The Presqu’île district is situated between the rivers Saône and Rhône. It’s the main shopping district of Lyon and has some wonderful streets, squares, fountains and monuments as well as museums, [see my separate section on museums].There is also a great open market along the eastern bank of the Saône, [see my eating and drinking section].
Place Bellecour is enormous and has a statue of Louis XIV astride a horse in its centre. Place des Jacobins originates from the 16th Century and has an attractive 19th century fountain in its centre. Place des Terreaux is flanked by the stunning Hôtel de Ville [Town Hall] and Musée des Beaux-Arts [Fine art Museum]. You will also find the 19th Century Grande Synagogue on the east bank of the Saône, which is best viewed from the western side.
St Nizier Church
This Catholic Church took ages to build, it was started in in the 14th century and only completed in the 19th century and not surprisingly incorporates a range of architectural styles.
Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon
Originally set up as a hospital in the 15th Century. This complex has now been completely renovated and now houses a high end shopping mall, hotel, with exhibits a dining centre and also the Museum of Illusion.
There is an excellent one hour cruise up and down the Saône which I can recommend. It takes you up to Croix-Rousse district and down to the confluence in the south [where there are some weird and wonderful modern buildings]. It’s a great way to see parts of the city that you would not have time to get to on foot. You also get a good view of some of the original walls and fortifications of the city.
It’s free if you have Lyon City card. It embarks next to the Passerelle du Palais de Justice footbridge by the open market.
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