Lyon Sightseeing by Effort Level
Lyon Sightseeing by Effort Level
Lyon’s sights sit on two hills and a flat peninsula, so the same list can be a stroll or a workout. Sort by effort and you can pick the right day for your legs, your shoes and the weather.
Easy: flat and mostly free
The Presqu’île is the level core between the two rivers. Place Bellecour is among Europe’s largest open squares, with the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and a small tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Walk north to Place des Terreaux, where the Bartholdi fountain faces the town hall and the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The museum charges €8 for the collections and €12 with exhibitions, and it closes on Tuesday. Check mba-lyon.fr for times.
The Confluence quarter at the southern tip is flat too. Tram T1 runs to the Musée des Confluences, €12 full or €7 reduced, and the garden beside it overlooks the meeting of the two rivers.
Moderate: Vieux Lyon on cobbles
The old town sits at the foot of Fourvière. Start at the Cathédrale Saint-Jean, free to enter, and look up at the astronomical clock that chimes at 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. The cathedral is the city’s seat of the archbishop, while the white hilltop church is a basilica. Rue Saint-Jean is paved with cobbles, so wear shoes with grip.
Traboules here are residential courtyards, open to the public about 07:00 to 19:00. Pass quietly and briefly.
Moderate: Fourvière without the climb
The funicular does the work. It leaves from the Vieux Lyon metro station, takes a standard €2.10 TCL ticket and reaches the basilica esplanade in a couple of minutes. Entry to the basilica and the viewpoint is free. The Roman theatres are free, open 07:00 to 19:00 from 1 October. The nearby Lugdunum museum charges €4, or €7 during a temporary exhibition. See lugdunum.grandlyon.com for details.
Hard: Croix-Rousse slopes and rooftop steps
The Croix-Rousse hill rises steeply from the Presqu’île, and the Pentes, its stepped passages, make a tough descent. Come by metro line C to the top, then walk down past the Cour des Voraces at 9 place Colbert and onward to Place des Terreaux. Wear sturdy footwear.
The Fourvière rooftop tour is the toughest single sight, with about 345 steps through towers and attics. It costs €14 for adults and €7 for children and students. Book through reservation.fourviere.org , or browse other city tours on GetYourGuide .
Passes and fares
A single TCL ticket costs €2.10, a 24 hour pass €7.10 and a carnet of ten €20.50. Inspectors fine passengers travelling without a validated ticket on the spot. The City Card covers transport and many museums, at €29.90 for one day online or €32 at the counter. The tourist office lists the full set.
Staying safe
Pickpockets favour Bellecour, Vieux Lyon’s main street, Part-Dieu and the metro. Keep valuables in inner pockets. In the evening around La Guillotière, use the lit main avenues.
For more ways to see the city, try the walking tours page .
Tip: do the hard hill in the morning, then ride the funicular up in the afternoon when your legs are tired.