Place Bellecour

About Place Bellecour

Get the inside scoop on Place Bellecour from local experts, travel creators, and tastemakers. Browse genuine trip notes, Place Bellecour reviews, photos, travel guides, and itineraries from real travelers and plan your trip with confidence.

What people say

"Situated within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, nestled between the Saône and the Rhône rivers in Lyon's 2nd district, Place Bellecour is a monumental dusty red square at the heart of the city center, just north of the Ainay district. This vast expanse, known as the largest pedestrian square in Europe, serves as a bustling hub of activity and a focal point for exploration. Marking the starting point for many city excursions, Bellecour holds the prestigious title of kilometre 0 in Lyon, with all distances calculated from its center. It serves as a gateway to the presqu’île's shopping district and boasts the convergence of four major streets: rue de la République leading to Hôtel de Ville and the Opera, rue Victor Hugo and rue du Plat leading to Perrache, and rue du Président Édouard Herriot adorned with luxury shops leading to Place des Terreaux. Measuring an impressive 312 meters by 200 meters, Place Bellecour ranks as the third largest square in France, surpassed only by Place des Quinconces in Bordeaux and Place de la Concorde in Paris. Its central statue of Louis XIV on horseback serves as a beloved meeting point for locals, a backdrop for protests, and a source of historical intrigue for tourists. In the southwest corner stands another notable statue, commemorating the renowned Lyonnais Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and his iconic character, the Little Prince, erected in 2000 to honor the writer's centenary."
" One of Europe's largest open squares, Place Bellecour is a bustling hub where locals and visitors gather. It offers a pleasant escape, with a garden, restaurants, and stunning views of the Rhône River."
"This is a large square in the center of Lyon. It's a hub of metro stops as well. If you plan on visiting the Tourism Center (which I recommend), you will find it here. "

Mentioned in these guides

Nestled in the heart of France, Lyon is known as the country's culinary capital. This city brims with life and a wealth of attractions waiting to be explored. While it ranks among France's most significant urban centers, two days are often sufficient to take in its many offerings. Lyon's unique charm stems from being traversed by two winding rivers, which bestow upon it a distinct allure. Multiple bridges gracefully connect the city's three main districts: the historic Old Town (Vieux Lyon), the peninsula known as Presqu'île, and the riverbanks on the right bank of the Rhône. For a short stay, it's advisable to choose accommodations as centrally located as possible, ensuring easy access to the city's primary points of interest. While Lyon is mostly walkable, do keep in mind that it encompasses several hilly areas, particularly the Fourvière Hill. For those less inclined to undertake the uphill journey on foot, there's a cable car service available to ascend the heights. Should you wish to extend your journey, Lyon harmoniously pairs with other destinations such as Paris, Dijon (and the Burgundy region), Geneva, and Annecy. Dive into this vibrant city where culinary expertise meets rich heritage, this city is a captivating blend of historical landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and a thriving cultural scene. Please note that I'm offering this guide for free, so any tip is appreciated. Another way to support my work is by booking your accommodation via this guide, there's no extra cost for you and helps me a lot to continue creating guides like this. If you are interested in making a trip combining some other interesting cities in France, give me a call I can certainly help you plan it.
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Don't forget to SAVE this guide for your next trip to Lyon! 🥐 WHAT YOU'LL UNLOCK: 🚇 How to get to Lyon & how to get around the city. 🔟 Our Top 10 Hidden Gems: with GPS coordinates! 🏞️ Parks & Gardens: Immerse yourself in natural beauty that's picture-perfect; ✅Best Rooftop with views; (+ cheapest item to order if you're on a budget and only there for the view😉) 🖼️Top museums: Dive into Lyon's rich culture; 🏛️Top monuments & sights; 🏙️Squares & Streets: Wander through Lyon's most charming streets; 🥐Top Instagram-worthy cafes & restaurants; 🌉Instagrammable Bridges offering you the best city views; 🖼️Street Art & murals: Experience the city's vibrant artistic soul; 📅Top yearly events: Join in on Lyon's festivities; 💤Unique & Unusual Places to Stay; 🛍️ Where to Shop: Discover the best retail therapy spots; 📍Day Trip Ideas from Lyon. 🌞Best Times to Visit: Plan your Lyon adventure with precision. This guide is a living treasure! You'll receive future updates, new places to explore, and deeper insights without any extra cost. Your journey keeps evolving! Got feedback or just want to share your Lyon experience? DM us anytime and tag us in your photos! 📸 @Tootly.travels Plus, it's not just a PDF—it's an interactive guide! Click on any place or location, and instantly access directions on your phone's Google Maps app, make restaurant reservations, or book hotels. For even easier access, download the free Thatch app. Ready to immerse yourself in Lyon's splendor? Let's make your trip truly unforgettable. 🌆📷🍷"
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