Lyon Old Town - Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges

Lyon's Old Town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Quartier Saint-Jean is the place to discover the old world atmosphere of the city. It is a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll. The medieval quarter to the north of this cathedral is filled with narrow cobblestone streets and quiet courtyards. Start exploring around Rue du Boeuf and Place Neuve Saint-Jean, a picturesque square lined with traditional restaurants. Then wander around the pedestrianized streets of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois Maries. There are many attractive shops and cafes along the way. Continue until you reach the Hôtel de Gadagne at the Place du Petit Collège. This magnificent 15th-century castle houses 2 excellent museums. The Musée d'Histoire de Lyon (History Museum) illustrates the history of the city from antiquity to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to the 20th century. The Art Museum de La Marionnette (Puppet Museum) exhibits marionettes from all over the world. A short stroll from the Gadagne museums is Le Guignol de Lyon (2 Rue Louis Carrand), where the cartoon production company Compagnie MA Attending a traditional puppet show is one of the most enjoyable things to do. work in Lyon.

Another place to see a marionette performance is in the Quartier Saint-Georges, at the La Maison de Guignol puppet theater (performs in French; check schedules in advance). The theater is located in a peaceful square a 10-minute walk from the Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and a few steps away is the Café du Soleil (2 Rue Saint-Georges), a great place to enjoy an authentic Lyonnais meal .