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Where is the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon?Croix Rousse also known as the "hill that works" (in front of Fourvière, the "hill that prays") is a district of Lyon that has many points of interest.Located between the rivers of the Rhône and the Saône, Croix-Rousse is a hill 254 metres high. This charming district includes the Croix-Rousse plateau, in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon and down to the ...
Where is the Croix-Rousse district in Lyon?
Croix Rousse also known as the "hill that works" (in front of Fourvière, the "hill that prays") is a district of Lyon that has many points of interest.
Located between the rivers of the Rhône and the Saône, Croix-Rousse is a hill 254 metres high. This charming district includes the Croix-Rousse plateau, in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon and down to the slopes of Croix Rousse. Some will opt for an apartment in the slopes of Croix Rousse to enjoy a chic and bohemian atmosphere. While others will prefer the family atmosphere of the Croix Rousse plateau similar to the one of a small village.
The Grande Côte hill joins Place des Terreaux to the Croix Rousse plateau. After a quiete long walk, you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views over Lyon from the esplanade of the Grande Côte. A little further on the plateau, you will find the Big Rock. This is a mineralogical curiosity that has become one of the symbols of the district.
One of Lyon's three main hospitals is located in the Croix Rousse district. It is specialised in infectious and tropical diseases. The hospital also houses an international vaccination centre.
What are the must-see places in the Croix Rousse district?
The Croix Rousse district has a strong historical identity. This is where the silk workers, otherwise known as "Canuts", lived. Thus, you can visit the famous Maison des Canuts to discover the well-kepts ecrets of silk weaving. The architecture of the neighborhood has been strongly impacted by the work of the silkies. Indeed, many apartments in Croix Rousse have a high ceiling height, testifying to the presence of high looms.
One of Croix Rousse's attractions is the market that is held on Boulevard de la Croix Rousse every morning except on Mondays. From Tuesday to Sunday morning, to the sound of an accordion, stroll along the fruit and vegetable stalls. A real small village atmosphere emanates from this market. Note that every year, from October to November, the traditional festival of the Vogue des Marrons is held. For about 5 weeks, attractions and fun rides are set up along the boulevard. This festival is also the opportunity to taste the first chestnuts of the year.
The traboules are an architectural curiosity not to be missed during your stay in Lyon. Traboules are passages through building courtyards, connecting one street to another. These traboules were used by silkies to transport silk with the smallest exposure to the weather as possible.
One of the most famous traboules on the slopes of Croix Rousse is that of la Cour des Voraces. If you want to discover the slopes of Croix Rousse by crossing many traboules, opt for a treasure hunt with Qui veut pister Lyon. This is the ideal way to discover these atypical streets of Croix-Rousse.
In total opposition to the large shopping centre of Part Dieu or the streets around Place Bellecour, you will not find big shops at Croix Rousse. Indeed, enter the small designer shops of the slopes of Croix Rousse ; there are full of wonders ! Shopping at Croix Rousse means taking the time to stroll and discover secret traboules. Don't miss the creators' village located in Passage Thiaffait.
In this inner courtyard, designers from various worlds gathered: fashion, decoration and design. This is the perfect place to buy ceramic objects, wooden watches, custom lipsticks or delicate textile and stationery accessories.
Street art in Croix Rousse is everywhere! Graffiti and urban paintings decorate many walls on the slopes of Croix Rousse. Have fun finding the eyes of David Bowie, Little Red Riding Hood, a big blue fish or a tribe of Indians. However, the unmistakable fresco remains the one of the Canuts wall. Indeed, the Fresque des Canuts is a trompe l'oeil façade created in 1987 and which evolves every ten years to the rhythm of the district. The fresco is repainted, the characters are getting old, the shops are changing. This 1200m² fresco is the largest trompe l'oeil in Europe and shows the daily life of the inhabitants of the Croix Rousse district.
The Chartreux garden, located on the slopes of Croix Rousse, is an ideal place for an improvised picnic with a stunning view over Lyon. Stop at the viewpoint to take a nice picture of Fourvière in the background. On summer evenings, come and enjoy a picnic at sunset. Little piece of advice : come early if you want to find a little corner to sit! Concerts are organised there in the summer.
In a completely different style, the Rosa Mir garden is an unusual place of Croix Rousse. Accessible from the main street of Croix Rousse, this garden is decorated with shells, perennials and plants. This garden is an amazing surprise in the heart of the Croix Rousse district. Be patient when visiting it because the queue is often long and the number of people who can access it at the same time is limited.
Another address for garden lovers: the plant garden on the slopes of Croix Rousse. On either side of Lucien Sportisse Street and framing the Trois Gaules amphitheatre, this garden offers a pleasant setting for reading on a bench, napping in the shade of a tree or having a picnic on the lawn.
Much larger, the Cherry Park has a healthy course and a playground. This park offers a pleasant playground for athletes. Open every day from 8am to 7pm in winter and until 10pm in summer, this park is a real oasis in the heart of the Croix Rousse.
Where to eat at Croix Rousse ?
The many bistros, terraces, cafés and restaurants contribute to the conviviality of the Croix Rousse district. In summer, the inhabitannts are happy to meet to play petanque while the children play ball.
This is a difficult question because there are so many good addresses. However, two restaurant addresses at Croix Rousse caught our attention.
First of all "La Table", a good address located in Place Tabareau on the plateau of Croix Rousse. There are few places to eat, so remember to book in advance. Seasonal menu and fresh produce... in short we recommend it! We also like the "Balthaz'art". You will not miss this restaurant with its red front on the slopes of Croix Rousse. This bistro, located on the Pierres Plantées street, offers gourmet and creative cuisine. Lovers of traditional dishes will opt for a typical "bouchon" from Lyon, that is as authentic as it is welcoming. There is wide range of choice: le Bouchon des Filles, le Comptoir des Canuts, le Pailleron...
If you want to have a brunch on Sunday, don't worry, the Croix Rousse district has some good brunch addresses. To brunch at Croix Rousse, go to "l'Origo", on the Célu street. This restaurant offers a menu with an all-you-can-eat buffet unless you prefer the "Desjeuneur" on the Pierres Plantée street. Be careful, plan to arrive early, it is not possible to book!
From the Part-Dieu station, you can reach your holiday rental in Croix Rousse in 25 minutes by public transport (bus and metro). The Vélo'v bicycle rental network will allow the most courageous to reach the Croix Rousse plateau via the famous San Sebastian hill.
Many Velo'v stations are available in the 4th arrondissement of Lyon. Several terminals are available near the Cerisaie park. You can also pick up or drop off your Velo'v next to the Croix Rousse hospital or on Boulevard des Canuts. Consult the interactive Velo'v map for details of all the Velo'v terminals at Croix Rousse.
The Croix Rousse district is crossed by a single metro line ; the line C (orange). This line stops at Hénon, Croix-Rousse and Croix Paquet. Using the metro will save you from climbing a large number of steps! Located on the slopes of Croix Rousse, Croix Paquet is a former funicular station, hence its nickname of string.
The Croix Rousse district is not served by trams. However, several major bus lines operate in this district of Lyon. You can easily calculate your itineraries and check bus schedules by visiting the TCL website. As you can see, the Croix-Rousse district offers the friendly atmosphere of a village while being very well located, a few minutes from the hyper-centre of Lyon.
