Église Saint-François-de-Sales de Lyon, Catholic church in 2nd arrondissement, Lyon, France

Église Saint-François-de-Sales is a church building with neoclassical design, featuring a high central nave, side chapels, and a decorated dome. The interior is characterized by ornaments with plant and bird patterns and contains several artistic elements on the walls and near the altar.

The current building was constructed in the early 1800s and replaced an older chapel that had served as a prison during the French Revolution. The construction spanned several decades and reflects the architectural preferences of its time.

The church is dedicated to Saint Francis de Sales, who died in 1622 near the site, at the corner of rue Sainte-Hélène and rue Saint-François-de-Sales. Inside, the nave vaults are painted with a scattering of stars by Alexandre Denuelle, while Louis Janmot contributed dome panels and the altarpiece of the Sacred Heart chapel (1863).

The church is accessible to visitors on most days, with services held at set times. It is wise to check current opening times before visiting to ensure you do not arrive during a private ceremony.

The 1880 Cavaillé-Coll organ, with 45 stops on three manuals and a pedalboard, has never been altered apart from an electric blower added in 1901. At its inauguration on 16 December 1880, Charles-Marie Widor premiered his Fifth Symphony, whose Toccata became famous. Its case, reaching the ceiling, was sketched by architect Alphonse Simil after Renaissance models.