Key Attractions of Lyon

Basilique de Notre Dame de Fourvière (Basilia of Fourvière)

The Basilica of Fourvière dominates Lyon. It is situated on top of the hill where the Romans first set up camp and is visible from almost any point in the city centre. During the Franco-Prussian War, the Catholics of Lyon vowed that they would construct a giant church on Fourvière Hill, in honour of the Virgin Mary, if she would spare the city from the enemy. The city was spared and so the church was built. The basilica was inaugurated in 1896 and represents a somewhat chaotic mixture of styles and materials. Even though it has been much criticised for its rather confusing architecture (and has been given nicknames like ‘the upside-down elephant’), it remains an important focal point in the lives of the Lyonnais. The adjoining esplanade gives a panoramic view of Lyon’s different quarters. A free guided tour is available from April to September at 1400.

Cathédrale St-Jean

This beautiful cathedral is situated at the foot of the Fourvière Hill. It was built between the late 12th and 15th centuries, on the remains of a fifth-century church, offering a perfect illustration of the transition from Roman to Gothic architecture. The crypt provides the opportunity for visitors to see the foundations of the cathedral. The stone medallions and glass mosaics are worth a closer look, with some of them dating from the 14th century. The cathedral has maintained a 14th-century astronomical clock equipped with a surprisingly sophisticated system of automatons.

Musée des Beaux-Arts (Museum of Fine Arts)

The Museum of Fine Arts is located in the very heart of the city and is housed in the former Abbey of the Ladies of St-Pierre. The origins of this former Benedictine convent stretch back to the seventh century, although it was entirely rebuilt in the 17th century. Known as ‘little Louvre’, the museum, with its 7000 sq metres (75,320 sq ft) of exhibition space, offers a complete retrospective of Ancient Greek and Egyptian arts and civilisations, as well as sculptures and paintings from the Middle Ages to the present day. Although the museum boasts a varied collection of different art forms, it is dominated by paintings. An overview of European painting from the 14th century to the second half of the 20th is on display, with works from artists such as Tintoretto, Rubens, Manet, Monet, Picasso and many others. Lyonnais painters are also well represented.

Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine (Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation)

On the archaeological site of Fourvière, this museum contains the richest archaeological collections from Gaul after the National Museum of St-Germain-en-Laye. The museum was built around the remains of the archaeological site, partly underground, with subterranean passages through the site connecting the various exhibits. Its collection comes primarily from discoveries made in Lyon and throughout the Rhône-Alpes region. Of special interest are the extraordinary series of inscriptions, statues, mosaics, sarcophagi and everyday objects of Gallo-Roman life. One of the museum’s most prized possessions is the Claudius Tablet, which contains fragments of a speech made by Emperor Claudius in front of the Roman Senate.

Hôtel de Ville (City Hall)

The construction of the City Hall began in 1646, although it was renovated later on, in the 17th century, following partial destruction by fire in 1674. The original structure was Louis XIII in style, however, later embellishments made the outside more elaborate and Italianate, with sculptured pediments and domes gracing the pavilions. The interior, with its extravagant Baroque-style decor, is the result of 19th-century renovation. Highlights include Thomas Blachet’s 17th-century allegorical frescoes and the most impressive room, the ‘Grand Salon’. However, the great staircase is the unmissable centrepiece and visitors should look up at the vaulted ceiling celebrating ‘L’éternité de la gloire de Lyon’ (‘the eternal glory of Lyon’). The bell tower is also impressive, with three of the original 1675 bells and a 20th-century carillon.

Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (Centre for the History of the Resistance and Deportation, CHRD) This well designed museum puts Lyon’s role in the resistance and deportation of World War II into context. Ironically, the museum is located in the former headquarters of the Gestapo – the place where the local Gestapo leader, Klaus Barbie, known as the ‘Butcher of Lyon’, tortured or killed his victims and sent thousands of others to concentration camps. The curators of the permanent exhibition have made a conscious effort to illustrate the somewhat ambiguous position of France during its occupation, while also portraying the importance of Lyon as a centre of organised French resistance.