Place des Terreaux, Lyon

Square in Lyon

Place des Terreaux is one of the top sights in Lyon and the square that best captures the city's blend of history, art, and everyday rhythm. Framed by grand façades and criss-crossed by tram lines and pedestrians, it's where the baroque-style Hôtel de Ville de Lyon on one side faces the courtyards and cloisters of the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon on the other. In between, people drift across the paving stones, pause to photograph the famous Fontaine Bartholdi, or settle at café terraces to watch the square's permanent theatre of locals, students, and visitors.

What really makes Place des Terreaux special is how many different moods it has in a single day. In the morning, commuters cut through on their way to work and museum visitors filter in; by afternoon, terraces buzz and street performers often add a soundtrack; at night, the illuminated fountain and façades give the whole square a cinematic glow. It's a great place to visit on a walking tour of Lyon, whether you're heading to the museum, meeting friends under the Hôtel de Ville, or simply pausing between shopping streets and riverside strolls.

History and Significance of the Place des Terreaux
Things to See and Do in the Place des Terreaux
How to Get to the Place des Terreaux
Practical Tips on Visiting the Place des Terreaux
Where to Stay close to the Place des Terreaux
Is the Place des Terreaux Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Place des Terreaux
Nearby Attractions to the Place des Terreaux

History and Significance of the Place des Terreaux

Place des Terreaux has seen several versions of itself over the centuries. Originally, this area lay against the northern defensive walls of the city, and its name comes from “terriers,” the earthen ramparts once located here. As Lyon grew and fortifications lost their military function, the space was gradually reshaped into an urban square, flanked by important civic and religious buildings. The construction of the Hôtel de Ville in the 17th century and the transformation of the former Benedictine abbey into what is now the Musée des Beaux-Arts cemented its role as a political and cultural stage.

Over time, the square has been a setting for everything from markets and public ceremonies to protests and celebrations. Its proportions and surrounding architecture give it a very European, almost theatrical feel: the City Hall's ornate façade anchors one end, while the Beaux-Arts' calm, classical lines balance it on the other. Redesigned several times, including contemporary reworking of the paving and lighting, Place des Terreaux has managed to adapt to modern life while preserving a strong historic character.

Today, the square is a key node in the Presqu'île and a symbol of Lyon's urban elegance. It links major axes such as Rue de la République and the slopes of Croix-Rousse, and it's one of those spaces where you can sense the city's layers-royal, revolutionary, republican-playing out in the backdrop. Whether you step into the museum for masterpieces or simply scan the façades from a café chair, Place des Terreaux tells you a lot about Lyon's civic pride and cultural weight.

Things to See and Do in the Place des Terreaux

The Fontaine Bartholdi is the instant eye-catcher. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty, it shows a powerful chariot pulled by rearing horses, water coursing around them as they symbolise France’s rivers charging towards the sea. Walk around it slowly to appreciate the tension in the horses’ bodies and the way the water plays off the bronze forms. It’s particularly striking at night when the lighting makes the figures stand out against the darker stone of the square.

On one side of the square, the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon (City Hall) offers a masterclass in 17th-century grandeur. Even if you don’t go inside, take time to study the façade: the sculpted figures, the central clock, and the richly decorated pediment all underline the importance of this building in the city’s political life. On the opposite side, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon invites you into its former abbey cloister and galleries, where you’ll find paintings, sculpture, antiquities, and decorative arts that rival many national collections.

Simply being in the square is a pleasure in itself. Grab a table at one of the surrounding cafés or bars, order a coffee, glass of wine, or hot chocolate depending on the season, and watch the city flow past. Look out for trams gliding by, impromptu performances, and the way light shifts on the façades as the day goes on. From here, it's easy to stroll to nearby spots like Rue de la République, the Opera, or the riverside, making Place des Terreaux a natural pivot point in your exploration of central Lyon.

How to Get to the Place des Terreaux

Most visitors arriving from further afield will come into Lyon via Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS), which has frequent connections across Europe and beyond; from there, the Rhônexpress tram links into the city centre, where you can connect to the metro to reach the Presqu'île and Place des Terreaux. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Lyon on Booking.com.

If you're travelling by train, both Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache stations are well connected to the square. From Part-Dieu, you can take the metro (Line B then Line A, or use trams and buses) to Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel, a short walk from Place des Terreaux; from Perrache, trams and buses or a pleasant walk up through the Presqu'île bring you into the area. 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.

Arriving by car, you can follow signs to the city centre and park in one of the underground car parks near Place des Terreaux or along the Rhône quays, then continue on foot to the square. 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. Given one-way streets and limited surface parking, many visitors find it easier to park once and explore the Presqu’île’s compact, walkable centre without using the car again until departure.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Place des Terreaux

Suggested tips: Take a few minutes to sit or stand in different corners of the square-each angle gives a new composition of fountain, City Hall, museum and busy streets.
Best time to visit: Daytime shows off the architecture and square’s energy; after dark, the illuminated fountain and façades create a more atmospheric, almost theatrical mood.
Entrance fee: Free to enjoy the square and fountain; museum entry and event tickets are extra.
Opening hours: The square is open 24/7, though the museum, City Hall and nearby cafés have their own operating hours.
Official website: https://en.visiterlyon.com
How long to spend: Plan 30-60 minutes to explore the square itself and take photos; allow several hours more if you’re visiting the Musée des Beaux-Arts.
Accessibility: The square is mostly flat and paved, making it easy to navigate for wheelchairs and strollers, though tram tracks and busy crossings require a bit of attention.
Facilities: You’ll find cafés, bars and restaurants on or near the square, as well as ATMs and nearby metro and bus stops; public toilets are usually available in surrounding streets or inside major venues.
Photography tip: Shoot the Bartholdi Fountain with the Hôtel de Ville or museum as a backdrop, and return at night for long-exposure shots of water and lights.
Guided tours: Many city walking-tours include Place des Terreaux as a key stop, combining stories about the fountain, City Hall, and the transformation of the former abbey into an art museum.
Nearby food options: The surrounding streets are packed with bistros, wine bars, and cafés, giving you plenty of choice for a quick snack, a long lunch, or an evening drink after visiting the museum.

Where to Stay close to the Place des Terreaux

If you want to stay right in the heart of the action, Hôtel de Paris is just a short stroll from Place des Terreaux, making it easy to step out in the morning and be on the square in minutes. Its central location is ideal if you plan to visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts and explore the Presqu'île on foot.

For a stylish base near both the square and the Saône, Hôtel Silky by HappyCulture sits a pleasant walk away, with easy access to Place des Terreaux, Rue de la République, and the riverside. It works well if you want central comfort but prefer a slightly quieter street than the immediate square.

Another attractive option is Grand Hôtel des Terreaux, tucked just off the square in a historic building. From here, you’re seconds from the fountain and the museum, and within easy walking distance of the Opera, the Hôtel de Ville, and the shopping and dining streets of the Presqu’île.

Is the Place des Terreaux Worth Visiting?

Place des Terreaux is absolutely worth visiting and quickly becomes one of those places you pass through again and again without getting tired of it. The combination of the Bartholdi Fountain, the Hôtel de Ville, and the Musée des Beaux-Arts creates a setting that feels both grand and approachable, while the everyday flow of people keeps it from feeling like a static postcard. Whether you're here to see art, meet friends, or just watch the city go by for a while, the square offers a concentrated dose of Lyon's character and elegance.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.6 (3,828)

Bartholdi Fountain at Place des Terreaux is a dramatic bronze sculpture by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, standing in front of the Muséé des Beaux-Arts and the Hôtel de Ville; visitors praise its powerful composition of a central female figure on a chariot with four horses, the rich detail and sense of movement, and its status as a must-see photo spot in a lively square filled with nearby shops, cafés and restaurants—note that the fountain can be viewed without entering the museum and that it is sometimes drained, which changes the experience.

Catalin Hulea

a week ago

"Just a quick note about this magnificent work of art: according to some online reviews, the statue is part of the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts. In fact,it is not part of the museum at all, it stands right in front of it and can be admired by anyone passing through Place des Terreaux. So, if you want to enjoy this first-class monument but don’t feel like visiting the museum (although I would strongly recommend not skipping it), you can still do so...."

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cathy wang

a week ago

"We were there in December. No water in fountain. Also, not many people either. Had a deep look for the statues. It was very pretty. I believed itwill be amazing with water...."

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Koray (IG: koraytravels)

10 months ago

"A great spot to spend some time in this spacious square. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. It's perfect for taking a break,enjoying a drink, or having lunch while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!..."

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FAQs for Visiting Place des Terreaux

Place des Terreaux sits in the 1st arrondissement on the Presqu’île, close to the Hôtel de Ville and just north of Rue de la République.

The nearest stop is Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel on lines A and C; from there, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to the square.

Yes, one of the museum’s main entrances opens directly onto Place des Terreaux, making it very easy to combine a visit with time in the square.

The square is generally busy and well lit in the evening, with people heading to bars, restaurants and the theatre, though as always in a city centre you should stay aware of your surroundings.

The Bartholdi Fountain usually operates daily but may be turned off for maintenance, cleaning or during certain events, so don’t be surprised if you occasionally see it without water.

Nearby Attractions to the Place des Terreaux

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon - Major fine arts museum housed in a former abbey, directly overlooking the square.
Hôtel de Ville de Lyon - The ornate 17th-century City Hall, anchoring one side of Place des Terreaux.
Opéra de Lyon - Contemporary-styled opera house just a short walk away, known for its striking glass dome and varied programme.
Croix-Rousse Slopes - The historic silk-weaving district rising above the square, reachable by a short walk or metro ride.
Saône River Quays - Scenic riverbanks a few minutes' walk downhill, perfect for extending your visit with a riverside stroll or drink.

The Place des Terreaux 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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