Highlights

Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica
The Notre-Dame Basilica was erected in the 19th C. Built by the architect Pierre Bossan, it features fine mosaics, superb stained glass, and a crypt of Saint Joseph. Although this church was mainly designed in Rococo style, it holds unusual elements derived from a variety of architectural influences.

Due to the fact that it is located on the top of the Fourviere hill, the basilica overlooks the city and may be seen from several vantage points. On certain occasions, the public at large may access the basilica's northern tower and enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Lyon and its suburbs.

Saint Martin d'Ainay Abbey and Saint Paul Church
These two churches are Renaissance in style.

The Saint Martin d'Ainay basilica was built between the 11th and 12th centuries, and was consecrated by Pope Pascal II. This building in Romanesque style features massive thick walls, a watchtower, narrow window openings, and enormous heavy doors; all these elements resemble the difficult and dangerous life of the frontier-France of the "Dark Ages". According to legend, the origin of this place dates back to the end of the second century, when the martyrdom of Saint Blandine began.

The Saint Paul church was erected in 549 AD on the ruins of the former Diane temple. It was later destroyed by the Saracens. The building was reconstructed between 1084 and 1106; however, it was finished in the 13th century. During the 18th century, the church was modified and acquired a Roman-ogival style. Furthermore, nine bells were added in the mid-19th century.

Saint Jean's Cathedral
Although the construction of the Cathedral of Saint Jean stretched over several centuries, it was finally completed in the 14th century. It is an amazing combination of styles ranging from Romanesque to flamboyant Gothic. The medallions, stained glass windows and the Romanesque Manécanterie (choir school building) are its most remarkable features.

In addition, it should be mentioned the fact that the Church of Saint Nizier constitutes another outstanding example of Gothic-style churches in Lyon.

National Opera House
The original building of the opera house was built in 1831; however, its latest renovation was performed by Jean Nouvel in 1993. One of the most remarkable features of the building is the gigantic glass cupola, situated on the stone columns dating from the 18th century.

The National Opera House of Lyon was inaugurated with the performance of La Dame Blanche (by François-Adrien Boïeldieu). During the 19th and 20th centuries, many significant premieres of operas -including Die Meistersinger (by Richard Wagner) in 1896, Andre Chenier (by Giordano) in 1897, and Boris Godunov (by Moussorgsky) in 1913- took place in this house. Furthermore, some world premieres, such as Erwartung (Arnold Schoenberg) in 1967, have been presented.

Sainte Marie de La Tourette
Sainte Marie de La Tourette is a Dominican priory, designed by the architect Le Corbusier and built between 1956 and 1960.

This convent is located in the midst of nature, in a small valley that opens out to the forest. The buildings contain 100 bedrooms for teachers and students, study halls, a hall for work and one for recreation, a library and a refectory. A church where the monks carry on alone is situated next to the convent. The structural frame is made of reinforced concrete with panes of glass located on the exterior faces.

It is considered one of the most important late Modernist style buildings.

Museums
Lyon presents extraordinary museums illustrating its significant history. These museums offer a modern attitude, making the cultural and historical diversity available to all by means of numerous events such as themed tours, interactive presentations, conferences, storytelling and workshops. Most large museums in Lyon offer disabled access; for instance, the Fine Arts Museum proposes special visits for the people with visual and hearing impairments.

Some of the most remarkable museums in this city include the Lacroix-Laval Estate, the Fine Arts Museum, the Gallo Roman Museum of Lyon Fourvière, and the International Museum of the Miniatures.

Fourvière Roman Theaters
The Roman Theaters constitute an incredible outdoor venue located in the ruins of a Roman Amphitheater. They were built by Augustus in 17-15 BC, and later expanded by Hadrian in the second century AD. The two Roman theaters stand on the Fourvière hill; one of them is large and the other is smaller. The large theater is the oldest in France; the smaller –known as Roman Odéon- is a roofed performance hall with a marble stage, with small traces of paintings retained in its massive walls. Excavations beneath this site uncovered traces of a district of artisans.

Nowadays, the theater offers concerts on a regular basis, and has a capacity of 10,000.

Place des Terraux
This square is located in the heart of the Terreaux. Many traditional cafés and important monuments surround the Place des Terraux. The Hotel de Ville (city hall), one of the most visited government buildings in France, the Palais Saint Pierre and its Fine Arts Museum as well as the National Opera House stand opposite this splendid square. The Terreaux fountain, embodied by magnificent charging horses, represents the two rivers (Rhône and Saône) heading to the ocean. This remarkable work of art was created by the sculptor Bartholdi, who is also known for his Lion de Belfort and the Statue of Liberty.

Cité Internationale
The Cité Internationale is surrounded by the Rhône river on one side and the Tête d'Or Park on the other. This new area, featuring baked clay and glass buildings, was conceived by the famous Italian architect Renzo Piano. It houses a cinema, a Contemporary Art Museum, a modern convention center, a major hotel, 'The Pharaon' casino and many shops, bars and restaurants.

One of the main goals of this center was to transform an emblematic site of Lyon: an old trade fair. However, not only does this site attract top-level business visitors, but also local residents looking for leisure and recreation.

Hôtel Dieu
The history of the Hôtel-Dieu hospital began in the 12th century; however, the current Neo-Classic appearance was created by Jacques-Germain Soufflot during the 18th century. This 380- meter long building stands on the bank of the Rhône river. It constitutes an outstanding example of hospital history, resembling the daily life of the hospital through many objects, pharmaceutical and surgical instruments, therapies and remedies. You will be able to discover the hospital's three wards, two chapels, the pharmacy, the council hall and archives.

Destroyed in 1944, the dome –which formerly served as chapel- was rebuilt according to its original design.