7 Best Lyon Roman Ruins: Amazing Sites for History Buffs

If you’re a fan of Roman history, you’re not going to want to miss any of these incredible Lyon Roman ruins!

Lyon has a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times. In fact, the city served as the capital of Roman Gaul and was called Lugdunum by the Romans.

I love seeking out the Roman ruins scattered throughout Lyon!

Some are easy to find (like the Gallo-Roman Theater) and others are off-the-beaten path gems to discover (like the Aqueduct of Gier).

Ready to find all the Roman ruins in Lyon? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

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1. Théâtre Antique de Lyon

The Théâtre Antique de Lyon is a must-see Roman ruin in the heart of Lyon. Built around 15 BC, this ancient theater once held up to 10,000 spectators.

You’ll find it perched on Fourvière Hill, offering stunning views of the city below. The theater’s impressive semicircular shape is remarkably well preserved, giving you a glimpse into its former grandeur.

As you explore, you’ll notice the remains of the stage and seating areas. The theater’s excellent acoustics are still evident, even after centuries of wear.

Today, the site hosts various cultural events and performances during summer months, where you can experience the venue as the Romans did! Don’t miss ‘Les Nuits de Fourvière’, one of Lyon’s best festivals.

Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the hillside location requires some climbing and there generally aren’t handrails for support. The panoramic views of Lyon from the top make it well worth the effort.

Best of all, it’s free to visit!

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, Lyon (Google shows the same address for the museum, theater, and odeon. They are all part of the same Lugdunum historic site)

2. Odeon of Lyon

The Odeon is one of the most beautiful Roman ruins in Lyon. You’ll find it on Fourvière Hill, just to the south of the larger Roman theater.

(Be careful not to miss it like we did on our first trip to Lyon. We got carried away exploring the Gallo-Roman theater and didn’t even see this gem!)

Built in the 2nd century AD, this ancient theater once hosted musical performances and poetry recitals for the Roman elite. Its semicircular design and impressive acoustics are still evident today, despite the passage of time.

The Odeon could seat around 3,000 spectators, making it a significant cultural hub in Roman Lugdunum.

Take a close look at the stage. It’s made out of various kinds of colored marble imported from throughout the Mediterranean — Greece, Tunisia, Egypt, and Turkey!

Sit on the stone benches and take in the views of Vieux Lyon and beyond. It’s a great spot to rest — as the scores of locals having lunch in the Odeon and Theater will agree.

The Odeon is part of the Lugdunum Museum complex, so you can easily combine your visit with other Roman attractions nearby (even if you only have a day in Lyon!).

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, Lyon (Google shows the same address for the museum, theater, and odeon. They are all part of the same Lugdunum historic site)

3. Gallo-Roman Museum

If you love museums, you’ll love discovering the wealth of ancient treasures at Lyon’s Gallo-Roman Museum.

This amazing museum showcases artifacts from the city’s Roman past. It’s made all the more interesting by the contrast with the museum’s unique modern architecture.

The museum is built into the hillside of Fourvière, right next to the ancient theater. It blends seamlessly with the surrounding archaeological site. I love how you can look out of the museum’s windows onto the Roman ruins!

Inside, you’ll discover an impressive collection of mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects. These items tell the story of Lugdunum, as Lyon was known in Roman times.

Don’t miss the famous Circus Games mosaic, a stunning piece depicting chariot races. It’s one of the museum’s highlights and a testament to Roman craftsmanship.

Interactive displays and models help bring the past to life. They make it easy to imagine what Lyon looked like nearly two thousand years ago — and make the museum fun for the young and the young-at-heart!

Tip: Entrance to the Gallo-Roman Museum is free on the first Sunday of the month! You can also get free entrance with the Lyon City Card.

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, Lyon (Google shows the same address for the museum, theater, and odeon. They are all part of the same Lugdunum historic site)

4. Gier Aqueduct

The Gier Aqueduct is a remarkable feat of Roman engineering that you can explore near Lyon.

We had a free afternoon on our last trip to Lyon and decided to take a short day trip to the Gier Aqueduct. Boy, were we glad that we did!

Built in the 1st century AD, this ancient structure once transported water over 85 kilometers from the Gier River to Lugdunum (modern-day Lyon).

You’ll be amazed by the well-preserved sections of the aqueduct that still stand today. Look closely to appreciate the use of red and white stones to create patterns in the arches and piers of the aqueduct.

The most impressive part is the Chaponost aqueduct bridge, where you can see a series of towering arches stretching across the landscape.

As you walk along the remnants of this ancient waterway, you’ll get a sense of the immense skill and planning that went into its construction. How many modern structures will still be standing in 2000 years?

The Gier Aqueduct offers a unique glimpse into Roman engineering prowess. It’s a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in ancient technology.

(I’d have to say the Pont du Gard is more impressive, but the Aqueduct of Gier is definitely worth a trip if you’re visiting Lyon!)

Want to see the Pont du Gard? It’s an easy day trip from either Arles or Nimes.

If you don’t want to take the bus, you can see remnants of the Gier Aqueduct’s pillars near the Gallo-Roman Theater. It’s about a 6-minute walk from the theater.

Address: 40 Rte des Pins, Chaponost (Aqueduct); 31 Rue Roger Radisson, Lyon (pillars)

5. Amphitheater of the Three Gauls

The Amphitheater of the Three Gauls is the only Lyon Roman site in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood.

You’ll find the remains of this amphitheater nestled between modern buildings. Although much of the original structure is gone, you can still see the outline of its oval shape and some stone seating.

Built around 19 AD, this amphitheater could hold up to 1800 people.

It served as a gathering place for representatives from the three Gallic provinces to discuss political matters and pay homage to Rome.

I’ve always been disappointed with my visits to this amphitheater. Every time it has been in disarray, looking like the ‘after’ shot from a festival.

I don’t get why this particular Roman ruin isn’t kept up to the same standards as the other ones! (If you’re short on time, this is one to skip! You won’t be missing much.)

Address: Located in the Jardin des Plantes

6. Thermes Antiques de Lyon

You’ll have to look hard to find the Thermes Antiques de Lyon. But if you’re a history buff, you’ll want to check these off your list.

These ancient Roman baths were discovered in the 1970s when the area was being developed. They’re now hidden behind a set of buildings along the Rue des Farges.

(Don’t worry, this is a Lyon historic site — so you’re allowed to visit!)

Dating back to the 1st century AD, these baths were an essential part of Roman social culture.

Sadly, there is not a lot remaining today, but you can see portions of the caldarium (warm room) and the palestra (courtyard).

You’ll have to fill in the blanks with your imagination. Or, to see what the baths would have looked like in Roman times, check out the model at the Gallo-Roman Museum.

Address: 6 Rue des Farges, Lyon

7. Tombeau de Turpio

The Tombeau de Turpio is a fascinating Roman funerary monument located in Lyon’s Fourvière district. It’s the most impressive of the 5 tombs located at this site.

While you can find them in Google maps by searching for ‘Tombeau de Turpio”, they go by several names.

Sometimes they are referred to as the Monuments of Trion (since they were discovered in 1885 at the Place du Trion during the construction of the railroad).

And just to make things more confusing, the informational sign at the site calls them the Mausoleums of the Place Eugene Wernert. (This refers to their current location.)

The best-preserved monument’s name comes from its dedication to Quintus Calvius Turpion. a wealthy Roman citizen. This tomb dates back to the 1st century AD and offers a glimpse into ancient Roman burial practices.

As you approach the monument, you’ll notice its impressive size and intricate details. Take a close look at the engraving of his epitaph.

It’s easy to appreciate the craftsmanship that has endured for nearly two millennia!

You’ll find the tombs located on Fourviere Hill, making them easy to include in your exploration of Lyon’s ancient sites.

It’s about a 15-minute walk from the Roman theater, or a 6- minute walk from the Roman baths. If you want to see all the Roman sites in Lyon, take a minute to plan an efficient route!

Address: 1 Mnt de Choulans, Lyon

Final Thoughts:

As you can see, there are plenty of incredible Roman ruins in Lyon. And since almost all of them are located close to each other, why not see more than one?

Round out your visit to the Roman ruins with a visit to Old Lyon to see the traboules — or maybe have a tasty lunch one of the great restaurants in Vieux Lyon.

Need more ideas for fun things to do in Lyon? Check out these posts:

• Top Things to Do in Lyon
• How to Spend One Day in Lyon
• Unique Things to Do in Lyon
• Best Photo Spots in Lyon
• Free Things to Do in Lyon
• Murals and Street Art in Lyon
• Must-See Lyon Museums

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