Our apologies: your internet browser is not yet fully supported by our Schmap online guides. If you continue, pages in this guide may display or function incorrectly.

Would you like to continue anyway?continue anyway

Schmap.com supports the following browsers:

PC

MAC Lyon - The Presqu'île
Download the Schmap Lyon Guide
With Schmap 2.0 you can:
Lyon Home
Schmap Lyon guide and map

Downtown Lyon, called the " Presqu'île", lies between the Rhône and the Saône and is a place where past and present meet.

Start at the Place Bellecour, where a XVIIth century statue of Louis XIV on horseback dominates the square. Go down the rue de La Barre, then Bellecordière and Paufique. On rue Paufique, at number 28, you'll find the house of the poet Louise Labé, who was at the center of Lyon's cultural activity in the XVIth century.

Take a little time to visit the XIIIth century Hôtel Dieu to your left, where Rabelais worked as a doctor. With the "Belle Cordière" (Louise Labé) he was one of the main literary masters of his time (see his Gargantua and Pantagruel). The building houses the Musée des Hospices Civils.

As you return to the rue de la République, look at the Passage de l'Arc, a traboule (shortcut) to the shop-filled rue de Brest.

Go down the rue de la République until you reach the Place des Cordeliers, where you can visit the Eglise Saint Bonaventure, an old Franciscan convent and opposite it the Palais de la Bourse, a great financial center in the XIXth century. Walk up the so-called "rue de la Ré" and you'll find at its northern end the Opéra built by Chenavard on the Soufflot theater, which has been recently modernized by Jean Nouvel. On the Place Pradel, to the left of the Opera, you can see César's Patineur.

Just opposite, the Hôtel de Ville and its second Empire balconies overlook the place des Terreaux, which, recently renovated by Buren and Drevet, is now home to water jets and the Bartholdi fountain.

To the left as you leave the town hall, you'll see the Palais Saint Pierre which houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is nearly as important as the Louvre in Paris.

As you go back towards Bellecour, take the rue Paul Chenavard, and admire the flamboyant gothic Eglise Saint Nizier.

Still on the way back, you'll find the Musée Français de l'Imprimerie in the attractive Renaissance Hôtel de la Couronne. This museum, and the whole area (with for instance the passage des Imprimeurs at 56 rue Mercière), reminds one that Lyon played an innovative part in the printing industry during the XVth century.

Continue your adventure until you reach the Place des Jacobins, whose fountain dates from 1886. Take the rue Jean Fabre to your right and visit the Théâtre des Célestins, whose Renaissance interior is worth seeing (Italian style balconies and boxes)...

After this short detour, go back to the place des Jacobins whence the shop-filled rue Emile Zola will lead you back to Bellecour.

You have completed the loop. If you feel like it, make a quick trip to the rue Victor Hugo, on the other side of the square for some shopping or, if you like antiques, wander down the nearby rue Auguste Comte.







Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Crown Mansion


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
Crown Mansion photo by wcities
Photo: wcities
 

 
Célestins Theatre


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
Célestins Theatre photo by Frans & Roelien
Photo: Frans & Roelien
Célestins Theatre photo by Gina Compitello
Photo: Gina Compitello
Célestins Theatre photo by @lex itani
Photo: @lex itani
Célestins Theatre photo by Avinash Meetoo
Photo: Avinash Meetoo
Célestins Theatre photo by Franck Peyaud
Photo: Franck Peyaud
Célestins Theatre photo by Eric Calvayrac
Photo: Eric Calvayrac
Célestins Theatre photo by Thomas Debray
Photo: Thomas Debray
Célestins Theatre photo by Renato Gelforte
Photo: Renato Gelforte
 

 
Hôtel Dieu


General hospital founded in the 6th century
1 Place de l'Hôpital
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 7241 3042
According to the legend, King Childebert and his wife Ultrogothe founded this hospital in 542. Their statues were erected on the first floor of the façade as a reminder of their good work with the sick and needy. When Jacques Blanc rebuilt the hospital between 1622 and 1627, the King still wanted it to serve the poor but the number of patients had risen considerably. The building, located today between the quai du Rhône and the grande rue de l'Hôpital, isn't big enough to cover the needs of a growing population. The ingenious cross-shaped layout and the little dome with cut-off sections (the first in France) bear witness to his talent. In 1732,the hospital governors sent the King a plan to enlarge the buildings and make it a showpiece for the town. At that time, the left bank was relatively undeveloped and the future building must have impressed people coming in from the Dauphiné countryside. A young architect named Jacques-Germain Soufflot won the competition to redesign the hospital with his ambitious project to incorporate the existing buildings. Work on this neo-classical building with Ionic colonnades on the front and Doric pillars inside was started in 1741 and finished in 1837. It is now a majestic enclosure along the Rhône hiding its real purpose behind its walls. Inside, a chapel has been set up under the dome and its central position enables the patients to listen to the services from their beds. The Hôtel Dieu is now home Musée des hospices civils de Lyon).

Review © 2007, Wcities
Hôtel Dieu photo by Agustin Cacciola
Photo: Agustin Cacciola
Hôtel Dieu photo by Daniel Araya
Photo: Daniel Araya
Hôtel Dieu photo by Alexis Hutcheson
Photo: Alexis Hutcheson
Hôtel Dieu photo by Oliver Waine
Photo: Oliver Waine
Hôtel Dieu photo by Carmelo Speltino
Photo: Carmelo Speltino
Hôtel Dieu photo by hervé blachère
Photo: hervé blachère
Hôtel Dieu photo by Guillaume Lavaure
Photo: Guillaume Lavaure
Hôtel Dieu photo by paysages
Photo: paysages
Hôtel Dieu photo by Sabaudia69
Photo: Sabaudia69
Hôtel Dieu photo by Amphone Bounphane
Photo: Amphone Bounphane
Hôtel Dieu photo by Andra Vargas
Photo: Andra Vargas
Hôtel Dieu photo by Glooze
Photo: Glooze
 

 
Lyon City Hall


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
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 Damien Bargiacchi
Photo: Damien Bargiacchi
Lyon City Hall photo by Flocopops
Photo: Flocopops
Lyon City Hall photo by Domdomfrommionnay
Photo: Domdomfrommionnay
Lyon City Hall photo by simhuiyin85
Photo: simhuiyin85
Lyon City Hall photo by Nigel Chan
Photo: Nigel Chan
 

 
Lyon Hospital Museum


Evolution of the hospital
1 Place de l'Hôpital
Escalier F
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 7241 3042
This museum traces hospital life in Lyon. Located in the Hotel-Dieu that was built in the 17th century, this museum focuses on the evolution of Lyonnaise medicine as well as allows you to follow the progress of medicine in general. Surgical instruments, pincers, scalpels and bistouries, as well as certain objects that are more or less unexpected are all on display, including doctor uniforms at the time of the plague, combined together tell the story of the advances, successes, heroism and disappointments in medicine over the years. Admission is EUR1.50.

Review © 2007, Wcities
 

 
Museum of Fine Arts


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
Museum of Fine Arts photo by Emily Bradford
Photo: Emily Bradford
Museum of Fine Arts photo by Fabian Ong
Photo: Fabian Ong
 

 
Museum of Printing and Banking


Books and banknotes
13 Rue de la Poulaillerie
Lyon 69002
France
+33 4 7837 6598
http://www.bm-lyon.fr/musee/im...
This museum was founded in 1964 and is located in the Hotel de la Couronne, a Renaissance dwelling that was home to the town hall until the 17th century. The museum is split into two museums of unequal sizes - Musée de l'Imprimerie (Museum of Printing) and the Musée de la Banque (Museum of the Bank). The Museum of printing traces the history of printing and graphic arts, focusing on origins of the craft through papyrus, early printed books (1455-1500), newspapers, illustrations and more. The museum of the bank tells the history of the Lyonnaise bank of the 16th century, a time when Lyon ruled as the the commercial and banking capital. Admission is EUR3.80.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Museum of Printing and Banking photo by dannyman
Photo: dannyman
Museum of Printing and Banking photo by -Kj.
Photo: -Kj.
 

 
National Opera of Lyon


A neo-classical opera house
1 Place de la Comédie
Lyon 69001
France
+33 4 7200 4545
http://www.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
 

 
Place Bellecour


Vast Royal square
Place Bellecour
(Lyon Center exit)
Lyon 69002
France
Place Bellecour is one of the few remaining Royal squares in France: the French Revolution took its toll here as elsewhere and the statue erected by Desjardins in 1691 was destroyed. A sculptor named Lemot built a new statue of Louis XIV in 1828. At the base of the pedestal 2 statues of the Coustou brothers symbolise the Rhône river (East) and the Saône river (West). This huge square measuring 310x200m has a surface of red sand and is as important to Lyon's heritage as the Basilique de Fourvière. Some say this square serves no purpose except as the starting point for various rallies and demonstrations but in fact it is a unique 18th century ensemble.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Place Bellecour photo by olivier CASTETS
Photo: olivier CASTETS
Place Bellecour photo by Camille Vilain
Photo: Camille Vilain
Place Bellecour photo by Gold Auraque
Photo: Gold Auraque
Place Bellecour photo by Fabien VIGNON
Photo: Fabien VIGNON
Place Bellecour photo by cb de damiette
Photo: cb de damiette
Place Bellecour photo by RR Newman
Photo: RR Newman
Place Bellecour photo by Délicate&Saine
Photo: Délicate&Saine
Place Bellecour photo by t@cha
Photo: t@cha
Place Bellecour photo by ash matadeen
Photo: ash matadeen
Place Bellecour photo by Paul  Raasveldt
Photo: Paul Raasveldt
Place Bellecour photo by Thierry Loir
Photo: Thierry Loir
Place Bellecour photo by Richard Barry
Photo: Richard Barry
Place Bellecour photo by Nacer
Photo: Nacer
Place Bellecour photo by Mark J Smith
Photo: Mark J Smith
Place Bellecour photo by Kari Masson
Photo: Kari Masson
Place Bellecour photo by Lori
Photo: Lori
Place Bellecour photo by julie denoeud
Photo: julie denoeud
Place Bellecour photo by Michael Leftwich
Photo: Michael Leftwich
Place Bellecour photo by EstherRaggi
Photo: EstherRaggi
Place Bellecour photo by AurelienLyon
Photo: AurelienLyon
Place Bellecour photo by Charles Blondel
Photo: Charles Blondel
Place Bellecour photo by THFD80
Photo: THFD80
Place Bellecour photo by Maxime DAUBIGNY
Photo: Maxime DAUBIGNY
Place Bellecour photo by Pierre Fermigier
Photo: Pierre Fermigier
Place Bellecour photo by Julia
Photo: Julia
Place Bellecour photo by Filipa
Photo: Filipa
Place Bellecour photo by Julie Juif
Photo: Julie Juif
Place Bellecour photo by andrew_rslu
Photo: andrew_rslu
Place Bellecour photo by Gimli_36
Photo: Gimli_36
Place Bellecour photo by duveldrinkeruk
Photo: duveldrinkeruk
Place Bellecour photo by zoomarchitecture
Photo: zoomarchitecture
Place Bellecour photo by Sanggi
Photo: Sanggi
Place Bellecour photo by Phyleen
Photo: Phyleen
Place Bellecour photo by Tibiloo
Photo: Tibiloo
 

 
Place des Jacobins


A public square with a large fountain
Lyon 69002
France
This square is named after the Dominican convent that stood on the Presqu'ile in the 13th century, until it was destroyed during the Revolution. The end of the 18th century was not a good time to be a monk or a lay preacher. The city council commissioned the architect G. André to build a monument on the Place des Jacobins, to commemorate Lyons's artistic genius. 1n 1866, the sculptor C Delaplanche designed a large fountain called "Lyon à ceux qui l'ont illustré" (Lyons to its illustrators). Four sculpted figures represent four artists from four different periods and four different art forms: the 16th century architect Phillibert Delorme famous for his hôtel Bulliod), the 19th century painter Hippolyte Flandrin, the 18th century sculptor Guillaume Coustou and the 17th century engraver Gérard Audran.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Place des Jacobins photo by bruno Mougin
Photo: bruno Mougin
Place des Jacobins photo by Katie Stull
Photo: Katie Stull
Place des Jacobins photo by couscouschocolat
Photo: couscouschocolat
Place des Jacobins photo by Clément
Photo: Clément
Place des Jacobins photo by PappyDiablo
Photo: PappyDiablo
Place des Jacobins photo by julien_kaufmann
Photo: julien_kaufmann
Place des Jacobins photo by V:nce
Photo: V:nce
Place des Jacobins photo by Lena Taub Robles
Photo: Lena Taub Robles
Place des Jacobins photo by jeanmichel deborde
Photo: jeanmichel deborde
Place des Jacobins photo by cridon
Photo: cridon
 

 
Presquile


Lyon
France
This is what we call the spit of the land, which stretches from the Rhône and the Saône to the foot of the Croix-Rousse hill. This is the commercial centre of Lyon with the Rue de la République and the Rue Victor Hugo which give out onto the place Bellecour, a meeting place for many people of Lyon. Stylish shops are to be found around the Rue Edouard Herriot, the Rue Comte houses the majority of Lyon's antiques dealers and the Rue Mercière boasts all styles of restaurants. Why not take a stroll along the adjacent streets instead of hovering over the most attractive shop window? South of the Presqu'île there is the Saint Martin d'Ainay, one of the rare Roman churches preserved in Lyon, as well as the very interesting Musée des Tissus, which is in an eighteenth century townhouse.

Review © 2007, Wcities
Presquile photo by Andrea
Photo: Andrea
Presquile photo by Hélène Douchet
Photo: Hélène Douchet
Presquile photo by Jerome Mercier
Photo: Jerome Mercier
Presquile photo by Mathieu Gayet
Photo: Mathieu Gayet
Presquile photo by DLJenningsII
Photo: DLJenningsII
Presquile photo by www.LaLogotheque.com
Photo: www.LaLogotheque.com
Presquile photo by Laura Cortez Salazar
Photo: Laura Cortez Salazar
Presquile photo by patihl.swasvet7
Photo: patihl.swasvet7
 

 
Saint Pierre Palace


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
Saint Pierre Palace photo by Etienne Dessaut
Photo: Etienne Dessaut
Saint Pierre Palace photo by IVOBO
Photo: IVOBO
 

 
St-Nizier


Gothic church of St. Nizier
Place St-Nizier
Lyon 69001
France
+33 4 7241 1805
The church of Saint Nizier is one of the oldest in Lyon - writers of the Middle Ages described it as the funeral basilica where the ashes of the first Lyonnaise martyrs in 177 were kept. According to the famous 6th century writer Grégoire de Tours it was the tomb of his uncle Saint Nizier, the namesake of the church. What is certain is that the edifice founded under bishop Leidrade, close to Charlemagne, has diasappeared because it was replaced by the present construction in the 15th century. Saint Nizier is in reality a clever mixture of Gothic, Baroque and Neogothic architecture! The oldest parts like the majority of the façade and the interior area are in a Gothic style: the north steeple was constructed using the ideas of old Roman monuments, the nave is a perfect example of Gothic flamboyance (see Triforium and ribs of the vault). The columned apse of the entrance porch, added in 1579 by J. Vallet, adds a little touch of Renaissance. But overall it is the revival of interest in the Middle Ages that has been the inspiration for many modifications: A. Benoit constructed the south steeple using the design of the north steeple, but making it a little more geometric (1855-56) and the interior fittings were completely modified (furnishings, stain glass windows, organ, paintings, and statues).

Review © 2007, Wcities
St-Nizier photo by Antoine Rambaud
Photo: Antoine Rambaud
St-Nizier photo by manufrakass
Photo: manufrakass
St-Nizier photo by Cédric
Photo: Cédric
St-Nizier photo by Cyrille Frey
Photo: Cyrille Frey
 

 
Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Lyon - The Presqu'île"
Lyon - Top Attractions
Lyon - Top Events
Lyon - Top Hotels
Lyon - Top Restaurants
Lyon - Top Nightlife
Lyon - Fourvière and Old Lyon

Other nearby cities:
Turin (234 miles)
Montpellier (249 miles)
Marseille (256 miles)
Cannes (295 miles)
Nice (297 miles)
Milan (339 miles)
Genoa (355 miles)
Paris (405 miles)
Bordeaux (438 miles)
Verona (481 miles)

Schmap.com
About
News & Reviews
Travel Store
Privacy
Terms of Use
Contact Us
© 2008 Schmap, Inc. All rights reserved.