Historvius (mapping history)

Historic sites in Lyon

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A city swimming in culture and beauty, there are many historic sites in Lyon that visitors can explore today. Our Lyon guide maps some of the best of them and will help you discover these historic places.

Lyon is one of the biggest cities in France and has a history stretching back over 2,000 years. Once a Roman city, known as Lugdunum, it ranked among the most important places in Roman Gaul and thrived as a Roman settlement. Lyon is also an important Christian center and was one of the first cities in France to see Christianity introduced. In more recent times, Lyon saw harder times through the French Revolution, when much of the city was devastated and it was an important center for the French Resistance during WWII.

Visitors to Lyon today can explore a number of fascinating historical sites, ranging from ancient places dating back to Roman Lugdunum through to the medieval and more modern attractions. Once you’ve explored the historic sites in Lyon, you can use our itinerary planner to plan out your trip, print off a free pocket guidebook and take your very own Lyon history tour.

Our database of Lyon's historic sites is growing all the time, but we may not cover them all. Remember, if you know of other historical sites in Lyon, you can always add them to Historvius now by visiting our upload page.

Historical sites in Lyon : Site Index

  • Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls
    Believed to have been built around 19AD, the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls was the amphitheatre of the Roman city of Lugdunum. Today, much of the site is covered by roads but a section can still be explored.
    Photo by austinevan (cc)

  • Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere
    A flamboyant 19th century church, Basilique Notre-Dame de Fouviere is based on Byxantine architecture and is one of the most picturesque historic sites in Lyon.
    Photo by Rob Alter (cc)

  • Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon
    Still used for performances today, the Grand Roman Theatre of Lyon dates back to the late 1st century BC. It was partially restored in the early 20th century and is one of the most impressive of the historical sites of Lyon.
    Photo by Jeff Marquis (cc)

  • Lyon Cathedral Lyon Cathedral
    A mostly Gothic structure, Lyon Cathedral took over 300 years to build, beginning in the 12th century. It is one of the most famous and popular tourist attractions in Lyon.
    Photo by genevieveromier (cc)

  • Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum
    Housing an extensive collection of archaeological finds from the city’s past, the Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum examines Lyon’s Roman heritage.
    Photo by jimg944 (cc)

  • Lyon Roman Baths Lyon Roman Baths
    One of the more hidden of the historical places in Lyon, the Lyon Roman Baths contain the remains of a 2nd century Roman baths complex.

  • Odeon of Lyon Odeon of Lyon
    An impressive site located next to the Grand Theatre, the Odeon of Lyon is a well-restored ancient theatre, famous for its distinctive flooring.

  • Roman Pyramid of Vienne Roman Pyramid of Vienne
    Modelled after similar structures in Rome, the Pyramid of Vienne would once have been the centrepiece of Vienne’s ancient Circus. It is now all that remains of this former chariot run.

  • Temple of Augustus and Livia Temple of Augustus and Livia
    An extremely well preserved Roman temple, and a must-see for any fans of Roman history, the Temple of Augustus and Livia was built around 20BC and survived as it was later used as a church.
    Photo by maarjaara (cc)

  • The Gier Aqueduct The Gier Aqueduct
    A very impressive site, the Gier Aqueduct can be seen just south of Lyon, on the roadside just outside Chaponost.

  • The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs The Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs
    Made up of three 1st century burial chambers, the Lyon Gallo-Roman Tombs are certainly worth a look when exploring the historic sites of Lyon.

  • Vienne Cathedral Vienne Cathedral
    Vienne is about 20 miles from Lyon but is certainly worth a trip for those looking for historical sites. Vienne Cathedral is particularly impressive.
    Photo by tm-tm (cc)

  • Vienne Roman Theatre Vienne Roman Theatre
    Thought to have been one of the largest ancient theatres in Gaul, Vienne Roman Theatre is a huge 1st century construction that is very well preserved today.
    Photo by TyB (cc)

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