Vieux Lyon
written by anglemort
on August 11th, 2008
(0 votes)
Vieux Lyon was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998. The Vieux Lyon quarter spreads across the Fourvière hillside and is organized around three religious monuments: Saint Jean cathedral, the splendid medieval church of Saint Paul and the Saint Georges church. The Vieux Lyon quarter covers 30 ha (74 acres), including 500 buildings dating back to the middle ages, 3000 housing units and 7000 residents.
By 1960, Vieux Lyon had fallen into a state of dilapidation. Many buildings were endangered by neglect and destruction. Thanks to the combined efforts of the State (André Malraux, the well-known writer, was Minister of Culture), a local association and the City, Vieux Lyon became France’s first “protected sector” in 1964. Since then, two thirds of the buildings have been restored. There is some great renaissance shows there.
Before the Vieux Lyon you will probably take a bridge from Bellecour to the Vieux Lyon, take a look at the colored bear on it, very funny.
This vast Renaissance district has magnificent edifices testifying to the architectural splendor of the era: Loge du Change (for middle age bankers and merchants), Chamarier house (named for the dignitary who collected taxes), Palais Saint-Jean (religious residence), Maison des Avocats (law offices now, but it was the Auberge de la Croix d’Or in the 16th century and has magnificent arched galleries), Gadagne mansion, built in the 16th century, houses the Historical Museum of Lyon and the International Museum of Puppets.
Vieux Lyon is an international place, because of many students who live there, especially the Erasmus students (Erasmus is a European students exchange). A variety of restaurants and shops contribute to the day and nighttime atmosphere.
Secret Lomolocation : The “Palais de Justice”, near the Saone river: public monument, with the cour d’appel and cour d’assise (superior courts in France), off course it’s open to everyone, with a beautiful “Salle des pas perdus” (the place where the French lawyer wait with clients). Some good pictures to make in this big building, without any tourist!
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