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 All you need to know about electricity |
300 Route Ampère Lyon 69250 France +33 4 7878 1895 http://musee-ampere.univ-lyon1... |
In the house of the youth of electricity, this museum not only shows the life of this formidable invention but also the evolution and the history of electricity. Eighteen experiments are open to the public, allowing visitors an interactive experience. A varied collection of apparatus from the 18th century shows the progress achieved in the use of electricity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Lest we forget |
14 Avenue Berthelot Lyon 69007 France +33 4 7273 3354 / +33 4 7872 2311 |
This museum is located in what used to be the offices of the Gestapo and Klaus Barbie. While it avoids being too downbeat, the CHRD will leave no one unmoved. The themes of the exhibition are the onset of war and the beginnings of the resistance and deportation. Using an infra red audio system [trilingual], you can move through the exhibition at your own speed. The centre also organises temporary exhibitions, such as the photographic exhibition of the World Press Foundation (war reportage and refugees of today). There is a library, studio, and conference space avilable on site. Admission is EUR4; it is free for children under 18. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 An important medieval fortress built in the 11th century and restored during the Renaissance |
Pont-Evêque Lyon 38780 France +33 4 7458 2605 |
This castle was restored in the 15th and 16th centuries. Built next to the ancient medieval city for protection, it 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 etc.) The inner courtyard was reworked during the Renaissance when a loggia and gallery were added. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Mountain pass, forest hikes & splendid views |
Monts du Lyonnais Lyon 69210 France |
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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
 A 19th Century church |
Place de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 8619 http://www.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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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 |
 Photo: wcities |
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Caves of geological and historical interest on the Rhone river |
Les Grottes de la Balme Lyon 38390 France http://www.grotteslabalme.com/ |
These caves, located on the banks of the Rhone, are impressive both for its maze of galleries and its history dating back to the Middle Ages. King François 1er came here and declared the cave another wonder of the world. Later on in the 18th century, Mandrin the bandit and his gang used the caves as a hiding place. The cave entrance is somewhat unusual in that it houses a monumental chapel. Apart from the historical aspect, the caves are now visited by countless geologists who come to study the series of small pools which lead to a subterranean river as well as the more usual, but nonetheless fascinating galleries of stalagmites and stalactites. Dress warmly for this visit. Access: Take the D512 road from Meyzieu towards Pont-de-Chéruy then the D65 towards la Balme/Lagnieu. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michaël.B |
 Photo: Earendil & Elwing |
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A contemporary monument |
Place Antonin Perrin Lyon 69007 France +33 4 7276 8585 http://www.halle-tony-garnier.... |
This hall was built between 1909 and 1914 as an outline for the larger city built by the architect (see Quartier des Etats Unis). It was inaugurated for the 1914 Universal Exhibition as a project for an "industrial city". Nowadays, this hall is used for concerts and exhibitions but not so long ago it was still Lyon's meat market. Up till 1974 it belonged to a slaughterhouse and in 1975 was classified as a historical monument. It was also used temporarily as an arsenal during the 1st World War. Tony Garnier was inspired by 19th century glass and steel architecture, and imagined a pure concrete structure covered by a huge steel frame and a glass roof to let in the light. Garnier was more of a theorist than an architect as his buildings included all the functions of a slaughterhouse. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Aurélien Selle |
 Photo: Thanh-Hà Bui |
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An exhibition of miniatures |
2 Rue Juiverie Lyon 69005 France +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 |
 Photo: Selene Verri |
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The second museum of France |
20 Place des Terreaux Lyon 69001 France +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. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Emily Bradford |
 Photo: Fabian Ong |
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Beautiful public square |
1-22 Place Antonin Poncet (Quai de docteur Gailleton) Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7240 2540 |
Place A. Poncet is tucked between place Bellecour and the banks of the Rhône. It is a relatively recent addition to Lyon's urban squares as it was laid out in 1934 when the Hopital de la Charité was demolished to make way for the Post Office building (Hôtel des Postes). This square has plenty of greenery, benches and fountains that could make its neighbour, place Bellecour, jealous. The tower that stands opposite the Post Office is a monument to the hospital for the needy, built in 1665-66 and a good example of civil Renaissance architecture with Doric and Ionic columns. The Hotel des Postes was built from 1935 to 1938 by M. Roux-Spitz and typifies the massive, solid architecture of the 30s. Its long façade is partly inspired by the Hôtel Dieu with long vertical windows, but is much more austere. If you happen to need something inside this Post Office, have a look at the fresco by L. Bouquet (1937) that illustrates the "fluide messager", which was how Ampère described electricity. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Philippe Buffard |
 Photo: Carlo Alberto Licciardi |
 Photo: Frederic Aguiard |
 Photo: Colin Smith |
 Photo: Françoise Chambefort |
 Photo: jeremie.noiret |
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A trip to the stars |
Place de la Nation Lyon 69120 France +33 4 7879 5013 http://www.planetariumvv.com |
Eclipses' have encouraged individuals across Europe to look at the sky in a different light. Children's minds are filled with all kinds of new ideas since the eclipse; understanding the stars and their alignment to the planets, imagining themselves in space like the little prince (le petit prince). Who could forget that Lyon is the birthplace of Saint-Exupery, writer of Le Petit Prince? The planetarium at Vaulx-en-Velin has various programmes for all age groups; sessions oscillate between storytelling and science, using the latest in technology. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
 Garden with roughly hewn artwork within |
83 Grande Rue de la Croix Rousse Lyon 69004 France +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 |
 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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Cathedral |
Place St-Jean Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 2825 http://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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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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105-hectare Park |
Boulevard des Belges Lyon 69006 France +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 |
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