Lyon is known for its historical landmarks, rich cultural heritage, and delicious food. But it’s also a picture-perfect destination with plenty of Instagrammable places.
I’ve been living in France for more than six years and I’ve traveled all over the country. From the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris to the beaches of Marseille, I’ve been to a lot of places.
But Lyon stands out as one of my favorite cities, so much so that I visit at least twice a year.
Every time I go, I discover new hidden gems and beautiful corners that are begging to be photographed.
In this article, I’ll share with you my favorite Lyon Instagram spots that will make your feed stand out.
1. St. George’s Church
Of all the photos I took in Lyon, this one of Saint George’s Church was, by far, my favorite.
This breathtaking piece of architecture is made up of stunning neo-Gothic elements. Not only that but it sits on the banks of the Saône River surrounded by coral, peach, and rose-colored buildings.
I woke up before sunrise and headed to the Passerelle Saint Georges de Lyon bridge. As you can see in the photo above, I caught the sun’s rays just as they were hitting the steeple.
It’s easily one of the coolest things I did during my visit.
Closest Metro Station: Bellecour (Lines A and D)
2. Fourvière Basilica
Fourvière Basilica sits atop Fourvière hill overlooking Vieux Lyon (Lyon’s Old District).
No matter where I was in Lyon, this incredible white church stood out. And, from the moment I saw it, I knew I had to see its interior.
This awe-inspiring landmark was built in the 19th century and has some remarkable features. From the stained-glass windows to the mosaic-lined ceiling, it’s nothing short of beautiful.
But my favorite feature was the altar. As you can see in the photo I took above, it’s decorated in marble and outlined in gold, giving it a majestic feel.
Address: 8 Place de Fourvière
Closest Metro Station: Fourvière (Funiculars F2)
3. View from Jardin des Curiosités
Of the gardens I planned to visit in Lyon, Jardin des Curiosités was the least anticipated.
It’s tucked away and hidden from plain view, but since I was in the area, I decided to stop by.
And I was surprised. It became one of the best panoramic views I had of Lyon.
After I snapped a few photos, I sat on one of the benches and enjoyed a sandwich I bought from Boulangerie Du Palais.
Helpful Tip: Jardin des Curiosités is down the street from the Fourvière Basilica. So, if you’re visiting one you can easily see the other.
Address: 8 Place de l’Abbé Larue
Closest Metro Station: Minimes Théatres Romains (Funiculars F2)
4. Montée de la Grande Côte
This iconic ascending street is one of the oldest passages in the Croix Rousse district.
Here I found 16th-century buildings with beautiful doorways painted in hues of red and orange.
My favorite photos, like the one I took above, were near the southern end (at the bottom of the street).
Helpful Tip: I went early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Closest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
5. Fresque des Lyonnais
The Fresque des Lyonnais is one of the most celebrated artworks in Lyon. It was commissioned by the city in the mid-1990s and completed by a talented collective known as Cité de la Création.
The mural contains 30 portraits of historical figures, masterfully painted in exquisite detail.
It’s so life-like that I walked right by and didn’t realize it was a painting (at first).
Since it’s such a large mural, I had to cross the street and kneel to get the photo above.
Just watch out for cars, they can be very aggressive.
Address: Corner of 49 Quai Saint Vincent and 2 Rue de la Martinière
Closest Metro Station: Hôtel de Ville L. Prade (Line A)
6. Cour des Voraces
The staircase in the photo above is part of a series of passageways called Cour des Voraces.
It’s also the oldest in Lyon.
It was definitely not the most beautiful staircase I had seen. But what drew me to it was its story.
In the 19th century, the Croix Rousse district was at the center of Europe’s silk industry. It was home to thousands of workers and manufacturers. As the industry grew, the working conditions gradually deteriorated.
The silk workers were not compensated for their time. This led to a series of revolts known as the Canut Revolts in 1831, 1834, and 1848.
During these uprisings, protestors used this very stairwell as a refuge.
But that wasn’t the only time it played a part in Lyon’s history.
In fact, its most significant role was realized during World War II when local citizens used this alleyway to hide from German forces.
Today, the Cour des Voraces stands as a symbol of resistance. And it’s one of the many reasons why France is worth visiting!
Address: There are three entrances, but to get to this stairwell you’ll need to go to 9 Place Colbert.
Closest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
7. View from Aire de Jeux de la Place Croix Paquet
I am a sucker for a good view. And the view from Aire de Jeux de la Place Croix Paquet was another favorite spot of mine.
There are a ton of viewpoints here, so you’ll have lots of great photos.
But the best ones are at the top.
It was a long sweaty climb, but, as you can see in the photo I took above, it was well worth the effort.
In fact, incredible views like this are what made me fall in love with France!
Helpful Tip: Another good spot is La Vue du Coquillat. It’s at the corner of Rue des Fantasques and Rue Philibert Delorme.
Address: To get the picture shown above, head to 12 Rue des Fantasques.
Closest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
8. Montée du Change
Montée du Change is a narrow stairway in Vieux Lyon.
I, actually, walked by a few times without even noticing it.
But what caught my eye one morning was the bright orange walls.
I have a few landscape photos of this spot, but the best one is the vertical image you see above.
Closest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
9. Roseraie de Concours
The Roseraie de Concours is a rose garden in Lyon’s largest park, Parc de la Tête d’Or.
When I visited, all the roses were in bloom. There were so many varieties with contrasting shapes and colors.
If you’re into flower photography like me, it’s worth even fitting into a day trip from Paris.
Closest Metro Station: Masséna (Line A)
10. Parc de la Tête d’Or
If you’re visiting the Roseraie de Concours you should explore the rest of Parc de la Tête d’Or.
It’s full of giant green spaces, tree-covered paths, and tranquil lakes. There’s even a sculpture garden.
I went early in the morning on a weekday to capture the peacefulness of the park. I found empty areas like the one in the photo you see above.
Closest Metro Station: Masséna (Line A)
11. Confluence’s Quirky Architecture
Confluence is a vibrant and bustling district of Lyon.
It has become a hub for modern restaurants, upscale bars, new businesses, and contemporary architecture. There’s even a renowned science and anthropology museum, Musée des Confluences.
So, of course, I had to stop by and check out the unique architecture.
I found some quirky buildings. My favorite was the one above. It houses Les Yachts De Lyon. And I’m sure you won’t find anything else like it in town.
Address: 8 Rue Casimir Périer
Closest Tram Station: Place des Archives (Line T1)
12. View from Pont de l’Université
Lyon sits at the intersection of the Rhône and Saône rivers. And, of these two, the Saône River is the most popular with photographers.
But I would argue that both rivers offer something special.
One of my favorite views of the Rhône River was from Pont de l’Université (University bridge).
Here you’ll find a tree-lined pier docked with péniches or houseboats.
I went early in the morning, but it’s not a busy part of Lyon, so you could visit any time.
Closest Tram Station: Pont de l’Université (Line T1)
13. Montée du Gourguillon
Montée du Gourguillon is another steep ascending street. It connects Vieux Lyon to Fourvière Hill, winding past colorful stone buildings, picturesque window sills, and inviting doorways.
I loved its rustic charm and quiet atmosphere.
The photo I took above is from the top of the hill, but you’ll find tons of photo spots along the entire street.
Closest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
14. Doors and Windows around Lyon
I love capturing doors and windows. I always try to get a few in every French city I visit. For me, they show the true character of a place.
In Lyon, I found lots of colorful doors and windows.
My favorite area was along Montée des Épies, which intersects Montée du Gourguillon at the halfway point.
That’s where I captured the photo above (and the very first photo in this article).
15. Escalier Mermet
Located in the first arrondissement, Escalier Mermet is a stunning artistic masterpiece. The project was a combination of efforts from the artist WENC and local citizens who were invited to take part.
It features organic patterns that alternate gradient hues of blue, yellow, and white. The design is mesmerizing, and the environment is inspiring.
I first saw this staircase from the top and had no idea the steps were painted to look like a mural. I only realized it when I reached the bottom.
It was a good surprise, to say the least.
Useful Tip: If you want to take a selfie, make sure to wear red, orange, or pink. These three colors will give you that extra contrast and will make your photo pop.
Closest Metro Station: Croix Paquet (Line C)
16. Streets of Vieux Lyon
One of my favorite neighborhoods to take photos in was Vieux Lyon.
Its cobbled streets were just too beautiful to pass up.
I found lots of charming streets but the prettiest ones I saw were:
- Rue Saint-Jean
- Rue du Bœuf (photo above)
- Rue des Trois-Maries
Closest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
17. Longest Traboule in Lyon
Lyon is known for its spectacular architecture, but its most exceptional feature is its traboules.
These secret passageways are all over the city, connecting streets and courtyards with hidden entrances. They were, actually, very similar to the ones I had seen in Lille.
Of the traboules to capture, the longest one was my favorite.
As you can see in the photo I took above, the narrow stone walkway pulls you in, adding a level of mystery to the image.
Addresses: There are two entrances: 54 Rue Saint-Jean and 27 Rue du Bœuf.
Closest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
18. View from the Chemin du Viaduct
The Chemin du Viaduct is a small walkway I found next to the Tour Métallique de Fourvière.
It’s easy to miss, so I recommend saving it in a map application on your phone before going.
Near the beginning, there isn’t much to see. But I followed the wooden path to a small outlook where I had the view you see in the photo above.
It’s easily one of the most unique images I have from Lyon.
Closest Metro Station: Fourvière (Funiculars F2)
19. Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
The Hôtel de Ville de Lyon is a grand building in the infamous Place des Terreaux.
The most common photo you’ll see of this spot is taken next to the Bartholdi Fountain. But, in my opinion, it doesn’t do the building justice.
There are so many intricate details that I recommend taking a photo that captures this entire masterpiece in one frame like I did.
Address: 1 Place de la Comédie
Closest Metro Station: Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel (Line A, C)
20. Perrache Train Station
The Perrache train station isn’t known for being very photogenic. But I found a secret spot.
Below the train station, there’s an underpass called Pass. France Béjot. It’s a long tunnel full of murals.
There are at least five to choose from, and the photo I took above was my favorite. It’s easily the prettiest train station I saw in my travels around the eastern part of France.
Helpful Tip: All my photos were handheld, but it’s very dark, so you might need a tripod.
Address: 14 Cr de Verdun Gensoul
21. Musée Cinéma et Miniature
The Musée Cinéma et Miniature was one of the best museums I visited in Lyon. It’s a private collection of miniatures and props from popular movies.
There are tons of photo opportunities here. But the most unique, in my opinion, were the miniature scenes.
The photo I took above was of a miniaturized version of a local grocery store.
Helpful Tip: This part of the museum is very dark. I had to stand close to the displays to get enough light to capture my photos.
Address: 60 Rue Saint-Jean
Closest Metro Station: Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)
22. View from Quai des Célestins
I loved taking photos from the quays in Lyon. And the view from Quai des Célestins was certainly no exception.
There are several photo opportunities here, but my favorite is the one you see in the photo above. It’s between Pont Bonaparte and Passerelle du Palais-de-Justice.
I arrived before sunrise while the moon was still shining. And, in one photo, I captured the Tour Métallique de Fourvière and the Fourvière Basilica.
Map of Lyon
This map contains all the places listed in this post. Click on the map below to open Google Maps.
Conclusion
Lyon is a stunning city full of Instagrammable spots that will no doubt spark your creativity.
My favorites were St. George’s Church, the panoramic views, and the doors and windows. I hope you have as much fun taking photos in Lyon as I did.
Now all that’s left to do is plan your trip. Why not start by organizing your travel itinerary with my suggested ideas?
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