Place des Terreaux

One of the liveliest squares on the Peninsula! With its expansive terraces and exceptional setting, Place des Terreaux appeals to both locals going out for a drink and visitors who appreciate history. The reason? The Town Hall, inaugurated in 1672 and restored in the 19th century, stands at the far end of the square and is one of Lyon’s most imposing buildings. Right after its construction, the Place des Terreaux became the city’s administrative centre. As you walk towards the town hall to your left, you will see the Bartholdi fountain, which was added in 1891. which . Originally created for the city of Bordeaux by the sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi, the creator of the Statue of Liberty in New York, this superb fountain shows the Marianne and four horses embodying France and it’s four largest rivers ending in the sea. On the other side of the square, in the Palais Saint-Pierre, you will find France’s most important fine arts museum after the Louvre. This magnificent building gathers an impressive collection of art and paintings, displayed in 70 rooms, adding further interest to this rich and lively square. And for those with a sweet tooth, you should know that this is also where you’ll find the city’s most famous local specialty: the Coussin de Lyon. This emblematic confection requires a long and meticulous production process, as each piece takes four days to make. It consists of a chocolate ganache coated in crystallized marzipan, shaped like a small cushion as a tribute to Lyon’s history and its silk industry. To learn more, you can pick up its detailed story, translated into several languages, at one of the Voisin boutiques, Lyon’s historic master chocolatier. Conveniently, there is one right here on Place des Terreaux. As you can see, whether you’re looking to celebrate, indulge your taste buds, enjoy art or explore history, this square has something for everyone.