Church of Saint-Bruno des Chartreux

Located in the 1st arrondissement above the Quai Saint-Vincent, the church of Saint-Bruno des Chartreux was the church of the Lyon Charterhouse until the French Revolution. It is one of the few Baroque religious buildings in the city. A place apart, worth seeking out if you like to step off the most classic itineraries.

Above the Quai Saint-Vincent

The church stands in the 1st arrondissement, above the Quai Saint-Vincent. Reaching it involves a bit of climbing, which prepares you for the feeling of finding a place set back from the flow of strollers in the centre. The area invites a quiet walk, with views over the city along the way, and the church is a natural stop.

The church of a charterhouse

The church is dedicated to Saint Bruno of Cologne, founder of the Carthusian order. It served as the church of the Lyon Charterhouse until the Revolution. This monastic origin explains the place's distinctive story: you sense that this was the church of a religious community rather than a simple parish church, which gives the visit a particular dimension.

A rare Baroque example

The building, in Baroque style, dates to around 1750. It is one of the few Baroque buildings in the city, alongside the church of Saint-Just, the Trinité chapel and the Hôtel-Dieu chapel. If you have already seen Gothic or Romanesque churches in Lyon, the difference in style stands out: it is a chance to see another side of Lyon's religious heritage.

A classified building

The church is protected as a classified monument historique. The record gives no hours or prices: ask the tourist office or the parish before heading up. Combine the visit with a walk on the slopes nearby, to enjoy the district and its viewpoints.