Where to Take the Best Photos in Lyon? Our 10 Must-See Spots

The third-largest city in France, the City of Lyon, is a stunning, ancient metropolis with a plethora of culinary and cultural attractions. It is a magnificent, historic, and architectural city. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Lyon in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

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Constructed between 1872 and 1896 using private finances, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is a modest basilica in Lyon that has a commanding view of the city. Its name, an inverted translation of the French Vieux-Forum, comes from the fact that the location it now occupies was formerly the Roman forum of Trajan, known as the forum vetus (old forum). Its prominent position on a hill with a view of the city has helped it to become one of Lyon's most recognizable emblems. It serves as evidence of the significant impact that Christianity has had on the city over the ages.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A grand basilica with golden mosaics and hilltop views over all of Lyon.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset, for soft light and a glowing city view.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the front facade, then go behind for panoramic shots.

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2. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

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Vieux Lyon is the city's largest Renaissance neighborhood. The oldest neighborhood in the city was the first location in France to be protected by the Malraux statute, which was created to safeguard France's cultural landmarks, in 1964. It is one of the largest Renaissance neighborhoods in Europe, spanning 424 hectares between the Saône River and the Fourvière hill. Saint Jean, Saint Paul, and Saint Georges are the three separate portions. Due to its historical significance and architectural design, Vieux Lyon and other districts of Lyon were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Renaissance streets, colorful shutters, and secret passageways.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, before the crowds arrive.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use narrow alleys and arches for framing your shot.

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3. Parc de la Tête d'Or

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At roughly 117 hectares, the Parc de la Tête d'Or is the biggest urban park. It is situated in the northern section of its 6th arrondissement and has a lake where boating is done in the summer, along with the Jardin botanique de Lyon. Because there aren't many other parks in Lyon, it gets a lot of visitors in the summer and is a popular spot for cyclists and runners. Along with other animals, there is a small, free zoo in the middle of the park.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A peaceful green space with lakes, gardens, and even a free zoo.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Spring for blossoms or autumn for golden leaves.
• Photography tip 📷
  Go wide to capture reflections on the lake.

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4. Place Bellecour

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North of the Ainay district, near the center, lies a sizable square called Place Bellecour. It is the third largest square in France, behind the Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux and the Place de la Concorde in Paris, and one of the greatest open squares in Europe (without any areas of trees or foliage). Because cars are permitted on the Place de la Concorde and Place des Quinconces, it is also the biggest pedestrian square in Europe. The square also features two pavilions, one of which houses an art gallery and the Lyon tourism office.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of the largest squares in Europe, with wide open space and city views.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Late afternoon, when the sun lights up the buildings.
• Photography tip 📷
  Frame the statue with the Ferris wheel or Fourvière in the background.

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5. Presqu’île

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The Presqu'île is a region of Lyon that spans the first and second arrondissements. Since 1999, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In terms of Geography, it is Lyon's central region. Stretching from Place des Terreaux in the north to the new Confluence neighborhood in the south, it is the center district of Lyon and lies between the Rhône and Saône rivers. In addition to being a popular site to shop, the Presqu'île is a wonderful place to take walks around the city's significant monuments and buildings from the 19th century.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Lively center of Lyon with shops, fountains, and stylish locals.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Weekend afternoons when it’s busy and fun.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use leading lines from the street toward the architecture.

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6. Traboules of Lyon

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Traboules are a kind of hidden tunnels that are mostly connected to Lyon, but they may also be found in Villefranche-sur-Saône, Mâcon, and Saint-Étienne, as well as a couple in Chambéry. Originally, they were employed to move goods by merchants and silk producers. There are roughly 200 traboules in Vieux-Lyon, 160 on the hillside of Croix-Rousse, and 130 on the Presqu'île, for a total of 500 traboules spread throughout more than 230 streets in Lyon. Only approximately 80, nevertheless, are accessible to the general public.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Secret walkways hidden behind old doors—pure mystery.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Anytime, but weekdays are less crowded.
• Photography tip 📷
  Keep your camera ready—light inside changes fast.

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7. Musée des Confluences

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Established in 2014, the unique Musée des Confluences is a museum dedicated to anthropology and science located in Lyon's second district. The Ministry of Culture and Communication designated the Musée des Confluences as the "Musée de France" in 2011, even though it was still under construction. It is part of a broader renovation project of Lyon's Confluence sector and is situated next to Autoroute A7 at the southern extremity of the Presqu'île, where the Rhône and Saône meet.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A futuristic museum at the meeting point of two rivers, blending science, nature, and culture in one structure.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Afternoon, when the light hits the glass and metal exterior just right.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture wide shots from the riverbank to show the full, dramatic shape.

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8. Lyon Cathedral (Saint-Jean)

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Situated on Place Saint-Jean in the center, Lyon Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church. The Archbishop of Lyon resides at the cathedral, which is devoted to Saint John the Baptist. It was finished in 1476, having started in 1180 on the remains of a church from the sixth century. Its architectural style is comparatively consistent despite its lengthy building period. The structure was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998, together with other historic locations in Lyon's downtown.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A beautiful old church with a working clock and charming windows.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Around midday for good light inside.
• Photography tip 📷
  Zoom in on the details—the clock is fun to shoot.

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9.  La Croix-Rousse

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La Croix-Rousse is the name of a neighborhood situated on a 254-meter-high hill in the city. Les pentes, or slopes, are part of the city's first arrondissement, whereas le plateau, or the summit of the hill, is part of the fourth arrondissement. Lyon Metro Line C serves this area. Along with other Lyon neighborhoods, La Croix-Rousse's 18th-century architecture, which included distinctive laborers' quarters, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 to preserve Lyon's lengthy history as a significant European city.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A fun neighborhood on a hill with art, steps, and nice views.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon, when people are out and cafés are open.
• Photography tip 📷
  Try shots from stairways looking down into the city.

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10. Confluence District

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The Confluence district consists of a large number of parks, gardens, and green areas in addition to futuristic structures, stores, residences, and workplaces. It is also the location of nightlife and cultural attractions, including Docks 40, a bar-restaurant featuring live music, and La Sucrière with its numerous cultural events. This neighborhood has had a remarkable metamorphosis since the 2000s, emerging as Lyon's newest and most modern neighborhood. This eco-district blends innovative architectural ideas with sustainable development, serving as a laboratory for ecological experimentation at the forefront.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A modern part of town with cool buildings and riverside walks.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Sunset for colorful reflections.
• Photography tip 📷
  Step back to fit the whole frame of water to catch the shapes of the buildings.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Lyon. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Lyon.

Ready to explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, as you’ll be taking a lot of photos.

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