Lyon - Sights & Attractions - Croix-Rousse
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Academy of Music


A former convent from the 17th century
3 Quai Chauveau
Lyon 69009
+33 4 7219 2667
http://www.cnsm-lyon.fr/
cnsm@cnsm-lyon.fr
The oldest veterinary school (established in 1762), was transferred to this former 17th century convent in the early 19th century when, after the French Revolution, the St Elisabeth nuns were sent elsewhere. The architect Chabrol was given the task of adapting the convent to its new function - in keeping with the original surroundings, interior gardens were laid around the various halls and a great entrance was erected giving on to the main court. From 1985 to 1988 all the buildings were restructured to house Lyons's new Academy of Music (Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon). One auditorium was added and some buildings restored showing some of the original murals. The façade of this Conservatoire stands out along the banks of the Saône as does the Hôtel Dieu along the Rhône.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Balmont Woods


Romantic garden of the Duchy
Rue des Contrebandiers
Lyon 69009
Everywhere seems to have its own Buttes-Chaumont (a park in Paris)! The 9th arrondissement in Lyon may be off the beaten tourist track but if you explore as far as the Rue des Contrabandiers you will not be disappointed. This park was originally part of an old private estate from the 19th century, and its organisation is a throw back to those times, whether one looks at art or literature from that period. A small tempietto with seven ionic columns reveal the taste at that time for classical architecture. The shaded walkways which surround this temple of love have undoubtedly inspired a good number of romantics! There is nothing more to say - go and see for yourself!

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Chartreux Garden


Garden with childrens' play area in the Croix-Rousse district
Cours du Général Giraud
Lyon 69001
This garden is a little island of greenery, on the edge of the Croix-Rousse area, just a few metres from the church of Saint Bruno. It is one of the nicest walks starts at passage Gonin leading up from quai Saint Vincent by the Rhône. It crosses the slopes of Croix-Rousse where you will undoubtedly see the many cats living around there. The passage leads to the garden's entrance near a playground. From the garden, there is a splendid view of the Fourvière hills and the banks of the Saône. Of course, at night, the view is even more beautiful when the city is all lit up. This garden is also the venue for music and cinema festivals where music from all over the world is played on Th evenings usually and films are shown in the open air free-of-charge on Sunday nights.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Chartreux Garden photo by christophe bernard
Photo: christophe bernard
 

 
Cherry Orchard Park


Park in Croix-Rousse district
25 Rue Chazière
Lyon 69004
+33 4 7827 0248
The Gillet family, some of the biggest industrialists in Lyon, had their private mansion called "Villa Gillet" built in this park in the Croix-Rousse area. The city council bought it in 1976 and it is now dedicated to art with a special section that researches 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.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Cherry Orchard Park photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Church of the Annunciation


Contemporary church by the architect Koch built between 1955 and 1957
Place de Paris
Lyon 69009
The church of Annunciation is neither a gothic work of art nor a vestige of Romanesque art, but a contemporary creation by the architect Koch built between 1955 and 1957. It is one of his post-war creations that isn't generally that well regarded. It is worth a visit however, because of the interior décor which is very colourful - whether it be the stain glass windows of L. Michel and J. Barillet or the mosaics of J. Bertholle. The edifice itself has a huge allure, no doubt by the way it was constructed (stone and concrete) thrusting the forged iron spire of the bordering steeple into the sky. It was built in the image of the Italian campaniles.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Fort Saint-Jean


A fort built in the 16th century, during the reign of Louis 12
Rue de la Poudrière
Lyon 69001
During his reign, Louis 12 decided to fortify Lyon and had a number of forts built around the city one of which was St Jean (middle of 16th century). To give the garrisons easy access a road was built, which is now called "la montée de la butte" is still used today to reach the fort (it leads to rue de la Poudrière). The fort was built to protect the population of Lyon but its history is not very glorious as it was the origin of local popular uprisings that spread to many French cities after the July revolution in Paris in 1830. Croix-Rousse, the silk workers' neighbourhood, was threatened when the authorities in Lyon re-armed the fort in 11831 to calm down the workers.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Fort Saint-Jean photo by Omar Jabado
Photo: Omar Jabado
Fort Saint-Jean photo by Camilla U. Hoel
Photo: Camilla U. Hoel
Fort Saint-Jean photo by Amélien Bayle de la
Photo: Amélien Bayle de la
 

 
Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre


Gallo-Roman archaeological site
17 Rue Cléberg
Lyon 69005
+33 (0)4 7238 8190
http://www.lyon.fr/vdl/section...
fourviere@rhone.fr
An inscription that was discovered in 1958 and is now on display in the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation helped date the construction of this amphitheatre to 19 AD, under Tiberius. This amphitheatre was used for entertainment, 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 amphitheatre nestles on 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. A post in the centre of the arena serves as a reminder that the martyrs of 177 were sacrificed in this amphitheatre.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre photo by Anthony V. Teelucksingh
Photo: Anthony V. Teelucksingh
Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre photo by Anthony V. Teelucksingh
Photo: Anthony V. Teelucksingh
Gallo-Roman Amphitheatre photo by Jim G
Photo: Jim G
 

 
Hôtel Bullioud


A treasure of Renaissance architecture designed in the 16th century
8 Rue Juiverie
Lyon 69005
+33 4 7277 6969
This mansion is a treasure of Renaissance architecture designed in 1536 by Philibert Delorme (1510-1570) one of the greatest French architects of his time. In the first courtyard, admire the well decorated with a coat of arms before going into the second to see the famous gallery that Antoine Bullioud had made to connect two of his apartments. Philibert Delorme had to adapt his design to an architecture that already existed but as this was relatively simple he was able to show the gallery to its best advantage by adding decorations inspired by ancient temples. Opposite the gallery & up a spiral staircase is a terrace where you can admire the pillars that support the corner towers. Delorme plays with the chronological order of architecture by superposing Doric and Ionic motifs.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hôtel Bullioud photo by Roudou
Photo: Roudou
 

 
Hôtel Paterin


A Renaissance house with exceptional staircase & entrance
4 Rue Juiverie
Lyon 69005
+33 4 7277 6969
Knicknamed "Henry 4th's house" for the bust of him that can be seen in an alcove, this private mansion was built in the second half of the 16th century which makes it part of Lyon's Rennaissance heritage. Unfortunately, part of the building was destroyed in the 19th century. This mansion is not in quite the same area as the other Rennaissance houses in the old part of Lyon (vieux Lyon) but it is worth the detour (direction montée des carmes-déchaussées), just to see the astonishing staircase in the cour d'honneur and the monumental entrance with a series of arches on top of each other supported by columns. A little bit of renovation wouldn't do any harm.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Lyon City Hall


A majestic 17-18th century city hall restored by architect Mansart
1 Place de la Comédie
Lyon 69001
+33 4 7210 3030
In the 17th century the councillors and council offices had offices in the hôtel de la Couronne but a decision was made rapidly to construct a more suitable building. So, between 1646 and 1672, S.Maupin was responsible for building a monument that reflected the ambitions of the city of Lyon: he imagined four buildings around an entrance courtyard (opposite today's Opéra house). In this courtyard a portico and a grand staircase lead to the "cour d'honneur". The building was barely finished in 1674 when it caught fire and further financing and extensive re-decoration were needed. All the pavilions and the belfry (containing 65 bells) resisted reasonably well until the restoration started in 1700 under the guidance of J.H.Mansart who also improved the outer decor. A magnificent hemicycle-shaped portico decorated with Gods of the sea and a Cyclops was added in the "cour d'honneur". Mansart completed his design with the ancient architecture he so admired. The decoration of the main rooms, such as "la grandeur consulaire de Lyon" painted by T.Blanchet in 1660, was a source of great pride for the city of Lyon and its councillors.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Lyon City Hall photo by Damien Bargiacchi
Photo: Damien Bargiacchi
Lyon City Hall photo by Flocopops
Photo: Flocopops
Lyon City Hall photo by simhuiyin85
Photo: simhuiyin85
Lyon City Hall photo by Pierre Numérique
Photo: Pierre Numérique
Lyon City Hall photo by skramble.com
Photo: skramble.com
Lyon City Hall photo by orangetokyo
Photo: orangetokyo
Lyon City Hall photo by Domdomfrommionnay
Photo: Domdomfrommionnay
 

 
Miniature Museum


An exhibition of miniatures
2 Rue Juiverie
Lyon 69005
+33 4 7200 2477
http://www.miniaturama.com
The Palais de la Miniature is an astonishing little private museum tucked in on the corner of Rue Juiverie near to Gare St. Paul. It is of international standing and children will love the games and dolls houses, while adults will appreciate the reconstruction of the famous theatre and restaurant on site. Model makers will gasp in admiration at the skill and patient dexterity displayed here. In short, the Palais de la Miniature will be enjoyed by everyone! Admission is EUR3.80; concessions are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Miniature Museum photo by Selene Verri
Photo: Selene Verri
 

 
Murals of Lyon


Trompe l'?il murals
2 Rue de la Martinière
Lyon 69001
In terms of gastronomy, Lyon is well-known for its hot Sausage and Quenelles and everyone knows that the Guignol puppet theatre originated here. Now Lyon has another claim to fame - its trompe l'œil painted walls. If you liked the reproduction of the "Cour des Loges" near place Fousseret and the frescoes in the "cité Tony Garnier" (see Quartier des Etats Unis), then you will appreciate this mural, which represents local culture. On the corner of quai Saint Vincent and rue de la Martinière, portraits of the major players in the history of Lyon have been painted on balconies. You might recognise some, such as the Emperor Claude, Laurent Mourguet, creator of Guignol puppets, Bertrand Tavernier the film-maker or abbé Pierre. Several streets away from the "mur des Lyonnais", the painted wall of the city library "biliothèque de la cité" in rue de la Platière shows the town's literary achievements in a neighbourhood where bookshops abound. This is just opposite quai de la Pecherie where people come every weekend to browse through old books. On this wall, Rabelais, Elsa Triolet, Tardi and other local heroes are painted into a virtual décor that illustrates the different types of writing mediums.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Murals of Lyon photo by Katie Yurkewicz
Photo: Katie Yurkewicz
Murals of Lyon photo by dornrade
Photo: dornrade
Murals of Lyon photo by NiceMarmot
Photo: NiceMarmot
 

 
Museum of Contemporary Art


Temple of Modern Art
81 Quai Charles de Gaulle
81, quai Charles-de-Gaulle
Lyon 69006
+33 4 7269 1717
http://www.moca-lyon.org/
info@moca-lyon.fr
The Musée d'Art Contemporain (Museum of Modern Art) was housed in the Palais des Beaux-Arts for 10 years, and in 1995 was transferred to the heart of the Cité Internationale. On one side is a thirties style façade and on the other, a wall of pictures. The museum has 2,700 m2 of exhibition space on three floors showing paintings, sculptures, films, photos or videos by some of the most famous modern artists (Moore, Buren, Palestine). Certain works of art were created directly inside the building. This museum has some colossal pieces and more installations than any other European museum. As moveable panels are used to change the size of the exhibition halls, the museum never looks the same and each time you go there it looks totally different. Every year the museum holds a modern music event known as "Musique en Scène" as well as the all important Biennale d'Art Contemporain (Biennial of Modern Art). The cultural department holds initiation workshops for young people. The museum has a conference hall, shop and a café (with a terrace overlooking the "Tete d'Or" park). Café opening hours are 11a-7p Winter, 11a-midnight Summer. Admission: EUR3.80. Free for under 18.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Contemporary Art photo by dannyman
Photo: dannyman
Museum of Contemporary Art photo by Hannah
Photo: Hannah
Museum of Contemporary Art photo by Kristofer Widholm
Photo: Kristofer Widholm
 

 
Museum of Fine Arts


The second museum of France
20 Place des Terreaux
Lyon 69001
+33 4 7210 1740
Since 1803, this museum has housed premier collections and exhibition. Today it boasts of more than 700 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 200BC) antiquities; the second floor is dedicated to paintings from the 15th-20th centuries. Two book and gift shops and a refreshment area are on site. Admission is EUR4; concessions of EUR2 are available.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Fine Arts photo by Emily Bradford
Photo: Emily Bradford
Museum of Fine Arts photo by Fabian Ong
Photo: Fabian Ong
 

 
Museum of Natural History


Get to know the world
28 Boulevard des Belges
Lyon 69006
+33 4 7269 0500
http://www.museum-lyon.org
museum@cg69.fr
This museum has been collecting evidence of the history of the Earth, life and man for two centuries. In its new sections, the museum allows new generations to discover the past - large mammals, animal parade, insect world, regional gallery, prehistory, mineral universe, people of the world, Egyptian mummies and man's past are all represented. The headline piece of this museum is the impressive mammoth skeleton. Do not miss the gigantic whale, Egyptian mummies and animals, and the superb collection of costumes and masks. Entrance is EUR3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Natural History photo by Olga Pavlovsky
Photo: Olga Pavlovsky
 

 
National Opera of Lyon


A neo-classical opera house
1 Place de la Comédie
Lyon 69001
+33 4 7200 4545
http://www.opera-lyon.com/
contact@opera-lyon.com
If there is one opera house that bears witness to the theatrical past of its town, then it is the Opera House of Lyons. Architects J.M. Pollet and A.M. Chenavard chose to build their new opera house exactly where Soufflot built his theatre in 1756. This opera house was built between 1756 and 1832 to cater to the growing popularity of opera in Lyons at the end of the 18th century. The style is neo-classical, which was typical of the time, with a peristyle on the ground floor and decor you would expect in a Greco-Roman temple with its chimera and muses - eight out of nine celebrating the Arts! Following a competition set up by the Council of Lyons, the Opera House was renovated by the architect Jean Nouvel between 1985 and 1993. He succeeded to preserve the original structure and the four outer façades whilst giving it a modern face lift. Extra floors have been added in the basement and the upper part to increase the overall capacity of the building. It now accommodates a corps de ballet, an orchestra as well as many rehearsal rooms, storage areas for costumes and props. The main hall has been decorated using various black and red materials such as granite and wood and uses a soft lighting system which is particularly effective at nightfall when combined with the outside lights. There is a classic programme including Prokofiev, Puccini and Ravel.

Review © 2007, Wcities
National Opera of Lyon photo by JaHoVil
Photo: JaHoVil
National Opera of Lyon photo by Patrick GUYENNON
Photo: Patrick GUYENNON
National Opera of Lyon photo by nick_g
Photo: nick_g
 

 
Notre-Dame de Saint-Vincent


Neoclassic church of St. Vincent
60 Quai de St-Vincent
Lyon 69001
The church of Saint Vincent belongs to the convent of the grands-augustins. The church was built by L. Roux in the second half of the 18th century at the time of the rebirth of classic architecture, which motivated the excavation of Pompei and Herculanum. You can see inside the nave that the architect replaced the pillars traditionally used in Romanesque and Gothic churchs with Doric capital pillars. The dome on a squinch and tablature above is reminiscent of a centre plan ancient temple. This is not the only Neoclassic church in Lyon but it is definitely the most innovative from the point of view of elevation. The façade of the church was added at the end of the 19th century.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Old Botanical Garden


Small park on the Croix-Rousse slopes open day and night
12 Rue du Jardin des Plantes
Lyon 69001
+33 4 7828 8677
If you have already been to the Jardin des Plantes in Paris or in Nantes, the name will conjure up pictures of 19th century greenhouses, the scent of exotic trees and plants imported from all over the world. To see all that, you should head straight for the parc de la Tête d'Or as this Jardin des Plantes is quite different. This public garden is open day and night and on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse district. The botanical park which is now in the parc de la Tête d'Or was originally in Croix-Rousse. The garden is a welcome surprise for those brave enough to cross the slopes, a short walk from sanctuaire gallo-romain.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Old Botanical Garden photo by Nathan Robinson
Photo: Nathan Robinson
Old Botanical Garden photo by Martha Earls
Photo: Martha Earls
 

 
Place des Terreaux


Large public square
1-25 Place des Terreaux
(Rue d'Algerie)
Lyon 69001
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.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Place des Terreaux photo by eleonor
Photo: eleonor
Place des Terreaux photo by Jen Penkethman
Photo: Jen Penkethman
Place des Terreaux photo by Javier rIL (www.ril.es)
Photo: Javier rIL (www.ril.es)
Place des Terreaux photo by Laurent-Walter Goix
Photo: Laurent-Walter Goix
Place des Terreaux photo by Francine Clouden
Photo: Francine Clouden
Place des Terreaux photo by Tim Papenfuss
Photo: Tim Papenfuss
Place des Terreaux photo by Fabienne Chemin
Photo: Fabienne Chemin
Place des Terreaux photo by Laurent Battesti
Photo: Laurent Battesti
Place des Terreaux photo by J. Attiogbe
Photo: J. Attiogbe
Place des Terreaux photo by Fotis Karagiannis
Photo: Fotis Karagiannis
Place des Terreaux photo by Emily Shirley
Photo: Emily Shirley
Place des Terreaux photo by Anaël Pichon
Photo: Anaël Pichon
Place des Terreaux photo by Mihaela Pacurar
Photo: Mihaela Pacurar
 

 
Red Cross Passages


Indoor passages
9 Place Colbert
Lyon 69001
The Croix Rousse district started developing in the 18th century when the silk workshops moved here from the Vieux Lyons area. These slopes became a typical working class neighbourhood where the silkworkers known as canuts lived and worked. The density of the buildings created a maze of streets and it is easy to imagine the bustle in the streets when Lyons was the centre of silk manufacture in Europe. To help people get from one street to another, staircases and passages (traboules) were added inside buildings and inner courtyards. The idea was to create short cuts from street to street to go up and down the hill. Some of the traboules were used as hiding places for the silkworkers protesting in the 1831 revolution. As in the area of Vieux Lyon, some of the traboules are only accessible to residents who know the entrance door codes. The Croix-Rousse area and its unique passages is absolutely charming. One of its most famous site is undoubtedly the cours des Voraces (entrance at 9, place Colbert, exit rue Imbert Colomès) which takes its name from a secret "canut" society headquartered in this building. The huge staircase is particularly impressive by day or by night with its special lighting. Another one is at 19, rue René Leynaud where you go along passage Thiaffait which leads down to the rue Burdeau. There is so much to discover: simply open a door and let the arched passages and steep steps show you their secrets.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Red Cross Passages photo by Marie-France
Photo: Marie-France
Red Cross Passages photo by Daniel Carollo
Photo: Daniel Carollo
 

 
Rosa Mir Garden


Garden with roughly hewn artwork within
83 Grande Rue de la Croix Rousse
Lyon 69004
+33 4 7839 2628
Following the example of the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval in Hauterives, the Rosa Mir Garden is a place where the marvellous and the artistic mingle into one. A mason, Jules Senis Mir built this stunning place in honour of his mother. It is something in between a private garden and a small temple consisting of naturalistic art: there are concrete sculptures with shells pressed into them, and untouched forests. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Saint Pierre Palace


Old convent
20 Place des Terreaux
Lyon 69001
In 1802, the Museum of Fine Arts was installed in one of the oldest convents in Lyon. According to Medieval texts, women's monasteries were found as early as the end of the 7th century. This particular monastery became very influential and was able to purchase land throughout the region. Today's Dames de Saint Pierre was built in the second half of the 17th century but excavation in Saint Pierre chapel (where these relics can be seen) brought to light remains from the 12th century. In the 10-11th centuries, this Benedictine abbey took in mainly well-born women some of whom became renowned abbesses. Anne and Antoinette d'Ailly de Chaulnes were responsible for the 17th century reconstruction. The relatively plain facade has borrowed elements from classical architecture. The old cloister at the entrance to the museum can be visited when the museum is open and in the recently restored cloister garden you can see sculptures by Rodin (L'Ombre), Carpeaux and Bourdelle. In the summer, this is a good place to escape from the city.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saint Pierre Palace photo by Etienne Dessaut
Photo: Etienne Dessaut
Saint Pierre Palace photo by IVOBO
Photo: IVOBO
 

 
Saint Polycarpe


Church on the Croix-Rousse
25 Rue René Leynaud
Lyon 69001
Going up the Rue de l'Abbé Rozier from the Place du Forez, you come out of the Rue René Leynaud to see the immense façade of the church of Saint Polycarpe: this sight is reminscent of certain Baroque churches in the little roads of old Rome... But we are in the Croix-Rousse and it is not what you expect to see. The façade dates from the middle of the 18th century as the architect Loyer was charged with refitting the church of the Oratorians built in the 17th century. Four immense Corinthian capital fluted columns surround the door and reach to the ground floor and its pair on the second floor. The church suffered some damage during the Revolution (cf. Sculpted décor) then was enlarged in the 19th century (cf. notably the nave and the dome).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saint Polycarpe photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Saint-Paul


A rare example of a Romanesque church in Lyons
1 Place Gerson
Lyon 69005
+33 4 7828 3445
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 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 walls 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. Services are held at 6:30p M-F and 10a & 11:30a Su.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Saint-Paul photo by Sébastien DELORME
Photo: Sébastien DELORME
 

 
Telecommunications Museum


The history of the telephone
12 Bis Rue Burdeau
Lyon 69001
+33 4 7839 8889
These days we are never far from our indispensable mobile phones! This museum traces the whole development of the telephone from distance to design and the technology. The museum is located in an old telephone exchange, so the public can play at being an operator and establish communications with the switchboards of yesteryear.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
The Large Stone


One stone which has been left unturned
Place Bellevue
Lyon 69001
OK, so this is a joke right? What exactly is this Gros Caillou (large stone), which all the inhabitants of Croix-Rousse seem to respect so much? Meeting next to the 'Gros Caillou' before visiting the bars on the hill doesn't seem particularly cool, but in truth this stone is more than just a curiosity, sitting as it does at the end of the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, just a stone's throw away from the Place Bellevue.. There are two stories.... one is a legend and the other is the scientific explanation. Legend has it that the stone is the heart of a legal bailiff which was turned to stone as a form of vengeance on the part of people who had been wronged by him. Geologists, who are more pragmatic (which doesn't necessarily mean that they would remain stoical when faced by a bailiff), believe that the stone is a rock fragment left over from the Jurassic period which must have been left there during the last ice age. Everyone has their own explanation but whatever it is it must certainly have been a surprise when they tunnelled into the hill in 1890 to make way for the railway and found this great big stone!

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Large Stone photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
The Man of the Rock


mysterious sculpture on the banks of the Saone
60 Quai Pierre-Scize
Lyon 69005
This statue which is so impressive at night fall was erected in 1849, in honour of a charitable man nicknamed the good German. Alas, a thousand times alas, how many natives of Lyon really know the story of the man who is now only known as the Man of the Rock? Hans Kleberger was a very wealthy banker, who created the general Aumone in 1531. This veritable Charitable organisation was the centre for donations and distribution of goods, which contributed to the financing of la Charité hospital, which nowadays no longer exists.

Review © 2007, Wcities
The Man of the Rock photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Tête d'Or Park


105-hectare Park
Boulevard des Belges
Lyon 69006
+33 4 7889 0203
http://www.parc-tete-dor.com/l...
Legend has it that this park is named for the golden head of Christ that is hidden somewhere on site. Unbelievable? Well, so is this park that covers more than 105 hectares and has a zoo, a 5-hectare rose garden and enormous greenhouses filled with exotic species—not to mention a mysterious island! This park is considered to be the "lung" of Lyon and is so popular that sometimes during weekends, joggers, families with push chairs and cyclists have trouble finding enough space. Admission is free.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Tête d'Or Park photo by Anna belle lee
Photo: Anna belle lee
Tête d'Or Park photo by Pierre Numérique
Photo: Pierre Numérique
Tête d'Or Park photo by Stéphanie Pommier
Photo: Stéphanie Pommier
Tête d'Or Park photo by lia ITANI
Photo: lia ITANI
Tête d'Or Park photo by chanteperdrixcyril
Photo: chanteperdrixcyril
Tête d'Or Park photo by Magali Deval
Photo: Magali Deval
Tête d'Or Park photo by Cardith Hung
Photo: Cardith Hung
Tête d'Or Park photo by Cosmo Kramer
Photo: Cosmo Kramer
Tête d'Or Park photo by kl loth
Photo: kl loth
Tête d'Or Park photo by Aurora Fdz.Abelleira
Photo: Aurora Fdz.Abelleira
Tête d'Or Park photo by Jason
Photo: Jason
 

 
Weavers' House


Fabric creations from the region and elsewhere
10-12 Rue d'Ivry
Lyon 69004
+33 4 78 28 6204
Between 1831 and 1848, the canuts (Lyonnaise fabric weavers) revolted to improve their living and working conditions. In following the evolution of weaving techniques, this museum traces the history and evolution of what has become a Lyonnaise symbol. The exhibition covers the evolution of weaving technique and, of course, the technique of making Jacquard, which allowed them to produce five times more per day. The shop offers a vast selection of squares, scarves, neckerchiefs, ties, 100% natural silk articles—all made in the pure canut tradition. Admission is EUR3.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Weavers' House photo by Anduze traveller
Photo: Anduze traveller
 

 
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