Must-See Sites and Monuments in Lyon
Near Hôtel des Célestins
Must-See Sites and Monuments in Lyon City Centre and the Presqu’île, Easily Accessible from Hôtel des Célestins
Perfectly located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district, Hôtel des Célestins puts you within walking distance of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Just minutes away, immerse yourself in the history and culture of Lyon with these essential sights.
Théâtre des Célestins (1 min walk)
A gem of Lyon’s heritage
A stone’s throw from the hotel, the Théâtre des Célestins is a masterpiece of Italian-style architecture.
It stands on the site of a former Celestine monastery, and was inaugurated in 1792, then rebuilt in 1881 following a fire. Today, it offers a rich programme of both classic and contemporary theatre.
Top tip: Join one of the regular guided tours to discover its backstage secrets.
Place Bellecour (5 min walk)
The beating heart of Lyon
Spanning 62,000 m², Place Bellecour is one of Europe’s largest pedestrian squares and a lively central hub. Surrounded by cafés, shops and restaurants, it hosts events, markets and festivals all year round.
At its centre stands the iconic equestrian statue of Louis XIV, sculpted in 1825 by François-Frédéric Lemot, replacing an earlier version destroyed during the French Revolution.
The square also offers a striking view of Fourvière hill — a perfect starting point to explore the Presqu’île and Vieux Lyon.
Don’t miss: The statue of Petit Prince et d’Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, a tribute to the famous Lyon-born writer.
Vieux Lyon & Saint-Jean Cathedral (10 min walk)
A UNESCO World Heritage site
The Vieux Lyon, a beautifully preserved medieval and Renaissance district, charms visitors with its cobbled streets, colourful façades and secret Traboules (hidden passageways between courtyards). The Saint-Jean Cathedral, built between the 12th and 15th centuries, features a remarkable 14th-century astronomical clock, which still chimes several times a day.
Must-sees: :
- The Traboules, covered passageways running through one or more buildings, allowing you to walk from one street to another while offering a unique glimpse into Lyon’s architecture and history. Visit Longue Traboule between 54 rue Saint-Jean and 27 rue du Bœuf, or the one connecting 27 rue Saint-Jean to 6 rue des Trois-Maries.
- The Tour Rose - Pink Tower, 16 rue du Bœuf.
- Maison Thomassin (15th century), one of the oldest buildings in Lyon.
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (20 min walk or via funicular F2)
Lyon’s most iconic symbol
Perched atop Fourvière hill, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built in the late 19th century in thanks to the Virgin Mary, Lyon’s protector, for sparing the city during the Franco-Prussian War.
Its eclectic architecture blends Byzantine, Romanesque and Gothic styles, while its interior is richly decorated with golden mosaics depicting scenes from Christian history.
From the esplanade, you can enjoy an exceptional panoramic view across the city — and on a clear day, even as far as Mont Blanc.
Top tip: The hotel recommends "off the beatean track" tour of the Basilica, taking you to the top of the towers for an even more breathtaking view. Booking required on the Basilica’s website.
