1st arrondissement of Lyon

The 1st arrondissement is a central district that stretches from Place des Terreaux toward the slopes of Croix-Rousse, defined by classical French buildings and narrow stone streets. The area features multistory residential buildings and public squares that give the neighborhood its urban character and connectivity throughout the city center.

The district was established in March 1852 and quickly became the center of Lyon's silk industry, attracting generations of craftspeople and factory owners. This period left a lasting mark on the neighborhood's physical structure and economic role in the city.

This district was once the heart of the silk industry and still bears the marks of this heritage through its distinctive tall buildings with oversized windows designed for looms. Those architectural features remain a defining visual characteristic of the neighborhood today.

The metro stations Hôtel de Ville-Louis Pradel and Croix-Paquet provide access to the city's main transit lines. Visitors can easily walk through the district, though expect uneven pavements and inclines as you move toward Croix-Rousse.

The Fresque des Lyonnais is a massive mural painted on a building wall that depicts notable figures from Lyon's history and uses perspective tricks to appear as if it is sinking into the façade. This artwork regularly draws visitors intrigued by its illusionistic technique and the selection of featured individuals.