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Lyon France |
Old Lyon is situated at the foot of the Fourvière hill. Fourvière represented the very heart of the old town, which explains the large number of Gallo-Roman remains, which jut out from its slopes. The Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 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 |
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 Historical museum of the town of Lyon |
1 Place du Petit-Collège Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 0361 |
Musee Historique de Lyon is located in one of the most prestigious Renaissance buildings in old Lyon. Constructed at the start of the 16th century by the son of a spice seller, it was turned into the museum in 1921. The history of Lyon from the middle ages to the 19th century is presented through archaeological relics, sculptures, paintings, lithographs, cards and maps. Spread out over 3 floors, you won't be disappointed in this history lesson that brings the past alive. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Here comes Guignol! |
1 Place du Petit-Collège Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7842 0361 |
Located within the Gadagne museum, this museum's exhibit is all about France's best-known puppet - Guignol, created in Lyon in 1908 by the silk worker Laurent Mourguet. Mourguet was the inspiration behind Lyon's satirical street theatre, thanks to his three creations - Guignol, Madelon and Gnafron, who poked fun at the forces of law and order and the king. The museum depicts the evolution of Guignol and Company, both through their performances and the ways in which they were made. Additional puppets from around the world are also on display. 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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Treasure of the basilica |
8 Place de Fourvière Lyon 69005 France +33 4 7825 1301 http://www.fourviere.org/ |
Also known as the Musée de l'Oeuvre de Fourvìère, this modest museum exhibits religious artifacts mostly from Lyon. A veritable treasure house of religious relics, it contains a large collection of works by goldsmith Armand Caillat. There are also permanent exhibitions of commemorative plaques, mosaics, religious paintings and ceremonial vestments. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Archaeological site with the remains of early Christian churches |
Rue Mandelot Lyon 69005 France |
During the early-Christian era and the beginnings of the Western church, the word "ecclesia", the bishop's church, was used instead of cathedral. Archaeological excavations between 1973 and 1977 brought to light Lyon's Episcopalian church complex in this area. Three churches and a surrounding wall were built in the 4th century: Sainte-Croix church where catechumen or novices (unbaptised followers) were taught, St Etienne baptistry where the faithful were baptised and the "ecclesia" where the Bishop welcomed the baptised. In Carolingian times, baptisms took place in the main church where baptismal fonts were used instead of the tanks in the baptistry. The history and evolution of this garden can be seen in the restored relics such as the foundations of Sainte-Croix and Saint Etienne, the baptismal tank where the faithful were immersed and part of the surrounding wall built in the 6th century with the remains of Roman monuments (some still bear inscriptions). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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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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Passages in Old Lyon |
Rue St-Jean Lyon 69005 France |
As villages developed around the bottom of Fourvière hill in the 12th-13th centuries, another community grew up around Saint-Jean cathedral. The constructions here were practically all the same - a house overlooking the street and a house behind that overlooked inner courtyard, which were connected by loggias and spiral staircases. Passages were created to make it easier to get from the street to the house in the courtyard. There are quite a few of these passages, named "traboules", in the Vieux Lyon district, which give you access to the inner courtyards of Gothic and Renaissance houses. For some, an entry code is needed, but most home-owners let visitors walk around freely during the day. However, do remember that the "traboules" are private property, so respect them. Here are some ideas of "traboules" to try: Entrance (Exit) and vice-versa: 2, place du Gouvernement (10, quai R. Rolland); 3, place du Gouvernement (11, quai R. Rolland); 10, rue Saint Jean (2, place du Petit Collège); 9, rue des Trois Maries (17, quai R. Rolland); 13, rue des Trois Maries (18, quai R. Rolland); 24, rue Saint Jean (1, rue du Boeuf); 40, rue Saint Jean (5, place Neuve); 54, rue Saint Jean (27, rue du Boeuf). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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 Guided tour in French and English |
6 Place Bellecour (Place Bellecour) Lyon 69002 France +33 4 7277 6969 (Lyon Tourism Office) http://www.vieux-lyon.com/ |
UNESCO recently listed the old part of Lyons, 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 office du tourisme de Lyon organizes guided tours in English and French, which help you discover the complexity and beauty of cathédrale Saint Jean and the maze of streets and passageways, such as the famous traboules. Visits are also organised on Wednesdays and Thursdays (Please inquire at the Tourist Office). Meeting point at the Bureau des Guides (avenue Adolphe Max, métro Vieux Lyon). Review © 2007, Wcities |
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