Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
A white basilica overlooking all of Lyon, with dazzling gold mosaics inside and a viewing terrace with views toward the Alps.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1896 to give thanks to the Virgin Mary for protecting Lyon from occupation during the Franco-Prussian War. It blends Romanesque and Byzantine styles, and its four towers have earned it the nickname “upside-down elephant.” Inside, the walls are covered with colorful mosaics, marble, and gold leaf depicting the Virgin and scenes from French history. Beneath the church lies the Crypt of Saint Joseph. The viewing terrace beside the basilica overlooks the old town, the Saône, the Presqu'île, and, in the distance, the Croix-Rousse hill. On clear days you can see Mont Blanc, about 160 km away. The small chapel with its golden statue of the Virgin nearby is where the Festival of Lights began on December 8. In 1852, residents placed candles in their windows to celebrate the completion of the statue. Entry to the basilica is free. Guided tours of the roof and towers are available for a fee, but you must reserve them online or on site, and they operate seasonally. Getting there: take funicular F2 from the old town to Fourvière station, which is right at the exit. You can also walk down the Rose Garden path to the old town (about 15 minutes). It's best to visit together with the nearby Roman theatre.
Opening hours
Church approx. 07:00–19:00; observation deck all day
Nearby sights
- Jardin du Rosaire
- Ancient Theatres of Fourvière & Lugdunum Museum
- Vieux Lyon
- Musée Miniature et Cinéma
- Musée Gadagne
- Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste)
- Fresque des Lyonnais
- Basilica of Saint-Martin d'Ainay