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Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
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Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere

See all things to do
See all things to do
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
4.5
11,625
#1 of 306 things to do in Lyon
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Churches & Cathedrals
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7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
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About
Standing atop Fourvière Hill, this basilica, constructed in the late 19th century, has an ornate interior to contrast its grave exterior.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
How to get there
  • Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale St.Jean • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,876 within 3 miles
Le boeuf d'argent
983
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • Vegetarian Friendly
Restaurant la Sommeliere
121
0.2 mi$$$$ • French
Au 14 Fevrier Vieux Lyon
567
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European • Vegetarian Friendly
A La Marquise
232
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Dessert • French • European
Les Encavés
126
0.3 mi$$$$ • French
Cafe Luna
328
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Mediterranean • European
Court Bouillon
285
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Contemporary • Diner
Jeremy Galvan Restaurant
864
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European • Healthy
Les Loges
498
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • European
Bmd
278
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • French • Wine Bar
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Attractions
389 within 6 miles
Musee de Fourviere
10
9.9 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
La Vierge Doree
2
133 ftMonuments & Statues
Esplanade de la Basilique
12
139 ftLookouts
Colline de Fourvière
2,709
168 ftHistoric Walking Areas
Maison de Lorette
4
442 ftReligious Sites
Parc des Hauteurs
32
0.1 miParks • Gardens
Gallo-Roman Museum
952
0.2 miHistory Museums
Tour Métallique de Fourvière
109
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature
5,156
0.2 miSpeciality Museums
Vieux Lyon
6,755
0.2 miHistoric Walking Areas
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
11,624 reviews
Excellent
8,123
Very good
3,002
Average
387
Poor
74
Terrible
38
terrihansonmead
Redwood City, CA49 contributions
Gorgeous cathedral with incredible views of Lyon
Aug 2022
We took the funicular up the hill from old Lyon (less than 4 euros each) and saw the cathedral as soon as we got up the stairs. It's stunning.
It was raining so there weren't that many people in the square. It was Sunday around noon and they were performing mass inside so we were able to go in but not take any pictures.
The inside is breathtaking. I've been to a lot of Notre Dame cathedrals and this one rivals my favorites.
The chapel next to the cathedral is intimate and lovely, but not as ornate.
Since mass was going on, we were inside only a few minutes before we walked around to behind the cathedral and chapel for the spectacular view of Lyon.
Once up the hill, walk down to the garden below the cathedral and the continue to the Roman theater before taking the funicular back down the hill.
Highly recommend visiting all three.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hugh O
Belfast, UK65 contributions
A magnificen edifice
Jan 2023
A beautiful church, in its style very much of another era, but very impressive nonetheless. Outside, there is a large open space with spectacular views over the city. Easily accessible via a funicular or by taxi from the city -- cost from Place des Jacobins to the cathedral door 13,5 euro.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
minnesotans4
Saint Paul, MN2,720 contributions
Beautiful basilique
May 2022 • Family
The Basilique has a commanding presence on top of the highest point in Lyon. There are 3 ways to go to the top: funicular, walk up hundreds of steps or take a cab, highly recommend the latter. This church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary in gratitude for the relief from cholera in 1823 and the Prussian forces in 1870. It’s a Byzantine decorated church. We went on a Saturday morning and the church was entirely filled which was heartwarming to see. We were not sure of the occasion.
Written May 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David W
Tulsa, OK560 contributions
Good History and a Great View of Lyon
Apr 2022
The history of the Basilique Notre Dame in Lyon is good. Fascinating? No. Good? Yes. My wife and I have travelled throughout most of Europe, and the vast majority of the tours teach the history of the Catholic Church, and the history of the Roman army. OK, I get it. Every town has a beautiful cathedral...and stories of the Roman Army setting up camps and establishing communities to support their needs about 20-25 miles apart...as that is a days worth of marching. I do find the engineering of laying out the Roman aqua ducts thousands of years ago, that are still operational a fantastic achievement! The one really great thing about the Notre Dame Bisilique is its location, high above the city of Lyon on the highest hill. There cannot be a better view of the city of Lyon! It is spectacular and beautiful!
Written April 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
BigAdventurer
Trinidad, CA306 contributions
Special treat to visit on Sunday during mass
May 2022
A stay in lovely Lyon is not complete without a visit to the magnificent Basilique. We had only 24 hours on our first visit but loved the winding up hill flower filled climb to the cathedral, and then we were treated to the magnificent organ music and pomp of the processional from the alter to the exit as mass ended. Photos of the sumptuous interior and shimmering stained glass are allowed after mass is finished. We were sorry to have to bypass a tempting visit to the crypts below the Basilique. The expansive view of Lyon and its rivers below is outstanding.
Written May 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christian M
Copenhagen, Denmark3,763 contributions
This magnificent church radiates devine beauty - wow!
Jan 2023
The basilique of Lyon is a relatively new church (late 1800), built as a tribute to Virgin Mary who allegedly saved Lyon from the Black Death.

I’ve seen hundreds of churches all over the world, but I believe this one is the most complete and harmonious of them all - whether you see it from the outside og inside.

The floors, the ceilings, the windows, the friezes- everything seems to have been created in the same spirit and for the same purpose: To honour Mary as a woman and as mother.
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Antonio M
Copenhagen, Denmark45 contributions
Must to see if you are in Lyon
Jun 2019
It's a beautiful cathedral, both outside and inside. The cathedral stays on the famous Fourvière hill and has extra lighting in the night. It was built around 1872-1884 and has lots of history considering that Fourviere is the site of the original Roman settlement.

We took a guided tour as only with the guide we could go up to see the panoramic views. Unfortunately, the guide spoke only french, so we could not understand much apart of reading some information inside the church.

Nonetheless, we felt amazing all the way during the guided tour :)
Written May 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
StephenSkinners
Toulon, France44 contributions
A real gem
Jul 2020 • Friends
After having visited the cathedral of Lyon - which was very disappointing, mainly because there wasn’t a single soul there who came to pray - I visited the basilica. The first thing I noticed were the many notice boards where masses and confessions were announced. Secondly, the amount of people present.
When I entered, I was happily surprised to see that the iconoclasts of the last century hadn’t touched the place, thus the building was very inviting to pray in, which was visibly done by many visitors. Many sat or knelt down in the pews, candles were lit.. It was very touching. The mosaics are stunning, as is the whole church. The crypt is simpler, with statues of Our Lady from different countries. The chapel is quiet and a nice place to light a candle. Behind the basilica one can enjoy a lovely view over the city.

If you’re in Lyon, this is a must see.
Written July 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Michelle D
Lower Sackville, Canada62 contributions
Breathtaking Inside and Out
Nov 2021 • Couples
Perched high on a hill overlooking Lyon this church is absolutely breathtaking inside and out. A beautiful cathedral with oodles of spiritual energy. And an absolutely fantastic view of the city. Happily there is a funicular you can take up to the top. There was even a gift shop. I do love a gift shop. You can light a candle for a loved one and say a prayer if you are inclined this way. If not the history and architecture are appreciated. Just a beautiful area that I will visit again more than once!
Written November 12, 2021
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
Impressive building
Aug 2019
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is a beautiful building. It was built in the late 19th century in the name of the Virgin Mary who is supposed to have saved the city from the bubonic plague that raged throughout Europe in 1643. The church is a wonderful work of art in itself, both inside and out. It stands on Fourviere Hill and can be seen from a considerable distance away. It is worth a visit and you would be really missing out if you left this sight off your itinerary.
Written July 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon

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Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is open:
  • Sun - Sat 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
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