Located on the Presqu'île—the narrow peninsula situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers—the Bellecour Square’s history dates back to the 18th century. Formerly occupied during the French Revolution and later renamed for Napoleon, it has gone through various guises in its history. Today, the square is a popular meeting point and hub of activity. It also joins several of the city’s major roads and is within walking distance of many historical landmarks and luxury shopping streets.
Given its status as one of Lyon’s major landmarks, the Bellecour Square is a stop on numerous sightseeing itineraries, from biking and Segway tours to walking tours. It can also be explored independently.
The Bellecour Square is easily accessible by public transportation: take Métro lines A and D to Bellecour station. It can also be reached by bike and on foot; though taxis can ferry you to the area, they cannot drive in the square itself.
The Bellecour Square is always open and usually bustling; in order to capture its most photogenic side, and admire views of landmarks like the hilltop Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, it’s best to visit during daytime hours. The Bellecour Square is occasionally the site of local protests; it’s best to avoid the area when particularly crowded.
Given its location on the historical Presqu'île, the Bellecour Square is just a quick distance from many top Lyonnais attractions, including the Place des Jacobins, the Palais de la Bourse, and the Hôtel de Ville.
