Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon
4.5
About
Lyon's historic section is full of old buildings and a traditional old French atmosphere.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view










What is Travelers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Vieux Lyon
The area
Neighborhood: Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
How to get there
- Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale St.Jean • 4 min walk
- Cordeliers • 9 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,900 within 3 miles
Attractions
390 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- Christian MCopenhagen, Denmark3,763 contributionsIn love with the picturesque LyonTo strangers Lyon may seem overwhelming with all the traffic and noise - but visit Vieux Lyon and realize exactly why so many people are in love with the city. Vieux Lyon is full of charming old houses, the famous bouchons (traditional restaurants), traboules (narrow alleys) and the devine beautiful Basilica on top of it all. You’ll love every minute out here.Written January 9, 2023
- Terry MHamilton, Canada4,307 contributionsA SPOT TO STROLL AND STROLL SOME MOREThe area is a richly deserved World Heritage Site, split over a lower and upper parts. There is a cathedral, a basilica and a handful of churches. Roads often run off at angles. Many pedestrian walkways allow for loitering. There are bouchons, home cooking Lyonnais style, the city one of the world's gastronomic capitals. The puppet theatre is not to be missed. A raft of souvenir vendors are at hand. Other high end clothing stores are present plus a good handful of candy/pastry shops.Written November 1, 2022
- TorOnTourAuckland, New Zealand33 contributionsGorgeous old townVieux Lyon's restoration began in the 80s I believe and now offers an up-close and immersive experience in Lyon. Walk the busy cobbled streets which weave up and around in seemingly no order. Search for hidden 'traboules', eat pralines and just enjoy meandering around Vieux Lyon.Written June 22, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,755 reviews
Excellent
4,441
Very good
2,058
Average
222
Poor
22
Terrible
12
CPaM68
Texas632 contributions
Jul 2019
Lyon old town, known as Vieux Lyon, is situated across the Saone River from the Presqu'ile district in the heart of beautiful Lyon. The 16th century was a time of thriving business since Lyon was a crossroads of trade between Italy, Spain, and France. Four and five-story houses were built with interior courtyards, staircases, and galleries as the area grew to accommodate the thriving business population. Many of those homes show the influence of the Italians who were key trading partners at the time. Vieux Lyon is one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe and offers over 2,000 years of history including Romain ruins. Surprisingly, during the 19th century, the old town was thought to be "unlivable" and a plan was proposed to build a major road through the middle of it. Fortunately, this plan was dropped and major restorations and renovations were started in the area.
Written June 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
lowryepp
Epping, UK811 contributions
Jun 2022
Historic and mostly genuine mediaeval centre. Wander at will, much pedestrianised (or nearly so); go slowly, look up to building tops, into ancient passage ways (traboules) - worth getting a guide sheet or online for thes, not all marked. Even look underfoot, as the coblles and brass markers tell stories. Many cafes, icecreams, restaurants. Get to the higher parks by funicular.
If you stay in the old town, can be noisy at night!
If you stay in the old town, can be noisy at night!
Written July 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tox-downunder
Batemans Bay, Australia74 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We picked a beautiful sunny day. I loved the cable tram to the top ( very easy with the standard public transport ticket) the basilica notre dames was impressive, beautiful mosaics. The view over the city were great too. The roman amphitheatre was nice to see too.
Written October 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dimitris L
Sydney, Australia42,211 contributions
Aug 2019
This is perhaps the most interesting part of Lyon. It is a lovely area of the city to wander around, sit at a cafe and just enjoy a relaxing time. There are beautiful old buildings, narrow streets, the peaceful river, cafes and restaurants and shops to spend time in.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wandering_Aengus
Belfast, UK482 contributions
Dec 2019
Packed with restaurants, shops, museums and churches, the compact area of Vieux Lyon can easily absorb a day or two of a trip to the city.
Many of the buildings date back to the 15th century or earlier, and the warren of cobbled streets beg to be explored. Rue St Jean, running from the St Jean Cathedral to the Place du Change, forms the main axis of the area and virtually everywhere in the old town lies within a minute or two's walk of this street.
Many of the buildings date back to the 15th century or earlier, and the warren of cobbled streets beg to be explored. Rue St Jean, running from the St Jean Cathedral to the Place du Change, forms the main axis of the area and virtually everywhere in the old town lies within a minute or two's walk of this street.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
the_3_adventurers
Raleigh, NC392 contributions
Dec 2019
I don't know that I'd consider this view a 'destination,' but it is beautiful. it reminds this American Southerner of how lovely a city view of rooftops can be ... it's much different than my view of rolling hills and kudzu. But that's precisely why I travel. :)
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hooray H
London, UK2,257 contributions
Aug 2020
This is really wonderful. Very well renovated & maintained, clean & charming. Easy to loose yourself while you admire the beautiful architecture, especially of the old doors.
Lots of restaurants & cafes & touristy shops but difficult to work out which are not commercial, if any.
The problem was people were not keeping their distance, especially on a busy Saturday night when there was a European Cup Football match on too.
So we wondered off to the quieter areas.
Lots of restaurants & cafes & touristy shops but difficult to work out which are not commercial, if any.
The problem was people were not keeping their distance, especially on a busy Saturday night when there was a European Cup Football match on too.
So we wondered off to the quieter areas.
Written December 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ivo Carneiro De Sousa
Macau, China146 contributions
Dec 2019
It is a fascinating experience to walk throughout the old Lyon historical center. It is not too large, can be done in 2-3 calm hours, but needs observation, attention to detail, and a lot of fun. I have a walkthrough Lyon with my family, including several teens, in December 2019 last year. The Christmas holidays brought us from Macau to Lyon, and the visit is much enjoyable. There are still some roman vestiges of Lugdunum, some medieval architecture as in the old St. Jonh the Baptist cathedral, and the historic center evolves along the calm Rhône, still a majestic river. Most of Lyon's historical center is a mosaic of late 19th century, early 20th century buildings, a lot of them transformed into commercial areas. Thus, a visit to old Lyon must include some shopping and lunch or dinner in one of the countless restaurants available. I have also visit antique bookshops and found some precious books. The prices were affordable from old books to restaurants: a pleasant tour.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Curtis S
Kingsport, TN2,608 contributions
Sep 2021
After wandering around a hillside above, we strolled around the quaint narrow streets of Vieux Lyon. The streets were lined with shops, cafes, and bouchons, and these were the places the locals favored, not tourist traps. Shop your heart’s content and then sit down at a café, to sate your hunger or thirst and people watch. Recommended
Written October 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Peasantfood
Adelaide, Australia762 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Paul was battling late comers and drizzly weather but like a good Dutchman he persevered. By two hours in we had a firm grounding of enough history of Lyon and the amazing city that I have learned to love more than Paris! Had a great time. Thanks.
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sherrie I
New Berlin, WI115 contributions
You all have provided so much information. How easy isotope to speak English I in Lyon And Avignon?
WDCUeberau
Phoenix, AZ53 contributions
In Lyon,
There is no problem using Englsh in Lyon. It is a big cosmopolitan city.
Avital K
Jerusalem, Israel22 contributions
We will be landing in Lyon in the evening with our teenagers and are wondering where to go eat some fast cheap food and a nice place to walk around. We will be renting a car so somewhere with reasonable parking.
Thanks!
Marina S
Brisbane, Australia146 contributions
Lyon is know as the food capital of France. It's a big city so we checked into our accommodation first to drop off bags and asked at reception for their advice for great local options. Always good to ask a local. Enjoy! The tourist office has a great free book with plenty of vouchers to venues too. Make that your next stop.
_hsiwamoto
San Francisco, CA3 contributions
Hey Merrill,
(BTW, I grew up in Northbrook). Anyway, I'd be very interested if you would share the route you took through Old Lyon. We'll be there in a week or so and have a free morning. Thanks!
vox214
River Forest, IL
Good morning. My husband and I are traveling with my three children (10, 7, and 3 y/o) as well as my mother. Could you please recommend a nice B&B in the old town Lyon for a couple of nights. thank you
MistyCat_8
Wirral & France108 contributions
It's very easy and convenient to get around Lyon so don't worry about staying in the old town, it's much cheaper and better with a family to get a small apartment with a kitchenette so you can cook your own meals. We stayed in the 7th arrondissement and the metro and trams were right outside the door! My husband is disabled so it was very important for us to be able to get around easily, as mentioned above, forget cars, it can take ages to get over the bridges and it's expensive to park anywhere.
wan c
Melbourne, Australia3 contributions
I've just got 4 hours in Lyon how far is Vieux Lyon from Lyon Part Dieu?
Pauline L
Lyon, France232 contributions
If during rush hours, you can take the tube, the way is easy.
Tube is connected to the Lyon Part Dieu train station.
Take the line B direction Oullins, then change at station Saxe-Gambetta to reach line D direction Gare de Vaise.
Get off at Saint Jean station: You're in Vieux Lyon.
And at this station, you can take the opportunity to take the old cable car (funiculaire) direction Fourvière to the beautiful vue from this famous hill here, and walk down to Saint Jean by a nice garden.
GuyR71520
Matour, France119 contributions
C'est quoi ce commentaire ? un gag ? j'aimerai que vous me donniez le nom du maire Communiste de Lyon, parce que moi je ne connais que Édouard Herriot qui est autant communiste que Gonzague de Saint Bris est prix Nobel de Chimie ! Quand à la destruction complète de St Jean et des Bombardement du Vieux Lyon, ma grand mère était donc une survivante traumatisée qui avait perdue la mémoire et qui ne se rappelait pas qu'"ILS" avait reconstruit sa maison sans qu'elle sans rende compte!!!!
Bien sur je ne vous pas de L'UNESCO qui est un ramassis de reptiliens qui protège cette information en inscrivant le vieux Lyon au patrimoine de l'Humanité ! J'aurais donc bien rigolé ce soir !!Merci !
Brendan M
4 contributions
Where do you catch the hop on off bus tour?
MistyCat_8
Wirral & France108 contributions
Belle Cour square has a tourist information office and I think it's the main stop.
stephenc
Belfast, UK57 contributions
We (2 adult couples in our late 50's) are in Lyon for up to a week arriving on Sun 2nd Oct. Are there many wine & food tastings at reasonable costs within the city please? Or would we be best to hire a car and travel some distance which would mean finding overnight accommodation?
OscarTammy
Auckland, New Zealand157 contributions
Lyon is a gastronomic heaven - with great wine thrown in! There are enough good restaurants to keep you going for weeks, let alone a few days. And I found the cost very competitive- better than Paris for example, as there is so much competition.I did do a half day wine tour organised by the TI Office but that was really more just to see the countryside and to visit some chateaux and wineries - Lyon has plenty of wine. I was there eight days and would have loved to stay longer.
Florencia C
3 contributions
Hola! Estoy viajando para Junio y estaré 4 dÃas tres noches en Lyon. Es mejor ir a Vieux un dÃa de semana? Por lo que leo los fines de semana hay mucha gente. Que podemos hacer sábado y domingo?
Muchas gracias
Thomas W
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France142 contributions
Hola! Tut mir leid, Juni ist vorbei, ich war unterwegs. Trotzdem: Das Wochenende ist tatsächlich überlaufen, persönlich ziehe ich die Wochentage. Was tun am Wochenende? Festivals, Opéra, Kulturveranstaltungen der Stadt Lyon, Menschen begegnen.
Vieux Lyon - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Vieux Lyon
- We recommend booking Vieux Lyon tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 31 Vieux Lyon tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Vieux Lyon:
- Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular (From $35.96)
- Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary (From $16.50)
- Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) (From $3.38)
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch (From $87.99)
- Lyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories from the Past Private Guided Tour (From $42.89)
- Hotels near Vieux Lyon:
- (0.02 mi) COTE PALAIS 1 (AU COEUR DU VIEUX LYON)
- (0.02 mi) Cote Palais
- (0.02 mi) COTE PALAIS 2 (AU COEUR DU VIEUX LYON)
- (0.02 mi) La Tour Rose
- (0.03 mi) Artelit
- Restaurants near Vieux Lyon:
- (0.01 mi) Les Ventres Jaunes
- (0.01 mi) Le Palais Saint Jean
- (0.01 mi) Restaurant Un Deux Trois
- (0.01 mi) Le Petit Bouchon de la Place
- (0.01 mi) Le Panier Du Chef
- Attractions near Vieux Lyon:
- (0.02 mi) Kanpai Tourisme
- (0.02 mi) Maison Du Crible / Pink Tower Of Lyon
- (0.03 mi) Mandragore
- (0.03 mi) Maison Brochier Soieries
- (0.03 mi) Boul'Dingue