A short tour of Lyon's squares

Known as the city's largest square, but above all Europe's largest pedestrian square, Place Bellecour is the pride and joy of the people of Lyon, with its famous terre rosée. With a surface area of 62,000 m², it is a real landmark between the Rhône and the Saône, but above all the heart of the city centre and the Presqu'île. In the middle of the square is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV measuring over 5 metres and weighing 15 tonnes, at the foot of which are two allegorical statues representing the Rhône and the Saône.

This emblematic square is joined by three major shopping streets: ue de la République, leading to the Hôtel de Ville, rue Edouard Herriot, where the luxury brands are concentrated, and rue Victor Hugo, leading to Perrache station. If you get a little hungry during your stroll, the Chez Louloutte restaurant in rue des Marronniers will welcome you with the tradition and generosity that are so dear to them.

To the north of the peninsula, beneath the Croix-Rousse district, the Place des Terreaux offers a very harmonious setting. Perfectly rectangular, with a surface area of 7,000 square metres, it is surrounded by prestigious monuments such as the Palais Saint-Pierre (Musée des Beaux-Arts) and the magnificent Hôtel de Ville.

To the north of the square, between the regularly sunny café terraces, is the famous Bartholdi fountain (originally designed for the city of Bordeaux), a monumental work of art listed as a historic monument, symbolising the Garonne and its four tributaries. In 1992, the square underwent a major renovation, with the artist Buren installing 69 fountains, giving a modern look to this must-see square. It's a wonderful mix of architecture to discover over a drink on the terrace.

Heading towards the Rhône, on rue de l'Arbre Sec, the Culina Hortus gourmet restaurant plays with the 1001 flavours of vegetarian cuisine. After dinner, return to Place des Terreaux to discover the fountain and the town hall, lit up in the dark night of the City of Lights.

Surrounded by luxury shops, the Place des Jacobins and its fountain are one of Lyon's preserved gems. Formerly known as the Place Confort, when the Jacobins convent was still located to the south of the square, it is now a central stopping-off point for strolls around Lyon.

The fountain-statue at its centre honours four figures of French art. Hippolyte Flandrin, Gérard Audran, Guillaume Coustou and Philibert Delorme watch over the square and its luxurious buildings. Just a stone's throw away, the Grand Hôtel-Dieu, one of the oldest hospitals in France, is a must-see for visitors to the square. Now dedicated to leisure activities, this historic monument stands out on the banks of the Rhône for its grandeur and architecture.

Heading back towards the Saône, on rue Mercière, the authentic Lyonnais restaurant Le Bistrot de Lyon and its surprising atmosphere are the perfect introduction to Lyonnais gastronomy. Quenelle, Saint-Marcellin or pâté en croûte will whet your taste buds between two visits.

A small central square in Vieux Lyon, at the foot of Saint-Jean Cathedral, it's the ideal place to take a breather after a stroll through the narrow streets of the district. The oldest of Lyon's squares contributes to the bustle of Vieux Lyon, which buzzes around the rue Saint-Jean. Enter the Gothic and Roman cathedral, then look up at the central rose window with its admirable stained-glass windows.