Église Saint-Polycarpe

A church on the slopes

Saint-Polycarpe belongs to the Lyon of the Croix-Rousse slopes, a district of steep streets, staircases and passages. The church stands between rue René Leynaud, rue Burdeau and the passages Mermet and Thiaffait: you often come across it while strolling rather than looking for it. This setting of narrow lanes is a large part of its charm.

The Oratorians in Lyon

Saint-Polycarpe is the former church of the Oratorians, who settled in Lyon in 1616 and on the Croix-Rousse slopes in 1642. The present building dates from around 1826. This double memory, that of a religious community and that of a district long devoted to silk work, gives the place real historical depth.

A listed historic monument

The church is protected as a monument historique (classified). This status shows it is part of Lyon’s religious heritage to be preserved. For the visitor, it is an invitation to look up at the façade and take in the building unhurriedly before continuing the walk through the neighbouring streets.

Pair it with La Croix-Rousse

The church fits easily into a walking loop in the 1st arrondissement: the district’s traboules, staircases and squares are never far. Bring comfortable shoes because of the slopes and keep some time to pause in a neighbouring street. In the morning, the light is pleasant for photographing façades.

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