Amidst the picturesque cobblestones of Old Lyon stands the majestic Saint-Jean Cathedral, an elegant fusion of Romanesque and Gothic styles that invites visitors to discover its charms through imposing oak doors.
Nestled along the right bank of the Saône, in the 5th arrondissement of Lyon, this narrow cobbled strip constitutes the largest Renaissance district in Europe after Venice.
A veritable kaleidoscope of craft shops, restaurants, ice cream vendors, old-time postcard sellers, street musicians and bars enliven this district, punctuated by two churches and a cathedral. Saint-Paul, upstream, was the commercial center of the Renaissance, Saint-Jean at the very heart of the district, home to wealthy aristocrats, and Saint-Georges, downstream, the artisans' quarter. Imagine the Beatles, but without Ringo.
It is towards the Saint-Jean Cathedral, in the beating heart of Old Lyon, that visitors converge in search of discoveries.
From Romanesque roots to Gothic style
Listed as a historic monument since 1862 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998, Saint-Jean Cathedral reflects both the city's epic and the construction process that spanned more than three centuries, from 1175 to 1480.

With its clever mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles, it has weathered religious wars, periods of renovation and political discord to become one of Lyon's most revered symbols. From the Saône, it appears squeezed between two yellow buildings, but as you walk around it, it reveals a vast square bustling with captivating energy.
The monumental doors of St. John's Cathedral open onto a dazzling spectacle: a 16th-century astronomical clock, breathtaking stained-glass rose windows dating from the early 12th century, and a myriad of stories from the Old Testament to the New.
Astronomical clock

The work of N. Lippius of Basel, this clock was created in 1598. Its sturdy wrought iron mechanism includes a perpetual calendar and a religious calendar. This remarkable clock can calculate the dates of all saints' feasts up to 2019, as well as the position of the stars above Lyon. A new clock, designed by Charles Morat, is planned for 2020 and will be operational until 2084. As for the perpetual calendar, it will continue to function until 3008, if you can imagine. Inside the oval dial, several animated figures 'come to life' at noon, two o'clock and three o'clock, with automatons representing various animals and a scene illustrating the Annunciation.
Origin of the name
Officially named "the primatiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste-et-Saint-Étienne", dedicated to both Saint John the Baptist and Saint Stephen (St Etienne), it holds the title of "primatiale". In 1079, the Pope granted the Archbishop of Lyon the title of Primate of all Gaul, giving him judicial supremacy over the principal archbishops of France.
Although since the French Revolution, the archbishops of Sens and Paris and their provincial dioceses are no longer subject or subordinate to the archbishopric of Lyon, the title of primatiale persists. Since 2002, Philippe Barbarin has held this title, a respected if controversial figure in the Lyon landscape.
Tips for visiting the region

The Saint-Jean district is usually crowded in the afternoon, especially on weekends. To fully appreciate its architectural beauty, the morning is the best time. Sit by the fountain on the outdoor square and listen to the bells ringing.
Enjoy a grand crème coffee in the Café de la Cathédrale, with its retro charm and cozy atmosphere, right next door.
Adjacent to the Saint-Jean Cathedral (on the north side), a charming archaeological garden displays the remains of the religious buildings that occupied the site before the construction of the cathedral. The oldest ruins date back to the 4th century (baptistery of the old Saint-Étienne church). An atmospheric walk, almost serene.