Surrounded by two hills, Lyon couldn’t overlook funiculars. Nicknamed “strings”, the city was home to five of these transport lines connecting “the hill that works” – La Croix Rousse with “the hill that prays” – Fourvière and the centre, from the nineteenth century.
-
![Jocelyne Vidal]()
-
Updated on
24/02/2016
-
Destination
Lyon
Two of the Belle Époque “strings” are still in operation. They leave the SaintJean district before diving into Fourvière hill. They only take five minutes to reach the summit, taking you to the foot of la Fourvière Basilica (Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière); which is topped with a huge golden Virgin, adorned with Byzantine-inspired mosaics lit by six large brass lamps.
A magnificent view of Lyon from the esplanade awaits you. Head down from it to reach the Odeon, and an ancient Roman theatre. The Nuits de Fourvière concerts and shows have been held here every summer since 1994, featuring poems and plays from the Hadrian era.
It’s time for an exciting journey through time at the Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine featuring elegant subterranean architecture as part of the archaeological site.
Take the “string” at the Saint-Jean metro station.
Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine, 17, rue Cléberg 69005 Lyon. Telephone: +33 (0)4 72 38 49 30.
Nuits de Fourvière - www.nuitsdefourviere.com