Place des Terreaux (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Place des Terreaux?
What makes it 72% Kids-Friendly: Children enjoy splashing through the 69 ground water jets and enter the art museum free, yet no fenced play area, busy tram traffic, and hard stone surfaces require close supervision from parents.
Positives:
- No entry fee for square: Exploring the plaza and playing in the water jets is free.
- Central location: Close to metro stops and schools, making it easy to combine with other city sights.
- Family-friendly exhibits: The nearby museum offers free audio guides and exhibits that engage children.
Challenges:
- Wet and slippery surfaces: Kids running through jets may slip on damp cobblestones.
- Limited shade: Few shaded spots on the open plaza during hot weather.
What is Place des Terreaux?
- A historic city square at the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers
- Flanked by the baroque Hôtel de Ville and the former Saint-Pierre convent now housing the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
- Centered on Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi’s 1892 Fontaine Bartholdi depicting Persephone’s chariot drawn by four horses symbolizing France’s major rivers
What is so special about Place des Terreaux for with kids?
- Free interactive water jets turn the square into a splash park for kids.
- Home to the Bartholdi Fountain with sculpted horses and mythic scenes.
- Adjacent museum offers free entry for under-18s and family audio guides.
- Shaded garden behind the museum provides a quiet play and snack area.
- Central, pedestrian-friendly plaza near metro makes logistics simple.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time to play in the water jets, visit the Bartholdi Fountain, and tour the nearby museum without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Place des Terreaux
Run through the Daniel Buren water jets:
Dash between the 69 low-pressure water pillars installed in 1994.
Tip: Bring towels and a change of clothes; jets run April–October.
Admire the Bartholdi Fountain:
See Persephone’s chariot drawn by four horses sculpted by Bartholdi.
Tip: Visit at dusk to watch the fountain light up; let kids spot each horse head spouting water.
Explore Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon:
View Egyptian sarcophagi, medieval carvings, and decorative arts.
Tip: Under-18s enter free; pick up the family audio guide and focus on the courtyard garden.
Relax in Jardin du Palais Saint-Pierre:
Shaded garden behind the museum with benches and a lawn.
Tip: Pack a small picnic and let kids chase pigeons or play on the grass.
When is the best time to visit Place des Terreaux (Lyon, France)?
From April to October, the 69 water jets run daily to cool off kids. In winter, enjoy holiday lights around the fountain when jets are off. Spring brings flower blooms in the adjacent garden—ideal for picnics.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Musée des Beaux-Arts tickets (2 adults) | EUR 16 |
| Café snacks | EUR 20 |
| Public transport | EUR 8 |
| Total Estimated | EUR 44 |
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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How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Place des Terreaux
- Bring extra clothes: Pack towels and a change of clothes for kids to stay comfortable.
- Arrive before noon: Visit early to avoid crowds and secure benches near the fountain.
- Pre-book museum tickets: Buy timed-entry passes online to skip the ticket line.
Map of Place des Terreaux
Address: Pl. des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France
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