Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon) - View of the iconic “Crayon” (Tour Part-Dieu) tower in Lyon, France, framed by the curved architecture of the nearby Auditorium. Captured on Kodak Portra 160 film with a Nikon F3 HP and 28mm lens.
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Tour Part-Dieu (Le Crayon)

4.6
·491k reviews·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) - View of the iconic “Crayon” (Tour Part-Dieu) tower in Lyon, France, framed by the curved architecture of the nearby Auditorium. Captured on Kodak Portra 160 film with a Nikon F3 HP and 28mm lens.

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.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"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. :key:

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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?

📸 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. :key:

📍 Landmark Navigation

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

No content available

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. :key:

📍 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

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While Tour Part-Dieu itself doesn't offer specific family attractions, the Part-Dieu district is a good starting point for families. The nearby Part-Dieu shopping center has family-friendly amenities and is a convenient place to grab a bite. For a more engaging experience for children, consider visiting the historic areas of Lyon or attractions like the Aquarium de Lyon or the Musée des Confluences, which are accessible via public transport from Part-Dieu. Reddit

💼 Business Travelers

For business travelers, Tour Part-Dieu's location in the heart of the Part-Dieu business district is ideal. The tower itself houses offices and a hotel, offering convenient accommodation and workspace. Its proximity to the Part-Dieu train station also ensures easy access for meetings and onward travel. TikTok

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Photographers will find 'Le Crayon' an interesting subject due to its unique cylindrical form and pyramid top. The best shots are often captured from a distance, allowing the entire structure to be framed against the sky or other buildings. Experiment with different times of day to see how the light plays on its facade. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Significance of 'Le Crayon'

Tour Part-Dieu, affectionately nicknamed 'Le Crayon' (The Pencil) due to its cylindrical shape and pointed top, is a prominent example of late 1970s modernist architecture in Lyon. Completed in 1977, it was designed by architect Jean-Pierre Duthilleul. Its distinctive silhouette, topped with a pyramid, makes it a recognizable landmark in the city's skyline, standing in contrast to Lyon's more historic districts. TikTok

The tower's design was intended to create a modern business hub in the Part-Dieu area, which was undergoing significant development at the time. While it primarily functions as an office building and houses a hotel, its unique form has made it a subject of local fascination and a visual reference point for residents and visitors alike. Instagram

Despite its functional purpose, 'Le Crayon' has become an iconic symbol of Lyon's contemporary urban landscape. Its presence highlights the city's evolution beyond its medieval and Renaissance heritage, showcasing a commitment to modern development and architectural innovation. Reddit

Navigating the Part-Dieu District

The Part-Dieu district is Lyon's second city center, a bustling hub for business, shopping, and transportation. It's home to the massive Part-Dieu train station, one of France's busiest, connecting Lyon to national and international destinations. The area also features a large shopping mall, numerous office buildings, and cultural venues, making it a dynamic urban environment. Reddit

For visitors, Part-Dieu offers convenience, especially if arriving by train. The district is easily navigable via public transport, including metro line B, several tram lines, and numerous bus routes. While it lacks the historic charm of Vieux Lyon, it provides a glimpse into modern Lyon and is a practical base for exploring the city. TikTok

When visiting 'Le Crayon,' you'll find yourself in the heart of this modern district. It's a great place to get a feel for Lyon's contemporary side, with plenty of amenities and easy access to other parts of the city. Remember that this area is a business district, so it can be particularly busy during weekdays. Instagram

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