Top 7 most beautiful monuments in Rhône-Alpes2026 ranking

Discovered these a bit by chance while wandering around the Fourvière neighborhood, and I do not regret my find. Many people talk about the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière as the must-see spot when you climb the many stairs from Vieux Lyon, but these two Roman theaters are definitely the second place to check out once you are up there! The grand theater is huge, and the Odéon, right next door, is just as impressive! Visiting the site is free, and there is a paid museum that makes for a nice addition to the visit.

You can head up to the Fourvière neighborhood by funicular or on foot from Vieux Lyon. A work of architects Bossan and Sainte-Marie Perrin, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is the emblem of the city of Lyon. I especially love admiring the four towers, forty-eight meters high, which represent the cardinal virtues: Prudence (northeast tower), Temperance (southeast tower), Fortitude (northwest tower), and Justice (southwest tower). The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière consists of two superimposed churches, accessible from the square. The upper church is just incredible, with very rich decor.

You will likely only see this building from the outside, since you can only visit it under certain conditions. With its beautiful architecture, it contributes to the charm of the old town. The paths around it are pleasant. In itself, nothing exceptional, then. But it is a landmark that will be part of your exploration of the old town.

A fully restored castle (which is worth noting). The effect is guaranteed, even from the outside! I really like the tower with its colorful tiles. The interior hosts various exhibitions, with a rotating schedule. I recommend checking ahead to see if they appeal to you. Not being the biggest fan of contemporary art, I also found the exhibition spaces a bit empty.

There is no denying it: it is a beautiful building with a really nice view. I also appreciated seeing that it has been very well restored. On the other hand, it is true that it is a bit empty and could use a little more to show it off. That said, I noticed there were activities for kids, which is really great for families.

A bit like the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière offers a superb panoramic view of the entire city. The building itself is really beautiful, both on the outside and the inside, with its stunning mosaics. Special mention to the crypt that you can visit. If you are passing through Lyon, you cannot miss it!

This castle, which overlooks the city center, has beautiful architecture. It is fairly well maintained. On the other hand, the tour of the interior is not very interesting. There is not much to see, and the explanations provided lack detail and depth. I would not necessarily recommend it to you.

Very close to the city center, this beautiful Romanesque castle has a nice wall. I enjoyed walking along the wall walk, which offers pretty views of the city. On the other hand, I was really disappointed by the historical content. The tour routes are clearly designed for children, with many scavenger hunts and interactive activities. In the end, I did not learn much about the place and I stayed barely an hour. Better to do it with kids.

A superb castle! Visiting it, I was impressed by its history. From a ruin, it was rebuilt exactly as it was! The rooms are laid out with very elegant furniture. Even if the daughter of the Marquise de Sévigné lived here, do not expect much information about the latter (she is, however, buried in the collegiate church of Grignan). In any case, it is a must-see in the region for me.

The Château d'Aubenas has been completely restored. It has been transformed into an art center that hosts various exhibitions and artists throughout the year. Don't hesitate to check for information before you come to Aubenas. The exterior architecture is also quite impressive. You won't be able to miss the castle, as it is located on the central square.