Planning a trip to Lyon, and looking for all the best Lyon Instagram spots?
You’ve come to the right place! I’ve been to Lyon several times (with several weeks planned for this year), and I am in love with the beauty of this fabulous city.
Lyon is filled with picture-perfect sights, from the stunning hilltop Notre-Dame Basilica to magnificent murals to almost-to-pretty-to-eat pastries.
Ready to take some Lyon photos that will impress your friends and family?
Grab your camera (or iphone) and let me show you some of the most beautiful places in Lyon!
Lace up your shoes and let’s go!
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Best Instagram Spots in Lyon France
1. Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
If you’re all about capturing that perfect shot for your Instagram, then you just can’t skip the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful places in Lyon. It’s one of the city’s most iconic attractions, and indeed even a religious landmark in France.
The basilica is perched on Fourvière Hill, and it’s a feast for the eyes.
Start off admiring the incredible architecture of the exterior. (Fun fact: With its four towers, locals have nicknamed it the ‘upside-down elephant’!)
But if you don’t go inside the basilica, you’re really missing out! The intricate gilded mosaics are phenomenal, and the stained glass windows are true works of art.
So, put a visit to the Notre Dame Basilica at the top of your list — it’s truly one of the best things to do in Lyon. Will you snap a gorgeous photo of the entrance, or go for an atmospheric picture of the gilded mosaics with votive candles?
2. Notre Dame Observation Deck
Of course, the stunning basilica is not the only thing of beauty on the top of Fourvière Hill.
The other big reason to come all the way up the hill (tip: take the funicular up) is for outstanding views from the terraces surrounding the basilica.
The Esplanade of the Notre-Dame de Fourvière is absolutely the best place to enjoy panoramic views of Lyon.
From this hilltop vantage point, you can see Vieux Lyon in the foreground with the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral in Place Saint-Jean.
Behind Old Lyon, you have the Rhône and Saône rivers. Presqu’île is the ‘almost island’ defined by those two rivers, and you can pick out Place Bellecour. The newer areas of the city stretch out to the horizon.
You’ll want to take your time finding the perfect shot from the observation deck. Be sure to check out all of your options from the different sides of the basilica.
For the most magical pictures, visit at sunrise or sunset!
3. Jardin du Rosaire
After you’ve taken in the breathtaking Lyon city views from the terraces of Notre Dame Basilica, why not take the scenic route down to Vieux Lyon? Stroll downhill through the peaceful Jardin du Rosaire.
Even though it’s located right below the busy basilica, there are not usually very many tourists in the garden. So, this hidden gem provides a tranquil escape from the bustling city.
With its winding pathways, arched trellises, and bright flowers, it’s a beautiful place to relax. Take in the ever-changing city views as you turn each bend.
As you follow the zigzagging paths down the hill, be sure to look back up at the basilica. You don’t want to miss the spectacular shots of the basilica from this vantage point!
4. Vieux Lyon
Another must-see attraction for all travel and photography enthusiasts is Vieux Lyon, or “Old Lyon”. This UNESCO-listed historical district is full of narrow cobblestone streets, Renaissance architecture, and hidden traboules.
Stepping into Vieux Lyon is like stepping back in time. Even if you are only in Lyon for a day, be sure to stroll through the winding alleys and soak up the atmosphere of Old Lyon.
This area offers endless photo opportunities, from charming storefronts to cozy bouchons and quirky museums. It’s definitely one of the most Instagrammable places in Lyon!
While you wander, keep your eyes open for Lyon’s famous traboules. These hidden passageways are sprinkled through Old Lyon, and you’ll find some in the Croix-Rousse area as well.
These unique architectural features were used by silk traders and now provide an intriguing glimpse into Lyon’s history. Plus, some of them open up into beautiful courtyards with amazing architecture.
Take your time exploring this picturesque neighborhood and capture some unforgettable shots along the way.
Take this guided tour of the traboules to find some of the most picturesque courtyards!
5. Parc de la Tête d’Or
For a break from the city’s hustle and bustle, head to Parc de la Tête d’Or. This expansive park covers over 290 acres and is the perfect spot for a picnic, bike ride, or leisurely stroll. (I’m a big fan of picnics!)
The gilded gate marking one of the park’s entrances makes for a dramatic entrance to the park.
Make your way through the lush greenery and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems within the park, including a zoo, botanical garden, and even a small lake with paddle boats.
The botanical garden greenhouses are a favorite for Instagram-worthy Lyon pictures. Especially if you get an image from a distance with the plants and statue in the foreground!
It’s also home to the stunning Roseraie du Parc de la Tête d’Or, a rose garden with over 30,000 flowers in bloom during the summer months. I love taking close-up pictures of roses!
The park is especially popular in the warmer months when locals flock to its open spaces for picnics and outdoor activities. So, pack a baguette and some cheese, grab your camera, and enjoy a peaceful day in nature.
6. Mur des Canuts
For a unique piece of street art and a history lesson all in one, head to the Mur des Canuts. This colorful mural commemorates Lyon’s silk workers and is located in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.
The Mur des Canuts is one of Lyon’s amazing trompe-l’oeil murals. You’ll find several large-scale murals sprinkled around the city. These incredible pieces of public art are impressive both in sheer size and in their level of detail and realism.
The Mur des Canuts is my favorite Lyon mural for two reasons.
One, it’s a slice-of-life painting that fits right into the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, complete with shops and people. Two, it’s one of the largest murals in the world!
These murals are definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Lyon! I recommend taking a mix of wide shots (to get the entire mural in one frame) and lots of close-ups of individual scenes.
Why not book a custom private tour in Lyon to make sure you see all the best photo spots?
7. Place des Terreaux
No trip to Lyon is complete without a visit to the Place des Terreaux.
This grand square is not only impressive in its size and architecture, but it also holds significant historical and cultural importance for the city.
At the center of the square stands the dramatic and beautiful Bartholdi Fountain, created by the same sculptor who designed the Statue of Liberty.
The fountain is surrounded by beautiful buildings such as the Hôtel de Ville (Lyon’s City Hall). These ornate buildings make the Place des Terreaux a popular location for those picture-perfect Lyon photos.
Today, the square is a popular meeting place for both locals and tourists, with cafes and restaurants lining its perimeter. It’s a great spot to relax, people-watch, and soak up the atmosphere.
Tip: visit this Lyon square during the day and at night, when the fountain and buildings are illuminated. It’s worth the extra visit for the amazing photos!
8. Maison du Crible / La Tour Rose
Located in the heart of historic Vieux Lyon, the Maison du Crible (also known as La Tour Rose) is a must-see attraction for its stunning architecture.
If you’re seeking out the traboules of Old Lyon (or are taking a tour), this is one of the prettiest courtyards you’ll find.
The tall rose-colored tower is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in Old Lyon. And it’s probably one of the most photographed locations as well!
The Tower itself is a partially enclosed staircase with symmetrical arched windows looking out onto the courtyard. Admire the courtyard’s wrought-iron balconies and greenery, a quiet oasis for the building residents.
Today, the Maison du Crible is a hotel, with an amazing location in the heart of Vieux Lyon.
(Check out this post to discover the best 5-star hotels in Lyon — including some in the heart of Lyon’s Old Town!)
9. Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste
Another must-see attraction in Lyon is the Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste, located in the historic district of Saint-Jean.
You will certainly pass by it as you are exploring Vieux Lyon, as it is centrally located and very hard to miss! Place Saint-Jean is popular as a meeting point for Lyon tour groups.
This stunning Gothic church is a symbol of the city and one of its most famous landmarks. (It’s one of the stars of the show during Lyon’s Fête des Lumières in December. Just imagine the magnificent lighting displays projected on the cathedral!)
It’s impressive both inside and out, with intricate stained-glass windows, soaring ceilings, and detailed carvings throughout.
Don’t miss the amazing astronomical clock, nestled in the back corner of the Cathedral.
Whether you’re admiring its beauty from the outside or taking in its grandeur from within, photos of the Cathedral Saint Jean-Baptiste will surely impress!
10. Musée des Confluences
So far, we’ve seen (and taken pictures of) a lot of incredible Gothic and Renaissance architecture in Lyon.
But Lyon has some architectural surprises up its sleeve! You’ll find many ultra-modern buildings in Lyon, making for some interesting visual contrasts of old and new.
One of the best examples of Lyon’s modern architecture is the Musée des Confluences.
This science and anthropology museum is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The building itself is a work of art, with its unique modern architecture and location on the tip of a narrow peninsula.
If you’re visiting the museum, don’t miss the panoramic views of Lyon from the museum’s rooftop terrace!
11. The Orange Cube
Picture this – a pop of bold color amidst the greys and muted colors of the Lyon cityscape, with an artistic twist that turns every angle into a photographer’s dream.
That’s the Orange Cube for you!
You’ll find this unique, must-see Lyon building in the Presqu’île area, facing the Saône river. I got some great pictures of this ultra-modern building on my Lyon river cruise. (Along with its architectural twin in green.)
(Fun fact: The people of Lyon have nicknamed this building ‘Mimolette’. With its bright orange color and circular hole, it looks like this popular orange French cheese!)
12. Lyon Opera House
The Lyon Opera House, or Opéra de Lyon, is a cultural icon. Built in the 19th century, this opera house has been the center of performing arts in Lyon for over a hundred years.
But don’t let its age fool you – the Lyon Opera House underwent extensive renovations, giving it a modern and functional design while preserving its historic grandeur.
The Lyon Opera House is an absolute gem for photography enthusiasts.
The stunning glass-domed roof draws your attention. The rooftop is lined with classical statues, making it the perfect marriage of old-world charm and sleek modernism.
The area around the Opera House is always buzzing thanks to the nearby metro stop, so it’s a great place to do some people-watching too!
Snap a picture with the opera house as your backdrop; it’s a classic shot that’s unmistakably Lyon.
13. Gallo-Roman Theater
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? Well, grabbing your camera and heading to the Théâtre Gallo-Romain in Lyon is pretty much the next best thing.
Imagine sitting on the ancient stone steps where spectators, two millennia ago, were entertained with drama and music. It’s not just an iconic photo spot – it’s a gateway to another era.
Climb the terraced seating for a panoramic shot of Lyon, with the city’s beautiful architecture forming a stunning contrast against the backdrop of history.
If you’re visiting Lyon in June or July, don’t miss the epic festival, Les Nuits de Fourvière. During Fourvière nights, concerts are in the ancient amphitheater — truly an amazing combination of old and new!
14. Fresque des Lyonnais
Picture this: you’re strolling down the streets of Lyon and you turn a corner to find a mural so realistic, it’s as if you’ve walked into a living, breathing scene from the city’s past and present.
One such stunner is the Fresque des Lyonnais, a towering marvel of urban street art looming at seven stories high.
This fabulous fresque brings Lyon’s illustrious residents to life – from the brothers Lumière, pioneers of cinema, to silk weaver Laurent Mourguet, creator of the famous Guignol puppet.
Feel free to get snap-happy here; each character in the fresque begs a closer look, and the intricate details practically insist you take out your camera.
I love the scenes on the ‘ground floor’ of the building, especially the restaurant scene with famous Lyon chef Paul Bocuse!
15. Escaliers Prunelle
Now, if you’re anything like me, you love finding those hidden gems that give you the real feel of a city.
Let me introduce you to the Escaliers Prunelle. This is one of Lyon’s most Instagram-worthy painted staircases, tucked away between bustling streets in the hilly Croix-Rousse area.
Get your steps in as you climb these colorful stairs to explore the neighborhood (it helps to work off some of the calories from my delicous breakfast pastries!)
Personally, I think it’s a shame that people have spray-painted graffiti on the colorful staircase design. But others would consider it an additional form of expression.
Either way, these painted staircases are some of the best places to take photos in Lyon.
16. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
I love visiting museums when I travel. And since I love fine arts and classical statues, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon was one of my favorite Lyon museums.
Lyon’s Fine Arts Museum boasts one of the largest collections of paintings and sculptures in France, outside of Paris. With works ranging from ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern art masterpieces, you’re sure to find something to catch your eye.
I’m a sucker for classical statues, so I always have to take a close look. It’s amazing the nuances that the artists have created in marble.
The museum’s courtyard, with its elegant sculpture garden, is a serene escape in the heart of the city. This hidden gem of Lyon is free to visit, and it’s a great place to capture a gorgeous photo of statues amongst the backdrop of the gardens.
Read more about Lyon’s Fine Arts Museum!
17. Cour des Voraces
The Cour des Voraces is one of Lyon’s famed traboules, tucked away in the Croix-Rousse district. This one was a little hard for me to find with my friend Google Maps (I have a terrible sense of direction).
While the traboules in Vieux Lyon generally feature warm reddish tones and eye-catching Renaissance architecture, the Cour des Voraces is a no-frills building in monochrome gray.
What makes this one of the best places in Lyon for pictures is the eye-catching symmetry of angled 6-story staircases with wrought-iron railings.
Beautiful, isn’t it?
18. Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Ah, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse – a name that’s synonymous with the finest French gastronomy and, honestly, a food lover’s dream.
This gourmet indoor market is named after the famous Lyonnais chef, Paul Bocuse, and it’s where locals and tourists alike come for top-quality culinary delights.
Picture an array of artisanal cheeses, the freshest seafood, vibrant produce, and pastries… oh, those perfect pastries! You’ll definitely want to find out if they taste as good as they look. The hardest part is choosing just one!
Capture every drool-worthy detail to remember your trip to Lyon (and to make your friends back home just a little bit envious).
Are you a foodie? Book this private tour of Les Halles de Lyon for an amazing foodie experience!
19. Flower Tree Sculpture
On your stroll through Lyon, you’ll undoubtedly be drawn to the burst of colors from the Flower Tree Sculpture at Place Antonin Poncet.
It’s like someone took a piece of whimsy and splashed it right in the middle of the city’s historical architecture – talk about a contrast!
This modern art installation, with its kaleidoscope of forty-some giant flowers, is not just a feast for the eyes. This romantic Lyon attraction is a symbol of Lyon’s love affair with art.
The bright colors of the Flower Tree make for the perfect Lyon picture against the backdrop of the Rhône.
20. Place des Jacobins
The Place des Jacobins may be a tiny square in Lyon, but boy is it beautiful! Stand in the center of this square and spin slowly, taking in the grandeur of the surrounding buildings.
But it’s the stunning fountain that’s the true centerpiece here – a masterpiece that’s just begging to be immortalized in art.
On my last visit, a group of art students were hard at work sketching the gorgeous Fontaine des Jacobins. Since I have zero drawing skills, I had to content myself with capturing its beauty in photograph form.
It’s hard to choose what is the better image: A wide shot capturing the entire fountain, or a close-up of the graceful sculptures.
This is another place in Lyon that is just as beautiful at night when the fountain and the buildings lining the square are gloriously lit up.
21. Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport
You might not typically think of an airport as a must-see attraction, but Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport, with its sleek, futuristic design, is an exception.
Envision stepping into what feels like a scene from a sci-fi epic, where the architecture soars and curves as if in flight itself.
It’s a fitting homage to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, the pioneering aviator, and writer after whom the Lyon airport is named.
The airport and the adjacent TGV station are eye-catching and a unique way to kick off your trip to Lyon. Even if you’re tired after a transatlantic flight, you won’t want to forget to snap a photo after you get to Lyon by plane!
Map of Best Lyon Instagram Spots
If you’re like me, you can easily get turned around in a new city. I’ve put together this map of all the best photo spots in Lyon to help you plan your photo journey!
Final Thoughts:
And there you have it! There are so many beautiful, iconic, and unexpectedly photogenic places to get those perfect Instagram-worthy pictures of Lyon.
I’ve talked about some of the big Lyon attractions, but don’t overlook the charming details you find exploring the city. They make for some of my favorite pictures and memories of my trip.
The tiny carved dragon you find in the Saint-Jean Cathedral. A Guignol puppet theater. A drool-worthy photo of the delectable pastries from your Lyon food tour.
Check out these other great posts to help you find the best things to do in Lyon. I love Lyon, and I bet you will too!
Happy travels!
Are you ready to book your trip to Lyon?
Looking for the top picks for your trip to Lyon? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!
Top Tours and Experiences in Lyon
- Old Town Walking Food Tour (Vieux Lyon sightseeing + tasty local favorites)
- E-Bike Tour of Lyon (A fun & easy way to see Lyon’s top sights!)
- French Pastry-Making Class (Perfect for those who love to cook!)
- Beaujolais Golden Stones Wine Tour (The best day trip for wine lovers)
- Lyon City Card (Amazing value! I buy this every time I visit Lyon)
Top Hotels in Lyon
- Villa Florentine (Fabulous 5-star hotel in Vieux Lyon)
- Cour des Loges (Amazing 5-star hotel in the heart of Vieux Lyon)
- Hôtel Bayard Bellecour (Highly rated budget-friendly hotel)
Planning a trip to Lyon? Pin this for later so you don’t miss out on any of these Instagram-worthy places in Lyon France!
Lisa Garrett
Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.
She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She has visited Lyon many times, including a 2-week stay last spring (unseasonally cold for a Phoenix girl!). Whether you’re interested in food, history, or culture, Lisa’s tips will help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!
Learn more about Lisa!
