Fun things to do in Lyon: 50 fun attractions and activities (2025)

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Visiting the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon during the daytime was an unforgettable experience, especially with the beautiful weather we had. The sunlight highlighted the basilica’s stunning architecture, bringing out the details in the intricate carvings and golden touches on its facade. Inside, the basilica was both peaceful and awe-inspiring, with its colorful mosaics and soaring ceilings. The panoramic view of Lyon from the top was equally breathtaking, offering a clear sight of the city spread out below. It was truly a perfect day to appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this iconic landmark.

Visiting this magnificent cathedral provides an opportunity to appreciate the exquisite beauty of architecture, transcending its purely religious significance.It is highly recommended to maintain a sense of decorum, refraining from raising your voice, and respecting the solemn atmosphere during Masses when exploring the cathedral.Upon concluding your visit, you can savor a splendid panoramic view of the city from the nearby lookout point and indulge in a delightful coffee and snack at the outdoor café in close proximity.

Absolutely beautiful! This is a beautiful Basilica, unlike anything else I had ever seen before. The train that takes you up the hill to the Basilica could not be easier to take. I would highly recommend going here if you are in Lyon. We also went to paris on our trip, but unfortunately, Notre Dame was still under construction, so this was nice to see in its place. Plus, touring the historic cathedrals and Basilicas in France are free!

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon is absolutely breathtaking! The architecture is stunning, with intricate details both inside and out that capture the beauty of French craftsmanship. The views from the basilica are incredible, offering a panoramic sight of Lyon that’s truly unforgettable. The atmosphere inside is peaceful and inspiring, and it’s a perfect place for reflection. Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or just want to enjoy a beautiful view of the city, this basilica is a must-visit. Highly recommended for anyone visiting Lyon!

About 15 mins after you cross the bridge into Old Town. It’s a long upward ascent to the Basilica, but the view at the top makes it all worth it. The architecture is beautiful and the Priests were also very welcoming when we went inside. Recommended to visit.

Magnificent piece of classical Architecture! The details were quite overwhelming, and the acoustics during Mass was really something else altogether! Definitely worth a visit since it's so accessible.

Beautiful cathedral and a must go place for tourists in Lyon. You can find all the krypt all the “Notre-dames” of the world. It has a very good view of the city of Lyon considering this is in a high hill. It is also possible to take the 1h tour over the church which is offered only once a day (3:00pm), the it is recommended to purchase the ticket anticipated).

Enjoy the walk up the hill for the treat at the top! This place is fantastic!The people there are also wonderful. From the greeting staff in the cathedral to the people working in the restaurant!Oh and besides the church. It’s the views!

Stepping into the church, I was immediately struck by its beauty and grandeur. The intricate architecture and ornate decorations create a sense of reverence and wonder. As I wandered through the interior, I was mesmerized by the incredible artworks adorning the walls and ceilings. Each painting and sculpture seemed to tell a story, drawing me into a world of spiritual and artistic expression. Despite not being religious myself, I found myself deeply moved by the atmosphere of the church and the profound sense of history and tradition it embodies. It's a place where people of all backgrounds can come together to appreciate the beauty of human creativity and the enduring power of faith and belief.

You will be awestruck by the beauty of this cathedral. Located high on the hill with commanding views of Lyon, it appears to glow in the morning sun. Inside you will be treated too beautiful windows and mosaics. My favorite part was the carving of all the animals. See how many you can find on your visit, I recommend taking the follicular up to the Cathedral and walking down through the shaded path.

Peaceful! Stunning! Impressive! Location! On a hill overlooking Lyon, France, my visit to this site caught my breath! This is my second time at the Basilica; it was a 6 minute walk from the Roman Ruins that I missed on my first visit in 2022.

The Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière, perched high on the hill overlooking Lyon, is both a spiritual and architectural marvel. Known for its intricate design, the basilica features elaborate mosaics, stained glass, and gold-embellished interiors that leave visitors in awe. Its dominant position offers panoramic views of the city, enhancing the grandeur of the experience.This historical monument serves as a key religious site and a cultural beacon, with its rich history deeply intertwined with the identity of Lyon. The serene atmosphere and breathtaking artistry make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to the city.

Notre-Dame de Fourvière Cathedral is a stunning structure that truly reflects the spirit of Lyon, perched high on a hill overlooking the city. The first time I stepped inside, I was captivated by the intricate carvings on the exterior and the mesmerizing stained glass windows within. The peaceful and mystical atmosphere inside makes it feel not just like a place of worship, but also like a work of art. The panoramic view of Lyon from the top of the cathedral adds a special dimension to the visit. Each step up the hill feels like a journey through both history and spirituality. This enchanting site became one of the most unforgettable stops during my time in Lyon.

I love visiting the old churches in Europe. The history you will find as soon as you walk through the entrance doors. It’s like walking back into the past. I find it very interesting how much artwork and artifacts are throughout the Basilica. I always recommend taking in the sites by sitting down in a pew and getting memorized into the surroundings architecture. I always use the panorama feature in my iPhone to take pictures. Trying to squeeze in history into one screen shot. Bring goosebumps every time!!

There is a funicular which goes up to the basilica so it's easy to get up to it if you don't want to climb up. It's beautiful inside and outside. I didn't go up the towers, but entering the main part of the basilica is free and worth visiting. The views from there are also great, you can see all of Lyon from here.

Beautiful cathedral; inside and out with expansive and breathtaking views of Lyon and beyond. We chose to ride the funicular up and walked our way back to Old Lyon. The cathedral and views are not to be missed.

Beautiful sculptures and structures. Very high ceiling. The outside of the church overlooking two rivers - Saone and Rhone. There's religious services taken place while we were there for visit. There's a lot of parking areas around the church.

Beautiful. Meaningful. Hill-top views. Grand.This basilica has a fascinating origin story and intricate architecture design.You may take the funicular straight to it or walk. At the top, there is a cafes and gift shops. No tickets are needed and I experienced no wait lines.

A stunning church on the hill overlooking Lyon. The interior is decorated with huge mosaics and painting to magical effect.Under the church the crypt is effectively another, almost as elaborately decorated church and there is another chapel next door. Overall it is a beautiful complex of religious spaces.

I usually don't review attractions or things to do, however, this was really magnificent. I think this is the second most beautiful church/basilica in the world, just after St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. The details and architecture, the location, it was all so incredible. The basilica itself was massive, and I was surprised when I saw the crypt. It's definitely a must see if you are in Lyon. There is a funicular that takes you up and down Fourvière hill. And I would highly recommend people coming to Europe to visit Lyon for this church! Truly amazing.

Beautiful basilica on top of a hill. Outside are majestic lyons in front of the entrance of the basilica. Really nicely decorated inside too. Also take a moment to appreciate the outstanding view upon the city of Lyon next to the basilica!

Beautiful building in an amazing location on top of a hill so you can see the whole city of Lyon. The elaborate designs inside are stunning and it was cool that there were multiple parts of the church that you could explore for free

Wonderful, iconic architecture. It's amazing to marvel at how this Basilica was built. More importantly, it's an inviting structure, so go and visit. Spend time and enjoy the peace. Free to the public. Limited parking, best to walk, although it sits upon the highest area around Lyon, so maybe take a taxi or rideshare if the climb is too taxing.

I've literally been in hundreds of churches and cathedrals all over the world, and this is by far the most beautiful. This time we went at night for a different experience and different lighting and it was so peaceful and ethereal and nearly empty compared to how crowded it is during the day.

8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France•https://www.fourviere.org/•+33 4 78 25 13 01•Tips and more reviews for Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière