Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Lyon

Hotel de Ville (City Hall), Lyon

The Lyon's City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) stands as a testament to the city's rich architectural and historical legacy. Situated opposite the Nouvel Opera House and commanding a prominent position overlooking Place des Terreaux, this Town Hall has endured and risen from the ashes of multiple fires to become one of Lyon's most distinguished monuments.

Construction of the building spanned from 1646 to 1672, under the direction of Simon Maupin, the city architect at the time. The completion of the City Hall marked the transformation of Place des Terreaux into the administrative heart of Lyon. Architecturally, the building is structured around two courtyards, one elevated, and features four corner pavilions with a belfry encircling the main courtyard. The interior is celebrated for its opulent decoration, setting a standard in ornate design.

However, the City Hall's history is marked by adversity. In 1674, a devastating fire partially destroyed the building. In response, King Louis XIV commissioned Jules Hardouin-Mansart, a renowned architect, to design the new Town Hall. This reconstruction phase introduced new elements to its already rich design.

The building also played a significant role during the French Revolution. The consulate hall was repurposed as a revolutionary tribunal, and in 1792, the new municipality destroyed paintings of the aldermen and merchant provosts in an attempt to obliterate the vestiges of the old consulate.

Tragedy struck again on July 14, 1803, when a second fire ravaged the Hôtel de Ville. The building underwent extensive renovations during the Second Empire, restoring and enhancing its grandeur.

In contemporary times, the Lyon's City Hall continues to serve an important civic function, hosting the municipal council meetings ten times annually. This enduring edifice not only encapsulates the tumultuous history of Lyon but also stands as a symbol of resilience and architectural magnificence.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Lyon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

Download The GPSmyCity App

Hotel de Ville (City Hall) on Map

Sight Name: Hotel de Ville (City Hall)
Sight Location: Lyon, France (See walking tours in Lyon)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark

Walking Tours in Lyon, France

Create Your Own Walk in Lyon

Create Your Own Walk in Lyon

Creating your own self-guided walk in Lyon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Lyon Introduction Walking Tour

Lyon Introduction Walking Tour

The city of Lyon – capital of France’s Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region – has been around for 2,000 years, sitting at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Established in 43 BC as a settlement for Roman refugees of war, it was also the capital of the Gauls at the time of the Roman Empire; two Emperors – Claudius and Caracalla – were born here. Due to its foundation on the...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Lyon's Architectural Landmarks

Lyon's Architectural Landmarks

Founded by the Romans in the 1st century BC, the charming French city of Lyon has played a major role in the political, cultural, and economic development of Europe for many years. The city's two millennia-long history is clearly imprinted in its urban fabric, manifested in numerous buildings of various epochs and styles.

Among the plethora of local architectural landmarks, the Ancient...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.3 Km or 2.7 Miles
Food Tour in Lyon

Food Tour in Lyon

In addition to its architectural beauty, Lyon – often referred to as the gastronomic capital of France – boasts a vibrant culinary scene that will delight passionate foodies. An ideal place to discover French cuisine and fall in love with it, there is no shortage of addresses in Lyon to stock up on quality and delicious products.

At the heart of Lyon's culinary culture is the Paul...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip


Gastronomic Delights: 10 Places to Buy Great Food in Lyon, France

Gastronomic Delights: 10 Places to Buy Great Food in Lyon, France

The city of Lyon is famous for its contribution to the culinary arts. Here food lovers will find hundreds of specialty shops throughout the city offering some of the world's finest and award-winning products fit to delight any epicurean palate. Let your taste buds lead you on this voyage into...