Few hotels have as unusual a past as the Fourvière Hôtel, which occupies a former convent built in 1857 on the slopes of Fourvière hill. The building’s Art Deco touches and its cloistered layout have been kept, and the old monastic cells now serve as characterful rooms, some of which are known as cellule rooms. Today the hotel has 75 rooms across several categories, including classic rooms, double rooms with spa access, superior doubles, junior suites and signature suites. It is an unusually complete place to stay for a hill-top four-star: there is an outdoor pool and a hot tub, a steam room, and a spa called Fourvière-Les-Bains, a garden and terrace, and a boules lyonnaises court where you can try the local version of pétanque. Dining is covered by Les Téléphones, a restaurant with views of the garden, and Les Collections, a lounge bar, plus a café. The 24-hour front desk, concierge service, bicycle parking, self-parking and an electric vehicle charging station make it practical for guests with cars as well as those on foot. Guests rate it highly for its calm atmosphere and its setting.
Location and getting around
The hotel is at 23 rue Roger Radisson in the 5th arrondissement, about three minutes on foot from the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière and the Odéon, and roughly nine minutes from the basilica. Fourvière funicular station is about seven minutes away, and Place Bellecour is around 17 minutes on foot, mostly downhill on the way in and uphill on the way back. The airport is about a 40-minute drive. The hill is steep, so be ready for slopes, and consider the funicular for the climb back after dinner.
Rooms
The cellule rooms, named after the monastic cells, are compact and atmospheric, while classic and superior rooms have a little more space. Categories with spa access are the best option for couples who plan to use the steam room, hot tub and pool. Signature suites are the most generous option. Check the room description when you book, because the layout varies in a historic building.
Who it suits
Couples, history lovers who want to sleep within a few steps of the Roman theatres, and travellers who prefer a quiet base to a busy one. Families can use the garden and pool in summer, while visitors who plan late nights on the Presqu’île may find the hill less convenient.
Good to know
Book ahead for the Nuits de Fourvière festival in early summer, when the theatre next door has evening performances, and for the Fête des Lumières in December. Ask about parking and breakfast when you reserve. In winter the outdoor pool may be less inviting, so check which spa facilities are open.
Why stay here
- ✓Outdoor pool
- ✓Hot tub and steam room
- ✓Fourvière-Les-Bains spa
- ✓Les Téléphones restaurant
- ✓Les Collections lounge bar
- ✓Garden, terrace and boules court
- ✓Self parking and EV charging
- ✓24-hour front desk and concierge
Good questions
Where is the Fourvière Hôtel Lyon?+
It is at 23 rue Roger Radisson on Fourvière hill, about three minutes from the Roman theatres and nine from the basilica.
What was the building before it was a hotel?+
It is a former convent built in 1857, and some rooms are known as cellule rooms after the monastic cells.
Does the hotel have a pool and spa?+
Yes, it has an outdoor pool, hot tub, steam room and a spa called Fourvière-Les-Bains, plus a garden and a boules court.
