For a long time Lyon was not a tourist destination, only an obligatory point of passage between Paris and the Mediterranean. Everything changed at the end of the last century when Lyon began to highlight its many assets: historical and heritage, but also gastronomic and festive. In 20 years, Lyon has changed a lot to become one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. A welcoming city, an innovative city, Lyon has managed to regain its colour. On the heights of Old Lyon, the hill of Fourvière is one of the symbols of the Gauls' capital. And above all the place of the must-see Lyon summer festival, Les Nuits de Fourvière. So, music lovers, no more time to waste before joining the Lyon city!
Old Lyon, classified by UNESCO
Located between the slopes of the Fourvière hill and the banks of the Saône, Le Vieux Lyon is the city's most popular tourist district. It is not the oldest district of the city but refers to the Renaissance part classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, located in the 5th arrondissement.
The Old Lyon was the first French quarter to be classified as a "protected area" in 1964, saved by André Malraux from planned destruction. The district is divided into three parts (from left to right when you look at Fourvière), named after the three parishes: Saint-Georges, Saint-Jean and Saint-Paul. The most popular tourist area is the Saint-Jean district. This is where you can find Saint-Jean Cathedral, the Pink Tower, the Lawyers' House, the Place du Change, the Gadagne Museum... And many tourist traps. Saint-Georges is of great interest. Not only because the district is quieter and the houses are of great beauty, but also to admire the Place de la Trinité and the rise of the Gourguillon which rises towards Fourvière. Saint-Paul is a lively district, especially on the banks of the Saône, with many pubs, wine bars and other nightlife.
The Fourvière hill, a symbol of Lyon
On the heights of Old Lyon, we find the very famous Fourvière hill. The basilica at the top of the hill, whose highest point is 287 m, seems to watch over the city. A historic site on which the city was built, Fourvière Hill also offers a splendid view of the Alps. To get to Fourvière, you must take the funicular (metro F2) which arrives just in front of the basilica.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a true mystical citadel of the 19th century, is the work of the architect Pierre-Marie Bossan. Its four towers give it the appearance of a fortress - the people of Lyon like to call it "the overthrown elephant" - but the interior is much more refined by the richness of its settings in a Byzantine style. And why not take a look at the roofs of the basilica? The brave will be able to climb the 287 steps that will lead them to the observatory equipped with an orientation table. The basilica, consecrated in 1896, welcomed Pope John Paul II in 1986. To be seen in the crypt are many statues of Mary from all over the world. But the most famous Virgin is at the top of the bell tower of the chapel next to the Basilica (on the right as you exit the metro). This golden Virgin, made by Fabisch, has been protecting the city since December 8, 1852 and its inauguration was the origin of the Festival of Lights at the end of the year.
Other must-see sites on the Fourvière hill include the Gallo-Roman monuments with the famous theatres in which the Nuits de Fourvière take place every summer. The Ancient Theatre is one of the largest and oldest in the Roman world, with a capacity of up to 10,000 spectators. The smaller Odeon was reserved for music. In order to better understand the ancient treasures of Fourvière and the Gallo-Roman period of Lugdunum, a visit to the Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière offers a pleasant approach thanks to the work of the architect Bernard Zerhfuss.
It is also impossible to miss the Fourvière Metal Tower, a kind of miniature Lyon Eiffel Tower, opened in 1894 and whose main purpose was to provide a republican shadow to its imposing Catholic neighbour!
Finally, to the west of the hill, the Loyasse cemetery offers not only a little greenery, but also the tombs of famous figures such as Édouard Herriot or Maître Philippe, a magician from Lyon whose tomb is still in flower.
Lyon enters the dance
Every even year, alternating with the Biennale d'Art contemporain in odd years, Lyon enters the dance scene for its Biennale de la Danse. Since 1984, under the impetus of Guy Darmet, dancers from all over the world have been celebrating an art often reserved for unknown venues in the streets of Lyon, one of Europe's dance capitals. An event open to all audiences with the traditional closing parade, the largest choreographic parade in Europe. A joyful, festive and colourful event that attracts some 300,000 spectators on the way from Place des Terreaux to Bellecour - a stone's throw from Hôtel du Simplon - via Rue de la République. Many shows, dance classes, performances will be held in different venues for this 18th edition of the Biennale de la Danse. In this new school year 2018, meet in the capital of the Gauls from 11 to 30 September.
Let's eat!
It is impossible to talk about Lyon without talking about its gastronomy ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ ñ and its restaurants. The city has an international reputation, due in large part to a sentence from the food critic Curnonsky, who called Lyon the "world capital of gastronomy" in 1935. Another inseparable image of Lyon is that of the late Paul Bocuse (whose restaurant is located in Collonges-au-Mont-d'Or, north of Lyon), undoubtedly the greatest chef of the 20th century. But why this title, not necessarily justified today, and this success? Certainly because Lyon is geographically located at the crossroads of the richest French terroirs in high quality products: Burgundy, Bresse, Charolais, Dombes, Dauphiné, Vallée du Rhône, Auvergne, etc., bring their fruits, vegetables, lake and river fish, meat, without forgetting the wines and liqueurs that are also part of the French meal. The other wealth of Lyon, which has largely contributed to the city's reputation, is its famous "Lyon mothers". Women who were at the end of the 19th century the cooks of wealthy merchants and who, on returning home, put their know-how at the service of the men of the people by using less noble products, particularly offal. Thus, the cuisine of the "bouchon lyonnais" is of incredible quality, made with products that have now become real local specialities: calf's head, sapper's apron, pig's foot, kidneys, cooking sausages... not to mention the famous quenelles. Concerts, good food, summer promises to be on the Lyon side!
Smart info
When? When? Of course, Lyon can be visited all year round. To attend one of the events of this 18th edition of the Biennale de la Danse, please visit us between 11 and 30 September 2018.
Getting there. By plane, train, car, of course everything is possible to reach the capital of the Gauls.
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Useful. To prepare your stay as well as possible.
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