Geography of Lyon

Lyon’s geography is dominated by the Rhône and Saône rivers which converge to the south of historic city centre forming a sort of peninsula or “presqu’ile”; two large hills, one to the west and one to the north of the historic city centre; and a large plain which sprawls westward for the historic city centre.

To the west is the Fourvière, known as “the hill that prays”, is the location for the highly decorated Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, several convents, the palace of the Archbishop, the Tour metallique (a highly visible TV tower, replicating the last stage of the Eiffel Tower) and a funicular.

To the north is the Croix-Rousse, “the hill that works”, was traditionally home to the many small silk workshops, an industry for which the city was renowned.

The original medieval city (Vieux Lyon) was built on the west bank of the Saône river at the foot of the Fourvière hill, west of the presqu’ile. (This area, along with portions of the presqu’ile and much of the Croix-Rousse are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, see below.)

On the peninsula (presqu’ile) between the rivers Rhône and Saône, is the third largest public square in France, and one of the largest in Europe, the Place Bellecour. Specifically, it is the largest clear square (i.e., without any patches of greenery, trees or any other kind of obstacles) in Europe.

East of the Rhône from the presqu’ile is a large area of flat ground upon which sits much of modern Lyon and most of the city’s population.

Situated in this area is the urban center of Part-Dieu which clusters the former Credit Lyonnais Tower (central France’s only skyscraper), the Part-Dieu shopping centre, and Lyon’s main rail terminal, Lyon Part-Dieu.

North of this district is the relatively wealthy sixth arrondissement which is home to the Parc de la tete d’or, one of Europe’s largest urban parks, and interpol’s headquarters.