Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
4.5
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
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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Plan your visit
The area
Address
How to get there
- Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale St.Jean • 5 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,876 within 3 miles
Attractions
389 within 6 miles
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
11,624 reviews
Excellent
8,123
Very good
3,002
Average
387
Poor
74
Terrible
38
terrihansonmead
Redwood City, CA49 contributions
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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 :)
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
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.
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
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
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.
Aricia B
1 contribution
Y’a -t-il une heure de fermeture?
Yo viajo con Viratur
Aviles, Spain79 contributions
Cuando yo estube era el festival de la luz y el horario era hasta tarde, supongo que hasta las 20:00 horas estara abierto
kerenavi
Haifa, Israel2 contributions
אשמח לדעת איך עולים ואחר כך יורדים מהבזיליקה, אנשים נכים.
תודה.
Bonjour,
Handicapée, marchant avec un rollator, j'aimerai savoir si je peux prendre le funiculaire pour monter à la basilique!
Merci d'avance pour la réponse
Carlos Antonio O
Buenos Aires, Argentina410 contributions
Si, es posible ascender a la Basílica utilizando el funicular. Al descender del mismo, solo hay que caminar algo más de 150 metros
faropiana
Catania, Italy6 contributions
Ciao e'possibile arrivare li vicino con auto privata?
cocco58_292
Ancona, Italy277 contributions
No con la funivia
Bass0174
Naaldwijk, The Netherlands82 contributions
Recently, I have been reading an article about a wealthy entrepreneur from Dubai, who wanted to build Lyon Dubai City. This article dates back from 2008 and I haven't found any other source talking about this project. Do you guys maybe have information about this project or even better, some actual sources? Is this project cancled, delayed or just a joke? Thank you in advance :))
Fabul0us1
Carlsbad, CA113 contributions
Hi I’m afraid I’d never heard of it. The idea sounds absurd to me.
Hope you find what you’re looking for
😊
Jdjdbdjdidkdjdbdjdiud
Strasbourg, France86 contributions
Pour accéder à la cathédrale, vous pouvez prendre le funiculaire (1,80€). Il vous emmènera juste devant la basilique !
Jabovin
La Coruna, Spain1,145 contributions
Au mois de juin, lorsque nous sommes allés à Lyon, le funiculaire dans la direction de la basilique était en construction mais celui de Saint Just si cela fonctionnait et de cette gare il y a un bus gratuit qui vous laisse à la porte de la basilique
Hoe kan ik er komen met een rolstoel
Eds
Sao Paulo, SP312 contributions
Eén manier is om daar te rijden, er is toegang via lokale wegen.
Nu kan ik je niet vertellen of de kabelbaan toegankelijk is.
callmetoms
Bengaluru, India17 contributions
Do you know what language is the mass in at 7.30?
Philippe B
Lyon, France44 contributions
I believe only French
cristiCaba
CABA93 contributions
El funicular para llegar a la basilica sale 1.80 euros, y dura una hora , quiere decir que durante esos 60minutos puede disfrutar de los lugares y sino hacer combinaciones con otros medios de transporte con el mismo boleto
cristiCaba
CABA93 contributions
estuve ya dos veces en Lyon en realidad es una respuesta no una pregunta, dije que el boleto se puede usar durante una hora , y la visita a Notre Dame puede durar menos, asi que no necesitarian sacar nuevamente para bajar.
michelleonelli
Lyon, France
Bonjour, michelleonelli. Que voudriez-vous savoir sur cette attraction ?
Je suis sur Lyon dimanche et je souhaite monter sur le toit de la cathédrale de Fourvière. Est-ce possible ? Quelles sont les heures et les tarifs ? Merci
cristiCaba
CABA93 contributions
Hola ,, la tarifa de todos los medios de transporte, metro, bus, funicular, tranway es de 1.80 euros, y puede viajar durante una hora con el mismo boleto en los antes combinandolos. Para ir a Furviere tiene 2 funiculares uno que va a la ciudad y otro que va directo a la basilica. Esta abierta todo el dia, y no tiene que pagar para entrar. Saludos cordiales.
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere, Lyon
Frequently Asked Questions about Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
- Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:30 AM - 8:00 PM
- We recommend booking Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere 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 14 Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere:
- (0.17 mi) Villa Florentine
- (0.22 mi) Villa Maïa
- (0.25 mi) Cour des Loges
- (0.14 mi) Home Sweet Home
- (0.17 mi) Centre Jean Bosco
- Restaurants near Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere:
- (0.06 mi) Le Coquemar
- (0.05 mi) La Salle À Manger - Fourvière
- (0.19 mi) Le boeuf d'argent
- (0.19 mi) Au 14 Fevrier Vieux Lyon
- (0.19 mi) Jeremy Galvan Restaurant
- Attractions near Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere:
- (0.00 mi) Musee de Fourviere
- (0.03 mi) La Vierge Doree
- (0.03 mi) Guided Rooftop Tour Notre Dame Fourvière
- (0.03 mi) Esplanade de la Basilique
- (0.03 mi) Colline de Fourvière