Place des Jacobins
A historic Lyon square renowned for its stunning 19th-century fountain and elegant surrounding architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Place des Jacobins
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic Lyon square renowned for its stunning 19th-century fountain and elegant surrounding architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
"Probably the prettiest square I have seen in Lyon, with an amazing fountain and pretty buildings all around."
📸 Capture the Fountain's Detail
The Jacobins Fountain is incredibly detailed. Take your time to capture its beauty from different angles.
🚶♀️ Stroll and People-Watch
This is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. Grab a coffee and enjoy the lively ambiance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jacobins Fountain
Center of the square
An intricate 19th-century fountain featuring four marble statues of Lyonnais artists, a true architectural gem.
Architectural Ensemble
Surrounding buildings
Admire the elegant facades and timeless beauty of the buildings that frame the square, showcasing Lyon's rich history.
Fête des Lumières Installations
Various locations on the square
During the Fête des Lumières, the square transforms with captivating light installations and artistic displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace the Architectural Charm
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Capture the Fountain's Detail
The Jacobins Fountain is incredibly detailed. Take your time to capture its beauty from different angles.
🚶♀️ Stroll and People-Watch
This is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. Grab a coffee and enjoy the lively ambiance.
✨ Check for Events
The square often hosts events like markets or festivals. Check local listings before your visit! +1
🌳 Enjoy the Greenery
Recent improvements include new trees, making the western part of the square a pleasant spot to relax.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Capture the Fountain's Detail
The Jacobins Fountain is incredibly detailed. Take your time to capture its beauty from different angles.
🚶♀️ Stroll and People-Watch
This is a perfect spot for a leisurely walk. Grab a coffee and enjoy the lively ambiance.
✨ Check for Events
The square often hosts events like markets or festivals. Check local listings before your visit! +1
🌳 Enjoy the Greenery
Recent improvements include new trees, making the western part of the square a pleasant spot to relax.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Place des Jacobins for its beautiful architecture and the stunning Jacobins Fountain, calling it one of Lyon's prettiest squares. The central location and lively atmosphere with surrounding cafes are also highlights. Some may find it busy during peak times, but its historical charm and aesthetic appeal make it a must-see.
"The Place des Jacobins (French pronunciation: [plas de ʒakɔbɛ̃]) is a square located in the 2nd arrondissement of Lyon. It was created in 1556 and a fountain was added in 1856. The square belongs to the zone classified as World Heritage Site by UNESCO. According to Jean Pelletier, this square is one of the most famous in Lyon, because of its location in the center of the 2nd arrondissement and its heavy traffic, as 12 streets lead here.[1] The square, particularly its architecture and its features, has changed its appearance many times throughout years."
Taha Yaseen
"The Fontaine des Jacobins was designed by architect Gaspard André and completed in 1885. It features four white marble statues representing notable Lyonnais artists: architect Philibert Delorme, sculptor Guillaume Coustou, engraver Gérard Audran, and painter Hippolyte Flandrin. These statues were sculpted by Charles Degeorge. The fountain's design reflects an eclectic style, incorporating Classical and Baroque influences."
Kent Wang
"The whole city of Lyon is full of fantastic Architecture, this intricate fountain is another example. The detail is fantastic and this is just a fountain!"
Ewan Baxter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Place des Jacobins is centrally located in Lyon's 2nd arrondissement and is easily accessible by public transport. The Lyon Metro lines A and C stop at Cordeliers, which is a short walk away. Several bus lines also serve the area.
Yes, Place des Jacobins is very walkable. It's situated in the heart of the Presqu'île, making it convenient to reach from other major sites like Place Bellecour or the Rhône riverbanks.
The most convenient metro stop is Cordeliers (Lines A and C). From there, it's just a few minutes' walk. Numerous bus routes also stop nearby, making it accessible from various parts of the city.
While there are parking garages in the vicinity, such as the Cordeliers parking, it's often recommended to use public transport due to the central location and potential traffic.
The square has been renovated and is generally accessible. Paved surfaces make it easy to navigate with strollers or wheelchairs, though some older cobblestone areas might be present on surrounding streets.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Place des Jacobins is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time.
As an open public space, Place des Jacobins does not have specific opening or closing hours. It is accessible 24/7.
No booking is required. It's a public square, so you can visit spontaneously.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the square itself. However, during special events or festivals, there might be temporary access changes or crowd management measures in place. +1
The fountain is a permanent fixture of the square and is generally accessible during daylight hours. Access might be temporarily restricted during maintenance or special events.
📸 📸 Photography & Art
The Jacobins Fountain is a prime subject. Also, capture the surrounding Haussmannian architecture and the interplay of light and shadow, especially during golden hour.
Yes, photography and videography are generally permitted for personal use. Some creators have shared time-lapses and artistic illustrations of the square.
During the Fête des Lumières, the square is a popular venue for stunning light art installations created by artists.
The fountain itself features sculptures by Charles Degeorge. The square also serves as a canvas for temporary art, like light installations during festivals.
Absolutely! The picturesque setting with its fountain and architecture makes it a popular spot for artists to sketch and paint.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the square and its surrounding streets are lined with numerous cafes and restaurants, offering a variety of dining options.
You'll find a range of options from traditional Lyonnais cuisine to international dishes, as well as cafes for coffee and pastries.
It's ideal for both. You can find quick bites at cafes or enjoy a more leisurely meal at the surrounding restaurants.
While not directly on the square, the Presqu'île area is known for its culinary scene. Exploring the side streets can lead to hidden gems.
Many cafes and brasseries around the square offer outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching and enjoying a drink.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Nearby, you can find cafes for snacks and breaks. The central location also makes it easy to combine a visit with other family-friendly attractions in Lyon. Keep an eye out for any temporary events or activities that might be happening on the square, as these can add an extra layer of fun for younger visitors.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
It's a safe and vibrant area, perfect for a leisurely stroll or for finding a quiet spot to read or plan your next adventure. The square's beauty and historical significance offer plenty to discover at your own pace.
+1📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+2Don't forget to photograph the surrounding Haussmannian architecture, which adds to the square's charm. During the Fête des Lumières, the square becomes a spectacular venue for light art, offering unique photographic opportunities.
+1 Consider a time-lapse to capture the movement of people and the changing light. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Renovation of Place des Jacobins
The square is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, underscoring its historical importance. The most notable addition was the Jacobins Fountain, completed in 1885, designed by Gaspard André. This fountain is adorned with four white marble statues representing prominent Lyonnais artists, sculpted by Charles Degeorge. The fountain itself is a blend of Classical and Baroque influences, showcasing intricate detail.
More recently, the square has seen further improvements, including the planting of trees on its western side and enhancements to surrounding streets, contributing to a more pleasant and resilient urban environment. These renovations aim to preserve the square's historical character while modernizing its amenities.
+1Experiencing Place des Jacobins: Beyond the Fountain
The lively energy of the square is palpable, amplified by the numerous cafes and restaurants that dot its perimeter. Whether you're enjoying a morning coffee, a midday meal, or an evening drink, the square provides a vibrant backdrop for people-watching and experiencing the pulse of Lyon.
For photographers and artists, Place des Jacobins is a dream. The interplay of light on the fountain and buildings, especially during the golden hour, offers stunning visual opportunities.
+2 During the annual Fête des Lumières, the square transforms into a canvas for spectacular light installations, making it a must-visit during that festive period. +1
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