Self-guided Walking Tour of Vieux Lyon (with Map!)

Step inside to discover its fascinating astronomical clock, one of the oldest in Europe, dating back to 1383. This remarkable timepiece chimed faithfully until 2019 and still delights visitors with its animated procession several times a day. The cathedral once held the title of a primatial church, as Lyon’s archbishop was long considered the Primate of the Gauls, making it a powerful religious center. Excavations beneath the site have revealed remnants of three earlier churches, some dating back to the 4th century. Just next door, the Manécanterie, partly from the 11th century, now houses the cathedral’s treasury and is likely the oldest building in the neighborhood.

At sunset, the massive West Rose window, over 12 meters in diameter, filters golden light into the interior. The newly pedestrianized Place Saint-Jean is now a pleasant gathering spot, centered around a graceful fountain—perfect for photos and a peaceful alternative to the busier Place Bellecour. This part of Lyon has over a thousand years of history, and narrowly escaped being replaced by riverside marinas after WWII. Thanks to community efforts and support from André Malraux, it was preserved and later recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, as you stroll through its lanes, you’ll feel the echoes of medieval fairs, markets, and the everyday life of a neighborhood that truly brings Lyon’s past to life.

The Maison du Chamarier gets its name from the chamarier, an official who once managed the finances of the cathedral chapter. Originally serving as the chamarier’s residence, the house played an important role in the religious and civic life of medieval Lyon.

Built in the 15th century and later updated in the 16th century, the building is a stunning example of the transition between Gothic and early Renaissance styles. Its standout feature is a beautifully detailed spiral staircase tower, believed to be one of the oldest in the city. With its finely carved stonework and elegant façade, the house reflects the status of its former occupants.

As you enter the square, you’re greeted by the beautiful Maison des Avocats, one of Vieux Lyon’s most iconic Renaissance buildings. Its ochre-colored Tuscan galleries, stretching across three levels, create an elegant frame around the courtyard. The building was restored in 1979 by the Lyon Bar Association, who used it as a training center for young lawyers until 2002. The structure itself is part of a historic complex that once served as an annex of the Palais de Justice as early as 1406.

This site has long been linked to the legal world. It once housed the Basoche, a medieval guild of aspiring jurists and court clerks. They operated like a mock court, complete with their own “king” and “chancellor,” and were responsible for settling minor disputes and even putting on theatrical performances. But their mischief often got out of hand—the Basoche became infamous for their pranks and rowdy behavior, which eventually led to their banishment in 1540. The Maison des Avocats now also houses the Musée Cinéma et Miniature, adding a cultural twist to a space once dedicated to law and learning. Look for the old carriage entrance nearby, the last remnant of the 14th-century Auberge de la Croix d’Or, a reminder of how layered Lyon’s history is—even in a single square.

The Palais de Justice Historique de Lyon, also known as the “Palais des 24 Colonnes”, is one of Lyon’s most iconic neoclassical landmarks. Located along the Saône River in Vieux Lyon, this grand courthouse was built between 1835 and 1845 by architect Louis-Pierre Baltard. Its façade, marked by 24 towering Corinthian columns, gives the building its nickname and an unmistakable presence. The site has housed Lyon’s legal institutions since the 15th century, making it one of the oldest centers of justice in France. Though it’s still an active courthouse—home to the Court of Appeal and Assize Court—its architecture and history continue to attract visitors and photographers.

While the interior is generally closed to the public, the Palais de Justice occasionally opens its doors for cultural events or European Heritage Days, offering a rare glimpse inside its grand halls and ceremonial staircases. The exterior, especially when illuminated at night, is a favorite photo stop, offering stunning views from the Passerelle du Palais de Justice, the pedestrian bridge just opposite. Its location between Vieux Lyon and the Presqu’île makes it a natural point of interest during any walking tour of the city, and a powerful symbol of Lyon’s civic and judicial history.

A visit to the Miniature and Cinema Museum in Lyon is a must for anyone curious about movie magic or fascinated by incredible craftsmanship. Housed in a beautiful Renaissance building in Vieux Lyon, the museum features over 1,000 original props and costumes from famous films like Alien, Batman, The Fifth Element, and Gremlins, along with detailed explanations of how practical effects and makeup transformed cinema before the digital age. The upper floors showcase an extraordinary collection of miniature scenes, each one a hyper-realistic world built to scale, complete with tiny furniture, lighting, and atmosphere—so detailed they look like real-life rooms frozen in time. Whether you’re a movie buff, an art lover, or just looking for something unexpected, this museum blends creativity, nostalgia, and technical genius in a way that appeals to all ages.

Number 54 Rue Saint-Jean is home to what many consider “THE” traboule of Vieux Lyon—the Longue Traboule, and it’s well worth the hype. Frequently featured on guided walking tours and travel blogs, this passageway is the longest in the old town, stretching impressively through four buildings and four interior courtyards. This particular traboule connects Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Bœuf. As you make your way through it, you’ll encounter classic features of Renaissance-era Lyonnais architecture, including elegant inner courtyards, winding spiral staircases, and arched covered galleries.

That said, this traboule isn’t a hidden secret anymore. During peak hours, especially in the warmer months or on weekends, it can become crowded, and the narrow passageways might feel a bit tight—yes, even claustrophobic at times. Still, if you time your visit well, the Longue Traboule offers several stunning photo opportunities, with light filtering through old windows, ivy-covered walls, and unique architectural features. After completing the walk, the passage opens out onto Rue du Bœuf, another lovely street filled with history, restaurants, and the soft buzz of local life. It’s a perfect continuation of your exploration through the timeless charm of Vieux Lyon.

As you step through the quiet passage off Rue du Bœuf, you’ll enter a small Renaissance courtyard where La Tour Rose reveals itself in full charm. The tower rises from the corner of the building in a soft ochre-pink hue, its color giving it the nickname “The Pink Tower.” It’s an elegant, cylindrical structure, capped with a tiled roof, and features a gently spiraling stone staircase visible through narrow windows and delicate archways.

The courtyard is paved with cobblestones and enclosed by arched galleries and sculpted façades, creating a secluded and peaceful atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy streets outside. Architectural details like carved stone doorways, wrought-iron balconies, and Renaissance-style windows surround the tower, all perfectly weathered by time. It’s a quiet, cinematic corner of Vieux Lyon—one of those hidden gems where the city’s history and beauty truly come to life.

Visiting the Musée Gadagne is not only a cultural experience but also a journey into the opulent world of Lyon’s Renaissance elite. The building once belonged to the Gadagne family, immensely wealthy merchant-bankers originally from Florence. After fleeing political upheaval in Italy, Simon Gadagne settled in Lyon, where his son Thomas I rose in both business and local politics. His nephew, Thomas II, inherited the family fortune and further elevated their status, eventually renting the mansion—originally built by the Pierrevive brothers, merchants from Piedmont—in 1538. Ownership passed to Guillaume and Thomas III, two rival brothers who split the property yet still hosted extravagant gatherings within its grand halls. Over time, the mansion transformed into a residential complex, before being purchased by the city in 1902 and classified as a historic monument in 1920. After a decade-long renovation completed in 2008, the restored building is a highlight of Vieux Lyon—its vast inner courtyard, two fascinating museums, and rooftop gardens make it a rewarding stop for anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply soaking up the elegance of Lyon’s past.

Place du Change is one of the most atmospheric squares in Vieux Lyon, rich in both architectural beauty and historical importance. Once the financial center of the city during the Renaissance, it was the place where money changers, merchants, and bankers gathered—hence the name, which translates to “Exchange Square.” Located near the Saône River, it served as a natural meeting point for traders and travelers entering the city. The square is compact but lively, surrounded by Renaissance façades, narrow streets, and the soft murmur of everyday life. It remains a popular stop for visitors strolling through Old Lyon, offering space to pause and take in the historical charm.

Dominating the square is the elegant Loge du Change, a neoclassical building originally constructed in the 17th century and redesigned by architect Jacques-Germain Soufflot in the 18th century. It once functioned as Lyon’s stock exchange and now serves as a concert and exhibition space. Just beside it stands the Maison Thomassin, a striking Gothic residence dating back to the 13th century, which once belonged to a prominent merchant family. Together, these buildings frame the square with centuries of history and make Place du Change a vivid example of how commerce, architecture, and daily life once intertwined in Lyon’s golden age.