VERDICT: We gave 5 out of 5 tickets and here’s why!
How One Short Stay in Lyon Became a Highlight of Our France Road Trip
With only 24 hours in Lyon, we were told there was a beautiful basilica just a short walk from where we were staying at the Fourvière Hôtel. So we headed uphill toward the magnificent Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. And despite visiting cathedrals and basilicas throughout France over the previous weeks… this one still managed to completely captivate us.
From the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière to 2,000-year-old Roman ruins, (Both with FREE Admission) Lyon delivered history, beauty and unforgettable views in just one day.
Towering above the city on Fourvière Hill, the basilica dominates the Lyon skyline. At the top of the bell tower stands the golden statue of the Virgin Mary, designed by Joseph-Hugues Fabisch and installed in 1852 after Lyon was spared from a devastating cholera epidemic. Even today, every December 8th, thousands of people across Lyon light candles in their windows to honour the Virgin Mary and celebrate the famous Festival of Lights.
Inside, the basilica felt extraordinary. The ornate ceilings reminded us of an intricate Fabergé egg, richly decorated with gold details, mosaics, colour, and elaborate craftsmanship everywhere you looked. The stained-glass windows added even more beauty to a space that already felt surreal.
One of the most moving parts of the basilica is the Sanctuary of Saint Thomas Becket, also known as Thomas of Canterbury, dedicated to the famous English archbishop whose story still echoes across Europe centuries later.
Then came the view. Behind the basilica, we stepped onto the esplanade and were met with a breathtaking panoramic view stretching across all of Lyon. As we began walking back down the hill, we passed the bronze monument of Pope John Paul II before discovering something remarkable hidden along the hillside below.
Ancient Roman ruins. Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres preserves the remains of the ancient Roman city founded in 43 BC.
And incredibly it’s free to visit.
You can actually touch these historic ruins, there are no barriers or glass divides.
The stones beneath our feet were part of the roads walked nearly 2,000 years ago. The Grand Theatre, the oldest Roman theatre in France, once held up to 10,000 spectators under Emperor Hadrian. Nearby, the smaller Odeon hosted music recitals and public readings. We even wandered through the remains of the ancient Roman marketplace that once served as a bustling commercial hub for the city.
And just minutes later, after walking back up the grassy hillside, we arrived once again at our hotel. Twenty-four hours in Lyon went by quickly… but this city left a lasting impression on us. Be sure to watch the video on Hotel Fourvière – it also is quite extraordinary.
Check Expedia for the Fourvière Hôtel. We booked our stay through this platform and were very happy.
Return Ticket Reasons: Why We’d Return to Lyon
- Incredible panoramic viewpoints
- One of France’s most stunning basilicas
- Roman ruins you can walk through for free Fascinating ancient history Beautiful hilltop atmosphere
- Elegant architecture everywhere
- Excellent food culture
- Walkable historic districts
- Less crowded than Paris
- Perfect stop on a France road trip
Learn More About the Roman Ruins of Lyon
Lugdunum Museum and Roman Theatres offers one of the most remarkable glimpses into ancient Roman France. Located on Fourvière Hill, these ruins were once part of Lugdunum, the original Roman city founded in 43 BC and considered the capital of Roman Gaul. Visitors can walk through remarkably preserved amphitheatres, ancient stone pathways, and the remains of marketplaces that once formed the centre of daily life nearly 2,000 years ago. The Grand Theatre, the oldest Roman theatre in France, originally seated around 4,700 people before being expanded under Emperor Hadrian to hold approximately 10,000 spectators. Nearby, the smaller Odeon was used for music performances, poetry readings, and political gatherings. What makes this site especially impressive is not only its historical importance, but also its accessibility, visitors can freely wander among the ruins while overlooking modern Lyon below, creating a striking contrast between ancient and modern worlds.
🎯 Top 10 Things to do in Lyon
- Top 10 Things To See & Do in Lyon
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The symbol of Lyon towering above the city with incredible panoramic views. - Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
Remarkable Roman ruins dating back nearly 2,000 years. - Vieux Lyon
One of Europe’s largest Renaissance old towns filled with cobbled streets and hidden passageways. - Traboules of Lyon
Secret covered passageways once used by silk merchants and resistance fighters. - Place Bellecour
One of Europe’s largest public squares. - Parc de la Tête d’Or
A massive urban park with gardens, a lake, and even a small zoo. - Musée Miniature et Cinéma
Fascinating movie props and miniature worlds. - Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
A paradise for food lovers showcasing Lyon’s culinary reputation. - Croix-Rousse
Historic silk-weaving district with incredible city viewpoints. - Confluence District
Modern architecture and waterfront redevelopment where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
With every trip, we offer feedback to travel companies along with honest views for you, the reader. We rate adventures on a scale of one to five tickets, judged on quality, service, memorability, and price. A perfect ‘Ticket Rating’ of a five-ticket score means the experience was flawless and we’d eagerly return. Your desire to go back is the ultimate measure of a trip’s worth. Exclusive to My Return Ticket.
