Viking River Cruise: Lyon France

OK, today is the last day of our Viking River Cruise (click here to view our Trip Overview Page) and today is the more interesting Lyon city tour. There is another tour departing for Cluny, France - but that one required a two hour bus ride in each direction. So we make the easy decision that we'd rather see the city in more detail.

Lyon is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary excellence. Known as the gastronomic capital of France, it boasts a vibrant food scene, including its famous bouchons and the bustling Les Halles de Lyon market. The city’s heritage shines through its UNESCO-listed Old Town (Vieux Lyon), featuring cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and secret passageways called traboules.

Lyon's highlights include La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, offering breathtaking city views, and the Presqu'île district, known for its lively squares and shopping. Roman ruins, such as the amphitheater of Fourvière, add a historical charm, while the city thrives as a hub of innovation and industry.

The Viking Lyon City tour first stop is at La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière which is another amazing example of a Gothic Church. Built with private funds in 1872 to 1884, on the site of what was once the Roman forum of Trajan.

Depending upon your plans, the Lyon Day Pass is worth a look; Tours, Transportation, Cultural Activities – 1,2, 3 or 4 days. Click the image to go to their website.

• Lyon is part of the UNESCO's World Heritage.
• Lyon has the restaurant which is among the best restaurants over the longest period of time.
• Lyon was the birthplace of cinema.
• The "Petit Prince" book by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry is the 4th most translated book in the World. Beautiful illustrations were also drawn by Saint-Exupéry himself.
• Lyon has 400 secret passageways.
• In Roman times, Lyon – at least Fourvière, the ancient part – was called Lugdunum and everything that came from Rome heading towards the northern colonies transited through here, making the city a crucial crossroads. The fact that two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, meet here helped make it strategic.
• The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, high on the hill above the Roman ruins, was built on top of the Roman forum of Trajan.
• Nostradamus predicted several events in Lyon − correctly.
• The hot air balloon was invented in Lyon.
• Lyon boasts the first female chef to get three Michelin stars.

La Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an iconic basilica located on the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, France. Its commanding position offers panoramic views of the city below, making it one of Lyon’s most notable landmarks. The basilica was built between 1872 and 1884, designed in a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, and dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who is considered the protector of Lyon.

The exterior of the basilica is adorned with intricate carvings, golden statues, and colorful mosaics, giving it a grand and opulent appearance. The basilica’s central feature is the impressive dome, topped with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which can be seen from various points around Lyon.

Inside, the basilica is equally breathtaking, with a wealth of detailed stained glass windows, murals, and mosaics that depict scenes from the life of Christ and the Virgin Mary. The church's interior is richly decorated, with vivid colors and symbolic motifs that reflect its sacred purpose. The crypt below the main sanctuary is another key feature, housing statues and a place of prayer.

View of Lyon from the Basilica

View of Lyon from the Basilica

These photos were taken just outside the magnificent Lyon Basilica, also known as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Perched atop the Fourvière Hill, the basilica commands an unrivaled vantage point over the city of Lyon. Its elevated location makes it not just a religious and architectural marvel, but also a premier spot for breathtaking panoramic views of the city below.

While these particular images don’t showcase it, the rear of the basilica is adjacent to a wall that offers sweeping views of Lyon sprawled out below. From this vantage point, you can see the Rhône and Saône rivers winding through the city, the bustling streets, and the blend of historic and modern architecture that makes Lyon so captivating. The contrast between the hill’s tranquil, elevated setting and the dynamic cityscape below is truly remarkable.

At approximately 928 feet above sea level, the basilica sits dramatically higher than most of Lyon, which rests at an elevation of around 550 feet. This elevation difference underscores the prominence of the ridge and its strategic placement. Visiting this site not only offers a moment of serenity and awe but also a literal and figurative perspective on the beauty and history of Lyon.

View of Basilica from Lyon

Basilica Front Entrance

Image two was taken in front of the Lyon basilica, as we had to queue up there waiting to be allowed inside. They limit the number of people inside to avoid any type of damage to the interior.

Image # 1 is a view of the Cathedral from the city of Lyon below. On a clear day, the Cathedral can be seen for miles due to it's elevation.

Because the basilica sits high up on a ridge, it is one of the most visible landmarks in the city, and one of the symbols of the city of Lyon. It gives Lyon its status as a “Marian city”. About two million tourists are welcomed each year in the basilica. The basilica complex includes not only the building, the Saint-Thomas chapel and the statue, but also the panoramic esplanade, the Rosary garden and the Archbishopric of Lyon.

The Lyon Fresco

The Lyon Fresco

At first glance, this building might appear to be bustling with life—people strolling past or leaning on balconies, seemingly caught in everyday activities. However, a closer look reveals an extraordinary optical illusion: the entire facade is one massive fresco! Crafted using the trompe-l’oeil technique, meaning “trick of the eye” in French, this artwork transforms an ordinary building into an intricate celebration of Lyon’s rich history and culture.

The fresco, known as the Mur des Lyonnais, honors over 30 notable figures from Lyon who have left an indelible mark over the city's 2,000-year history. From the Roman Emperor Claudius, who was born in Lyon and contributed to its early prominence, to culinary legend Paul Bocuse, a pioneer of modern French gastronomy, the mural is a testament to Lyon’s influential past and present.

This masterpiece of public art brings together historical, cultural, and artistic elements, captivating locals and visitors alike. It serves as a vivid reminder of Lyon’s dynamic heritage while showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of its artists. The mural is more than just a visual illusion—it’s a celebration of the people and stories that have shaped Lyon into the vibrant city it is today.

Lyon Nouvel Opera House

Lyon Nouvel Opera House

The Opéra Nouvel (Nouvel Opera House) in Lyon, France, serves as the prestigious home of the Opéra National de Lyon. The building seamlessly blends the historic and the contemporary, showcasing the architectural brilliance of the renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who reimagined the original structure between 1985 and 1993. Collaborating with the scenography agency dUCKS scéno and acoustician Peutz, Nouvel preserved the 19th-century façade while adding a striking modern glass and steel dome, which has become an iconic feature of Lyon's skyline.

The opera house boasts exceptional acoustics and cutting-edge stage technology, making it a premier venue for operatic and ballet performances. Its elegant, minimalist interiors contrast beautifully with its historic exterior, reflecting a dialogue between tradition and innovation.

Under the leadership of Serge Dorny, appointed as general director in 2003, the Opéra Nouvel has earned a reputation for bold and innovative productions, solidifying its place as a cultural landmark in France.

 Compact and Accessible

• Size: Vieux Lyon is relatively small, making it easy to explore on foot within a few hours.
• Layout: The area is primarily pedestrian-only, with limited vehicle traffic, which enhances the walking experience.

 Cultural and Historical Richness

• Architecture: The area is filled with well-preserved buildings from the 15th to 17th centuries, including colorful facades, ornate details, and courtyards.
• Landmarks: Major sites like Saint Jean Cathedral, Musée Gadagne, and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière are within walking distance of each other.

 Cobblestone Streets

• Surfaces: The streets are mainly cobblestone, which adds to the charm but can be uneven, so wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended.
• Stairs: Some areas, especially those leading up to the Fourvière hill, have steep stairs, which can be challenging but offer rewarding views.

 Traboules (Hidden Passageways)

• Unique Experience: These secret pathways connect streets through buildings and courtyards, offering a unique way to explore the area. Some are open to the public, allowing for a more immersive experience.
• Navigation: While fascinating, the traboules can be a bit confusing to navigate for first-time visitors, adding an element of adventure to your walk.

 Shops and Cafés

• Local Businesses: The area is filled with boutiques, cafés, and traditional restaurants known as bouchons, where you can take breaks and enjoy local cuisine.
• Atmosphere: The lively atmosphere, especially in the evenings, makes it a pleasant area for leisurely strolls.

The area can get crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons, which might slow down your walk but also adds to the vibrant atmosphere. Access to the area via the Lyon Metro would be via Cordeliers station, approximately a 5 min walk away.

Place des Terreaux

Place des Terreaux

The Place des Terreaux is a square located in the center of Lyon on the Presqu'île between the Rhône and the Saône rivers, at the foot of the hill of La Croix-Rousse in the 1st arrondissement. The square belongs to the zone classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This area is surrounded by shops, restaurants, narrow streets, statues and sometimes excellent views of the church up on the hill.

The building in the center of the first image, is the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon the city hall of the City of Lyon and one of the largest historic buildings in the city, located between the Place des Terreaux and the Place de la Comédie, in front of the Opera Nouvel. Since 12 July 1886, the building has been classified as a Monument historique.

The statue shown in image # 2, is the "Fontaine Bartholdi" a fountain sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. The sculptor is also the artist who designed the Statue of Liberty, which made him famous in France. There is also a Bartholdi Fountain in Washington D.C.

Celeste and I decided to have our last meal ashore, rather than sit through another "formal" meal onboard the Viking Heimdal. This was not a comment on the ship's food (it was good), but more of a "we are not truly hungry, and we wanted to have something local" before we leave Lyon. We found a small restaurant in the La Confluence Mall, and we had gallettes - if you have never had one, do a Google Search, because they are fantastic!

Although I came back to the ship to let my back and leg nerves get a break, Celeste went on a walk and discovered some interesting architecture. Images 1 and 4 are of the "Orange Cube" building on the Saône River near the La Confluence Mall. This six-story building is separated into a double-height showroom on the ground floor and offices on the upper levels, with a roof terrace surrounding offices on the sixth floor.

Image 2 is of the La Confluence Mall, and as you can see, it is very distinctive architecture. When the Viking Heimdal moved to the Saône River, we were docked immediately next to this mall. Image 3 is another cube building, similar to the Orange building.

There is a wide range of shops, from international brands to local boutiques, as well as a diverse culinary scene offering everything from casual bites to fine dining.

NOTE: Click here to view a Google Images set of pictures for this area of Lyon.

• Just Traveling Thru European Travel Tips
• Just Traveling Thru Travel Planning Tips
• Lyon History on the 'Britannica' site
• Things to see & do in Lyon on the 'Crazy Tourist' site
• Things to see & do in Lyon on the 'Travel US News' site
• Things to see & do in Lyon on the 'Culture Trip' site
• Google Search Results list for "Lyon Restaurants"
• Google Search Results list for "Lyon Accommodations"
• Amazon Search Results list for "Lyon France"
• Visit our Youtube Channel
• Old Town Walking Tour of Lyon from the "Get Your Guide" site
• The creation of some portions of this page's narrative text were assisted by OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT [Large language model].

• Wikipedia Article for Lyon
• Google Images set for Lyon
• Google Reviews for Lyon, France