Cour d’Appel, Lyon
Historic Building in Lyon
The Cour d'Appel de Lyon is one of the best places to visit in Lyon if you love grand architecture and places that quietly embody a city's power and history. Stretching along the Saône in the 5th arrondissement, just opposite the Presqu'île, this monumental courthouse is instantly recognisable by its impressive neoclassical façade and the 24 Corinthian columns that have earned it the nickname “Les 24 Colonnes.” Whether you're standing on the riverbank in Vieux Lyon or on the opposite side near Bellecour, its long, elegant profile forms one of the most striking views in the city.
Built between 1835 and 1845 by architect Louis-Pierre Baltard, the palace replaced earlier court buildings that had stood on the same site for centuries. Today, it's still a working courthouse and the seat of the Court of Appeal, so it's very much part of Lyon's everyday legal life rather than just an empty monument. Visitors come to admire the façade, photograph the columns, and soak up the riverfront atmosphere, especially in the evening when the building is beautifully illuminated and the reflections shimmer on the Saône. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Lyon that links the riverbanks, Vieux Lyon, and the Presqu'île into one scenic loop.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Things to See and Do in the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- How to Get to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Where to Stay close to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Is the Cour d’Appel de Lyon Worth Visiting?
- FAQs for Visiting Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Nearby Attractions to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
History and Significance of the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
The Cour d'Appel de Lyon stands on a site that has been associated with justice and governance since the Middle Ages. Earlier versions of the Palais de Justice occupied this stretch of the Saône's right bank, reflecting Lyon's importance as a regional centre for administration, commerce, and law. By the 19th century, the city needed a building that matched its growing status, and architect Louis-Pierre Baltard was commissioned to design a new courthouse that would be both functional and symbolically powerful.
Between 1835 and 1845, Baltard created what is now one of France’s most recognisable judicial buildings. The long neoclassical façade, fronted by 24 Corinthian columns, evokes ancient temples and Roman forums, intentionally linking modern justice to classical ideals of order and authority. Behind the façade, grand staircases, spacious corridors, and ceremonial halls were designed to impress both officials and the public, underscoring the weight of decisions made inside.
Today, the Cour d'Appel handles appeals from lower courts across the wider Rhône-Alpes region, making it a key player in the French judicial system. While most visitors will never see the courtrooms themselves, the building's presence along the river tells you a lot about Lyon's role as a regional capital. It anchors the riverfront visually and historically, tying together layers of civic life from medieval courts to contemporary legal debates, all reflected in stone and column.
Things to See and Do in the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
Most visits to the Cour d'Appel de Lyon focus on the exterior, which is where the building truly shines as an architectural landmark. Start by viewing it from the opposite bank of the Saône on the Presqu'île side-this is where you get the best perspective on the full façade and all 24 columns lined up in a stately rhythm. From here, you can appreciate the symmetry, the staircase leading up to the entrance, and how the building anchors the riverbank between the bridges.
Cross one of the nearby bridges to get closer and stand at the base of the steps. Looking up, the columns feel even more imposing, and you’ll notice details you might have missed from afar: the capitals, the sculpted elements, and the way the façade is structured into bays and recesses. The building is especially atmospheric at night, when strategic lighting picks out the columns and creates a theatrical effect, making it a favourite spot for evening photos and riverfront strolls.
On special occasions-such as European Heritage Days or specific guided visits-the courthouse sometimes opens its doors for limited public tours. If you're in Lyon at the right time and manage to join one, you'll get to see the grand staircases and interiors that reflect the ceremonial side of French justice. Even if it's closed, combining a stop here with a walk through Vieux Lyon across the bridge, or along the quais in either direction, gives you a strong sense of how the city's legal, historic, and everyday lives intersect along the river.
How to Get to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
If you're arriving by air, flights into Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) connect the city to many European and international destinations. From the airport, the Rhônexpress tram whisks you into central Lyon, where you can transfer to the metro and then walk or take a short bus ride to the Saône riverfront near Place du Palais de Justice. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lyon on Booking.com.
Travelling by train, you'll likely arrive at either Lyon Part-Dieu or Lyon Perrache. From Part-Dieu, take the metro to Bellecour or Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean, then walk across the bridge towards the riverfront; from Perrache, you can either walk along the Saône or use metro/tram connections to reach the same area. In both cases, it's just a few minutes on foot from the nearest station to the Cour d'Appel along the quays. You can use SNCF Connect to check schedules, compare routes, and purchase tickets for National (SNCF ) and regional trains (TER). For a more streamlined experience, we recommend using Omio, which allows you to easily compare prices, schedules, and book tickets for both National and Regional travel across all of Europe, all in one place.
By car, follow signs to central Lyon and look for parking on the Presqu'île or in nearby underground car parks such as those around Bellecour or Saint-Georges. Once parked, you can walk to the Saône riverfront and cross the bridge to the courthouse, or simply admire it from the opposite bank. Driving right up to the building isn't usually practical due to traffic, narrow streets, and limited parking, so it's best to explore on foot once you're in the area. If you are looking to rent a car in France I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.
Practical Tips on Visiting the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Suggested tips: Plan your visit for late afternoon or evening so you can see the building by day and then again when it’s illuminated after dark.
- Best time to visit: Weekdays in the late afternoon are ideal for photos with good light and a bit of city bustle; evenings offer quieter quays and dramatic night-time views.
- Entrance fee: Free to admire from the outside; access to the interior is generally restricted to official business.
- Opening hours: The exterior can be viewed at any time; interior access is not permitted.
- Official website: https://www.cours-appel.justice.fr/lyon
- How long to spend: Allow 15-30 minutes to enjoy the façade and river views, more if you're combining it with a longer walk along the Saône or through Vieux Lyon.
- Accessibility: The riverfront paths are mostly level and accessible, though the steps up to the main entrance are steep; wheelchair users will find the best views from the quayside and opposite bank.
- Facilities: There are no public facilities at the courthouse itself, but cafés, bars, and toilets are readily available in Vieux Lyon and on the Presqu'île just across the bridges.
- Photography tip: Shoot from the opposite bank or slightly downstream to capture the full length of the façade and its reflection in the Saône; blue hour is especially beautiful here.
- Guided tours: Keep an eye out for special guided visits during European Heritage Days or local events, when parts of the interior may be opened to the public.
- Nearby food options: Head across the bridge into Vieux Lyon for traditional bouchons or stay on the Presqu'île side for a wider mix of restaurants, wine bars, and terraces overlooking the river.
Where to Stay close to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
For a stay that keeps you close to both the courthouse and the charm of Vieux Lyon, Cour des Loges Lyon, a Radisson Collection Hotel is an atmospheric choice. Set in historic Renaissance buildings, it’s just a short walk from the Saône, making it easy to stroll out in the evening and admire the illuminated columns.
If you’d rather base yourself on the Presqu’île with quick access to both banks, Hôtel des Artistes offers a central location right by the river. From here, you can walk across the bridge to the Cour d'Appel in minutes, then continue on to Bellecour, Terreaux, or Vieux Lyon without needing public transport.
Another excellent option is Collège Hôtel, just up the Saône in the Saint-Paul district. Its quirky school-themed decor and convenient location make it ideal if you want to explore the riverfront, the courthouse, and Vieux Lyon’s cobbled streets all on foot.
Is the Cour d’Appel de Lyon Worth Visiting?
The Cour d'Appel de Lyon is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy architecture, riverfront scenery, or capturing atmospheric cityscapes. You won't find a museum or long list of attractions inside, but the façade alone-with its 24 Corinthian columns, symmetric neoclassical design, and beautiful night-time lighting-makes it one of the most iconic riverfront views in the city. As you walk along the Saône and look back at the building, it becomes clear why this spot is one of the best places to see in Lyon for anyone wanting to understand how law, history, and urban beauty come together.
What Other Travellers Say...
Cour d'Appel de Lyon, at 1 Rue du Palais de Justice in Vieux Lyon, is a 19th‑century neoclassical courthouse noted for its striking façade of 24 Corinthian columns and impressive colonnade visible from the river and nearby bridge; visitors praise its imposing, beautiful architecture and mention sculptures on the forecourt, while some locals report frustration with changes to administrative services and staff attitude regarding apostille matters.
FAQs for Visiting Cour d’Appel de Lyon
Nearby Attractions to the Cour d’Appel de Lyon
- Vieux Lyon - The historic old town just across the bridge, with cobbled streets, traboules, and traditional bouchons.
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean - Lyon's Gothic cathedral a short walk away, known for its stained glass and astronomical clock.
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière - The hilltop basilica overlooking the city, reachable by funicular from Vieux Lyon.
- Place Bellecour - One of Europe's largest squares on the Presqu'île, ideal as a hub for exploring central Lyon.
- Place des Terreaux and Hôtel de Ville - A grand square and city hall further north on the Presqu'île, perfect for combining with a riverfront walk.
The Cour d’Appel appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Lyon!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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Planning Your Visit
The exterior can be viewed at any time; interior access is not permitted.
Free to admire from the outside; access to the interior is generally restricted to official business.
Nearby Attractions
- Miniature and Cinema Museum (0.1) km
Museum - Longue Traboule (0.1) km
Historic Building - Maison du Chamarier (0.1) km
Historic Building - Place de la Basoche (0.1) km
Square - Vieux Lyon (0.1) km
Area - La Tour Rose (The Pink Tower) (0.1) km
Historic Building and Tower - Cathédrale Saint-Jean (0.1) km
Cathedral - Saône River (0.2) km
River - Musée Gadagne (0.2) km
Museum - Funiculaire de Lyon (0.3) km
Cable Car
