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.
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.
The Gillet family, some of the biggest industrialists in Lyon, had their private mansion called "Villa Gillet" built in Parc de la Cerisaie, situated in the Croix-Rousse area. The city council bought it in 1976 and it is now dedicated to art with a special section that promotes modern art (music, painting, sculpture, photography, video, literature etc). In the actual park, which is one of the nicest in the area, there are various sculptures (by J.B. Raynaud, B. Pagès and others) to be discovered.
The word "terreaux" describes the old moats and medieval mud ("terre") walls that protected the town up to the end of the 16th century. These were filled in to make room for a large square where the town's guillotine was erected. It is the second most important square after Place Bellecour, as it is flanked by Palais Saint Pierre and the Hôtel de Ville (city hall). In 1892, the city council bought a statue from the famous sculptor Bartholdi (of Statue of Liberty fame) which Bordeaux had commissioned then refused.
Place Bellecour is one of the few remaining Royal squares in France: the French Revolution took its toll here as elsewhere and the statue erected by Desjardins in 1691 was destroyed. A sculptor named Lemot built a new statue of Louis XIV in 1828. At the base of the pedestal, 2 statues of the Coustou brothers symbolize the Rhône river (East) and the Saône river (West). This huge square measuring 310x200m has a surface of red sand and is as important to Lyon's heritage as the Basilique de Fourvière. Some say this square serves no purpose except as the starting point for various rallies and demonstrations but in fact, it is a unique 18th-Century ensemble.
The Lyon Bike Tour is a tour company that offers a wide range of eco-friendly tours. Explore the city on electric bikes as you zip past major landmarks and hidden gems. Tours range from the one -and-a-half hour Gones Tour to the all-day combined tour. If you're pressed for time, the Gones Tour takes you around the city's major landmarks in record time. For food enthusiasts, the four-hour Gourmet Tour takes you around major landmarks with a visit to the Halles Paul Bocuse included in the itinerary. A great way to see the city like a local, Lyon Bike Tour is a top pick when choosing a tour of Lyon.
Bright, colorful, and unabashedly modern, the Flower Tree is a contemporary sculpture designed by artist Jeong Hwa Choi. The Korean artist created this artwork as his entry to the biennial Contemporary Art festival in 2003. The multi-hued sculpture stands against Lyon's historic skyline at Place Antonin-Poncet. Constructed out of 85 flowers of plastic, the rainbow-colored work is eye-catching to say the least. Stop by to catch a glimpse of this contemporary piece that's divided native Lyonnaise on whether it should stay or go!
In the heart of the Lyonnais mountains, Col de la Luère mountain pass is sandwiched between the villages of Chevignay & Grezieu-la-Varenne and like most passes in the area is prone to black ice from November to March. In the Summer, Col de la Luère is the perfect place to escape from the heat of the city and naturally has spectacular views of the adjacent valleys. There are also plenty of paths to guide you through the surrounding forests. D489 from Craponne and then just before Vaugneray take the D24 direction Bessenay.
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.