Church of Saint-Nizier

In the heart of the Presqu'île

Located on Place Saint-Nizier in the 2nd arrondissement, it is regarded as one of the city's most important places of worship for its age, prestige and monumental presence. It sits between Place des Terreaux and Place des Jacobins, in a lively area full of pedestrians. There is a pleasant contrast: the life of the centre outside, a calmer space within.

A Renaissance façade, a neo-Gothic spire

The building is Gothic in style and is associated with Philibert Delorme. Begun in the 14th century and completed in the 19th, it displays varied styles, from the neo-Gothic spire to the classical Renaissance façade. That long building history explains the composite look of the whole: look up and compare the different parts to see how successive eras left their mark on the same building.

A name from the 6th century

Its name refers to Nicetius, a 6th-century bishop of Lyon. The church is protected as a classified monument historique. This nod to a very early bishop shows the historical depth of the place, far greater than the lively setting of the square suggests. For anyone who enjoys the names and stories of the city, it is a detail worth remembering.

Planning your visit

Website: https://www.saintnizier.fr/. Check it for opening hours and visiting conditions before you go. The church fits easily into a walk through the centre: Place des Terreaux and Place des Jacobins are both close, and the area is pleasant to explore on foot.

Frequently asked questions