logo
ic_menu

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

8 Place de Fourvière, Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Description

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built in the late 19th century with a design inspired by Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. The building actually consists of two churches on top of each other, the upper one being much more elaborate than the lower. There are four main towers and a belltower topped with a gold-gilded statue of the Virgin Mary. The highlight is the ornate interior of the upper church with its mosaics depicting the life of Virgen Mary.

Access & Transport

Address: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France The church is at the top of the Fourvière, in the 5th arrondissement. The easiest way to get there is by taking the funicular (F2) from Vieux Lyon-Saint Jean station or walking from the Saint-Jean neighbourhood. By car, go through the tunnel of Fourvière and take the first exit on the right immediately after the tunnel direction “Vieux Lyon”. Then turn left on the “Monté de Choulans” and right at the traffic light.

Instructions & Recommendations

This is one of the best spots for panoramic views of the city and it is also very close to the Gallo Roman ruins of Lugdunum (2 amphitheatres + museum).

Meta review

The Basilica is one of the city's iconic buildings and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors rate it highly in online reviews, both for the panoramic views of Lyon and for its spectacular interior with the colourful mosaics, sculptures, and stained-glass windows being the favourites decorative features.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Part of the city's architectural heritage.

Conclusion

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a landmark on Lyon's city skyline. For some it is the views that make the trek up the hill worth the effort (the funicular is also an option) but those with an artistic penchant will be delighted by some of the features of the upper church interiors.

Key positive

Gorgeous interior of the upper church

Good views over the city from there

No entrance fees

Key negative

Not much background history given it is "only" 150yrs old

Suitability

No religious denomination restriction and accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday07:30 - 19:00

Tuesday07:30 - 19:00

Wednesday07:30 - 19:00

Thursday07:30 - 19:00

Friday07:30 - 19:00

Saturday07:30 - 19:00

Sunday07:30 - 19:00

Pricing
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.