Explore Roman Ruins of Lyon

Visiting the Théâtre Antique de Lyon is like walking into the past, with its grand stone seating and open-air stage set into the slopes of Fourvière Hill. Built around 15 BCE, this Roman theatre once hosted thousands of spectators for plays, music, and public events. Even today, it retains much of its structure and presence, offering an awe-inspiring space to sit and imagine ancient performances coming to life. It’s a striking spot, especially when quiet, with the city stretched out below and the sound of your footsteps echoing off the ancient stone.

The theatre is also still alive with culture—each summer, it hosts performances during Les Nuits de Fourvière, a renowned festival that brings music, dance, and theatre back to this ancient venue. It’s a surreal experience to watch a modern show in a setting that has hosted audiences for over 2,000 years. Whether you’re catching a performance or simply walking through during the day, the Théâtre Antique is a powerful reminder of Lyon’s Roman past and its ongoing creative spirit.

Just beside the ancient theatre lies the Odeon of Lyon, a smaller but equally significant Roman structure. Built in the 2nd century CE, the Odeon was used for more refined performances—music, poetry readings, and speeches—rather than the large-scale spectacles of its neighboring theatre. With its semi-circular design and decorative touches still visible in parts of the stonework, it offers a more intimate glimpse into Roman cultural life and education.

The Odeon is part of the same archaeological park as the theatre and the Gallo-Roman Museum, so it’s easy to explore both in one visit. It’s less restored than the theatre, which gives it a quieter, more meditative atmosphere. Sit on the stone steps, picture Roman scholars and artists sharing their work, and enjoy how seamlessly Lyon’s modern and ancient sides meet in this remarkable corner of the city.

Tucked into the hillside next to the Roman theatres, the Lyon Gallo-Roman Museum is one of the best places to dive deep into the city’s ancient past. Designed to blend into the landscape, the museum houses a vast and beautifully curated collection of Roman artifacts discovered in and around Lyon—once known as Lugdunum. Mosaics, sculptures, coins, tools, and inscriptions fill the space, telling the story of daily life, trade, religion, and art in ancient Gaul.

One of the standout pieces is the Claudius Tablet, which records a speech by Emperor Claudius advocating for Gallic representation in the Roman Senate—delivered in the very city you’re standing in. The museum’s layout leads you naturally through the centuries, connecting what you saw outside at the ruins to the lives of the people who once filled those spaces. It’s immersive, educational, and surprisingly calming—definitely a must-see if you’re exploring Roman Lyon.

The Amphitheater of the Three Gauls is often overshadowed by its larger cousin on Fourvière Hill, but it holds deep historical importance. Built in the early 1st century AD, it was part of the federal sanctuary of the Three Gauls—a political and religious center symbolizing the unity of Roman provinces in Gaul. It’s also remembered as the site of Christian persecution, including the martyrdom of Saint Blandine in 177 AD, which gives it a weighty spiritual significance.

Today, the amphitheater sits quietly in the Croix-Rousse district, surrounded by residential buildings, almost blending into the modern landscape. It’s a peaceful and somewhat hidden site, perfect for reflection and for imagining the dramatic events it once witnessed. There’s a memorial on-site to honor the early Christian martyrs, and though the ruins are modest, their history is anything but.

The Thermes Antiques de Lyon are the remains of ancient Roman public baths, tucked away in the Ainay district. Though not as large or well-preserved as some Roman baths in other cities, these ruins still offer a fascinating glimpse into daily life in Lugdunum. You can see parts of the hypocaust system (underfloor heating) and stone walls that once enclosed hot and cold rooms used for bathing, socializing, and relaxation.

They’re a lesser-known stop, so you might find yourself alone among the stones, imagining the sounds of water and conversation that once filled the space. Interpretive signs help explain the layout, and the site is free and easy to visit while exploring central Lyon. It’s a quiet, atmospheric place that offers a moment to pause and picture ancient life unfolding in a very familiar, very human way.

The Tombeau de Turpio is one of the most mysterious Roman relics in Lyon, thought to be the remains of a funerary monument dating from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. Located in the Gerland area, it’s named after an inscription mentioning “Turpio,” though little else is known about the figure. What remains is a single, weathered structure—partially reconstructed—that stands as a solitary witness to a forgotten story.

Though small and easily overlooked, the Tombeau de Turpio offers a poignant reminder of how much of Roman Lyon is still hidden or lost to time. It’s not a major tourist attraction, but for those who enjoy seeking out the city’s lesser-known corners, it adds another layer to Lyon’s ancient identity. If you’re nearby or interested in the city’s funerary past, it’s worth a quiet detour.

The Gier Aqueduct is one of the most impressive remnants of Roman engineering near Lyon, built to carry water from the Pilat mountains into the heart of Lugdunum. Though parts of it are scattered across the region, a few key sections remain visible today, including bridges, tunnels, and the striking arched structures that once stretched across the countryside. Seeing the precision of the masonry and imagining the logistics behind it all gives a new appreciation for Roman innovation.

Visiting the aqueduct involves a bit more exploration—some sections are located in the nearby towns and hills south of Lyon, such as Chaponost and Mornant. But if you enjoy walking or cycling, it’s a great way to spend a half-day immersed in nature and history. Some parts, like the arches of the “Le Plat de l’Air”, are remarkably well-preserved and incredibly photogenic, especially in the golden light of late afternoon.

Visiting Vienne to explore its Roman ruins is like stepping into an open-air museum. The town is compact and walkable, which makes it easy to go from one site to another while enjoying the scenic streets along the way. The Roman Theatre is the most striking of all—massive in scale and still used for performances today. Just a short walk away, you’ll find the Temple of Augustus and Livia, standing in the town square, beautifully preserved and totally integrated into modern life. These ruins aren’t roped off or tucked away—they’re part of the everyday landscape, which makes the experience feel authentic and accessible.

As you explore deeper, you’ll come across the Garden of Cybèle, where fragments of forums, columns, and Roman paving stones lie beneath open sky. Climb up to Mont Pipet for a view over the whole ancient city layout, or visit the Musée Gallo-Romain for mosaics and artifacts that add context to what you’ve seen outside. What’s special about Vienne is how naturally its Roman past blends with its present—you’re not just looking at ruins, you’re walking through what used to be a thriving Roman city.