Église Saint-Paul

The Église Saint-Paul is one of the oldest churches in Lyon. A Romanesque and Gothic building, it stands in Vieux Lyon, in the Saint-Paul quarter. Its lantern tower has been a classified historic monument since 1920 and the church as a whole since 1996. It makes a pleasant stop on a stroll through the district.

In the Saint-Paul quarter

The church stands in Vieux Lyon, in the Saint-Paul quarter, part of the 5th arrondissement. The area is explored on foot, along old lanes, and the church can be approached with no effort. The atmosphere is that of a historic district more intimate than the busiest streets of the centre: well suited to a quiet visit.

Romanesque and Gothic

The Église Saint-Paul is one of the oldest churches in Lyon. It is a Romanesque and Gothic building. This double stylistic identity makes a good point of comparison with the other churches of Vieux Lyon: moving from one to the next, you see what each era left behind. The lantern tower particularly catches the eye of architecture enthusiasts.

Protection in two stages

The lantern tower has been a classified historic monument since 1920, the church as a whole since 1996. This two-stage protection shows the interest the place has drawn over time, first for its tower, then for the whole building. The record gives no hours or prices: ask the tourist office or the parish before coming.

Planning your visit

Allow a short stop during a walk through Vieux Lyon. The best approach is to combine the church with the district's other sights, for example the Primatiale Saint-Jean and the church of Saint-Georges, in a single route on foot. Check visiting conditions before you go, especially on service days.