Place Bellecour, Rhone Alpes Travel Guide

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Experience Lyon's heart at Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest squares, rich in history and surrounded by shops, cafes, and attractions.

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Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour, at the heart of Lyon, is one of Europe's largest pedestrian squares. This vast, open space features an equestrian statue of Louis XIV and serves as a central meeting point, hosting events and providing access to major shopping streets and attractions. Its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-see destination.

A brief summary to Place Bellecour

Pl. Bellecour, Lyon, 69002, FR
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Place Bellecour.

Visit the Lyon Tourist Office on the square to get maps, brochures, and purchase a Lyon City Card for access to museums and public transport.
Explore the shops and cafes surrounding the square, especially along Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo.
Take a stroll to nearby attractions such as Vieux Lyon, the Lyon Cathedral, and Fourvière hill.
Enjoy the events and markets that frequently take place on the square, such as the winter ice rink and Ferris wheel.

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Explore Place Bellecour on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Place Bellecour, mapped for you.

Getting There

Metro

The easiest way to reach Place Bellecour is by Metro. Take Line A or Line D to the 'Bellecour' station, which is located directly underneath the square. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for one hour on buses, trams, and metro lines.
Bus

Several bus lines serve the area around Place Bellecour, including C5, C9, C10, C12, and 27. Check local transit maps for the best route from your location. A single ticket costs €2 and is valid for one hour on buses, trams, and metro lines.
Walking

If you are in central Lyon, Place Bellecour is easily accessible on foot. It is a 10-minute walk from Gare de Lyon-Perrache. Enjoy a stroll through Lyon's pedestrian streets to reach the square.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Lyon. A short taxi ride from Lyon Part-Dieu to Place Bellecour typically costs between €8 and €11 and takes about 5 minutes. From within the city center, a taxi ride will cost between €6-€8.
Car

Driving to Place Bellecour is possible, but parking is limited. Underground parking is available at Parc Bellecour and Parc Antonin Poncet. Parking rates at INDIGO Lyon Bellecour are €3.20 for 1 hour, €12.80 for 4 hours, and €42.20 for 24 hours. Parc Tilsitt Garage Majestic charges €5 for 1 hour and €30 for 24 hours.

Discover more about Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour, located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon, is one of the largest open squares in Europe, measuring 312 by 200 meters. Situated on the Presqu'île (peninsula) between the Saône and Rhône rivers, it serves as the city's central hub and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.Originally, the area was a swampy island used for military and commercial activities during Roman times. In the 12th century, it was a vineyard owned by the Archbishop of Lyon. The square's transformation began in the 17th century when Henry IV initiated its development into a public square. It was later named Place Royale and Place Louis-le-Grand in honor of Louis XIV, whose equestrian statue stands at its center.Throughout history, Place Bellecour has been a focal point for significant events. During the French Revolution, the original statue of Louis XIV was destroyed, and the square was renamed Place de la Fédération and Place de l'Égalité. In 1800, Napoleon laid the foundation stone for new buildings, renaming the square Place Bonaparte. The current statue of Louis XIV, sculpted by François-Frédéric Lemot, was erected in 1825.Today, Place Bellecour is a vibrant urban space hosting various events, including book fairs, concerts, and markets. In winter, an ice rink and a Ferris wheel are installed. The square is surrounded by shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it provides access to major streets like Rue de la République and Rue Victor Hugo. In addition to the statue of Louis XIV, there is also a statue of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry with the Little Prince. The Lyon tourist office is located in one of the pavilions on the square.