Lyon, France, is a city rich in architectural and historical heritage, reflecting over 2,000 years of urban development. From its Roman origins—seen in ruins like the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière—to its Renaissance quarters in Vieux Lyon, the city showcases a blend of styles and eras. Its churches, like the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and Cathédrale Saint-Jean, combine Gothic, Romanesque, and Byzantine influences, underscoring Lyon’s religious and cultural importance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lyon’s cityscape is a harmonious mix of ancient Roman structures, medieval alleyways, 19th-century grandeur, and modern design.
Place des Terreaux
It is a historic and vibrant square located in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon, nestled between the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) and the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts). It’s famous for the stunning Bartholdi Fountain, created by the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, depicting a powerful chariot drawn by four horses. The square is a lively hub surrounded by cafes, shops, and cultural landmarks, and it plays a central role during events like the Fête des Lumières. With its blend of art, architecture, and urban energy, Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most iconic and atmospheric public spaces.
Place du Général Brosset
Place du Général Brosset is a modern urban square located in Lyon’s 6th arrondissement, directly opposite the historic Gare des Brotteaux. Inaugurated in April 2013, the square spans approximately 15,000 square meters and was designed by the landscape architecture firm Ilex. The design features a central garden composed of 23 square plots, reflecting the architectural rhythm of the adjacent Haussmann-style buildings. A wide promenade with ochre limestone paving surrounds the garden, providing space for café terraces and enhancing pedestrian access. Beneath the square lies an underground parking facility with around 410 spaces. The square is named in honor of General Diego Brosset, a notable figure in France’s Free French Forces during World War II.
Place Guichard
Place Guichard is a lively and centrally located square in the 3rd arrondissement of Lyon, situated near the Part-Dieu district, one of the city’s major business and transport hubs. The square is best known for hosting the Auditorium-Orchestre National de Lyon, a major cultural venue for classical music performances. It also features a metro station (Place Guichard – Bourse du Travail, Line B), making it easily accessible and a convenient transit point. Surrounded by shops, cafés, and residential buildings, Place Guichard combines urban activity with cultural flair, making it a notable gathering spot in the heart of Lyon.
Centre Berthelot
The Centre Berthelot in Lyon is a historic and cultural complex located in the 7th arrondissement, on Avenue Berthelot. Originally built as a military medical school in the late 19th century, it was later repurposed and now houses several institutions, including the Institut d’Études Politiques de Lyon (Sciences Po Lyon) and the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation (CHRD). The CHRD is a major museum dedicated to World War II resistance movements, deportations, and the Nazi occupation in Lyon and France. The site blends academic, historical, and memorial functions, making it an important place for both education and remembrance.
Passage de l’Argue
The Passage de l’Argue is one of the oldest and most charming covered shopping arcades in Lyon, located in the heart of the Presqu’île district between Rue de la République and Rue Édouard Herriot. Built in 1825, it reflects the elegance of 19th-century commercial architecture, with its glass roof, wrought-iron details, and marble floors. Originally inspired by Parisian passages, it was named after the “argue,” a silver wire used in local textile production. Today, it houses a mix of boutiques, artisan shops, and jewelers, offering a quiet and atmospheric alternative to the city’s main shopping streets.
Square Jussieu
Square Jussieu is a small, peaceful green space located in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon, near Jean Macé and Rue Chevreul. It offers a quiet escape from the surrounding urban streets, featuring benches, trees, and a children’s play area, making it popular among local families and residents. Named after the Jussieu family of renowned French botanists, the square reflects Lyon’s tradition of blending greenery with everyday neighborhood life. It’s a pleasant spot for a break, a stroll, or a bit of shade in the heart of the city.