Place Bellecour: Lyon's Vibrant Heart
Experience the grandeur of Place Bellecour, Lyon's central square, a historic landmark and vibrant hub for events, culture, and exploration in the heart of the city.
Place Bellecour, the largest pedestrian square in Europe, is the beating heart of Lyon. Situated between the Saône and Rhône rivers, this expansive, red-earth plaza has been a focal point of Lyonnaise life for centuries. Dominated by an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, the square is surrounded by elegant architecture, bustling cafes, and high-end shops. It serves as a central meeting point, hosting numerous events throughout the year, from seasonal markets and festivals to concerts and demonstrations. Whether you're admiring the statues, soaking in the atmosphere, or using it as a starting point to explore Lyon's attractions, Place Bellecour offers a quintessential Lyonnaise experience. Its central location makes it easily accessible and a must-see for any visitor to the city, offering a taste of Lyon's rich history and vibrant present.
A brief summary to Place Bellecour
- Pl. Bellecour, Lyon, 69002, FR
- +33472776969
Local tips
- Visit during the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) in December to witness the square transformed by stunning light installations.
- Take a ride on the Ferris wheel in winter for panoramic views of Lyon's skyline.
- Explore the four major streets radiating from the square to discover Lyon's diverse neighborhoods and attractions.
- Visit the Lyon Tourist Office on the square for maps, information, and the Lyon City Card for access to museums and public transport.
- Enjoy a coffee or meal at one of the many cafes surrounding the square to soak in the lively atmosphere and people-watch.
Getting There
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Public Transport
Place Bellecour is a major transport hub, easily accessible by Metro lines A and D (Bellecour station). Numerous bus lines also stop at Place Bellecour. A single TCL ticket costs €2 and is valid for one hour across bus, metro, and tram lines. A book of 10 tickets costs €19.50. Validate your ticket each time you board.
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Walking
Place Bellecour is centrally located and easily reachable on foot from many parts of Lyon's city center. From Vieux Lyon, cross the Pont Bonaparte and walk straight ahead. From Place des Terreaux, walk south along Rue de la République. From Gare de Lyon-Perrache, walk north along Cours de Verdun and cross the Pont Bonaparte.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services (like Uber) are readily available in Lyon. A short ride from Gare de Lyon-Perrache to Place Bellecour typically costs between €8-€12, depending on traffic. Be aware of potential surge pricing during peak hours or events.
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Driving
Driving directly to Place Bellecour is not recommended due to heavy pedestrian traffic and limited parking. Several underground parking garages are located near Place Bellecour, including Garage Bellecour (Place Gailleton) and Parking Bellecour. Expect to pay around €3-€5 per hour for parking. Consider using a parking app like Parclick to reserve a space in advance. Note that access to the car park Bellecour is done by plate recognition.
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Vaporetto (Water Shuttle)
The Vaporetto, a river shuttle service, has a stop at Place Bellecour (Quai des Célestins). A single ticket costs €5. This can be a scenic way to arrive from the Confluence district or Vieux Lyon. Tickets can be purchased on board.
Discover more about Place Bellecour
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Visiter Lyon (Patrimoine)
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Clocher de Hôpital de la Charité de Lyon
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Pl. des Jacobins
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Palais Saint-Jean
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Passerelle Saint Georges de Lyon
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The Weight of Oneself
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MIMESIS | Escape Game Immersive
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Pl. Saint-Jean
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5 Imp. Turquet
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Renaissance du Vieux-Lyon
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Explore Lyon's rich history at Renaissance du Vieux-Lyon, a non-profit dedicated to preserving the city's architectural and cultural heritage.
Rue de la République
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Basilique Saint-Bonaventure de Lyon
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Pl. du Gouvernement
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Cour des Loges Lyon, A Radisson Collection Hotel
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Statue of the Republic
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Unmissable attractions to see
Statue de Louis XIV
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Office du Tourisme et des Congrès de la Métropole de Lyon
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Statue of Saint Exupéry
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Place des Célestins
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Célestins, Théâtre de Lyon
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Saint Antoine market place
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Marché Saint Antoine
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Place des Jacobins
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Pont Bonaparte
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Fontaine des Jacobins
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Fontaine de Place Antonin Poncet
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Musée de l'illusion LYON
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Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon
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Ticket Lyon City Boat
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Place de la République
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Essential places to dine
Monsieur P
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L'acteur - Bouchon Lyonnais
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LE F2
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LES 3 DOMES
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ART Restaurant Lyon
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CASABEA - Cuisine méditerranéenne
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Le Winch
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La Sommeliere
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Le Mercière
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Nosch
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Burgundy by Matthieu
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L'Établi
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Bouchon Tupin
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RESTAURANT LE VIEUX LYON
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Bouchon Rouge
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Oh My Gone
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Nature and Discoveries
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Souvenir de Lyon
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Louis Vuitton Lyon
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Cigoire - Boutique de cadeaux Lyon
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The Silver Arcade of Lyon
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Shops Lyon
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Silk Saint Georges
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Mes Demoiselles | Magasin Lyon 2 | Presqu'Île
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Workshops Marinette
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Seek & Find(e)
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LULLI Lyon
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Soierie Saint-Georges
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Souvenirs de Lyon. Com
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Welcome
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
MOS - Maker of Stories
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L'Officine
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Funky Monky Lyon - Bar - Restaurant - Tapas
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Le Melhor
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Le Lion Bar
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Le Welsh Beer Bar
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Betty's Bar
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LOUNGE & LOGE
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St Andrew's
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Le Pub Danois
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Look Bar
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La Fonderie
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Big Easy - Cocktail Bar & tapas
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Antidote
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Black Hole
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