City Center

Lyon`s stylish center, the so-called Presqu`île, sits between the Rhône and Saône rivers offering an elegant web of boulevards built in the 19th century, on which you`ll find cafes and boutiques. The area is located between the metro stations Bellecour, Croix-Paquet (on the slopes) and Hotel de Ville. It includes the magnificent Place des Terreaux and the criss-crossing old streets that stretch up behind it on the Croix-Rousse hill (les pentes de la Croix Rousse). Home to the Opera house and fine arts museum, and covers a chunk of rue Edouard Herriot and rue de la République, two of the city`s main shopping streets. This area offers plenty of opportunities for a scenic stroll; the towpath along the Rhône's left bank is especially nice.

Part Dieu

The Part Dieu is a very dynamic and central business district located in the 3rd arrondissement. The Gare Part-Dieu is the city`s main rail hub and is served by the metro line B and the Rhonoexpress. This is the most populated area and France`s second-biggest business district. The contemporary neighborhood offers a mix of historic landscape, cultural buildings, as well as many skyscrapers. It is also home of the city`s covered food market, the Halles de Lyon, and a large shopping center of the same name (Part-Dieu). This area also includes the Crédit Lyonnais tower, a pencil-shaped building that is visible from most of the city.

Saint Jean/Vieux Lyon (old town)

The Place Saint-Jean is an old pedestrian square in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon, which is the Vieux Lyon (old town), the oldest borough of Lyon. It is located in front of the Roman Catholic cathedral of Saint-Jean. The Place Saint-Jean is located near the metro station: Vieux-Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean. It is served by line D.

This district stretches beside the banks of the Saône river opposite the Presqu`ile. This area includes the Vieux Lyon (old town) area, Fourvière hill and its basilica, the roman theaters and Gallo-Roman museum, along with the group of traboules (covered passages linking many of the old buildings).

Outskirts

The outskirts of the city are largely residential. While staying away from the city center, you will need to take public transportation to get downtown usually the metro or tramway.