses. For some, an entry code is needed, but most home-owners let visitors walk around freely during the day. However, do remember that the "traboules" are private property, so respect them. Here are some ideas of "traboules" to try: Entrance (Exit) and vice-versa: 2, place du Gouvernement (10, quai R. Rolland); 3, place du Gouvernement (11, quai R. Rolland); 10, rue Saint Jean (2, place du Petit Collège); 9, rue des Trois Maries (17, quai R. Rolland); 13, rue des Trois Maries (18, quai R. Rolland); 24, rue Saint Jean (1, rue du Boeuf); 40, rue Saint Jean (5, place Neuve); 54, rue Saint Jean (27, rue du Boeuf).

Cathédrale St-Jean

The church of Lyon's bishop, one of Gaul's most important, has been situated on the banks of the Saone at the bottom of Fourvière hill since the 4th Century (Saint Jean Archeological Garden). Construction of the present building started in 1170-1180 and the chancel and facade were finished in the 14th Century: the cathedral is a testament to the evolution of Lyon's religious architecture. This historical church is host to many events, concerts and religious lectures throughout the year.

Basilique de Fourvière

Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, the Basilique de Fourvière, that has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental, symbolist and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style machicolated towers, which creates a shocking fortress church. An observatory offers spectacular views, and under the basilica is a crypt, accessible from the esplanade. Guided tours are available. Check website for mass and admission details.

Loge du Change

The Exchange has symbolised the prosperity of Lyons since the end of the Middle Ages for it is here that the famous fairs have been held. An establishment was constructed in the middle of the 17th century to welcome bankers and had to be extended very quickly - the architect J.G. Soufflot was chosen because of his success on the Presqu'île. From 1748 to 1750 he reintroduced classic architecture to renovate the façade of the lodge. He particulary stayed with the normal order of things in placing Ionic capital columns on the first level between each window, and a Doric architrave on the floor above. This little edifice is not without similarities to Hotel Dieu whose sobriety and harmony of classic architecture made Soufflot a success. Call to know the timings.

Ancien Palais de Justice

The old Palais de Justice (the new one is located in the Part Dieu district) was built on the banks of the Saône by L.P. Baltard between 1835 and 1845, at a time when classical antiquity was in vogue for art and architecture. The facade that overlooks the Saone river is neo-classical and resembles a Greco-Roman temple with 24 fluted columns and Corinthian capitals, Attic entablature and a monumental staircase. The effect is striking. The palace is organized around "la salle des pas perdus" where the accused, lawyers and private parties would wait their turn to appear before the judge. This extraordinary room covered by three cupolas illustrates themes close to the heart of justice.