Staying in Vieux Lyon, Lyon
The old town stretches farther along the river than a quick look at the map suggests. Saint-Georges lies south of the cathedral, while Saint-Paul is at the northern end. Rue Saint-Jean links the busiest central lanes, but the riverside provides an easier route when carrying bags. Before booking, check whether your building has stairs and how close a vehicle can get.
At a glance
- Best for
- Atmosphere, old streets
- At night
- Loud on Rue Saint-Jean
- Getting around
- Metro D; funicular
- Price level
- €€€
Cobbled lanes, covered passageways and the funicular up the hill, across the Saône from the Presqu'île. Beautiful, crowded and loud at weekends.
Good for
- Atmosphere, lanes and the funicular up to Fourvière
- Dinner in the old town without a metro ride
- Couples and short stays
Think twice if
- You sleep lightly: weekend nights are loud
- Stairs or cobbles are hard for you, or you have heavy luggage
- You want big rooms and modern hotels
What is near Vieux Lyon
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
From Vieux Lyon metro station, walk about three minutes to the cathedral square, a useful starting point for exploring the lanes.
Église Saint-Georges
Walk about five minutes south from the metro station to reach the church and the streets around Place de la Trinité.
Gare Saint-Paul
Allow about fifteen minutes north from Vieux Lyon metro station through Rue Saint-Jean and Rue Juiverie to reach the station area.
Eating in Vieux Lyon
Traditional Lyonnais menus appear throughout Rue Saint-Jean and its side streets. Check what each dish contains, as offal features in several local specialities. For a shorter meal, look for a bakery or a simple lunch menu, and avoid assuming that every restaurant serves continuously between lunch and dinner.
Getting around from Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon station serves metro line D and the funiculars toward Fourvière and Saint-Just. It sits near the southern end of the main visitor lanes. For Saint-Paul, walking along the river can be simpler with luggage than threading through cobbled shopping streets.
Hotels in Vieux Lyon
Search the area on the booking sites, where the prices are. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Other areas of Lyon
Staying in Vieux Lyon, Lyon
Can I enter every traboule?
No. Many passageways belong to residential buildings, and access varies. Use entrances clearly open to visitors, keep voices low and never follow residents through a locked door.
Is the area easy with a wheeled suitcase?
Cobbles and narrow lanes can make the final stretch awkward. Check the entrance location, lift access and nearest vehicle drop-off point with your accommodation.
Where can I take a less crowded walk?
Try the streets around Saint-Georges or follow the Saône quays. Both offer alternatives to the busiest central stretch of Rue Saint-Jean.