Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon
4.5
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Lyon's historic section is full of old buildings and a traditional old French atmosphere.
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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
2,963 within 3 miles
Attractions
400 within 6 miles
See what other travelers are saying
- CPaM68Texas633 contributionsThought to be unlivable in the 19th centuryLyon 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.Visited July 2019Written June 29, 2020
- Wandering_AengusBelfast, United Kingdom482 contributionsThe Heart of Old LyonPacked 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.Visited December 2019Written January 4, 2020
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia43,559 contributionsWonderful LyonThis 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.Visited August 2019Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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
6,771 reviews
Excellent
4,449
Very good
2,065
Average
223
Poor
22
Terrible
13
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,808 contributions
Jan 2023
To 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.
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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Titch-the-Witch
Romanel, Switzerland313 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We set out to discover the old city before 9 o'clock and wended our way through the cobblestoned alleys. We were on the lookout for the "Traboules", the old passageways used by the silk merchants. We found several but were a little disappointed in some of them, as they were dirty and there was litter lying around. The Fresque des Lyonnais (a trompe l'oeil mural) is outstanding and is a must-see. By midday the calm streets were packed with jostling tourists looking for a terrace on which to have lunch. There are plenty of cafés, bistros and restaurants scattered all around the city. The Saint Jean-Baptiste cathedral is worth stepping into, even if it is just to admire the 16th century astronomical clock as well as the stained glass.
Written June 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TorOnTour
Auckland, New Zealand34 contributions
May 2022
Vieux 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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa
Lytham St Anne's, UK3,289 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Travelling through Burgundy for a couple of weeks, we stopped here for 3 nights on a boat moored on the Rhone! Amazing experience.
We wandered around the beautiful cobbled streets of Lyon, visited the cathedral at the top, had meals and drinks in the lovely cafes and restaurants around the city.
It's a lovely place.
Definitely worth visiting and a transportation hub if you are getting around by train or bus!
We wandered around the beautiful cobbled streets of Lyon, visited the cathedral at the top, had meals and drinks in the lovely cafes and restaurants around the city.
It's a lovely place.
Definitely worth visiting and a transportation hub if you are getting around by train or bus!
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry M
Hamilton, Canada4,635 contributions
Nov 2022
The 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
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lowryepp
Epping, UK856 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peasantfood
Adelaide, Australia780 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 as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah M M
Oxford, UK2 contributions
Does anyone know if the taxi app Free now is reliable / safe in Lyon or if I'm better off booking a private taxi service? I have to catch a very early morning flight so need transport I can rely on and can't find public transport options at the time of travel (3am). Please help!!
Titch-the-Witch
Romanel, Switzerland313 contributions
Sorry, I didn't see your message until now. Plus I cannot help you as I did not use a taxi service.
Sherrie I
New Berlin, WI116 contributions
You all have provided so much information. How easy isotope to speak English I in Lyon And Avignon?
WDCUeberau
Phoenix, AZ57 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
7 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 Zealand158 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.
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Claim your listingVieux 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 32 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 $37.30)
- Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary (From $25.10)
- Lyon City Historic Neighborhoods Guided Walking Tour (English) (From $3.50)
- Lyon Old Town Half-Day Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch (From $96.97)
- Lyon Big Traboules in Little City Stories from the Past Private Guided Tour (From $44.49)
- 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) Traboules du Vieux Lyon
- (0.03 mi) Mandragore
- (0.03 mi) Maison Brochier Soieries
Vieux Lyon Information
| Excellent Reviews | 4,448 |
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| Very Good Reviews | 2,064 |
| Vieux Lyon Photos | 3,551 |




































































































