Saint-Paul Square

This is the Place Saint-Paul, part of the district of the same name, and one of the three districts of Vieux-Lyon. It was laid out at the same time as the railway station, on your left, which opened in 1876. It now serves Lyon’s western suburbs. At the beginning of the 20th century, this square was the departure point for the Loyasse funicular, linking the Vieux-Lyon to the Loyasse cemetery on the Fourvière hill. It was also known as La Ficelle de la Mort (Death’s Twine), the name regularly given to all Lyon’s funiculars. There’s no point looking for it today as it no longer exists. Nowadays the area is  really lively, displaying several bars and beautiful streets where it is pleasant to stroll away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Here you can admire its beautiful church, one of the oldest in Lyon, indeed, the first version of it was errected during the High Middle Ages, most likely around the 6th century! Listed as a Historic Monument it is well worth a visit.The Saint-Paul district used to be located outside the city walls and was home to Canons, members of an ecclesiastical rule, until the 12th century. It later became a trading centre. First for butchers and then for merchants during the Renaissance. It then underwent a number of changes that have made it the most contemporary district of Vieux-Lyon today, yet traces of its medieval and Renaissance past are still to be found in its various houses, traboules and courtyards.