Free self-guided walk · Lyon

Vieux Lyon, its traboules and Fourvière

A free self-guided walk from Place Bellecour across the Saône into Vieux Lyon, through its traboules, then up to the Fourvière basilica and the Roman theatres.

Distance
2.3 km
Walking time
30 min
Allow
About 2 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsLyon city guide

About this walk

Lyon's Renaissance old town lies along the Saône below Fourvière hill. This walk crosses from the vast Place Bellecour, explores the old streets and their covered passages, then climbs to the basilica.

The funicular from Vieux Lyon is an easy alternative to the climb.

  • Terrain: Flat in Vieux Lyon on cobbles, then a steep climb with steps up to Fourvière.
  • Best time: Morning in Vieux Lyon, when the traboules are open; the view from Fourvière is best in late afternoon.

Route map

123456
Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Place Bellecour

    Start in the huge square with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

  2. Cathédrale Saint-Jean

    Cross the river to the Gothic cathedral with its astronomical clock.

  3. Rue Saint-Jean

    The main street of the old town, lined with Renaissance houses.

  4. Long Traboule

    A covered passage through courtyards from rue Saint-Jean to rue du Bœuf. Keep quiet: people live here.

  5. Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

    Climb to the white basilica above the city, with a viewing terrace.

  6. Roman theatres of Fourvière

    Finish at the Roman theatres below the basilica.

Tips

  • The funicular from Vieux Lyon station saves the climb.
  • Traboules are open to visitors during the day only.
  • Bouchons, Lyon's traditional restaurants, fill fast; book dinner.

Prefer a guide?

Advertising disclosure: these link to Viator. If you book, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See all walking tours in Lyon.

Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.