Sheltering some of the most ancient Roman relics like thermal baths and tombs, the archaeological park on the Fourviere Hill is a treasure trove of Roman history. The Fourvière Archaeological Park boasts two remarkable archaeological finds: a Roman theater that happens to be the oldest of its extant in Gaul, and an Odeon dating back to early 2nd Century. These two theaters are believed to have been the heart of community life in the area and were large enough to accommodate over 13,000 people. The ruins were discovered in the early 20th Century, and have since been restored to full working order. Theater-lovers can take in a show in this unique venue, while visitors to the park can walk around these monuments of the past while enjoying views of the sparkling Rhône and Saône rivers.
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, symbolic and neo-classical influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style 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.
Established in the 19th Century, Parc de la Tête d'Or is a cornucopia of entertainment, with its zoo, 5-hectare rose garden, an enormous greenhouse filled with exotic species, and a mysterious island. This lush green park is considered to be the lung of Lyon. With pony rides, jogging and cycling paths, a mini-golf course, a toy train track, and several sporting facilities, there is no shortage of entertainment here. There are also stalls for food and souvenirs. The Jardin Botanique de Lyon and the Statue which commemorates the twenty-second G7 conference are popular tourist attractions.
Since the 16th Century, Lyon has been the city of silk. The Atelier de Soierie demonstrates and allows one to appreciate how squares of silk are colored in typical Lyonnaise fashion. Visitors can actually see a demonstration of how products are made. On display here are Duffy Palmes, Cornets, Fragments Persans and Herade. There is a shop where you can buy cravats, shawls, silk squares, scarfs and more.
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 cathedrals, churches, and building of historic importance. The office du Tourisme de Lyon organizes guided tours in English and French, which help you discover the best of Old Lyon.
Since 1803, Musée des Beaux-Arts has housed premier collections and exhibitions. Today it boasts more than 600 paintings, 300 sculptures and thousands of objets d'art, including antiquities, coins and medals. The ground floor houses the refectory and chapel (formerly the church of St Pierre), containing 19th-and 20th-century sculptures. The first floor includes Egyptian, Greek, and Roman (before 200 CE) antiquities; the second floor is dedicated to paintings from the 15th-20th Centuries. Two book and gift shops and a refreshment area are also available on-site.
Built in 1536 by renowned Renaissance architect Philibert Delorme, this mansion is a fine example of the Renaissance style and one of the best known sites of early classic architecture in France. The courtyard is a must-see for romantics and history buffs and is an absolute pleasure to stroll through while site-seeing in Lyon. Admission is free.
Sheltering some of the most ancient Roman relics like thermal baths and tombs, the archaeological park on the Fourviere Hill is a treasure trove of Roman history. The Fourvière Archaeological Park boasts two remarkable archaeological finds: a Roman theater that happens to be the oldest of its extant in Gaul, and an Odeon dating back to early 2nd Century. These two theaters are believed to have been the heart of community life in the area and were large enough to accommodate over 13,000 people. The ruins were discovered in the early 20th Century, and have since been restored to full working order. Theater-lovers can take in a show in this unique venue, while visitors to the park can walk around these monuments of the past while enjoying views of the sparkling Rhône and Saône rivers.
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, symbolic and neo-classical influences (twisted columns and columned porticoes) are mixed with architecture inspired by the medieval style 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.
Built next to the ancient medieval city for protection, Château de Septème was restored in the 15th and 16th Centuries and parts of the ramparts remain today. Most of the buildings from the end of the Middle Ages (14th-15th Century) remain and bear witness to the changing lifestyles compared to earlier buildings (towers, chimneys and the like). The inner courtyard was reworked during the Renaissance when a loggia and gallery were added. Call for more details.
The fantastic 2000-seater hall Auditorium has chairs made from grey anthracite wood and adjoins the National Orchestra of Lyon, where Emmanuel Krivine was conductor for ten years. The hall has just been renovated and the acoustics have been greatly improved. The programs played are essentially classical, although you do often hear touring musicians from Burundi, Brazil and other places, and other types of music are sometimes given centre stage.
Established in the 19th Century, Parc de la Tête d'Or is a cornucopia of entertainment, with its zoo, 5-hectare rose garden, an enormous greenhouse filled with exotic species, and a mysterious island. This lush green park is considered to be the lung of Lyon. With pony rides, jogging and cycling paths, a mini-golf course, a toy train track, and several sporting facilities, there is no shortage of entertainment here. There are also stalls for food and souvenirs. The Jardin Botanique de Lyon and the Statue which commemorates the twenty-second G7 conference are popular tourist attractions.