Accredited with World Heritage status by UNESCO,
Vieux Lyon (old Lyon) is the city's main tourist magnetising area, so visitors can expect to find lots of things to do in, and near
Vieux Lyon. This historic segment of the city incorporates the charming cobble-stoned areas of Saint-Georges, Saint-Jean and Saint-Paul, which lie adjacent to each other along the banks of the River Saône. With much of the area being pedestrianised, strolling on foot is really the best way to access the many things to do in
Vieux Lyon, and if you don't want to miss a thing, start walking from Saint-Georges and then head south through Saint-Jean and on to Saint-Paul.
Starting with the attractions in Saint-Georges, the unique 17th century Neo-Gothic church of the same name will no doubt catch the eye as you enter
Vieux Lyon by crossing the River Saône from Lyon's Presqu'île. This very traditional church is at the heart of Saint-Georges, a comparatively quiet area of Vieux Lyon. In addition to the striking
Saint-Georges Church, visitors can also stop off at the lovely
Maison du Soliel, also located in Saint-Georges.
Moving through Saint-Georges, and on to the tourist hub of Saint-Jean and Saint-Paul, visitors can expect to find the majority of
Vieux Lyon attractions in these areas. Top of the list, and forming the corner stone of the city, the ancient
Cathédrale St-Jean has been located in the heart of
Vieux Lyon since the 4th century. This impressive cathedral opens onto the bustling
Place St-Jean; the central square of the World Heritage zone. Saint-Jean is also the place to find some of Lyon's most romantic
Traboules, and for the low-down on the history of Lyon, visit the
Musée Historique de Lyon; housed in one of the city's most highly prized Renaissance buildings. And for a lesser known attraction, visit
Le Cercle Verre - also in St-Jean – where you can view the art of glass blowing at its most creative.
Rue Saint Jean
At Rue Saint Etienne
Roman & Gothic...
rue St-Jean
The romance of the Renaissance 'traboules'...
1 Place du Petit-Collège
The art of French and international puppetry...
2 rue Saint-Georges
17th Century House with a Large Oval Courtyard...
60 rue Saint-Jean
A miniature world in a grand historic building...
Quai Romain Rolland
Art and crafts market...
53 rue St-Georges
Neo-Gothic church rebuilt in 1844...
1 place du Petit-Collège
Renaissance architecture, local history and puppets...
16 rue du Boeuf
Beautiful Renaissance House...
31 rue du Boeuf
Craftsmanship & Creativity...