Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon) - Image 1
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Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon)

Lyon, France

Lyon's iconic 'pencil' skyscraper, Tour Part-Dieu, a striking 1977 cylindrical tower topped with a pyramid.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for clear exterior views

CrowdLow
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Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon) - Image 1

Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon)

Best Time

Daylight hours

Best for clear exterior views

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Lyon's iconic 'pencil' skyscraper, Tour Part-Dieu, a striking 1977 cylindrical tower topped with a pyramid.

"A distinctive architectural landmark in Lyon's modern business district."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture 'Le Crayon' from various angles around the Part-Dieu district for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Hotel Access

Hotel guests can enjoy views from higher floors, but public access is limited. 🔑

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic 'Pencil' Silhouette

The Iconic 'Pencil' Silhouette

Exterior view

Lyon's distinctive cylindrical skyscraper, topped with a pyramid, earning its 'pencil' nickname.

Pyramid Apex

Pyramid Apex

Top of the tower

The striking pyramid structure crowning the tower, a unique architectural feature.

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Planning Your Visit

Quick Views of 'Le Crayon'

While 'Le Crayon' (Tour Part-Dieu) is primarily an office and hotel tower, its unique cylindrical shape and pyramid top make it a distinctive landmark. For the best external views and photo opportunities, consider visiting during daylight hours. Access to the upper floors is generally restricted to hotel guests or those with business there.

Understanding Part-Dieu's Role

Part-Dieu is Lyon's modern business district and a major transportation hub. While 'Le Crayon' is a notable structure, the area offers a contrast to Lyon's historic Old Town. If you're looking for traditional Lyonnais charm, focus your limited time elsewhere, but 'Le Crayon' is a great visual marker for the contemporary side of the city.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Best for clear exterior views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

lyon perrache or lyon part dieu?

bonjour, i will be stopping in lyon later this month and am trying to decide whether to stop in perrache or part dieu. i have about a day in lyon and am not really familiar with the city, but i’d like to see a little bit of it before i have to leave again the next day (i have…

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture 'Le Crayon' from various angles around the Part-Dieu district for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Hotel Access

Hotel guests can enjoy views from higher floors, but public access is limited. 🔑

📍 Landmark Navigation

Use 'Le Crayon' as a visual landmark when navigating the modern Part-Dieu area. :world_map:

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Best Photo Spots

Capture 'Le Crayon' from various angles around the Part-Dieu district for unique perspectives. :camerawithflash:

🏨 Hotel Access

Hotel guests can enjoy views from higher floors, but public access is limited. 🔑

📍 Landmark Navigation

Use 'Le Crayon' as a visual landmark when navigating the modern Part-Dieu area. :world_map:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Tour Part-Dieu, or 'Le Crayon,' is recognized for its distinctive architectural style and its role as a landmark in Lyon's modern business district. While it doesn't offer public viewing platforms, its unique silhouette is a notable feature of the city's skyline. Visitors appreciate its visual impact and its central location within the bustling Part-Dieu hub.

What People Like

Unique 'pencil' architecture
Iconic city landmark
Central Part-Dieu location

What People Dislike

No public observation deck

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Tour Part-Dieu is located in the Part-Dieu district, a major transport hub. You can easily reach it via the Lyon Part-Dieu train station, which serves TGV, TER, and metro lines (Line B). Tram lines T1 and T4 also stop nearby. The area is well-connected by public transport, making it accessible from anywhere in Lyon. Reddit

Yes, the Part-Dieu district has several parking garages, including those near the train station and shopping center. However, traffic can be heavy, so public transport is often recommended. Reddit

If you have limited time, 'Le Crayon' can serve as a visual anchor in the Part-Dieu area. You can see it from the train station or while passing through. For a more in-depth experience of Lyon, consider focusing on the historic Vieux Lyon. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Public access to the very top of Tour Part-Dieu is generally restricted. The tower primarily houses offices and a hotel. Hotel guests may have access to certain vantage points, but there isn't a public observation deck. TikTok

Official public tours specifically for Tour Part-Dieu are not commonly advertised. Its primary function as an office and hotel building means access is usually limited to occupants or guests. Instagram

The exterior of Tour Part-Dieu can be viewed at any time. For the best photographic opportunities, daylight hours are recommended. The surrounding area is accessible during normal city operating hours. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

For iconic shots of 'Le Crayon,' try photographing it from the Esplanade de la Part-Dieu, near the train station, or from the rooftop of the Part-Dieu shopping center for panoramic views. TikTok

While not always dramatically illuminated, the tower is visible at night as part of the city skyline. For specific lighting events, check local Lyon event listings. Instagram

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Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon) (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide