Top 11 most beautiful monuments in Lyon2026 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.

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!

I loved Old Lyon and its medieval neighborhood. This superb Gothic cathedral is hard to miss! I loved the astronomical clock and the magnificent stained glass windows. Once you have finished your visit, do not forget to walk around to discover the shops and grab a bite to eat! The whole neighborhood is worth lingering in. And of course, the facade is lit up during the Festival of Lights, which makes it even more splendid.

If you have seen Notre-Dame de Fourvière, I recommend walking back down. You will then find the ancient theater. It is a very well-preserved ruin that is integrated into the urban landscape. An explosive mix, which reveals all the facets of this city. Walking in the stands where so many others have passed before us is very moving. Plus, admission is free! There is no reason to miss it.

Notre-Dame de Fourvière is breathtaking. The little red funicular you take to get there adds so much charm to the trip. I suggest taking the funicular up and walking back down. A magnificent view of the city awaits at the top. Clearly, it is a must-see and without a doubt one of the most beautiful religious buildings you will ever see.

Saint John Cathedral, in the Vieux Lyon neighborhood, is located right at the foot of the Basilique de Fourviere. With both Gothic and Romanesque styles, it is much more austere than its neighbor but just as impressive. I especially appreciate its astronomical clock, which was recently renovated. It is not in service like the one in Prague in the Czech Republic, but it is still incredible because it dates back to 1379.

The Maison des Canuts is a building located in Croix-Rousse. This rather entertaining museum is sure to win over culture and history lovers. Did you know that Lyon was known for its silk workers? They lived on the slopes and wove on huge looms in typical homes that are still preserved today. You will learn more about their daily lives at the Maison des Canuts.

I am not saying this because I grew up in Lyon and all Lyonnais are biased, but I have never seen a more beautiful religious building in France than the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. It is topped with a statue of the Virgin Mary, inaugurated in the rain on December 8th, which gave rise to the famous Lyon Festival of Lights. There are several ways to get up to Fourvière, on foot or by funicular. Up there, you have the most beautiful view of Lyon. I recommend the tour under the roofs, it is spectacular.

The Lyon Opera House was renovated by Jean Nouvel, which creates an original marriage between the classic and the modern, with a beautiful glass roof sitting over the old stone walls. The auditorium, completely black, has incredible acoustics. I went there many times as a student using cultural tickets for young people. Unfortunately, prices become very high afterward, but you have to keep an eye out for programs that are more accessible to everyone. Breakdancers have always practiced on the plaza in front of the Opera.