Visit of Old Lyon: What Not to Miss

Third largest city in France, Lyon is a sprawling city located at the point of convergence of the Rhône and the Saône. Made up of nine arrondissements, it is a city that is definitely worth visiting for at least a few days during your stay in France. Many cultural treasures await you there. The old city, better known as Vieux Lyon, is located on the other side of the Saône, opposite the Presqu’île district, in the heart of the beautiful city center. The lively districts of Vieux Lyon, located along the Rhône and Saône rivers, bear witness to the city’s rich heritage. The Saint-Jean and Saint-Georges districts as well as the Colline Croix-Rousse have a bewitching charm, while the Presqu’île reflects the elegance of the 19th century. These fascinating historic districts are among the best places to visit in Vieux Lyon to appreciate the old world charm of the city. Are you planning to visit Lyon? That turns out well ! We’ve put together a little list of things you absolutely shouldn’t miss!

Saint-Jean district and Saint-Georges district of Old Lyon

The Quartier Saint-Jean is an ideal place to discover and appreciate the charm of Vieux Lyon. This medieval quarter located north of the cathedral is crossed by narrow cobbled streets and small quiet courtyards. First, explore rue du Bœuf and Place Neuve Saint-Jean, acolorful square filled with traditional restaurants. Then, stroll through the pedestrian streets of rue Saint-Jean and rue des Trois Maries. Here you will find many welcoming shops and cafes. You will then reach the Hôtel de Gadagne on the Place du Petit Collège. This 15th century mansion houses the Gadagne museums. Near the Gadagne museums is the Théâtre Le Guignol de Lyon. Attend a traditional puppet show is one of the most entertaining things to do. You can also attend a puppet show in the Saint-Georges district, at the La Maison de Guignol puppet theater. The latter is a short walk from Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and Café du Soleil, a perfect place to enjoy an authentic Lyon meal.

Saint Jean cathedral

Once your furnished rental in Lyon found, it is necessary to know the best places to visit. A visit to Vieux-Lyon is a must! And why not visit Saint Jean Cathedral. In general, Gothic churches are not very decorative inside and this is the case with Saint John’s Cathedral. But if you go about 30 minutes before sunset, the way the sun shines through the stained glass windows makes it seem like you are looking at the ceiling through a kaleidoscope. Colorful pastel flowers seem to dance on the walls and ceiling, leaving you completely spellbound. Also, do not miss the astronomical clock of the cathedral.

The Gadagne Museums in the heart of Vieux Lyon

The Gadagne Museums, which bring together the Museum of Puppetry Arts and the Museum of History of Lyon, are 2 other must-see attractions in Lyon if you are fond of culture and history. The Puppet Museum brilliantly tells the story of Guignol – the legendary puppet of Lyon – through immersive and interactive exhibitions. Finally, the Petit Musée de Guignol Fantastique is another small museum that you can visit to discover the role of the puppet in the history of this city. These three museums are located in the heart of Vieux Lyon.

Les traboules

In Croix-Rousse there is a unique architectural feature: the Traboules, which are charming Renaissance passages. In Lyon, there are 230, of which around forty are open to the public, passing under buildings towards the Saône. Some simply connect one street to another, while others are like hidden worlds where local artisans sell everything, in workshops housed in the traboule. Old Lyon is the oldest district of Lyon and one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe. This charming district transports you with its cobbled pedestrian streets, its terracotta roofs, its cozy cafes and its traditional restaurants offering the best of Lyon’s gastronomy. Now that you know what not to miss in Lyon, don’t hesitate to make the most of your stay.