Background
The long history of Lyon, founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC as the capital of the Three Gauls, has continued in a major role in Europe's political, cultural and economic development ever since. UNESCO says it is vividly illustrated by the city's urban fabric and the many fine historic buildings from all periods.
Vieux Lyon, 24 hectares between the Fourvière hill and the Saône, is one of Europe's most extensive Renaissance quarters and was the first site in France protected under the Malraux law in 1964. Its three sections, Saint-Jean, Saint-Paul and Saint-Georges, are threaded by traboules, the covered passages between streets; the silk weavers later moved up to the Croix-Rousse hill.
- 1st c. BCThe Romans found Lugdunum, capital of the Three Gauls
- Middle AgesSaint-Jean is the seat of political and religious power
- 15th–16th c.Italian bankers build the hôtels particuliers of Saint-Paul
- 19th c.The silk weavers move to the Croix-Rousse
- 1964Vieux Lyon becomes the first protected sector in France
- 1998Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1FourvièreThe basilica, the view over the city and the Roman theatres, reached by funicular.
- 2Vieux LyonRenaissance lanes and the traboules between them; Saint-Jean Cathedral and its astronomical clock.
- 3Croix-RousseThe silk-weavers' hill, its traboules and the painted Mur des Canuts.
- 4Presqu'îlePlace Bellecour and Place des Terreaux between the Rhône and the Saône.
- 5Hôtel de GadagneThe Lyon history museum and the puppet museum in Saint-Paul.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
Hill and Old Town
From the GoGo Lyon guide · Open the Lyon Guide ›
- 09:30Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière45 minBy funicular.
- 10:30View over Lyon from Fourvière30 minThe city between the rivers.
- 11:15Roman Theatres of Lugdunum1 hrThe theatres on the hill.
- 14:00Traboules of Vieux Lyon90 minThe hidden passages.
- 15:45Saint-Jean Cathedral30 minThe Gothic cathedral.
- 19:30Lyonnais Bouchon Dinner2 hrsThe city's classic table.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: May–Sep.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
