As the third largest city in France, it's safe to say that Lyon has an no shortage of jaw-dropping sights for tourists and residents alike. Having been a very significant spot on the map ever since its days at the capital of Roman Gaul, it's no surprise that Lyon is a place full of history and beauty. So whether you're thinking of moving to this city, or just planning a quick visit, here's the 5 most breathtaking sights that you don't want to miss.
La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Every major city in France has a basilica, but very few have one as majestic as this. It's even more lovely when you know that it was built as a thank you to the Virgin Mary after the city was spared in the Franco-Prussian war of the 1870's. She's also been credited with saving the city from the spread of bubonic plaugue in the 17th century and from a cholera epidemic in the 1830's.
What makes this Basilique even more special is that it's beautiful both inside and out. It was designed by ecclesiastical architect Pierre Bossan, the exterior is a huge ornate white building measuring 8
6 meters long and 35 meters wide, giving it an undoubted sense of grandeur. On top of the bell tower stands a gilded statue of the mother Mary, continuing to watch over the city to this day.
On the inside, the basilica combines both romanesque and byzantine styles to create a stunning interior, which also inlcudes mosaics and stained glass to take any visitor's breath away. Mass is still held here regularly, so be careful not to disturb those taking part if you just go to take a look around.
2. Colline de Fourvière
Surrounding the basilica is the awe-inspiring hilltop Fourvière. From the top you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city spread out before you in all its splendour. There's also cafés if you fancy lunch ora a coffee whilst you're up there. The colline, along with the basilica, can be accessed from Vieux Lyon by the funicular railway line. However, if you'd prefer to walk up, you'll be rewarded by the chance to experience the beauty of Des Hauteurs Park, which is located on the hill.
3. Roman Ruins
Another great thing about Lyon is that it's rich history dates all the way back to the Roman Empire. During this time, the city was called Lugdunum, and was the Capital des Gaules, making it an incredibly important location for the empire.
It's no surprise then that Lyon still bears many marks of this period, the most notable of which are the ruins of the Amphitheatre des Trois Gaules, where the violent Roman shows of old took place once upon a time. It's also notorious as the site where many Christians were executed in the days when it was an illegal religion, the most notable of which was the famous Sainte-Blandine.
There's also the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, situated only a few minutes' walk away from the Basilica.
If you want to learn more about Lyon's Roman history, you can also pop into the Gallo Roman museum (Musée Gallo-Romain) situated right next door to the theatre.
4. Streets of Vieux Lyon
Once you've seen all the amazing sights on the Colline de Fourvière, why not take a stroll around the beautiful streets of Lyon's old town, which lie at the bottom of the hill. Besides it's gorgeous (and very instagrammable) aesthetic, the town also has an abundance of museums, restaurants and shops, including the all-important souvenir shops for any tourists wanting to get postcards.
You'll also find the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, the seat of the Archbishop of Lyon, situated in the Old Town's Place Saint-Jean.
5. Place Bellecour
The final breathtaking sight in Part 1 of this list is the very grand Place Bellecour. Just as Lyon is France's 3rd largest city, this is the 3rd biggest square in the country and is the largest pedestrian square in Europe. Whilst the function and the name of the square have both been changed several times throughout history, it has been known as Place Bellecour since the Third Republic (la troisième république).
It's most notable features include the statue of King Louis XIV in the square's centre, as well as the Ferris Wheel currently erected on the Place, from the top of which you can catch some amazing views of the surrounding area and beyond.
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