Basilique Notre dame de Fourvière à Lyon

Visit Fourvière in Lyon: what to do and see

Nicknamed the “hill that prays”, Fourvière is one of the most iconic districts of Lyon. Overlooking the city from its 300-meter height, it is at once a spiritual, historical, and cultural landmark. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the hill of Fourvière attracts millions of visitors each year, who come to admire its basilica, Roman theaters, and unique panoramas.

But then, what to do and see in Fourvière? Here is a complete guide to visiting Fourvière, this must-see district of the capital of Gaul.

If you want to discover Fourvière differently, try our Treasure Hunt: Fourvière, in the footsteps of the ancient capital of Gaul, a clever mix between escape game and guided tour.

1. The must-see of Fourvière: the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon

It’s impossible to mention Fourvière without talking about its basilica, a true symbol of Lyon. Built between 1872 and 1884 in neo-Byzantine style, it impresses with its majestic silhouette and four white towers.

  • Outside: its imposing architecture and statues visible from afar make it a landmark.

  • Inside: the golden mosaics, stained glass, and colorful marble offer a dazzling spectacle.

  • The esplanade: from the forecourt, the view over the entire city is breathtaking, stretching as far as the Alps on a clear day.

👉 Practical tip: entry to the basilica is free. You can also climb the tower to enjoy a 360° panorama.

2. Explore the Roman Theaters

Roman Theater of Lyon
Roman Theater of Lyon

Fourvière is also a major site of Gallo-Roman history. The ancient theaters of Lyon, built from the 1st century BC, remind us that Lugdunum (the former name of Lyon) was the capital of Gaul.

  • The Grand Theater: the oldest in France, accommodating up to 10,000 spectators.

  • The Odeon: smaller, it was used for musical and poetic performances.

  • The Lugdunum Museum (formerly the Gallo-Roman Museum): located nearby, it houses mosaics, statues, and ancient objects that reveal the city’s history.

👉 Practical tip: every summer, the Nuits de Fourvière festival brings the theaters to life with concerts, plays, and contemporary performances. A magical experience!

3. Enjoy the view from the Rosary Gardens

Below the basilica, the Rosary Gardens are a haven of peace. They offer a pedestrian path linking Fourvière to Vieux Lyon, with lovely terraces and viewpoints along the way.

  • Shady walk, ideal in summer.

  • Unbeatable view of the rooftops of Vieux Lyon and the Saône.

  • A variety of plants, dotted with religious statues.

👉 Tip: take the time to walk down to Vieux Lyon along this bucolic path, rather than taking the funicular straight back down.

4. Discover the Saint-Thomas Chapels

Saint-Thomas Chapel Fourvière Lyon
Saint-Thomas Chapel Fourvière Lyon

Near the Basilica of Fourvière, two smaller, more discreet chapels full of spirituality deserve visitors’ attention.

  • Saint-Thomas Chapel:
    Built in the 19th century, it honors Saint Thomas Aquinas. Its simplicity contrasts with the basilica’s monumentality. Inside, its sober and contemplative atmosphere invites silence and meditation.
    👉 Tip: a perfect place to pause away from the basilica crowds, especially at the end of the day.

  • Saint-Thomas de Fourvière Chapel:
    Built on the heights, this older chapel was a prayer site even before the basilica was built. It is tied to the hill’s religious tradition and shows Fourvière’s importance as a pilgrimage site long before the 19th century.
    👉 Cultural insight: it illustrates the continuity of faith in Lyon from the first Christian communities until today.

These two chapels, often overlooked by hurried visitors, offer a more intimate and authentic experience of Fourvière. They remind us that this site is not just a tourist attraction but above all a spiritual landmark of the city.

5. The Loyasse Cemetery

Loyasse Cemetery
Loyasse Cemetery

Located on Fourvière Hill, the Loyasse Cemetery is one of Lyon’s oldest and most prestigious cemeteries, often compared to Père-Lachaise in Paris. Founded in 1807, it covers several hectares and offers a peaceful yet solemn atmosphere steeped in history.

  • Monumental tombs: real masterpieces of funerary architecture, with mausoleums, family chapels, and remarkable sculptures.

  • Lyon personalities: many famous figures of the city rest here, including:

    • Nizier Anthelme Philippe, mystical healer of the 19th century.

    • Édouard Herriot, mayor of Lyon for over 50 years.

    • Industrial and silk families who marked the city’s economic history.

  • Unusual atmosphere: walking through its shaded alleys reveals a unique mix of history, art, and spirituality.

👉 Visiting tip: the cemetery is elevated and offers beautiful views of the Saône and the Presqu’île. If you like unusual walks, this is the ideal place to explore heritage differently.

👉 Practical tip: wear good shoes, as the site is vast and the cobblestones can be uneven.

6. Take the Fourvière Funicular

Lyon Funicular
Lyon Funicular

The easiest way to reach the hill is by using the Lyon funicular, also called the “ficelle.”

  • Departure from Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean station (metro line D).

  • Two lines go up to Fourvière: one to the basilica, the other to the Saint-Just district.

👉 Tip: take the funicular up and walk down through the Rosary Gardens for two different experiences.

7. Fourvière Museum (Basilica Treasury)

The Fourvière Museum houses religious and artistic treasures linked to the basilica: goldsmithery, liturgical objects, and ex-votos.
👉 Recommended if you are a fan of sacred art.

8. The Roman Aqueduct of Gier

Aqueduct of Gier in Lyon
Aqueduct of Gier in Lyon

Less known than the ancient theaters, the Gier aqueduct is one of the major Roman remains connected to Fourvière.

  • Built in the 1st century, it carried water from the Monts du Lyonnais to Lugdunum.

  • Several arches and sections are still visible around Lyon, notably near Chaponost and Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.

  • This aqueduct illustrates the Romans’ impressive engineering and their role in the prosperity of the capital of Gaul.

👉 Practical tip: combine a visit to Fourvière with a walk in the surrounding area to discover some still-standing arches.

9. Hôtel Fourvière

Convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie de Fourvière
Convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie de Fourvière

Located in the former convent of the Visitation Sainte-Marie, the Hôtel Fourvière is a unique address.

  • Its architecture combines religious heritage and modernity.

  • The hotel features a cloister, frescoes depicting Lyon’s history, and a wellness area.

  • Even if you don’t stay there, its restaurant “Les Téléphones” offers refined cuisine in an exceptional setting.

👉 Tip: an excellent accommodation option if you want to stay on the hill, in a peaceful, historic setting.

10. Saint-Just Church of Lyon

Saint-Just Church of Lyon
Saint-Just Church of Lyon

Going down toward the Saint-Just district, you’ll find the Saint-Just Church, less famous than the basilica but just as interesting.

  • Built in the 16th century, then rebuilt in the 19th, it retains a mix of styles.

  • The church is tied to the hill’s very old religious history, as the Saint-Just district already had a Paleo-Christian basilica in the 4th century.

👉 Historical tip: also visit the remains of the original Saint-Just basilica, still visible in the district.

11. The Ancient Baths of Lyon

Ancient Baths of Lyon
Ancient Baths of Lyon

Near the Saint-Just district are also the ancient baths, remains of a large Roman thermal complex.

  • These public baths were part of the daily life of Lugdunum’s inhabitants.

  • You can still see hypocaust structures (underfloor heating) and different rooms.

👉 Practical tip: combine this visit with the Roman theaters to complete your discovery of ancient Lyon.

12. Montée du Télégraphe

For lovers of picturesque walks, the Montée du Télégraphe is one of the most charming access routes to Fourvière Hill.

  • This cobbled climb winds between old houses and stone walls.

  • Its name comes from Chappe’s old telegraph that once stood on the hill.

  • A less frequented but very photogenic alternative to reach the basilica.

👉 Hiking tip: combine it with the descent through the Rosary Gardens for a complete and varied loop.

Bonus: Visit Fourvière at Night

If you have the chance, return to Fourvière in the evening.

  • The illuminated basilica is even more impressive.

  • The night view of Lyon, with its lit bridges and monuments, is unforgettable.

Practical Tips for Visiting Fourvière

  • Ideal duration: allow half a day to explore the basilica, theaters, and enjoy the views.

  • Access: funicular from Vieux Lyon (metro line D). You can also walk up if you’re sporty.

  • Shoes: Fourvière is a hill, so bring good walking shoes.

  • Best time: in the morning for tranquility and clear views, or in the evening for the lights.

Conclusion for Visiting Fourvière

The district of Fourvière is a must-see during any stay in Lyon. Between the majestic basilica, the Roman remains, the unique panoramas, and the peaceful gardens, this hill offers a blend of history, spirituality, and culture.

If you want to discover Fourvière differently, try our Treasure Hunt: Fourvière, in the footsteps of the ancient capital of Gaul, an original experience combining the immersion of an escape game with the richness of a guided tour.

👉 If you were to visit just one site in Lyon to understand its soul, it would undoubtedly be Fourvière, the hill that prays.

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