Things to see and do Rhône-Alpes

It was in the 17th century that a Place de la Liberté was created on a strategic site between the Pentes de la Croix-Rousse and the Presqu'île. In the heart of Lyon and power, the Place des Terreaux houses two emblematic places - the town hall and a former convent converted into a fine arts museum - and an equally emblematic monument: the Bartholdi fountain named after its sculptor (the same as for the Statue of Liberty). The square, redesigned by Christian Drevet and Daniel Buren, has been entirely restored but retains a "mineral" appearance.

Everyone knows its name. Famous for its basilica, but also for its Roman theatres. From its 300 m high, it dominates the Saône-Rhone confluence. A strategic location which therefore explains that, on the orders of the Roman senate, Munatius Plancus established a colony there. Palaces and various buildings were built around the forum, Lugdunum was born; the emperors often stay there and christianity settled there.

The fall of the Roman Empire has caused change in spaces's occupation, the inhabitants have settled in the valley, along the Saône and the slopes cover vineyard and farmings. A basilica was built on the hill of Saint-Just and religious congregations settle. Fourvière became "the hill where people pray". To reach the hill, there are several possibilities: to climb in the "thread" (the funicular) to the metro station "Old Lyon" or to visit the various montées: the montée des Epies in the southern part, leaving the church Saint-Georges, joins the montée Gourguillon which was the only entrance in Lyon in the east and ends in the Saint-Just district; the montée Chemin-Neuf, that of Chazeaux, that of Change. You can also rush into the montée Saint-Barthélemy which is one of the oldest roads linking the city to the hill; the bravest will prefer to climb the 244 steps of the montée Garillan.