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 Island Monastery |
11 Rue Bourgelat Lyon 69002 France |
This basilica was constructed at the end of the 11th century and consecrated in 1107 by Pope Pascal II. At that time, the building sat on an island covered by sand and greenery between the Rhône et Saône rivers; Presqu'ile is now a densely populated district of Lyon offering plenty of shopping and dining. The monastery is noteworthy particularly for its double colonnade, which is reminiscent of early Christian architecture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Gothic-Renaissance house near the cathedral |
37 Rue Saint-Jean Lyon 69005 France |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laetitia PAYET |
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A luxury hotel in a Gothic & Renaissance building |
6 Rue du Boeuf Lyon 69005 France |
The hôtel de luxe de la Cour des Loges is made up of several adjacent Gothic and Renaissance houses on the rue du Boeuf dating from the 15th to the 17th century. Most Renaissance houses in Lyons have only one passage linking the buildings together. The Cour des Loges is exceptional in that it has galleries, supported by large pillars, on three sides of the courtyard. Restored at the end of the 80s, it is now covered by a new glass roof. If you can't afford to stay the night in this elegant residence, go to the bar where the remains of a Jeu de Paume game are displayed on the interior walls. The courtyard is represented in a trompe-l'oeil wall painting in the place Fousseret, not far from the hotel. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Absolutely charming |
6 Rue du Boeuf Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 7575 |
This prestigious hotel has been awarded 4 stars and a Palme by the Tourist Office. One of the best hotel around Lyons, it is known for its luxury and for the beauty of the edifice itself. Everything is here to make you comfortable—so comfortable that you will not want to leave. Choose from double rooms and guest apartments, with pay-per-view television, air conditioning and private bath. A short walk will bring you to the musée Gadagne, a superb 16th century building. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: mahery |
 Photo: Kristina Tiedje |
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15th century private mansion |
13 Rue de la Poulaillerie Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7837 6598 http://www.bm-lyon.fr/musee/im... |
This private mansion was built at the end of the 15th century and bought by the town of Lyon early in the 17th century to store council archives and as a venue for council meetings. Like most of the mansions in this neighbourhood which were built at the end of the Middle Ages, the floors are connected by a series of loggias that open onto a central courtyard. The building has been perfectly restored and now houses the Musée de l'Imprimerie. Visitors can walk into the courtyard without charge to admire the remarkable mullioned windows in the loggias and the stele commemorating the first town meeting that took place in this mansion in 1604. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Italian-style theatre |
4 Rue Charles-Dullin Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7277 4000 |
In prestigious surroundings, the Célestins offers an unbelievable and magical decor as well as an exceptional programme. Built by the architect G. André between 1872 and 1877, this theatre is considered to be one of the most representative of Italian-style theatres (the main hall houses the stage and tiers). The original structure, dating back to 1789-1792 had to be rebuilt after a fire in 1871, which destroyed the main hall. Another fire, three years later, put André's skills to test again. The neoclassical façade presents many antique style columns and semi-circular bay windows made from different coloured materials. Inside the main hall, the ceiling painted by J. Domer in 1881 and called "la comédie d'Aristophane," depicting the famous Greek poet surrounded by Athena and musical allegories, has been preserved. In 1991, Lyons city council started some major restoration projects that included the place de la Bourse, the Place des Terreaux and this theatre. From the place des Célestins, there is an unobstructed view of the theatre's façade and also see from the underground car park through a periscope! The carpark, designed by the architect M. Targe and the artist D. Buren is not without reminding the Traboules de la Croix-Rousse. Admission: The Office du tourisme de Lyon organises guided tours of the theatre. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Frans & Roelien  |
 Photo: Gina Compitello |
 Photo: @lex itani |
 Photo: Avinash Meetoo |
 Photo: Franck Peyaud |
 Photo: Eric Calvayrac |
 Photo: Thomas Debray |
 Photo: Renato Gelforte |
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Church at the Heart of Lyon |
Place des Cordeliers Lyon 69002 France http://saintbonaventure-lyon.c... |
Since the Middle Ages, the story of l'Eglise Saint-Bonaventure has been intimately linked to the story of Lyon itself. Saint Bonaventure was buried in this church in 1274, half a century after the arrival of Franciscan monks in the region. The church has been destroyed by violence several times in its history, and rebuilt and renovated each time to become a sanctuary today, a place where believers might come on pilgrimage. The magnificent organ is played, free to the public, on the first Sunday of each month for one hour, beginning at 6 p.m. Mass is offered both on Saturdays (4 p.m., 7:15 p.m.) and Sundays (10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 7 p.m.) every week. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church Parish of Lyon |
Cours Charlemagne Lyon 69002 France +33 4 78 37 07 13 |
Blandine was a saint of the first Christian community of Lyon, martyred with 40 other Christians in 177 CE. The church of Sainte Blandine today is at the heart of an active neighborhood, near a train station and a market. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Art-Deco Church |
9, Rue Longchamp Lyon 69100 France +33 4 78 93 51 08 http://villeurbanne-lyon.cef.f... |
Built in 1927, the Eglise de la Sainte Famille is part of a complex including a rectory, a garden, and several other buildings used for religious life. The architectural style is art-deco and the church features many stained-glass windows, including three large works depicting the Holy Family and dated 1935. Mass is given every Saturday at 6 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Thirty's housing estate |
Rue Serpollières Lyon 69008 France +33 4 7875 1675 |
In 1905 Edouard Herriot, the mayor of Lyon, named Tony Garnier as the town's official architect. He had very specific theories about architecture (see Halle Tony Garnier) and imagined a Utopian self-sufficient city (with its own housing, factories, schools, a sports stadium). There are 3 blocks of flats at 1, rue Serpollières that represent the original plan of 1925, but unfortunately budget restrictions forced Tony Garnier to cut back on open spaces and increase the surface area and the number of floors in the buildings (1928-1935). The residents of this district have joined up with local artists and contributed to the rehabilitation of the city by creating 24 frescoes of working-class life in the 19th century as well as Tony Garnier's designs for his utopian city. A show flat from the 1930's is open for public viewing (enquire at Tony Garnier museum, 8 rue Serpollières). Admission is EUR 1.5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Church of Lyon |
3 quai Victor Augagneur Lyon 69003 France +33 4 72 60 03 00 http://www.orgue-et-musique.or... |
Based upon the blueprints of Gaspard André, the Grand Temple of Lyon was completed in 1884 to accommodate the growing population of Lyon. Overall, it is shaped like a Grecian cross with galleries on three sides, and its façade is composed of Villebois rock carved with designs inspired by early christian churches. The church holds 600 people, and a nearly century-old organ which is the inspiration for L'Association Orgue et Musique au Grand Temple, which works to develop the culture of Lyon and to bring organ music to the greater public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: Natalie Waugh |
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A treasure of Renaissance architecture designed in the 16th century |
8 Rue Juiverie Lyon 69005 France +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 |
 Photo: Roudou |
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An elegant example of Renaissance architecture |
24 Rue Saint-Jean Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7837 9737 |
Like the Thomassin family (see Maison Thomassin), the Laurencin's made their fortune at Lyon's trade fairs and were able to purchase this palatial mansion at the end of the 16th century. The central courtyard is undoubtedly the most impressive part: the octagonal tower with large mullioned windows contains a spiral staircase that leads to the different loggias or galleries which link the houses overlooking the courtyard with those overlooking the street (see Traboules Saint Jean). The elegance of the buildings and its excellent stonework make it one of the finest examples of Renaissance architecture in Lyon. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Renaissance house with exceptional staircase & entrance |
4 Rue Juiverie Lyon 69005 France +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 |
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Large 15th century inn used by merchants |
60 Rue Saint-Jean Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7200 2477 |
This house was formerly known as the Croix d'Or inn and was built in 1471 to cater for the merchants who came to Lyon for the four annual trade fairs. The hotel was big enough to accommodate a large number of traders from the provinces and had stables for horses as well as warehouses where goods could be stored. The most spectacular part of the house is the large 3-story gallery which was added in the 16th century, especially the semi-circular arches on the ground floor that are supported by huge pillars. Access is from rue Saint Jean. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A majestic 17-18th century city hall restored by architect Mansart |
1 Place de la Comédie Lyon 69001 France +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 |
 Photo: Pierre Numérique |
 Photo: skramble.com |
 Photo: orangetokyo |
 Photo: Damien Bargiacchi |
 Photo: Flocopops |
 Photo: Domdomfrommionnay |
 Photo: simhuiyin85 |
 Photo: Nigel Chan |
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Former Law Courts, neoclassical design |
Quai Romain-Rolland Lyon 69005 France |
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 façade 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 organised 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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Grandiose neoclassical stock exhange |
Place de la Bourse Lyon 69002 France |
This is a stock exchange built by R. Dardel between 1855 and 1862. The main room is a glass-roofed, atrium-style hall with ancient galleries facing the exterior and the sculpted decor is sumptuous. Place de la Bourse on the northern side of the building was recently converted into a pretty little garden by A. Chemetoff. Try to see the sculptures by G. Bonnet on this façade or if you prefer neoclassical architecture, go to the south façade. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Z Mallavia |
 Photo: Michael Crawford |
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Regional administrative building |
29 Cours de la Liberté Lyon 69003 France +33 4 7261 7777 |
This regional administrative building was constructed by A. Louvier (1879-90) along the lines of the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon and the Palais du Commerce. The building had to fulfil the administrative requirements of the Préfecture (regional administration centre) as well as look after its citizens. In some ways, it is a kind of institutional art ... and that is how the city of Lyons is represented on the central pediment, leaning against the Monts du Lyonnais. On the ground floor, four medal shaped panels depict the local economy and the three major rivers in the area (Rhône, Saône, Azergues). The inside layout is similar to the Palais du Commerce - the entrance gives on to an atrium whose impressive double spiralled staircase is worthy of some of the greatest theatres, such as that in Bordeaux or the Opéra Garnier in Paris. The painted décor depicts agriculture and local industries - the Gloires du Lyonnais et du Beaujolais by E. Fournier (1904) in the main hall will remind us of the paintings in the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: J Lallemand |
 Photo: Daniel Foucachon |
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Old convent |
20 Place des Terreaux Lyon 69001 France |
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 |
 Photo: Etienne Dessaut |
 Photo: IVOBO |
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City Church of Lyon |
10 rue Lanterne Lyon 69001 France |
The façade of the Temple Lanterne lies flat, joined with the fronts of buildings to either side and pierced at the entrance by three pointed archways. The building was constructed on the blueprints of architect Manlius Bailly in 1857, and the organ by Joseph Merklin in 1891. Concerts are performed periodically, and mass begins at 10:15 a.m. every Sunday. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the most beautiful Renaissance houses in Lyons |
16 Rue du Boeuf Lyon 69005 France |
La Tour, a well-known bar-restaurant, takes its name from the small tower, which houses a spiral staircase in the inner courtyard of this admirable 16th century Renaissance residence. Dating from the late 16th century-beginning of the 17th, the entrance portal was inspired by Serlio, a famous architect from Bologna. The carved pediment supported by columns is rather exceptional. The inner courtyard was re-built in the 17th century but the original layout is still recognisable with its Renaissance style shell-shaped waterwell in one of the corners, a recurring feature in many mansions of that period (see Hôtel Bullioud). The whole building has been preserved with charm and style (with the help of the restaurant). Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Maria Di Siena |
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One of the oldest mansions of its type in Lyon |
2 Place du Change Lyon 69005 France |
As early as the Middle Ages, Lyon was recognised as a major commercial hub between Flanders and Italy. The town became a centre for cloth craftsmanship and, as of the 15th century, three or four important trade fairs were held at the "place du change". Several families made their fortunes from these fairs and one of them, the Thomassins, had a private mansion built on the "Place du change". This mansion is one of the oldest of its type in Lyon (14th century) but what you see now is a 15th century reconstruction which has been restored. The façade is interesting especially for its delicate sculptures and the arches on the 2nd floor. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Laetitia PAYET |
 Photo: Laetitia PAYET |
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Temples of knowledge |
15-18 Quai Claude Bernard Lyon 69007 France |
At the end of the XIX century (1876-1898), Abraham Hirsch designed and supervised the construction on the left bank of the Rhône of the two buildings which were to house the faculties of pharmacy and medicine. The sober, neoclassical style and the layout of the buildings are reminiscent of the prestigious Hôtel Dieu which Soufflot developed not far away on the right bank! Each of these buildings has a façade suited to the flow of the river as well as a central dome shaped building ! Well, does that remind you of anything? These two buildings nowadays form part of the universities of Lyons2 and Lyons3. A sad incident recently destroyed the major part of these two buildings (16-18 quai C. Bernard): on the 13th of June 1999, a fire destroyed the dome and the floors of the central building which housed the university library! A considerable loss since only part of the original stock was saved. Over 200000 works from the XIX-XX century were lost forever. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nick Veitch |
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30s style building |
Avenue Henri-Barbusse Lyon 69100 France http://www.mairie-villeurbanne... |
Villeurbanne's Town Hall is part of a building complex constructed in the 30s, which also includes the present day Théâtre Populaire National (T.N.P) and the Cité des Gratte-Ciel. It just goes to show that Lyons is not all Gothic and Renaissance architecture. R.Giroud designed this impressive building between 1930 and 1934. The columns engaged in the walls and belfry enhance the impression of height. This rather sober architectural style is similar to the Hôtel des Postes de Lyons (see Place Antonin Poncet). Coloured marble and columns brighten up the great hall inside. For the past 15 years, the council has been trying to bring architecture and art to the people and has decorated the rather austere walls and hall of the Hôtel de Ville with works of modern art - although it is not quite the Palais de Tokyo (in Paris) it's certainly worth a visit! Review © 2007, Wcities |
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House dating from end of Middle Ages |
29 Rue Saint-Jean Lyon 69005 France |
The Viste family gained their wealth, like so many other families during the rise of Lyon as one of the great trading capitals of the kingdom from the end of the XIV century. In the XV century they had a house built nowadays nicknamed the "house of the pine cones" due to its sculpted design (small stone pine cones along a string course). If you have had the opportunity to visit the National Medieval Museum in Paris, you will no doubt have admired the famous Dame à la Licorne, one of the jewels of the Middle Ages. This tapestry was made at the request of Jean la Viste at the end of the XV Century. This masterpiece illustrates well the power of the Viste family whose crest can be recognized on various parts of the tapestry. Review © 2007, Wcities |