The European Heritage Days explore all aspects of Lyon's heritage. They take place every year on the third weekend in September.
Heritage Days 2024: Heritage routes, networks and connections.
Lyon has occupied a strategic position since ancient times as a crossroads between northern and southern Europe, thanks to its privileged geographical location between France and Italy.
Historic routes such as the Roman Via Agrippa and the pilgrims' route to Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle run through the metropolitan area. The quays of the Saône and Rhône rivers were centres of commercial and industrial activity, linking the city to the surrounding regions.
The development of the railways in the 19th century played a crucial role in Lyon's industrial expansion. Sites such as the former Brotteaux station and Perrache station bear witness to this railway history.
Similarly, canals and waterworks are essential networks in the city's industrial history.
Public transport has been developing steadily for over 150 years, starting in 1837 with the opening of the line linking Pont Morand to Saint-Clair. In 1862, one of the world's first funicular railways was inaugurated at Croix-Rousse, followed in 1879 by the creation of OTL (Omnibus et Tramways de Lyon), renamed TCL in 1967.
Today, Lyon remains a modern transport hub, with a comprehensive metro, tram and bus network.
