Église du Bon-Pasteur
On rue Neyret, on the slopes of La Croix-Rousse and near the montée de la Grande Côte, the Église du Bon-Pasteur is a disused Catholic church. Dedicated to the Good Shepherd, it is the work of Clair Tisseur in the Romanesque Revival style, around 1883. It is known for its inaccessible door, a curiosity of the neighbourhood.
Near the Grande Côte
The church stands on rue Neyret, in the 1st arrondissement, close to the montée de la Grande Côte. It is an area of slopes, staircases and streets best explored on foot. The Bon-Pasteur appears at the turn of a climb: go without too tight an itinerary and leave room for wandering.
A Romanesque Revival church
The building is attributed to Clair Tisseur, who designed it around 1883 in a Romanesque Revival style. It is dedicated to the Good Shepherd, an allegorical figure of Jesus in the Gospels of John and Luke. Its architecture can be appreciated from the street, at the pace of the climb.
The inaccessible door
The church is characterised by its inaccessible door, a detail that catches the eye and feeds walkers’ curiosity. As the building is disused, it is admired from the outside. Take a few steps back to look at the façade and understand this singularity that gives the place its charm.
A stop on the slopes
Combine it with a walk on the Croix-Rousse slopes, starting for instance from the Grande Côte. Wear comfortable shoes: the streets are steep. It is most pleasant to come during the day, when the district is lively and the light shows off the façades.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Église du Bon-Pasteur?
On rue Neyret, on the slopes of La Croix-Rousse (1st arrondissement), near the montée de la Grande Côte.
Why is it notable?
For its Romanesque Revival style by Clair Tisseur and its inaccessible door, which makes it easy to recognise.
Can you visit it?
The church is disused: it is admired from the outside, from the street.
Wikimedia Commons — Romainbehar
