France is a country full of surprises, incredible natural landscapes and cities that will conquer anyone. Lyon is the third most populated city in France, so it is also one of its tourist spots that offers us a lot to see. His historic center is a World Heritage Site and one of the reasons why we should visit this city.
We are going to see the main points of interest that we should visit if we go to the city of Lyon in France. We must always keep the itinerary well thought out so as not to miss anything interesting. In this city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alps region we will find pleasant surprises.
Notre Dame Fourvière Basilica
This basilica was built in the XNUMXth century at the top of the Fourvière district It offers great views of the city of Lyon. It has a design that is unusual and is inspired by Romanesque and Byzantine styles. It can be framed in the Neo-Byzantine style. Not only its exterior attracts the attention of visitors, but also its interior, as it is richly decorated with golden mosaics, as in the Byzantine tradition. It has a Museum of Sacred Art and at the top of the tower there is a great viewpoint to have the best views of the city. Very close to this basilica are the Jardines del Rosario.
Roman theaters and baths
On the hill on which the basilica sits, Lyon was founded as early as Roman times. That is why today we can still find remains of those ancient Roman cities. In the Roman Theaters of Lyon we can see a Gallo-Roman archaeological complex with the Odeon and the Roman Theater. These ancient places are free to visit. You should also stop by the Lugdunum-Musée, a museum where you can see the ancient history of the city since the Romans and learn a little more about this place.
Lyon Cathedral
In Lyon there are several important religious buildings and one of them is its cathedral. It has the mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. This cathedral has witnessed the visit of such important figures as Napoleon or Richelieu. It is located at the foot of the Fourvière district, so it is close to the basilica and on the banks of the Saone. Its construction already began in the XNUMXth century. It has a beautiful facade and inside you can see the astronomical clock, as well as the archaeological garden.
Place Bellecour
This is one of the largest squares in Europe and one of the most central places in the city. In this square we can find a statue to Louis XIV known as the Sun King. We also find the old house of the writer of 'The Little Prince'. Two shopping streets of interest for those who enjoy shopping, Republique and Victor Hugo, lead to this square. During the Christmas season they place a large Ferris wheel in the square, which is the most interesting attraction in the area.
Place des Terreaux
This is another of the most interesting squares in the city. In it we can find the Hotel de Ville, which is the town hall. The Museum of Fine Arts is also located here. In the center of the square we can see the Bartholdi Fountain, the work of the creator of the famous Statue of Liberty.
Lyon Opera
The Lyon Opera has a very peculiar building with a neoclassical style that is mixed with more modern arrangements. It is one of the buildings that attract the most attention in the city. You can see it from the outside and also go to a representation inside.