Grande synagogue de Lyon, Main synagogue in 2nd arrondissement, Lyon, France

The Grande Synagogue of Lyon stands at 13 quai Tilsitt, a pale stone facade with horizontal rustication and three rows of tall round-arched windows set between pilasters. At the top centre a round window encloses a six-pointed star within a triangle, and the recessed arched entrance carries the inscription "ANNO MUNDI 5658". Abraham Hirsch designed it in the Byzantine Revival style, built 1863–1864.

The building was constructed between 1863 and 1864 by architect Abraham Hirsch and received protected monument status in 1984. Its construction took place during a period of growth for Lyon's Jewish community seeking to establish a prominent place of worship.

The synagogue follows the Ashkenazi rite, and its name recalls the German-Jewish families who settled in Lyon in the 19th century. The Consistory of Lyon, housed in the synagogue's outbuildings, is the city's oldest Jewish institution and coordinates the educational and cultural activities of the synagogues of the Rhône-Alpes-Centre region.

The building welcomes visitors throughout the year and has capacity for around 550 worshippers during services. Check ahead for visiting hours and access, as religious services and ceremonies may affect when you can explore the interior.

The women's gallery features stone balustrades that offer a distinct view of the prayer hall from above. This separate space reveals how traditional religious practices shaped the building's design.