Vieux Lyon Walk (Self Guided), Lyon

Take a delightful journey through times past with a stroll through the lanes and streets of Vieux Lyon. This is the largest Renaissance district of Lyon and is reputed to be the largest Renaissance townscape in Europe.

The area in its current form actually dates back to the 16th century and it’s comprised of three small 'villages': St. Paul, St. Jean and St. Georges. Many of their ancient buildings have survived the centuries in good condition. Vieux Lyon has been chosen by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and among its defining features are the Gothic and Renaissance architecture and the traboules. These are networks of medieval covered passageways, some of which lead to hidden courtyards and gardens.

The heart of the district is the St.Jean quarter, which features a number of notable buildings. Visit St.Jean Cathedral, a magnificent example of Gothic architecture. See one of the main highlights of the area, La Tour Rose, a beautiful pink tower. There are also several traboules in this quarter. One of them is located at the base of the tower. In addition to all the sightseeing opportunities, take advantage of the area’s shops and of the hospitality provided by Vieux Lyon's many restaurants and cafés.