Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere, Lyon

Rooftop and towers of the basilica high above Lyon. Photo romaryka.

Facade of the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere. Photo Tim Chen.

East end of the basilica, overlooking the city. Photo Tim Chen.

West front of the basilica by night. Photo Romain Guy.

A lion guards the entrance. Photo Tim Chen.

Golden interior of Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere. Photo Diego Cupolo.

Closer look at the gilded vault. Photo dek.

Location map and aerial view of Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere. For a larger interactive view, see our Lyon Map.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits high atop the Fourvière Hill in Lyon, France. It was built between 1872 and 1876 in a neo-Byzantine style and offers a magnificent view over the city.

History

Like the Sacré-Coeur in Paris, Lyon's basilica was built to underline the might of the Roman Catholic Church after the Prussian defeat of France in 1870 and the birth of the anticlerical Third Republic. Both basilicas also have in common a neo-Byzantine style and hilltop site.

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1876 over an ancient Roman forum and next to the existing Chapel of the Virgin. It was designed by architect Pierre Bossan of Lyon, who also designed the city's Église Saint-Georges.

What to See

Visible from all over the city, the gleaming white Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière rises like a fortress on Fourvière Hill, with slender turrets on its four corners and crenellated walls. A gilded statue of the Virgin surmounts the bell tower.

This relatively austere exterior contrasts with the richly decorated interior, which was intended to demonstrate the Church's wealth and power (although in reality, it had only the former). Gilt, marble work, stained glass windows, and colored mosaics cover virtually every surface. Beneath the main level is the crypt of Saint-Jean, which is unusually large and well-lit.

Adjoining the basilica is the ancient Chapel of the Virgin and a terrace that provides a panoramic view of the cathedral and city of Lyon. An even better view can be had by climbing 287 steps to the basilica observatory.

Also nearby are the gardens of Rosaire, designed by Bossan, and the pleasant Hauteurs Park.

Quick Facts

Site Information

Names:	Notre-Dame-de-Fourviere; Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière; Fourvière Basilica; Notre-Dame Basilica; Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière
Dedicated to:	Virgin Mary
Location:	Lyon, France
Category:	Churches
Faith:	Christianity
Denomination:	Catholic
Status:	active
Date:	1872-76
Architect:	Pierre Bossan
Architecture:	Neo-Byzantine

Visitor Information

Coordinates:	45.762149° N, 4.822419° E (view on Google Maps)
Address:	8 Place de Fourvière, Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France
Phone:	04-78-25-51-82
Website:	www.fourviere.org
Hours:	Basilica: Daily 8am-7pm Observatory: Easter-Oct, daily 10-noon and 2-6; Nov-Easter, weekends 2-6
Tours:	Apr-Nov, Mon-Sat: 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 3pm, 4pm, 5pm; Sun: 3pm, 4pm, 5pm
Cost:	Basilica admission: free Guided tour: €2 Museum of Religious Art: €5 Treasury: €5
Services:	Mass at the Chapel: Mon-Fri 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm; Sat 5pm; Sun 6:30am and 7:30am Mass at the Basilica: Sun 7:30am, 9am, 11am and 5pm

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

Travel Resources for Lyon

Lyon Map - our detailed interactive map of Lyon, plus hand-picked links to more
Getting to Lyon - directions by train, car and bus, plus location map and links
Lyon Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Lyon
Lyon Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
Lyon Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
Lyon Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Lyon Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Lyon
Lyon Restaurant Reviews - the best places to eat in town
Lyon Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Lyon tourism

Article Sources

Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:

Personal visit (October 2004).
Notre-Dame de Fourviere - Planetware
Basilique de Notre-Dame-de-Fourvière - Fodor's France

Article last updated: 09/30/2009.