Best places to stay:
The height of luxury, comfort and peace in Lyon, this magical hotel is set midway up the Fourvière hillside. The property served for many centuries as a convent, but has been superbly transformed.
Beyond the grandiose entrance hall are bright, spacious bedrooms with tremendous views down on Lyon. You can also look out across the rooftops of old Lyon from the outdoor swimming pool and Jacuzzi.
Villa Florentine is home to one of Lyon’s finest restaurants, which matches Michelin-starred food with a memorable setting, complete with garden terraces, conservatory and yet more city skyline views.
It’s a great place to take in the big city while feeling removed from it – perfect for those who want to sightsee but then withdraw to a relaxing retreat.
The Fourviere hillside has long been occupied by religious houses linked to both the hilltop and the town below by typical steep Lyonnais stairways known as montees.
Given the difficult terrain, the area is generally very peaceful, although graffiti artists do daub on the walls along the montees. You get a free fitness workout walking either down into town (down steep steps), or up to Fourviere and its Roman sites and 19th-century basilica.
If you don’t want to tackle steps, it’s a taxi or funicular ride to the sites.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >Please note - we hope to one day have live prices for you, but for now, here are some useful links for you to compare prices...
Bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.2 miles]
Lyon’s historic and most beautiful quarter, notably filled with fine 16th-century French Renaissance mansions. An insight into how the city thrived in the Renaissance.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]
The city’s iconic hilltop basilica, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is famed for its sweeping panoramas, stained glass windows and bucolic Rosary Garden.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.4 miles]
The Fourviere hillside offers panoramic city views, a huge 19th-century basilica, two exceptional Roman theatres, and illuminating insights into Lyon’s Roman past.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.5 miles]
Nestled into the Fourviere hillside, Lyon’s fascinating Roman attraction is home to two ancient theatres and a museum filled with artefacts depicting all aspects life in the Roman town of Lugdunum.
Best for ages: 13+ | £3
Other worthwhile experiences in this destination if you have the time or the interest, closest first
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.2 miles]
Housed in Vieux Lyon’s grandest mansion, this small museum is actually two museums: the Museum of Lyon History, which traces the history of the city since medieval times, and the World Puppet Museum, with over 2,000 puppets collected over centuries.
Best for ages: 4+ | £5
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.2 miles]
A must for film buffs: Artist Dan Ohlmann showcases 120 miniature scenes and hundreds of film props to reveal the way special effects are made in the world’s leading film studios.
Best for ages: 4+ | £8
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.3 miles]
Henri IV married Marie de Medicis in this stunning medieval cathedral, famed for its 16th-century astronomical clock and one the world’s largest 17th-century bells, rung up to 15 times a year.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Lyon, Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, France[0.6 miles]
A hugely varied night time arts festival in June and July, held in the magnificently atmospheric Fourviere Roman theatres.
Best for ages: 18+ | £30 | 2 months
Destination guides including or relevant to this place to stay
Auberge-Rhone-Alpes, France
The gastronomic capital of France, if not the world, is not just a foodie hotspot. With UNESCO-protected architecture and awe-inspiring Roman ruins, its one for history lovers too..
