Vieux Lyon colorful Renaissance buildings along the Saône

Vieux Lyon — UNESCO Renaissance Quarter & Traboules

Lyon, France

HistoryWalkingArts Culture
Would you do this?
Duration3 hrs
EffortModerate
BudgetBudget
PriceFree
StyleSelf-Guided
OpenEvery day
Best monthsApr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Dec

About This Activity

Vieux Lyon is the largest Renaissance urban ensemble north of the Alps, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. The neighbourhood's defining feature is its traboules — covered passageways cutting through buildings that silk weavers used to protect their goods from rain. Many are open to the public; find them on Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Boeuf. Combine with the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste (free) and a funicular ride to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière for sweeping views over the city.

Seasonal note: Year-round; Fête des Lumières light festival in December transforms the old town

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