Place des Terreaux

Historic and Cultural Heart of Lyon

Place des Terreaux, a true historical jewel of Lyon, is one of the city's emblematic squares. Located in the heart of the Presqu'île district, this fascinating square is a place full of history, art and urban life, offering visitors a captivating immersion in Lyon's heritage.

History and Heritage

Place des Terreaux has a rich history dating back to Roman times. It takes its name from the word "terreaux" which refers to the places where the surrounding land was stored. Over the centuries, this square has evolved to become a nerve center of Lyon's social and cultural life.

Jean Chavanne Place des Terreaux after completion of the abbey
Jean Chavanne Place des Terreaux after completion of the abbey – Gadagne museums, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lyon City Hall

At the heart of the square stands majestically the Hôtel de Ville, an imposing neoclassical building. Its elegant facades and splendid astronomical clock make it one of the symbols of the city, reflecting the grandeur and administrative history of Lyon.

Lyon Place des Terreaux
Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Bartholdi Fountain

Dominating the square, the Bartholdi Fountain is a remarkable sculptural work created by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty in New York. This monumental fountain, decorated with allegorical statues, adds an artistic and aesthetic dimension to this emblematic space.

Bartholdi Fountain Place des Terreaux Lyon
Phinou, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

On one of the wings of the square, the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon displays its artistic treasures. This prestigious museum houses exceptional collections of works ranging from Antiquity to contemporary art, attracting art lovers from all over the world.

Place Des Terreaux, Lyon - Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon (35054659380)
Elliott Brown from Birmingham, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Animations and Events

Place des Terreaux is the scene of cultural and festive events throughout the year. Concerts, shows, craft markets and artistic events take place there, creating a lively and friendly atmosphere for locals and visitors.

Lichterfest 2021- Lyon 69- Der Hase im Mond auf dem Platz des Terreaux
Rabbit in the Moon Show – Festival of Lights 2021 – Anthospace, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Place of Gathering and Strolling

The square is an essential gathering place for the people of Lyon. Locals meet there to relax, admire the architecture, enjoy a drink on a terrace or simply enjoy the urban entertainment.

Place des Terreaux (221314839)
Robin Ferand, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cultural Identity of Lyon

Place des Terreaux embodies the cultural identity of Lyon, where history, art, city life and conviviality blend together. It represents a place where the past meets the present, where grandiose architecture blends with contemporary effervescence.

In short, Place des Terreaux is much more than just an urban esplanade; it is a true crossroads where the history, culture, art and daily life of Lyon converge, offering everyone an immersive experience in the heart of this dynamic city.

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Map of the must-sees

Rosa Mir Garden

The Court of the Voracious

Bellevue Square

The Gardens of the Grande-Côte

Place des Jacobins

Chapel of the Trinity

Saint-Georges district

The Basilica of Ainay

Saint-Nizier Church

International City

Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

Saint Bonaventure Church

Statue of Saint Exupéry

Saint-Antoine Food Market

St. John's Cathedral

Hotel-Dieu of Lyon

The traboules of Old Lyon

Printing Museum

The Museum of Confluences

St. Peter's Palace

The Bartholdi Fountain

The Fresco of the Lyonnais

The painted walls

Merciere Street

Lyon Opera

Light Institute

The Confluence

Old Lyon

Golden Head Park

Place des Terreaux

Bellecour Square

The Gadagne Museum

The Canuts' house

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Banks of the Rhone

Museum of Fine Arts

The Paul Bocuse Halls

Our Lady of Fourviere

The Banks of the Saône

Climbs of the Croix-Rousse

Brotteaux district

Lyon Aquarium

Barbe Island

CHRD - resistance museum

Brochier Silk Museum

Guignol Theatre of the Park

Little Guignol Museum

The House of Guignol

Mini World Lyon

The Cinema Museum

Fourvière Museum

Subsistences

Other places

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Pierre Bossan

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