Tour Métallique de Fourvière
A historical iron lattice tower on Fourvière Hill, often called the 'Eiffel Tower of Lyon,' built for the 1894 Exposition.
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Tour Métallique de Fourvière
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historical iron lattice tower on Fourvière Hill, often called the 'Eiffel Tower of Lyon,' built for the 1894 Exposition.
"It's like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower, an interesting landmark to note while exploring the area."
Admire from Afar
You can't climb the tower, but its charm is best appreciated from the base or the basilica nearby. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Basilica Visit
The tower is a quick stop; pair it with the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a fuller experience. :church:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Base of the Tower
Fourvière Hill
Admire the industrial-style iron lattice tower, a historical gem from the 1894 International Exposition.
Panoramic City Views
Near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Lyon from the vantage point of the Fourvière hill, with the tower in sight.
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Planning Your Visit
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A Glimpse of History
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Less than a day in Lyon, what is an absolute must do?
Admire from Afar
You can't climb the tower, but its charm is best appreciated from the base or the basilica nearby. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Basilica Visit
The tower is a quick stop; pair it with the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a fuller experience. :church:
Lyon in 48 Hours What Should We See and Avoid?
I will be visiting Lyon for the first time this weekend.
Historical Context
Built for the 1894 Exposition, it's a mini Eiffel Tower, a unique piece of Lyon's industrial past. :factory:
Few hours in Lyon
Tips
from all over the internet
Admire from Afar
You can't climb the tower, but its charm is best appreciated from the base or the basilica nearby. :camerawithflash:
Combine with Basilica Visit
The tower is a quick stop; pair it with the stunning Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière for a fuller experience. :church:
Historical Context
Built for the 1894 Exposition, it's a mini Eiffel Tower, a unique piece of Lyon's industrial past. :factory:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Tour Métallique de Fourvière to be a charming, historical landmark, often compared to a smaller Eiffel Tower. While its main appeal is its visual presence and historical context, many note that access to climb it is restricted. It's best enjoyed as a quick stop while exploring the broader Fourvière Hill area, particularly the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
"It's a bit like a smaller version of the Eiffel Tower. You can see it clearly from the entrance of the cathedral, but there's nothing particularly special about it. Still, it's an interesting landmark to note while exploring the area."
Koray (IG: koraytravels)
"A mini Eiffel Tower constructed for the exposition international and then repurposed into a radio tower. You can walk to the base but not go up. Not exactly worth walking o as you can it just as well from the Basilica of Notre Dame"
MK Yoder
"The Eiffel Tower is much smaller than expected, and you cannot walk around inside it. Livid doesn’t explain the kaleidoscope of emotion I felt when an old man spoke to me in French. Do I look French?"
Youngg_bo Y
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tour Métallique is located on Fourvière Hill. You can reach it by taking the funicular from Vieux Lyon up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, then it's a short walk. Alternatively, buses like line 40 stop nearby. Walking up from Vieux Lyon is also an option, though steep.
Limited parking is available near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak tourist season. It's often easier to use public transport. :bus:
Yes, you can walk from Vieux Lyon, but be prepared for a significant uphill climb. The route offers scenic views but requires good stamina. The funicular is a more convenient option for most visitors. :athletic_shoe:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, you do not need a ticket to visit the Tour Métallique de Fourvière. It is an outdoor landmark, and you can view it from the base. Access to climb the tower itself is not permitted. :ticket:
Unfortunately, you cannot go inside or ascend the Tour Métallique de Fourvière. It is a historical monument and a former radio tower, not an accessible tourist attraction for climbing. :noentrysign:
Since you can only view the tower from the outside, there are no specific opening hours. You can see it at any time, though daytime offers the best visibility and photo opportunities. :clock1:
📸 📸 Photography
The best photo opportunities are from the plaza in front of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, which frames the tower with the city skyline. You can also get good shots from the base of the tower itself. :camerawithflash:
Absolutely! The area around the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière provides excellent vantage points to capture both the Tour Métallique and the magnificent basilica in the same frame. :camerawithflash:
🎫 🧐 Onsite Experience
The main activity is admiring the tower's unique industrial architecture. It's a quick stop, best enjoyed as part of a larger visit to Fourvière Hill, which includes the Basilica and Roman Theaters. :star2:
You only need about 15-30 minutes to see and photograph the Tour Métallique from the outside. It's a brief point of interest before or after exploring the main attractions on Fourvière Hill. :stopwatch:
While you can't climb it, it's a charming historical landmark and a 'mini Eiffel Tower' that's interesting to see, especially when combined with the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and the Roman theaters. Many find it a worthwhile addition to their Fourvière visit. :thumbsup:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the tower itself isn't interactive, the expansive views from the basilica's terrace provide a great opportunity for kids to spot landmarks and feel like they're on top of the world. It's a good place to point out the 'mini Eiffel Tower' and discuss its history briefly before moving on to more engaging sites. :child:
Budget Travelers
Your main expense will be transportation to Fourvière Hill. Opting for the bus (line 40) or walking up from Vieux Lyon can save money compared to the funicular, though the funicular offers a unique experience. Pack your own lunch and drinks to enjoy with the panoramic views, further keeping costs down. :moneywithwings:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Historical Perspective
Many visitors note its resemblance to the Eiffel Tower, though on a much smaller scale. The fact that it's not accessible for climbing is a common point of observation, with most people appreciating it from the ground. Its presence adds a layer of industrial heritage to the predominantly historical and religious landscape of Fourvière Hill, making it a worthwhile, albeit brief, stop for those interested in Lyon's diverse history.
Experiencing Fourvière Hill
Visitors often combine a visit to the Tour Métallique with these other key attractions. The funicular from Vieux Lyon provides easy access to the hilltop, making it a convenient excursion. While the tower itself is a quick photo opportunity, the surrounding area offers hours of exploration, from historical sites to panoramic vistas. Planning your visit to include the basilica and theaters will ensure you get the most out of your time on Fourvière Hill. :world_map:
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