Hôtel de Ville de Lyon (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Hôtel de Ville de Lyon?
What makes it 63% Kids-Friendly: Kids can run on the traffic-free square, watch the fountain and bells, and try an app treasure hunt, but French-only interior tours and lack of child toilets or play areas limit appeal.
Positives:
- Free access: No ticket needed to enter the courtyard or explore the square with kids.
- Central location: Nearby cafes and restrooms make breaks easy between visits.
Challenges:
- French-language tour: Official interior tours are in French only; kids may miss details.
- Stairs and no lifts: Interior tour involves stairs; not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs.
What is Hôtel de Ville de Lyon?
- A 17th-century Baroque city hall that functions as the administrative heart of Lyon
- A monumental limestone façade enhanced by Italianate statues, domes, and classical pilasters
- An architectural complex organized around two ornate courtyards and richly decorated salons beneath a 50-metre bell tower
What is so special about Hôtel de Ville de Lyon for with kids?
- Run and play by the Bartholdi Fountain in Place des Terreaux
- Follow a free, child-friendly audio guide through the hotel’s Baroque halls
- Join a tip-based walking tour for local legends and hidden details
- Book a family-friendly treasure hunt to explore with riddles and puzzles
- Enjoy a free nightly light show during the Festival of Lights in December
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to explore the square, use the audio guide, and tour key halls without tiring young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
Explore Place des Terreaux and Bartholdi Fountain:
Let kids run in the open square and spot the horse sculptures.
Tip: Bring a snack and water to rest on the benches by the fountain.
Download the free MyTours.city audio guide:
Follow the child-friendly narration on phones.
Tip: Download the app and audio files before arrival to use offline.
Join the Free Tour Lyon walking tour:
Hear local legends and spot hidden details around Hôtel de Ville.
Tip: Meet in front of the building and bring a small tip (€5 per adult).
Visit the Salons of the City Hall:
See gilded reception rooms and the grand chandelier in the Grand Salon.
Tip: Reserve online for a French-language tour; use simple translations with kids.
Try the family “Resistance on the Slopes” treasure hunt:
Solve clues around Place des Terreaux with an app-based kit.
Tip: Buy your kit online in advance and plan 1–2 hours for the activity.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
- Book the Salons tour early: Reserve online to lock in a family slot and avoid sold-out dates.
- Arrive just before opening: Beat the crowds and enjoy quieter photo spots in the courtyard.
- Use local map apps: Download offline maps of Lyon to navigate around Place des Terreaux.
Reviews of Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
Lucas Liu
Looked pretty from the outside. Lovely area with nice architecture. Seems like a pretty popular tourist spot.
Agniv Chakraborty
The Hôtel de Ville and Place des Terreaux in Lyon are absolutely stunning! The architecture is magnificent, especially at dusk. It's a truly grand and historic spot, perfect for a leisurely stroll and admiring the beauty of Lyon. A must-see!
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
The Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, or Lyon City Hall, is one of the city’s most impressive architectural landmarks—grand, historic, and perfectly situated between Place des Terreaux and the Opéra de Lyon. Built in the 17th century and later restored after a fire, this building is a showcase of French Baroque elegance and civic pride. Its ornate façade, intricate sculptures, and imposing bell tower make ...
Kent Wang
Not open to the public, except for special tours Hôtel de Ville is the city hall of Lyon. It was completed in 1672, designed by architect Simon Maupin. After a fire in 1674, it was rebuilt and modified by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, the chief architect of Versailles. Its baroque façade features sculpted figures, grand columns, and a central clock tower originally crowned by a statue of Louis XIV, lat...
Michael Mack
A beautiful town hall in Lyon, France. We loved our visit. The architecture is just stunning. It is located in a beautiful square with an amazing fountain and other beautiful buildings. Very historical.
When is the best time to visit Hôtel de Ville de Lyon (Lyon, France)?
Visit during Fête des Lumières (Dec 5–8) to see free light projections and giant puppets in Place des Terreaux. In spring, the courtyard blooms with planters and fewer crowds.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| MyTours.city audio guide app | EUR 0 |
| Free Tour Lyon tip | EUR 10 |
| Salons tour tickets (2 adults €15 each, 1 child reduced €8) | EUR 38 |
| Treasure hunt kit | EUR 8 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 56 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
Address: 1 Pl. de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon, France
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