Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the spongy-yellow acoustic material covering the vaulting). Return on the same stairs to
the humble 16th-century chapel to the Virgin (push the door); outside, glance up to see the
glorious statue of Mary that overlooks Lyon.
Nearby:
Justaroundthischapel(pastthechurchmuseumandtherecommendedRes-
taurant Panoramique) is a commanding
view
of Lyon. You can see parts of both rivers
and north from the Croix-Rousse district south to the Bonaparte Bridge, with greater Ly-
on spread out before you in the distance. The black barrel-vaulted structure to the left is
the Opera House, and the rose-colored skyscraper in the distance is called, appropriately,
Le Crayon (the pencil). The big green space along the river to the left, across from the
Croix-Rousse hill, is Lyon's massive park (La Tête d'Or). On a clear afternoon, you'll get
a glimpse of Mont Blanc (the highest point in Europe, just left of the pencil-shaped sky-
scraper).
•TogettotheRomanTheatersandGallo-RomanMuseum,walkbacktothefunicularsta-
tion and turn left down Rue Roger Radisson. The museum hides in the concrete bunker
down the steps, where Rue Roger Radisson meets Rue Cléberg. Before entering, get the
best overview of the site by taking a few steps left down Rue Cléberg and finding the ramp
that leads to the museum's rooftop (open the gate).
Founded as Lugdunum in
A.D.
43, Lyon was a critical transportation hub for the admin-
istration of Roman Gaul (and much of modern-day France—much like today). The city
became the central metropolis of the Three Gauls—the integrated Roman provinces of
Aquitania (Aquitaine), Belgica (Belgium), and Lugdunensis (Lyon region)—and Emper-
orsClaudiusandCaracallawerebothbornhere(formoreontheRomans,see“HowAbout
This worthwhile museum—constructed in the hillside with views of the two Roman
Theaters—makes clear Lyon's importance in Roman times. Visit the museum first, then
tour the theaters.
Cost and Hours:
Museum—€4.50(includesgoodaudioguide),€7ifspecialexhibits
are on, may be free on Thu, open Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00, closed Mon; theaters—free, daily
until 19:00, 17 Rue Cléberg, tel. 04 72 38 49 30,
www.musees-gallo-romains.com
.
Self-Guided Tour:
The route described below gives an overview of the mu-
seum's highlights, while the well-done audioguide, excellent posted English explanations,
and helpful staff add as much substance to this museum as you can stomach.
The collection takes you on a chronological stroll down several floors through an-
cient Lyon. After a brief glimpse at prehistoric objects, dive into the Gallo-Roman rooms.
