Metallic tower of Fourvière

The Metallic Tower of Fourvière is a steel lattice tower in the fifth district of Lyon that rises 85.9 meters above its foundation. The structure consists of 2,100 metal frames anchored in 7,200 tons of masonry at an elevation of 291 meters above sea level.

Construction took place between 1892 and 1894 as a public attraction for the 1894 International and Colonial Exhibition. The structure originally featured a restaurant and hydraulic lift for 22 people before being converted to a broadcasting station in 1953.

Locals call the tower «Le Picon,» after an aperitif whose yellow color once matched the structure's paint. Today the site functions as a technical facility for broadcasting, while in the past it welcomed visitors with a restaurant and viewing platform.

The structure is not open to the public and is operated by the telecommunications company TDF. From ground level the tower can be observed from several spots on the Fourvière hill, especially near the basilica.

Despite widespread belief, the structure has no connection to Gustave Eiffel or his engineering offices. The design actually came from a different team of architects inspired by Parisian iron architecture.

Location: 5th arrondissement of Lyon

Location: Lyon

Height: 85.9 m

Made from material: steel

Operator: TDF

GPS coordinates: 45.76391,4.82235

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26