Discover Lyon’s Neighborhoods

Strip back Lyon’s layers and uncover its different sides by visiting its top neighborhoods. Use our guide to navigate the vibrant past and the technological future of Lyon.

Vieux Lyon

Be charmed by the UNESCO-listed old town, Vieux Lyon, found at the bottom of the Fourvière hill and next to the Saône River. This historic district dates back to the 15th century, and was once reserved for the richest of residences, with bankers, silk factory owners, and international merchants inhabiting this fashionable area. This past wealth brings a sense of mystery to Vieux Lyon with hidden passageways weaving through the neighborhood.

The curious are rewarded here. Explore the maze of cobbled streets, lined with canopy-fronted buildings, and venture behind the Renaissance facades to find quaint bookshops, artisan craft stores, Michelin-starred restaurants, and traditional brasseries. Thanks to its rich heritage, there are sights galore to enjoy in Vieux Lyon – but the biggest star is Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste. Constructed between 1180 and 1480, it’s a Gothic masterpiece with decorative windows, a large astronomical clock, a 15-pipe organ, and the largest bell tower in the region. This cathedral is truly a spectacular sight.

Confluence

Discover the future of Lyon in the Confluence neighborhood. Following a restoration project, this industrial area is alive with activity as it leaps into a new era of the city’s history. The district combines contemporary flair and creativity, where metallic buildings sparkle alongside the picturesque rivers.

What’s even more impressive about Confluence is that the majority of the buildings here use environmentally friendly, energy-efficient technology to improve sustainability. Solar panels, roof gardens, public e-bikes, and solar-powered electric vehicles showcase this innovative approach to day-to-day living.

Once you’ve parked the car, follow the footpaths that weave through lush gardens, along the waterfront and towards the fascinating museums that call this part of Lyon home. The most striking building is the glittering Musée des Confluences. A magnificent stainless steel and glass structure, it looks like some kind of interstellar spacecraft. The interior is just as extraordinary, containing huge exhibits celebrating the history of the world - combining knowledge from across scientific fields to create a global picture. Learn about different cultures through interactive exhibits and some 2.2 million artifacts, including dinosaur skeletons, a 1,000-year-old Peruvian mummy, and pottery and tools from ancient Egypt.

Croix Rousse

Explore Croix Rousse - the district that pioneered the silk weaving industry in Europe. During the 19th century, the silk industry boomed in the city’s hilly streets. Lyon is proud of its textile heritage, so much so you’ll notice that some of its streets are named after Lyonnaise silk workers, canuts.

Wander through secret passageways, known as traboules, and make sure you take the opportunity to photograph the hypnotic, intertwining stairwell in the Cours des Voraces. It weaves a pathway to connect several silk workshops together, towering above a central courtyard. It was named after the silk workers who lived in the building, and who were among the first to lead the 1848 industrial revolution in France.

Next, make a beeline for La Maison des Canuts. Tucked away on Rue d’Ivry, the museum unravels the silk-weaving process – from the lifecycle of a silkworm and the invention of the Jacquard loom, to the history of the silk-works and the realities of the industry today. Continue your education in all things silk at the Mur des Canuts, one of the most famous sights in Lyon. Created in 1987 by the artistic community CitéCréation, this epic fresco is the largest in Europe. The intricate detail, painted in a realist style, depicts different scenes from the 19th century through to the modern day.

Presqu'île

In the heart of the city, the Presqu'île district is a center of artistic excellence. Tree-lined courtyards create spaces for street performances and traveling food markets, while the Bourgeois architecture and decadent theaters lend a romantic atmosphere. Stroll through the streets to discover idyllic fountains, statues, and monuments. Presqu'île was transformed in the 19th century, which is why the area now gleams in opulence.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Place des Terreaux: the large, pedestrianized, and bustling square fringed by handsome architecture, including the 17th century Hôtel de Ville de Lyon – now the city hall – and the Musée des Beaux Art. The latter hosts a world-class collection of sculptures and paintings spread across more than 70 rooms. Head inside and gaze at works from Rodin, Monet, and Picasso.

Catch a performance at the Italian-inspired Théâtre des Célestins. Built in 1881 and fitted with a lavish red and gold interior, the dramatic building hosts daily performances of both classic and contemporary plays. Make sure you reserve your ticket in advance if you want to watch something spectacular.

For a performance full of emotion, visit the exquisite Opéra de Lyon. Interestingly, the opera house is much larger than it appears from the outside. Restored by famous architect Jean Nouvel in 1993 to give maximum performance quality, a five-level underground extension was added alongside a huge glass-domed roof. Come here to enjoy a show or simply enjoy drinks from the seventh floor terrace at the Muses of the Opera bar, as long as you’ve parked the car for the night.

Where have you found the best of Lyon’s history, food and culture? Let us know on Twitter.

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