Lyon: 5 Good Reasons To Visit The Croix-rousse

In Lyon, there are must-see sights like Place Bellecour, the traffic jams of Old Lyon or the Fourvière basilica. But there is also a hardworking hill that has become an arty spot where street art reigns supreme. We have listed for you 5 good reasons to visit the Croix-Rousse.

1- To gain height

The Croix-Rousse is, with Fourvière, one of the two hills of the city of Lyon.

One of the most fun ways to get to this picturesque area is to take the C line of the metro.

Without wanting to spoil the surprise too much, you should know that the Lyon metro takes on the appearance of a twister on this line as it heads up the hill. By choosing this mode of transport, you will immediately understand that you are climbing on the heights of the city!

With its staircases, this district has besides some false airs of Montmartre in Paris.

Copyright : Suba

The first good reason to visit this district that the Lyonnais nickname 'the plateau' is therefore to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city's rooftops.

As you walk down the slopes of Croix-Rousse, you will discover with wonder that the view changes as you go down. But the panorama always remains exceptional, so take the opportunity to take several pictures!

2- To walk in the footsteps of the Canuts

In Lyon, the Croix-Rousse is also called 'the hill that works', as opposed to Fourvière 'the hill that prays'.

In the 19th century, this district was indeed that of the Canuts, i.e. the silk workers. On the set, many elements pay tribute to this facet of the district's history.

To follow in the footsteps of these textile workers, you can visit the museum dedicated to them: la Maison des Canuts.

You can also go and admire the famous wall of the Canuts (a trompe-l'oeil fresco that represents the district and its inhabitants).

3- To visit a real open-air museum

After having been the working class heart of the city, the Croix-Rousse has today become an artists' district.

No need to look far to discover the artistic side of the district! Street art is displayed everywhere in the streets.

From large frescoes like the Mur des Canuts and the Fresque des Lyonnais to simple graffiti, this open-air art perpetuates the rebellious spirit of the Canuts.

4- To discover secret places

You may not have known it, but Croix-Rousse is home to Lyon's most famous traboules: the famous Cour des Voraces!

While most of the traboules are located in the old Lyon, this district has the privilege to host the most unavoidable and spectacular traboules.

With its recognizable diagonal staircase, this courtyard has been used as a film location for many movies. You can get there by the 29 rue Imbert Colomès.

Copyright : Audrey Vautherot

Less than 5 minutes away on foot, in Rue Neyret, is another secret place with a mysterious allure.

The Church of the Good Shepherd is an abandoned church that you will recognize by its walled entrance.

You will still see the bell tower of this church when you reach the foot of the hill, at the level of the Roman amphitheatre.

5- To soak up the atmosphere of the neighbourhood

Finally, another good reason to visit the Croix-Rousse is to soak up the atmosphere of this popular district that has kept a village spirit.

As soon as you get out of the metro, you'll be amazed by the special atmosphere of this neighborhood, which makes you feel like you've left the city for a modest burg.

The numerous shops and restaurants, as well as the market that is held every day except Monday, contribute to the conviviality of the place.

So, once you've arrived on the plateau, don't hesitate to do as the Lyonnais do and sit down at the terrace of a café.

Don't just visit the tourist sites of the district, but take the time to stop there because the Croix-Rousse is also a whole atmosphere!