Montée de la Grande-Côte - La montée de la Grande-Côte dans le quartier de la Croix-Rousse à Lyon. Lyon, grande ville carrefour de l'Europe, mystérieuse et lumineuse elle égaie le touriste par sa richesse culturelle et artistique et de par son histoire deux fois millénaire. Et comme dit la mère Cottivet, « En descendant montez donc, vous verrez le petit comme il est grand ».
1 / 10

Montée de la Grande-Côte

4.7
·60 reviews·Lyon, France

A steep, picturesque street in Lyon's 1st arrondissement connecting historic districts with scenic city views and charming architecture.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Montée de la Grande-Côte - La montée de la Grande-Côte dans le quartier de la Croix-Rousse à Lyon. Lyon, grande ville carrefour de l'Europe, mystérieuse et lumineuse elle égaie le touriste par sa richesse culturelle et artistique et de par son histoire deux fois millénaire. Et comme dit la mère Cottivet, « En descendant montez donc, vous verrez le petit comme il est grand ».

Montée de la Grande-Côte

Best Time

Late afternoon

Golden hour light

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A steep, picturesque street in Lyon's 1st arrondissement connecting historic districts with scenic city views and charming architecture.

4.7
(60 reviews)

"Very nice and characteristic place. Must visit if in Lyon."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The street is steep! Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the climb and descent.

📸 Capture the Arches

Look for the unique doorways and arches; they make for fantastic photo opportunities.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic City Views

Panoramic City Views

Upper section of the street

Ascend for breathtaking vistas of Lyon, a rewarding sight connecting historic districts.

Architectural Charm

Architectural Charm

Along the street

Admire the picturesque doorways and arches that line this historic, colorful street.

Vibrant Local Atmosphere

Vibrant Local Atmosphere

Street level and nearby

Experience the lively ambiance and discover unique, alternative bars with live music.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Climb

This picturesque street offers stunning city views as you ascend. Wear comfortable shoes for the steep incline, and consider starting from the top for a downhill stroll with rewarding vistas. It's a unique way to connect Lyon's historic districts.

Discover Local Gems

Beyond its scenic beauty, Montée de la Grande-Côte is home to vibrant local life. Keep an eye out for charming doorways and arches, and don't miss the chance to explore alternative bars with live music in the area, offering a true taste of Lyon's bohemian spirit.

Best Times

When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekend evenings
Why
Live music buzz
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Alternative/underground Bars in Lyon

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The street is steep! Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the climb and descent.

📸 Capture the Arches

Look for the unique doorways and arches; they make for fantastic photo opportunities.

reddit.com

Monday Lyon Nightlife / Club / Bar recommendations?

🎶 Explore Nearby Bars

Check out alternative spots like The Trokson for live music on weekends. Reddit

⬆️ Start from the Top

Many suggest walking downhill from the Croix-Rousse plateau for better views.

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfy Shoes

The street is steep! Comfortable footwear is essential for enjoying the climb and descent.

📸 Capture the Arches

Look for the unique doorways and arches; they make for fantastic photo opportunities.

🎶 Explore Nearby Bars

Check out alternative spots like The Trokson for live music on weekends. Reddit

⬆️ Start from the Top

Many suggest walking downhill from the Croix-Rousse plateau for better views.

What Travellers Say

4.7
(60 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Montée de la Grande-Côte to be a picturesque and characteristic street in Lyon, offering beautiful city views and a unique architectural charm. While some note it's a relatively short street, its steep climb and connection between historic districts make it a worthwhile and memorable experience for many.

"I mean, it’s a street. It’s nice, but it’s short and it’s not the most unique street out there. Worth checking out."

Fergus ST

"Very picturesque street of Lyon, that with its narrow path framed by colorful buildings connects the Croix Rousse hill with Presqu'ile. I suggest to travel it from the upper part to the lower one so you can enjoy one of the beautiful views on the city."

Francesco Xodo

"Very nice and characteristic place. Must visit if in Lyon"

Michele

What People Like

Scenic city views
Picturesque architecture
Characteristic street charm

What People Dislike

Can be short

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Montée de la Grande-Côte is easily accessible. You can reach it by taking the metro to the Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pradel station and then walking a short distance. Alternatively, buses also serve the area. Many visitors enjoy walking up from the Presqu'île or down from the Croix-Rousse plateau. Reddit

Yes, it's a street designed for walking! However, be prepared for a steep incline. It connects the Terreaux area to the Croix-Rousse plateau, so comfortable shoes are a must. Reddit

Many travelers recommend walking downhill from the Croix-Rousse plateau towards the city center to best appreciate the views. The 400-meter ascent offers a sense of adventure and leads to beautiful city panoramas. Reddit

While it's a street, it's primarily a pedestrian and public space. Driving is generally not recommended or feasible for tourists due to its steepness and pedestrian focus. Parking can be found in nearby areas. Reddit

Yes, several bus lines stop near the Montée de la Grande-Côte, and it's a reasonable walk from metro stations like Hôtel de Ville. This makes it very accessible for visitors using Lyon's public transport network. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Montée de la Grande-Côte is a public street and there are no tickets or entry fees required to walk along it or enjoy the views. It's a free attraction for everyone to explore. Reddit

As a public street, Montée de la Grande-Côte is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can visit at any time that suits your schedule, though daytime and early evening are often preferred for the best views and atmosphere. Reddit

To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Weekend evenings can be busier, especially if there's live music at nearby venues like The Trokson. Reddit

While the street itself doesn't host ticketed events, the surrounding Croix-Rousse district and Lyon's 1st arrondissement often have festivals, markets, and live music. Keep an eye on local listings for events happening nearby. Reddit

Yes, it's a relatively short street (about 400 meters). You can easily walk its length in 15-20 minutes, but allow more time if you plan to stop for photos or explore the surrounding area. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The entire street offers great photo opportunities! Focus on the picturesque doorways and arches, the steep incline itself, and the panoramic views from the upper sections. The colorful buildings also make for vibrant shots. TikTok

Late afternoon, during the golden hour, provides beautiful lighting for photography. The soft light enhances the colors of the buildings and the city views. TikTok

Yes, the street is known for its charming and varied doorways and arched passageways. These architectural details add character and make for unique, close-up shots. TikTok

Drone usage is subject to local regulations in Lyon. It's advisable to check current rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone in this urban area. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the street's length and the expansive city views. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details like doorways and arches. Even a smartphone camera can capture the charm effectively. TikTok

🍽️ 🎶 Nightlife & Dining

Absolutely! The area around Montée de la Grande-Côte, particularly in the 1st arrondissement, is known for its vibrant nightlife. The Trokson, located on the street itself, is a popular spot for live music every weekend. Reddit

You can find a mix of alternative bars, some with live music and curated DJs, offering a more local and bohemian vibe. It's a great place to discover unique spots away from the main tourist hubs. Reddit

While the street itself is more known for its scenic walk and nearby bars, you'll find a good selection of restaurants in the surrounding Croix-Rousse and Terreaux neighborhoods. These areas offer diverse culinary options. Reddit

At night, Montée de la Grande-Côte can be quite lively, especially on weekends with the bars in full swing. The street lights add a different charm, and the city lights from above are also visible. Reddit

Generally, the area is considered safe, but as with any urban nightlife district, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups if possible. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Montée de la Grande-Côte offers a unique walking experience for families. The steepness can be a fun challenge for older children, and the picturesque buildings with their colorful doorways provide visual interest. Encourage kids to spot different architectural details as you make your way up or down. Reddit

While there aren't specific playgrounds directly on the street, the journey itself is an adventure. Consider bringing snacks and water, as it's a good spot for a leisurely stroll. The panoramic views from the top can be a great reward for little legs. Nearby areas in the 1st arrondissement also offer cafes and open spaces for breaks.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers

For solo travelers, Montée de la Grande-Côte provides a safe and engaging way to explore Lyon's character. The street is well-trafficked during the day, and the opportunity to enjoy scenic views and discover local bars like The Trokson offers a chance to connect with the city's vibe. Reddit

Walking this street solo allows for flexibility. You can stop for photos whenever you like, linger at viewpoints, or pop into a bar for a drink. It's a great way to get a feel for the city's distinct neighborhoods and enjoy a moment of personal discovery.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find Montée de la Grande-Côte a rewarding location. The combination of steep inclines, colorful buildings, and unique doorways and arches creates dynamic compositions. The panoramic views from the upper sections are particularly striking, especially during the golden hour. TikTok

Experiment with different angles to capture the perspective of the street. The architectural details of the buildings offer opportunities for close-up shots, while the expansive city vistas provide a broader canvas. Don't forget to capture the atmosphere of the local bars and the general street life for a more comprehensive portfolio.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Ascent: Connecting Lyon's Districts

Montée de la Grande-Côte is more than just a street; it's a vital artery connecting the historic Presqu'île (the peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers) with the bohemian Croix-Rousse neighborhood. This steep, 400-meter climb offers a unique perspective on Lyon's urban landscape. Travelers often describe the experience as a journey, with the reward of stunning city views unfolding as they ascend or descend. Reddit

Starting from the Place des Capucins or Place de la Republique and heading upwards towards the Fernand-Rude esplanade, visitors are treated to a visual feast. The street is lined with picturesque buildings, featuring charming doorways and arches that hint at the rich history of the area. The steep gradient itself adds a sense of adventure, making it a memorable part of exploring Lyon's distinct neighborhoods. Reddit

Many recommend experiencing Montée de la Grande-Côte from top to bottom. This allows for a more relaxed descent, with the city spread out before you, offering a breathtaking panorama. It's a perfect spot for photography, especially during the golden hour, when the light casts a warm glow over the city. TikTok

Beyond the Views: Local Life and Nightlife

While the panoramic views are a major draw, Montée de la Grande-Côte and its surroundings are also hubs for local life and vibrant nightlife. The street itself is known for its characteristic architecture, with many doorways and arches offering a glimpse into the area's past. It's a place where you can feel the pulse of the city away from the most crowded tourist spots. Reddit

The 1st arrondissement, where Montée de la Grande-Côte is located, is particularly noted for its alternative bar scene. Travelers often seek out spots with live music and curated DJ sets, creating a unique and energetic atmosphere. The Trokson, situated directly on the Montée de la Grande-Côte, is frequently mentioned as a must-visit for its weekend live music offerings, providing an authentic taste of Lyon's underground music culture. Reddit

Exploring these local establishments offers a different perspective on Lyon, one that is less about grand monuments and more about the city's creative spirit and community. It's an opportunity to mingle with locals and experience the city's contemporary cultural offerings. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2