Our selection of Lyon monuments to (re)discover

The city of Lyon shines as much by the diversity of its districts as by the beauty of its buildings. You will find among the monuments of Lyon, buildings dating from all centuries, Gallo-Roman remains, superb churches, or magnificent sculptures.

As you stroll, you will unexpectedly (or not) come across majestic monuments, steeped in history. You will also discover unusual places, like the traboules, the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema, or the astronomical clock of the Saint-Jean Cathedral.
From Fourvière, to the peninsula of Lyon, passing through the place des Terreaux, each district of Lyon conceals unsuspected treasures.

The must-see monuments of Lyon

We take you to visit the most beautiful places in the Lyon metropolis. Discover the must-see monuments, not to be missed under any circumstances!

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• The Notre Dame de la Fourvière Basilica: grandiose, spectacular, imposing, the adjectives never end to describe one of the best known monuments of the city. Built in 1168, it was originally just a small chapel. In 1866, the Lyon architect Pierre Bossan undertook expansion work and paid homage to the Virgin for having protected the city from a major plague epidemic.
  It is also on this occasion that the, now very famous, Festival of Lights was born.
• The Gallo-Roman theater of Fourvière: listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was only revealed in the early 1900s. Located on the slopes of the Fourvière hill, the theater dates from the first century BC. and is still very well preserved. This is where comedies, tragedies and other shows were played in ancient times.
  A few meters away, do not miss the amphitheater of the three Gauls, another unmissable vestige of the past.

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• The Hôtel Dieu: this former hospital was built in 1184 by the Pontife brothers. François Rabelais practiced there and at the same time published his famous novel "Pantagruel". Classified as a historical monument in 2011, the huge building was restored for nearly 4 years, before reopening to the public in 2018. It now houses shops, a 5-star luxury hotel, large offices, and even gardens.
• The Fresque des Lyonnais: right next to the Saône and the place des Terreaux, this huge painted wall, 800 m², is a true tribute to Lyon's historical figures. From antiquity to our time, no less than 30 characters are represented on this fresco. You can see, among others, Abbé Pierre, Emperor Claude, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, or Paul Bocuse.
• The place des Terreaux and the Bartholdi fountain: located on the peninsula between the Rhône and the Saône, the place des Terreaux is home to many historical monuments. The town hall, the Museum of Fine Arts, but also the superb Bartholdi fountain. Its creator, the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, is also at the origin of the Statue of Liberty. The fountain was presented at the Universal Exhibition in Paris in 1889, then purchased by the city of Lyon, to be exhibited on the place des Terreaux.

Enjoy your stay in our cheap hotels in Lyon to visit the monuments and atypical places of the city.

The monuments and unusual places of Lyon

Spice up your visit to the metropolis with a visit to picturesque addresses. Discover the list of our favorite places:

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• The Saint-Jean Cathedral and the astronomical clock: if the Cathedral is worth a visit, the astronomical clock housed within it is a real little technological gem. Considered one of the oldest clocks in Europe, it was made in the 14th century. In addition to telling the time, it indicates the phases of the moon, the position of the planets and the sun, as well as the dates of eclipses. Fascinating, it amazes the best watchmakers in the world.
• The Pink Tower: located in the rue du Bœuf in Old Lyon, the Pink Tower or "Maison du Crible" is one of the most emblematic monuments of the city. Although it dates from the Renaissance period, it was not painted pink until the 70s. It now houses a restaurant called "Food Traboule".
• The traboules: they make the reputation of Lyon! These small secret passages allowing to go from one street to another via buildings or small courtyards have become the trademark of the city. There are no less than 300 traboules, the main ones being located in the districts of Croix-Rousse and Old Lyon. Have fun discovering the secret passages during your walk. And if you wish to rest in the surroundings, find our B&B HOTELS in Old Lyon.
• The cinema and miniatures museum: housed in the superb historic building of the former House of Lawyers, this museum is totally surprising. One part is devoted to miniature works with reproductions of prisons, theaters, or everyday scenes. The other part pays tribute to cinema with a collection on trick techniques. Masks, prostheses, costumes, models, hundreds of objects, more or less frightening, are to be discovered during your visit.

Organize your stay easily thanks to our hotels in the center of Lyon.

Your B&B HOTEL in Lyon Centre Gambetta, close to all the attractions of the city

Quickly reach all the must-see places in Lyon from our B&B HOTEL Lyon Centre Gambetta. Accessible on foot, by metro, by taxi, and close to train stations and airport, our hotel is ideally located for your stay in Lyon.

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Book your hotel and enjoy the following services:

• room with adjoining bathroom;
• all-you-can-eat breakfast;
• integrated air conditioning;
• flat screen TV and its TV package;
• secured parking;
• Wifi included.

Have a pleasant time in the city of Lyon, with B&B HOTELS!