Vieux-Lyon – Old Lyon

You’re entering Vieux Lyon, the iconic district of the city! There is no doubt that you will be amazed of how different this area is, from the rest of Lyon. Don’t you feel like you’ve stepped into a picturesque village? That’s not surprising. Vieux Lyon is a Renaissance district, the largest in Europe after Venice, and one of the best preserved! Divided into three parts with the districts of Saint-Paul, Saint-Jean, and Saint-Georges, it reveals numerous architectural innovations that emerged in Europe during the Renaissance; inspired by Italian architecture, in particular that of Florence. But why Italy, you may ask? Simply because, at that time, King Francois Ist reigned over France, and one of his sons, the future King Henry II, wed the famous Catherine de’ Medici, originally from Florence. She brought with her Florentine architecture and arts. In Vieux Lyon, you may also find traces of the city’s medieval past, notably in its traboules and inner courtyards dating back to the Middle Ages. Despite the 20th century quest to demolish old buildings to built new ones, the neighborhood has miraculously survived. In 1964, it became the first protected site in France, thanks to André Malraux. Indeed, as the French minister of Culture from 1959 to 1969, he introduced a law protecting monuments and historical districts, making it impossible to destroy this beautiful place. Today, its narrow cobbled streets lined with various shops make it a unique place, perfect for leisurely strolls and browsing. Vieux Lyon is one of the four UNESCO World Heritage sites of the city.