must-visit in LyonChurch & Religious Site

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

📍 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

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4.6/ 5.0

★★★★★

Quick Facts

Location: France, Lyon
Category: Church & Religious Site
Duration: 1-2 hours
Opening Hours: Friday 07:00-20:00 · Monday 07:00-20:00 · Sunday 07:00-21:00 · Tuesday 07:00-20:00 · Saturday 07:00-20:00 · Thursday 07:00-20:00 · Wednesday 07:00-20:00 · Times shown are for the basilica; crypt daily 08:30–18:30, Chapel of the Virgin daily 07:00–19:00, gardens 06:30–22:30, esplanade gate 06:30–23:00; access may be temporarily restricted during Masses
Ticket Price: Free Admission: free · Both the basilica and the crypt are free; only group guided tours require advance booking
Address: 8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
Coordinates: 45.7622, 4.8220

Introduction

Perched on Lyon's highest hill, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built in the late 19th century in a striking blend of Byzantine and Romanesque styles. Its gilded statue of the Virgin watches over the city, and the interior dazzles with mosaics, marble and stained glass. Locals call it the 'upside-down elephant' for the way its bulk looms over the rooftops. Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon or climb the stone stairways to reach it, then enjoy one of France's finest panoramas: the Saône and Rhône rivers meeting below, the Alps glowing on the horizon.

✨ Highlights

Lyon's Hilltop Landmark

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands on the city's highest point and is the unmistakable symbol of Lyon.

Byzantine-Romanesque Splendour

Begun in 1872, the basilica blends Byzantine and Romanesque styles, crowned by a gilded statue of the Virgin watching over the city.

Dazzling Mosaics

The mosaics covering the dome and facades are extraordinarily fine, and the gilded interior glows with light.

Summit Panoramas

Ride the funicular from the old town or wind up the stone stairways to the top for views across the Alps and the spot where the Saône and Rhône rivers meet.

Photo Opportunities

The terrace in front of the basilica offers Lyon's classic cityscape shot.

🛈 Practical Info

→Address：8 Place de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France

→Suggested Duration：1-2 hours

→Tips：Check the official website for the latest information before you go.

→Transport：Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon, or drive / use public transport.

Opening Hours

Opening Hours
Monday	07:00-20:00
Tuesday	07:00-20:00
Wednesday	07:00-20:00
Thursday	07:00-20:00
Friday	07:00-20:00
Saturday	07:00-20:00
Sunday	07:00-21:00

Times shown are for the basilica; crypt daily 08:30–18:30, Chapel of the Virgin daily 07:00–19:00, gardens 06:30–22:30, esplanade gate 06:30–23:00; access may be temporarily restricted during Masses

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Free Admission	free

Both the basilica and the crypt are free; only group guided tours require advance booking

💡 Tips

• Check the official website in advance for the latest opening hours.

• Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon station - the climb on foot is steep but rewarding.

• Combine with the nearby Roman theatres and the Fourvière hill views for a half-day outing.

• Visit around sunset to watch the city light up from the esplanade.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière?

Friday: 07:00-20:00; Monday: 07:00-20:00; Sunday: 07:00-21:00; Tuesday: 07:00-20:00; Saturday: 07:00-20:00; Thursday: 07:00-20:00; Wednesday: 07:00-20:00; Times shown are for the basilica; crypt daily 08:30–18:30, Chapel of the Virgin daily 07:00–19:00, gardens 06:30–22:30, esplanade gate 06:30–23:00; access may be temporarily restricted during Masses

How much is the admission for Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière?

Free Admission: free; Both the basilica and the crypt are free; only group guided tours require advance booking

Any practical tips for visiting Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière?

Check the official website in advance for the latest opening hours. Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon station - the climb on foot is steep but rewarding.