Place des Terreaux is at the heart of the city of Lyon, France. It is situated in the square in Presqu’ile Lyon, which is literally a peninsula that begins at the Croix Rousse hill and ends at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone Rivers (Presqu’ile literally translates as peninsula). Although the Hotel de Ville (Lyon Town Hall) is the building that dominates the public square, there are a multitude of other Place des Terreaux attractions, not the least of which are the many luxury shops, restaurants, chic cafes, departments stores, and cultural attractions. The Fine Arts Museum and the Lyon Opera House are both located here as well. You can choose from a wide range of accommodations within close proximity of the Place des Terreaux, or located right in it. This is an absolutely excellent part of the city to stay in, as you will have everything from dining and entertainment, to sightseeing and culture at the tips of your fingers.

The Square in Presqu’ile Lyon is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most notable and popular attractions in the square is the Terreaux Fountain. It is a wonderfully elaborate and ornate fountain that features the likeness of two raging horses that are meant to represent the two rivers of Lyon (the Rhone and Saone) charging toward the ocean. The sculptor Bartholdi, the same person who designed the Statue of Liberty in New York City, designed it. You will be amazed when you see this most fountain that contains within it many smaller fountains. The Terreaux Fountain is one of the most notable and regularly photographed Place des Terreaux attractions to be found.

If you are a family with small children, the square itself is a fantastic place for you to take the kids and let them run around in the fountains that literally shoot out of the sidewalks unpredictably. There are also tongs of places to have a nice meal or a snack, or to shop for gifts and souvenirs. One of the great things about visiting or staying in the Place des Terreaux is that you are within close range of all kinds of fun and excitement.

Lyon Map

The Square in Presqu’ile is the destination for many people who are heading to the Lyon Opera House to enjoy a night of wonderful entertainment in the heart of the city. The Place des Terreaux is an alluring destination and a romantic one for any couples looking to pair dinner with a show for quite cheap. This will allow you to spend more on dinner and after-show drinks. You should also strongly consider visiting the Fine Arts Museum, one of the finest institutions for the visual arts in the city of Lyon and one of the most popular Place des Terreaux attractions. It is also advisable to go to the Place des Terreaux at night so you have the opportunity of seeing the Hotel des Ville and the Terreaux Fountain lit up spectacularly akin to the fabulous Festival of Lights that takes place in Lyon. Another well-known square in Lyon is Place Bellecour, one of the largest squares in France.