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 Puppets and dolls |
100 Rue St-Georges Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7277 7528 http://www.automates-ema.com asg@automates-ema.com |
With over 250 moving subjects and 20 tableaux, this museum will fascinate both the young and the old. A small, private museum created by an enthusiast who has been making his working dolls himself since 1946, he exhibits puppets of all kinds-paste to paper, pastic, porcelain as well as some unforgettable scenes-from Gargantua, circus scenes, sections of maps and well-known faces in less familiar settings. Admission is EUR6.10; discounts for children, groups and students is available. This place is also wheelchair accessible. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
 Archaeological site with Roman theatres |
17 Rue Cléberg Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 7444 |
Lugdunum was originally located on the Fourvière hill, where numerous interesting archeological remains have been found over the last century. The Fourvière archeological park near the Museum of Gallo-Roman civilisation houses the theatre and Odeon, where many archeological treasures have been found. Lovers and passersby enjoy the ruins all year round, taking advantage of some time in the sun with a view of Lyon. It has been a refuge for centuries! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
 A 19th Century church |
Place de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 8619 http://www.fourviere.org/ info@fourviere.org |
Built between 1872 and 1884 by the architect Pierre Bossan, what has been nicknamed the "upside down elephant" is representative of the eclecticism of the end of the 19th century. The oriental and neo-classic influences (twisted columns and columned porticas) 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. Admission ranges from free to EUR4. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: George Kyriazis  |
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Panoramic views of the Croix-Rousse |
Place de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France |
The esplanade on the left side of the Basilica of Fourvière provides one of the best views of the city: the Croix-Rousse and the Terreaux district on your left, the rooves of Saint Jean lower down the hill and on your right the place Bellecour. Panoramic signs point you in the right direction, but don't forget your binoculars! For those who are not put off by climbing 200 steps, a staircase takes you to the Observatory right at the top of the basilica giving you practically a bird's eye view. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: wcities |
 Park near Fourviere |
Montée Nicolas-de-Lange Lyon 69005 France |
In 1900, the existing funicular was extended to the esplanade de Fourvière. A new line and an 80m viaduct were built between the basilique de Fourviere and the Loyasse cemetery to the West. However, a lack of passengers forced this line to close in 1937. In 1994, the city council decided to develop this long abandoned line and transformed it into a hillside park. The old rails and the viaduct have taken their natural place on this hillside park near the church commons. The railway line has become a footpath and the viaduct a unique observation point on the West side of the Croix-Rousse hill. An observation table will help you pick out Ile Barbe, Vaise and other landmarks along the river Saone. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Nadia Prigoda |
 17th century house with a large oval courtyard |
2 Rue Saint-Georges Lyon 69005 France |
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 (and the small sun sculpted into the façade). 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 (which was not there originally). 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Natalie Waugh |
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Medievial church building of the 12th century |
Place St-Jean Lyon 69005 France |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A mini Eiffel Tower in Lyons |
Montée Nicolas-de-Change Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7277 6969 |
Lyons is sometimes accused of losing its soul when trying to imitate Paris. Even if this is a harsh and unjustified criticism, the metal tower on Fourvière hill next to the Basilique de Fourvière is proof indeed. In 1893, 4 years after the Universal Exhibition in Paris, E. Colonge was given the task of building a replica of the Eiffel Tower in Lyons. This one is only 80m high and, like its taller sister, is now used as a television relay station. There used to be a restaurant in the lower part with a lift taking customers to the highest parts and enjoy the view. It is not possible to visit this tower. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lyon before our time |
17 Rue Cléberg Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7238 8190 |
To better understand the history of Lyon, you have to start with this museum on the hill of Fourvière. It shows the prehistory and the proto-history of the Lyonnaise region, as well as the birth of Lyon (43BC) up until the 7th century. The museum is made of up 17 areas with 17 different themes - ceramics, glassware, tools, objects showing domestic life, belief systems relating to death, the army, religion, Roman Gaul circus games. More uniquely to Lyon, the key pieces are sarcophagus of the 3rd century, a processional chariot (700BC), which was found intact (area 1), the engraved Claudian table, which is fundamental for the understanding of the Roman state (area 4). There is also a lunar and solar calendar in the Gaelic language but using Latin characters, which allowed them to regulate religious life (area 9) and mosaics of circus games (chariot races), which are truly extraordinary (area 10). You can see that these give a good representation of what Lyonnaise life would have been like under Roman occupation. Worth seeing in the surroundings is the Gaelic-Roman site of the large theatre and the Odeon. The shop sells books, magazines, mock-ups, and copies of objets d'art. On top of this there is a workshop to occupy the youngest of children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gallo-Roman remains |
Place Eugène Wernert Lyon 69005 France |
Most of Lyon's archaeological treasures have been discovered because of urban re-development. In 1865, during construction of a railway, ancient mausoleums were excavated at place de Trion. Some of the better preserved tombs are displayed on place Wernet (which surprises motorists driving up the "montée de Choulans" towards Paris). The most spectacular mausoleum belonged to Calvius Turpion, which looks like a mini temple with pilasters and a stone roof. An inscription tells us that this tomb was paid for by slaves set free on their master's death, as he had requested in his will. These remains pre-date to the creation of Lugdunum (1st century BC) and give us exceptional insight into the hierarchy of ancient society. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Garden on the Fourvière slopes |
Montée Saint-Barthélémy Esplanade de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 8619 http://www.fourviere.org/ info@fourviere.org |
The most practical and least tiring way of getting to the basilique de Fourvière is to take the tram, known locally as the ficelle from Saint Jean to near the Esplanade. There is also a rather long but more interesting way to discover the hill. Walk up rue de la Bombarde to the Montée des Chazeaux and go into the relatively unknown "Jardin du Rosaire" garden which leads to the Esplanade de Fourvière. Of course, to get the best of both worlds, you can take the ficelle up the hill and walk down through the gardens. The path that crosses the garden and leads to the Montée Saint Barthélémy at the basilica winds around the Stations of the Cross used by pilgrims. The best time of the day to walk up there is early morning or at the end of the day when wildlife is active: squirrels and buzzards are seen frequently here. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: tomwischmann |
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15th-18th century palace |
4 Rue Adolphe Max Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7277 6969 (Lyon Tourism Office) |
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. Library's Opening Times: 1p-7p Tu-W; 10a-2p, 1p-7p Th-Fr; 10-noon, 1-5p Sa. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: J Lallemand |
 Photo: Daniel Foucachon |
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Neo-Gothic church rebuilt in 1844 |
53 Rue St-Georges Lyon 69005 France |
Saint Georges catches the eye of passers-by on the quays of the Saône with its entirely neogothic harmony. The church was completely reconstructed in 1844 by the architect Pierre Bossan, who is famous for his eclecticism at Fourvière. The area of worship is however very old; a text by bishop Leidrade mentions that it was restored in the 9th century. Bossan took his inspiration from the gothic architecture of the end of the middle ages, judging by the classical stone tracery work, which runs all the way around the church. The nave is furnished with paintings and furniture from the 19th century in keeping with the uniformity of the church. Saint Georges is considered to be one of the more traditionalist churches of Lyons. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Carl Hubbers |
 Photo: Carl Hubbers |
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Neobyzantian church |
57 Rue des Macchabées Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 4326 |
Saint Irénée is one of the earliest Christian Gaul funeral basilicas, like Saint Just and Saint Laurent de Choulans. Archaeological digs in 1947 and then 1977 have allowed us to find out its precise origin, which texts attest its date as being at least from the beginning of 6th century. The burials (4th-6th century) discovered both inside and outside the church confirm its funeral function, which corresponds with the development of the martyr cult - believers wanted to be buried close to the saints, themselves buried at the heart of the edifice, usually in the chancel. Just like Saint Just, Saint Irénée was destroyed by the Protestants towards 1562. Restored then looted during the Revolution, it now presents 19th century architecture inspired by Byzantine churches. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Steve |
 Photo: Dominique TEOLIS |
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Neoclassic church |
21 Rue des Farges Lyon 69005 France |
The original church of Saint Just, which wasn't found in its present location (11, Rue des Machabées), was destroyed in 1562 at the time of the wars between the Catholics and the Protestants. Archaeological excavations in 1971 revealed the foundations of the 5th century funeral basilica, built on a Roman necropolis. The church was reconstructed in 1591 inside the fortified town - the original was outside the walls - but it wasn't until the start of the 18th century that it had a chancel and a facade. That facade, just off the road, was designed by F. Delamonce and includes statues of Saint Just and Saint Irénée, and it is reminiscent of its neighboring early Cristian basilicas. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Photo: Benoit BRANLARD |
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Cathedral |
Place St-Jean Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 2825 http://cathedrale-lyon.cef.fr/ cathedrale@cathedrale-lyon.cef.fr |
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 façade 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Archaeological site of funeral basilica |
Montée de Choulans Quai de Fulchiron Lyon 69005 France |
Paradoxically, the ruins of this early Christian church were unknown until construction started on a new motorway junction at Choulans in 1976. This church was founded in the 5th-6th centuries but was known only through medieval texts and modern-day engravings. Saint Laurent was a funerary basilica built outside the town and marks the evolution of the cult of death between the end of Antiquity and the early Middle Ages. This church was used for worship, but also had a funerary function as the numerous burial places and sarcophaguses in and around the building prove. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Baroque church of St Bruno |
Place des Chartreux Lyon 69001 France +33 4 7828 4168 http://www.baroque-stbruno.org/ |
The principal interest of the abbey church of Saint Bruno des Chartreux lies in its rarity: it's one of only a few baroque churches in Lyons. The monastery to which it belonged to was destroyed like many others during the Revolution. All that remains is a little cloister south of the chancel through which the monks would enter to go to services, and of course the abbey church itself. The long chancel used by the monks dates from the 16th century. The stalls were carved in the 18th century by Van der Heyden, from drawings by J.G. Soufflot (cf. Hôtel Dieu). The nave and the transept, which were built in the 18th century by Delamonce, are baroque in style, as is the dome. A series of interesting paintings from that era hang in the abbey church, notably the two by C. Tremolières which can be seen in the transept: the Ascension and the Assumption (1737). The façade was constructed much later between 1868 and 1872. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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