Bartholdi Fountain (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Bartholdi Fountain?
What makes it 75% Couple-Friendly: Couples can share sunset photos, admire December light shows and walk to nearby cafés, yet very brief on-site activities and no intimate seating keep it from scoring in the 80s.
Positives:
- Accessible plaza: Wide, paved surfaces and ramps allow easy movement around the fountain.
- Central location: Place des Terreaux is steps from cafés, museums, and metro stops.
Challenges:
- Crowded at peak times: The square fills quickly during evenings and festival nights, limiting photo space.
- Limited seating: Benches face away from the fountain; bring cushions for comfort on stone walls.
What is Bartholdi Fountain?
- A monumental late 19th-century public fountain by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi at Lyon’s Place des Terreaux
- A neoclassical sculptural ensemble featuring a seated female allegory on a chariot drawn by four horses personifying France’s major rivers
- Cast in lead and bronze, the fountain comprises multi-tiered basins and rhythmic water jets surrounding the dynamic figures within the urban square
What is so special about Bartholdi Fountain for couple trip?
- Capture intimate photos at golden hour on low plaza walls
- Experience dynamic light art during Lyon’s Fête des Lumières
- Join a guided walking tour to explore Lyon’s hidden gems
- Relax over a Lyonnais meal at nearby terraces
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 hour
Why 0.5-1 hour visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can admire the sculptures and capture photos without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Bartholdi Fountain
Golden-hour photo session:
Sit on a low wall to photograph the fountain at sunrise or sunset.
Tip: Arrive 15 minutes early to secure a good vantage point.
Fête des Lumières light show:
Watch projections animate the fountain during early December evenings.
Tip: Check the festival schedule and arrive by 6 pm to find space.
Guided walking tour:
Join a 3–4 hour small-group tour starting at the fountain.
Tip: Book online in advance; meet next to the fountain basin.
Terrace dining nearby:
Enjoy Lyonnais specialties at a street-side café near Place des Terreaux.
Tip: Try Café du Jura on rue Tupin; reserve a table for two.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Bartholdi Fountain
- Combine with Musée des Beaux-Arts: Head inside next door for free restrooms and a quiet gallery visit.
- Use Metro Hôtel de Ville: The closest metro stop drops you at the square’s north edge; avoid long walks.
Reviews of Bartholdi Fountain
Tanya Sheridan
Beautiful fountain, very nice place. We did a big Bulgarian folklore dance event there.
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
The Bartholdi Fountain in Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most iconic and dramatic landmarks. Designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the same sculptor who created the Statue of Liberty, this stunning fountain is a powerful display of motion, emotion, and artistry in bronze. The sculpture features a majestic female figure representing France riding a chariot pulled by four wild horses, each o...
Kent Wang
The Fontaine Bartholdi was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi when he was only 23 years old. Bartholdi would design the Statue of Liberty 15 years later. The fountain depicts France as a female figure (Marianne) seated on a chariot, controlling four powerful horses that represent the four great rivers of France: the Rhône, the Rhine, the Loire, and the Seine. Originally commissioned by the c...
Bob Myles
Plan to see it after April 1st. We got there on March 29th only to find that like most waterworks in Paris and Lyon it was completely dry. They are active starting April 1st. The sculpture is large and very impressive and conveys a sense of motion. Bartholdi after all designed the Statue of Liberty in New York. This work also has an interesting history which you should look up and read.
Koray (IG: koraytravels)
A great spot to spend some time in this spacious square. There are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants nearby. It's perfect for taking a break, enjoying a drink, or having lunch while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Definitely worth a visit!
When is the best time to visit Bartholdi Fountain (Lyon, France)?
Visit in early December for the Fête des Lumières light show. In summer, come at sunset to avoid crowds and heat.
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Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Golden-hour photography | EUR 0 |
| Guided walking tour (2 adults) | EUR 80 |
| Terrace meal for two | EUR 60 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 140 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Bartholdi Fountain
Address: Pl. des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
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About Bartholdi Fountain
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Phone Number
+33 4 72 77 69 6910 BEST nearby Activities
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