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
Neighbourhood: Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
How to get there
- Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale St.Jean • 4 min walk
- Cordeliers • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
3,538 within 5 kms
Attractions
510 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Piels Chloé2 contributionsThe real heart of Lyon: Old Lyon.Since my childhood I love Lyon city, but my favourite place is the old town of Lyon, “le Vieux Lyon”. Lyon old town, known as Vieux Lyon, is situated across the Saone River from the “Presqu'ile” district. To walk with family or friends, it’s the perfect district. In this place, you can find anything et see full of interesting things: the traboules, the cathedral saint jean, the pink town, a view of the cathedral of fourvière… Firstly, the architecture of the district which is particular and unique: with its cobbled streets, typical shops and traditional traffic jams. The mythic character of Guignol, the puppet of Lyon, is born form these streets. Very delicious restaurants exist in this place. They are emblems of Lyon. As a history student, this quarter is perfect, it’s a historic district. Honestly never went there to the Festival of Lights, which is a traditional Lyon festival. Unless you like to be tight and walk on feet. But it’s really beautiful to see in this quarter. Without hesitation I come back for the rest of the year !Visited September 2023Written 18 October 2023
- Emma LOxford, United Kingdom14 contributionsLyon - a city not to miss!Lyon is a very walkable city plus excellent public transport (Metro, Bus and Funiculaire). We were a large group, with teens, and everyone loved their long weekend in Lyon. What really made the trip was how friendly 'Les Lyonaises' are and the chilled out vibe of the city. We particluarly liked Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse regions. Do not miss the fantastic food market Les Halles De Lyon - Paul Bocuse (unless you are a vegetarian, vegan or squeamish)Visited December 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 5 January 2024
- Phileas FoggParis, France721 contributionsBreathtaking views!The heart of the city isn't to be missed. The traboules and renaissance style old streets are beautiful. It's the dream place to go for a walk, crossing the bridges and visiting the churches and museums. This UNESCO world heritage site is simply stunning.Visited February 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 February 2024
- Robert LAmherst, Massachusetts1,622 contributionsA definite mustWalking through the old Town is a fascinating place to wander. Old architecture, endless alleys ( you need to push street side doors to get through) and museums, shops, etc. Lively and very historicVisited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 May 2024
- StanBrynmawrBrynmawr, United Kingdom722 contributionsBeautiful part of LyonVieux Ville is an area of the narrow streets and old buildings, lots of shops and restaurants. Runs along the bank of the Saone river. This is a busy area and popular with tourists, so food prices tend to be a little higher. A must visit area of Lyon.Visited June 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 June 2024
- theresalwaysoneLyme Regis, United Kingdom499 contributionswonderful to wander!Lovely architecture especially on the hills - steep slopes and amazing passages through beautiful old buildings. Loved the subtle colours of the streets and buildings in old Lyon- well worth having a tour of the area. Stunning paintings on walls too.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 19 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
6,823 reviews
Excellent
4,484
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225
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22
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17
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the_3_adventurers
Raleigh, NC407 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 2 January 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, Denmark6,223 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 9 January 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, Switzerland323 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 7 June 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.
TorInd
Toronto200 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Pretty cobblestone streets, most restaurants there are overpriced for what they serve, it’s like they are taking advantage, feels very scammy. A bakery whose name I forget had a big line, thinking it must be good we got a open face sandwich, costs 6.50 euros, it was just a very thick slice of bread with very thin spread of cream cheese, thinner bit of smoked salmon and two slices of tomato, all you could taste was the bread. Good to go and see but eat elsewhere.
Written 22 September 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 Zealand41 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 22 June 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, China145 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 12 March 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, UK4,486 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 4 July 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, Canada4,920 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 1 November 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, UK938 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 21 July 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.
Nordman1
Alencon, France1,206 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
This lively old district which begins at the cathedral is filled with traboules (covered passages which cross the buildings of old Lyon, allowing you to go from one street to another much more quickly). He is full of charm.
The longest traboule goes from 54 rue Saint Jean to 27 rue du Bœuf. It crosses five courtyards and four buildings. A sign will ask you to avoid making noise, to preserve the tranquility of the residents whose interior courtyards you will cross.
The (pink) House of Lawyers, the cobbled streets, the squares and old buildings are very charming.
Rue Saint Jean is the main street. Here, we no longer count the Bouchons (popular restaurants typically from Lyon) as there are so many of them, with dishes like Tablier de sapeur (double tripe gras), Cervelle de canut (white cheese with fine herbs), Tarte aux pralines. . .
Chocolatiers and pastry chefs are also well represented.
Please note, however, that on the other bank of the river, rue des Marronniers (near Place Bellecour) colloquially called rue des restaurants, you will find the same cuisine and above all that for the same price you will have one more dish on the menu.
The longest traboule goes from 54 rue Saint Jean to 27 rue du Bœuf. It crosses five courtyards and four buildings. A sign will ask you to avoid making noise, to preserve the tranquility of the residents whose interior courtyards you will cross.
The (pink) House of Lawyers, the cobbled streets, the squares and old buildings are very charming.
Rue Saint Jean is the main street. Here, we no longer count the Bouchons (popular restaurants typically from Lyon) as there are so many of them, with dishes like Tablier de sapeur (double tripe gras), Cervelle de canut (white cheese with fine herbs), Tarte aux pralines. . .
Chocolatiers and pastry chefs are also well represented.
Please note, however, that on the other bank of the river, rue des Marronniers (near Place Bellecour) colloquially called rue des restaurants, you will find the same cuisine and above all that for the same price you will have one more dish on the menu.
Written 22 April 2024
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.
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!!
Written 11 June 2023
Sorry, I didn't see your message until now. Plus I cannot help you as I did not use a taxi service.
Written 12 July 2023
You all have provided so much information. How easy isotope to speak English I in Lyon And Avignon?
Written 21 August 2019
In Lyon,
There is no problem using Englsh in Lyon. It is a big cosmopolitan city.
Written 23 August 2019
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!
Written 16 July 2019
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.
Written 23 July 2019
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!
Written 14 July 2018
vox214
River Forest, Illinois
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
Written 29 January 2018
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.
Written 18 February 2018
I've just got 4 hours in Lyon how far is Vieux Lyon from Lyon Part Dieu?
Written 5 March 2017
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.
Written 28 April 2017
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 !
Written 31 January 2017
Belle Cour square has a tourist information office and I think it's the main stop.
Written 18 February 2018
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?
Written 21 September 2016
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.
Written 24 September 2016
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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