Croix-Rousse slopes

The slopes of the Croix-Rousse

The Lyon audio-guided tour has you climb the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, a lively district of the first arrondissement, on the flanks of the former Saint-Sébastien hill.

A sloping, lively and vibrant district

The climb is steep, but rewarded by the views offered by the plateau of the Croix-Rousse over the other districts of Lyon. The slopes occupy the flanks of the former Saint-Sébastien hill, which gave its name to the street of the montée Saint-Sébastien. It is from the sixteenth century that the people of Lyon settled here, enlarging the city beyond the emblematic Place des Terreaux, then the centre of the city. With their fine viewpoints, their shops and their bars with original concepts, the slopes are today an ideal district to stroll and walk the steep streets that lead to the plateau.

What there is to see

The slopes of the Croix-Rousse charm with their steep lanes, their viewpoints over Lyon and their bohemian atmosphere, rich in bars and original shops. It is one of the liveliest districts of the city, to be discovered by climbing slowly towards the plateau, a stone's throw from the Place des Terreaux.

Practical information

The slopes of the Croix-Rousse are in the first arrondissement of Lyon, between the Place des Terreaux and the plateau. Their streets can be walked freely on foot at all hours; they include steep slopes, to be taken into account according to your mobility.

When were the slopes of the Croix-Rousse inhabited?

From the sixteenth century, when the people of Lyon enlarged the city beyond the Place des Terreaux.

What characterises the slopes today?

Their lively atmosphere, their original bars and shops and their fine viewpoints over Lyon.