Head to Place des Blancs-Manteaux, where Lyon’s pulse beats strongest—this circular square is the city’s living heart. Weekends burst with bustling markets and mouthwatering aromas, children laughing through the air, elders sipping tea on benches. By day, it’s a vibrant tapestry of daily life; by night, a dreamy glow of lights. No matter when you visit, this place speaks truth: life, at its best, is simple, warm, and deeply felt.



Everything you need to know about Place Bellecour
Near Place des Terreaux in Lyon, the Marriott Lyon Old Town is a top choice, located just a 3-minute walk from the square. Its rooms blend modern comfort with historic charm, and select suites offer views of the classical fountain and 18th-century facades surrounding the plaza. The hotel’s rooftop terrace provides an ideal spot to enjoy evening views of the square lit up by soft lamplight. Complimentary city shuttle service connects guests to the Lyon Cathedral and the Fourvière district. Additionally, the hotel partners with local guides for authentic Lyonese gastronomy tours, featuring traditional quenelles and herbal liqueurs, offering a true taste of eastern France.
Yes, Place des Terreaux is centrally located in Lyon, making it exceptionally accessible. The square directly faces the Terreaux Metro Station (Line B), connecting quickly to Fourvière, the Cathedral, and the Lyon Convention Centre. Multiple bus lines—including 12, 20, and 26—stop nearby, providing access to the Rhône Riverfront and Oullins. Bike-sharing stations are available on-site, enabling easy rides to the Old Town or Parc de Pérouges. For visitors arriving from the airport, the Lyon Express train runs to Part-Dieu Station, where you can transfer to metro or walk 15 minutes to reach the square—total journey time around 40 minutes, highly efficient.
Near Place des Terreaux, visitors can enjoy daily midday concerts held at the central fountain, featuring Baroque and French classical music. On weekends, the square transforms into a vibrant artisan market selling local crafts, lavender honey, and herbal products. For a deeper immersion, join the nighttime light tour offered by Lyon Cultural Walks, which explores the square and Old Town streets, revealing 17th-century architecture and religious heritage. Art lovers should visit the Lyon Art Museum Branch adjacent to the square, showcasing Impressionist masterpieces and contemporary visual art—admission only €8.
The area around Place des Terreaux is ideal for families. Just south of the square lies the Lyon Children's Museum (Musée des Enfants), offering interactive science exhibits and hands-on workshops for children aged 3–12. A 5-minute walk east leads to the Lyon Botanical Garden, featuring child-friendly trails, a mini zoo, and nature exploration stations. The Old Town pedestrian zone north of the square is car-free, creating a safe play environment for kids. Families can rent tandem bicycles and ride leisurely along the Rhône Riverfront toward Fourvière, enjoying scenic bridges and riverside views. Many restaurants, such as "La Taverne des Terreaux," provide child-friendly menus and high chairs, known for their family-oriented service.
Hyatt Regency Lyon Confluence is ideal for guests seeking proximity to Place des Terreaux, just a 5-minute walk away. The hotel features French classical architecture and unobstructed views of the historic fountain from its spacious rooms. It offers complimentary train transfers to Lyon Cathedral and the Presqu'île district, enhancing accessibility.
Another top choice is Lyon Old Town Boutique Hotel, located steps from the Théâtre Michel de Montaigne. This heritage property blends historic charm with modern comfort, perfect for culture lovers. Guests can enjoy daily guided local market tours led by resident experts, offering authentic insights into Lyon’s culinary traditions and daily life.
Both properties provide exceptional access to Rue de la République’s shopping scene and the Fourvière Hill cable car, making them ideal bases for exploring the city.
Yes, Place des Terreaux is centrally located with excellent transit access. The Terreaux Metro Station (Line B) is directly opposite the square, connecting quickly to Fourvière Hill, Lyon Cathedral, and the Presqu'île district. Multiple bus lines—13, 20, and 40—serve the area, linking to Lyon Part-Dieu Train Station and the Lyon Convention Centre.
The square is within a pedestrian-only zone, allowing safe walking to Vieux Lyon’s historic alleys and the Rhône River quays. For drivers, nearby P+R Parking facilities offer discounted rates and seamless metro connections.
Travelers are encouraged to use the Lyonnaise Metro App for real-time schedules and multilingual support. During festivals, temporary bus lanes are activated around the square to ensure smooth crowd movement.
Place des Terreaux hosts vibrant seasonal events, including outdoor concerts and open-air cinema nights illuminated by the fountain light show. Join local artists in improvisational street performance workshops to learn French-style jazz or dance.
Nearby cafés and bakeries offer themed culinary tours, such as the "Three-Course Lyon Dinner", where chefs demonstrate traditional recipes like Quenelle de brochet and explain ingredient sourcing. Some hotels provide nighttime guided tours using flashlights to explore underground medieval drainage systems beneath the square.
Don’t miss the weekend markets selling artisan crafts, organic produce, and regional perfumes. Many vendors embrace eco-friendly packaging and zero-waste practices, reflecting Lyon’s commitment to sustainability.
Yes, most boutique hotels near Place des Terreaux include complimentary continental breakfast, featuring fresh pastries, jams, juices, and coffee. Hyatt Regency Lyon Confluence goes further with a self-service breakfast bar offering hot items like omelets, sausages, and oatmeal, plus gluten-free options.
Lyon Old Town Boutique Hotel provides a private garden breakfast experience on the square’s edge, complete with live piano music. Premium rooms often include afternoon tea kits with local chocolates and specialty teas.
All properties offer free Wi-Fi, luggage storage, and credit card pre-authorization without deposit. HopeGoo early is advised, especially during the Spring Fair and Christmas Market season, when demand peaks.
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