19 Best Photoshoot Locations in Lyon
1. Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Historic Renaissance cobblestone district
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Fashion / Travel / Couple
Vieux Lyon is a maze of narrow streets, medieval buildings, and charming courtyards, making it an ideal spot for an atmospheric photoshoot that captures the city's historic charm. Fun fact, Vieux Lyon is one of the largest preserved Renaissance quarters in Europe.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best shots are taken in the morning when soft light enhances the cozy ambiance of the streets. Be sure to visit iconic spots, such as the Pink Tower (Tour Rose) and the Saint-Jean Cathedral. Their architectural details make for stunning photo backdrops.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: The best shots are taken in the morning when soft light enhances the cozy ambiance of the streets. Be sure to visit iconic spots, such as the Pink Tower (Tour Rose) and the Saint-Jean Cathedral. Their architectural details make for stunning photo backdrops.
2. Basilique Notre-Dame
Hilltop basilica panoramic vista
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Anything
Fourvière Hill is a must-visit destination for those seeking breathtaking panoramic views of Lyon. The basilica, built in the 19th century, combines Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles, and its golden statue of the Virgin Mary is visible from many points in the city.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: From here, you get an incredible view of the city, especially at sunset, when warm colors bathe the rooftops and the Saône River. The basilica's interiors, with their intricate mosaics and stained-glass windows, add an extra layer of elegance to any photoshoot. We recommend combining your shoot with a stroll along the Saône River or a visit to Parc de la Tête d’Or for more variety in your shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: From here, you get an incredible view of the city, especially at sunset, when warm colors bathe the rooftops and the Saône River. The basilica's interiors, with their intricate mosaics and stained-glass windows, add an extra layer of elegance to any photoshoot. We recommend combining your shoot with a stroll along the Saône River or a visit to Parc de la Tête d’Or for more variety in your shots.
3. Parc de la Tete d'Or
Expansive lakeside botanical oasis
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset / Morning
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Anything
One of the most picturesque parks in France, this location offers a romantic and fresh natural backdrop for your photos. Opened in 1857, the park spans 117 hectares and is the largest urban park in the country.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot by the lake, along lush green pathways, or in vibrant flower gardens. The park transforms with the seasons: warm autumn hues in fall, fresh greenery in spring. The best time for photography is in the morning or at sunset when the soft light creates a magical atmosphere, and the park remains peaceful and inspiring.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot by the lake, along lush green pathways, or in vibrant flower gardens. The park transforms with the seasons: warm autumn hues in fall, fresh greenery in spring. The best time for photography is in the morning or at sunset when the soft light creates a magical atmosphere, and the park remains peaceful and inspiring.
4. Place des Terreaux
Vibrant mural-lined public square
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Couples / Solo / Families / Wedding
Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most recognizable landmarks, where architectural elegance meets the dynamic rhythm of city life. Here, you’ll find the Bartholdi Fountain, created by the same artist who designed the Statue of Liberty, and the grand Hôtel de Ville (City Hall).
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture photos against these iconic landmarks or in front of the famous "Lyon Wall" (Mur des Canuts), a stunning trompe-l'œil mural that adds a distinctive urban character to your shots. The best time for a shoot is in the evening when the square and mural are illuminated, creating a captivating, modern atmosphere. Our photographers from Wowtographer will help you find the best angles in this iconic location.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture photos against these iconic landmarks or in front of the famous "Lyon Wall" (Mur des Canuts), a stunning trompe-l'œil mural that adds a distinctive urban character to your shots. The best time for a shoot is in the evening when the square and mural are illuminated, creating a captivating, modern atmosphere. Our photographers from Wowtographer will help you find the best angles in this iconic location.
5. Saone Riverbanks
Picturesque riverside pedestrian bridge
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Couples / Solo / Families / Wedding
For lovers of waterfront scenery, Lyon’s Saône Riverbanks offer a setting where reflections of city lights on the water create breathtaking compositions. The Bonaparte Bridge, named after Napoleon, was reconstructed in the 19th century and remains an integral part of Lyon’s urban landscape.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photos taken from the bridge provide stunning views of the Saint-Georges district and Fourvière Hill. Sunsets here create atmospheric shots with shimmering lights, while morning sessions capture the river’s calm, mirror-like surface.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photos taken from the bridge provide stunning views of the Saint-Georges district and Fourvière Hill. Sunsets here create atmospheric shots with shimmering lights, while morning sessions capture the river’s calm, mirror-like surface.
6. Place Bellecour
Expansive historic city plaza
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any photoshoot
Place Bellecour is one of the largest city squares in Europe and a symbol of modern Lyon. Spanning over 20,000 square meters, it hosts major cultural events, festivals, and demonstrations, giving it a vibrant, energetic feel. At its center stands the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, erected in 1713.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos against the monuments and fountains. Mornings are best when the square is still quiet, bathed in soft light, while evenings offer a dazzling cityscape illuminated by urban lights. The vast space allows for creative angles, making your shots dynamic and full of Lyon’s spirit.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos against the monuments and fountains. Mornings are best when the square is still quiet, bathed in soft light, while evenings offer a dazzling cityscape illuminated by urban lights. The vast space allows for creative angles, making your shots dynamic and full of Lyon’s spirit.
7. Confluence District
Trendy waterfront district
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: During the day
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any photoshoot type
The modern Confluence district is a blend of cutting-edge architecture, art installations, and green spaces along the river. Here, you’ll find the futuristic Musée des Confluences, an architectural icon of Lyon’s urban renewal..
📍 Wowtographer Tip: This is the perfect spot for an urban-style photoshoot. Photograph against glass and metal structures during the day or use the evening lights for dramatic, contemporary shots reflecting the city’s modern face.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: This is the perfect spot for an urban-style photoshoot. Photograph against glass and metal structures during the day or use the evening lights for dramatic, contemporary shots reflecting the city’s modern face.
8. Croix-Rousse District
Bohemian hillside artisan district
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Anything
Croix-Rousse is a colorful neighborhood known for its bohemian atmosphere, murals, and artistic spirit. In the 19th century, it was the center of Lyon’s silk industry, and its traboules (hidden passageways) were used by weavers.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos among the historic streets and street art. The best time for a shoot is in the morning before the area gets crowded or in the late evening when soft light creates a warm, inviting glow. Explore the hidden corners of Croix-Rousse for unique perspectives.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos among the historic streets and street art. The best time for a shoot is in the morning before the area gets crowded or in the late evening when soft light creates a warm, inviting glow. Explore the hidden corners of Croix-Rousse for unique perspectives.
9. Presquile district
Vibrant cultural peninsula district
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: During the day
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Couples / Solo / Families / Wedding
Presqu'île is the central part of Lyon, located between the Rhône and Saône rivers, where elegance meets the vibrant pulse of city life. This peninsula formed at the confluence of the two rivers has become the commercial heart of Lyon.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photos taken here showcase modern facades, historic buildings, and the lively energy of locals. Shoot during the day when bright light highlights architectural contrasts or in the evening when the city lights create a distinctive sparkle. This area is an excellent backdrop for fashion and business photoshoots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photos taken here showcase modern facades, historic buildings, and the lively energy of locals. Shoot during the day when bright light highlights architectural contrasts or in the evening when the city lights create a distinctive sparkle. This area is an excellent backdrop for fashion and business photoshoots.
10. Colline de la Croix-Rousse
Scenic hilltop city overlook
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Sunset
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Colline de la Croix-Rousse is the peak of Lyon’s creative energy, where old districts meet breathtaking city views. From the summit, you get a stunning panorama, especially mesmerizing at sunset when the city is bathed in golden light.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take portrait or landscape shots that emphasize Lyon’s unique atmosphere. This location is freely accessible, and the views from the top will leave you in awe.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take portrait or landscape shots that emphasize Lyon’s unique atmosphere. This location is freely accessible, and the views from the top will leave you in awe.
11. Jardin du Rosaire
Tranquil hillside rose garden
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Jardin du Rosaire, nestled at the foot of Fourvière Hill, is a secluded haven of blooming roses and panoramic city views. Created in the 1860s, the garden serves as a quiet counterpart to the grand Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph amidst the floral arches and against Lyon’s skyline from above. Morning or late evening is the best time for a shoot when the light gently highlights the garden’s natural beauty.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph amidst the floral arches and against Lyon’s skyline from above. Morning or late evening is the best time for a shoot when the light gently highlights the garden’s natural beauty.
12. Vieux Lyon
Tranquil hillside rose garden
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Rue Saint-Jean in Vieux Lyon is a gem of the historic district, full of medieval charm. Here, you’ll find the famous traboules is secret passageways once used for transporting silk.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos against the backdrop of ancient facades and cozy courtyards. The morning light adds warmth to your shots, while the evening illumination enhances the historical atmosphere of this place.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos against the backdrop of ancient facades and cozy courtyards. The morning light adds warmth to your shots, while the evening illumination enhances the historical atmosphere of this place.
13. Mur des Canuts
Vibrant silk workers mural
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
The "Wall of the Canuts" mural is the largest trompe-l'œil in Europe, created in 1987 and updated every few years to reflect changes in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood. It depicts the daily life of local silk weavers.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture dynamic urban shots against this vibrant work of art. The evening lighting adds depth to the mural, while daylight highlights its details.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture dynamic urban shots against this vibrant work of art. The evening lighting adds depth to the mural, while daylight highlights its details.
14. Museum of the Confluences
Futuristic river confluence museum
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: During the day
Duration: 60 min | 2 hours | 3 hours
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
The Musée des Confluences, a futuristic crystal-shaped building opened in 2014, has become an architectural icon of Lyon. It's unique design symbolizes the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph yourself against the glass structures during the day or with evening illumination for modern and stylish shots.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph yourself against the glass structures during the day or with evening illumination for modern and stylish shots.
15. The Orange Cube
Striking contemporary orange cube
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
The Orange Cube, a striking building in the Confluence district, was designed by Jakob + MacFarlane in 2010. Its bold shape and vivid color make it a standout element in the urban landscape.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Use this daring structure as a backdrop for creative urban-style shots. Daylight emphasizes its brightness, while evening lights create striking contrasts.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Use this daring structure as a backdrop for creative urban-style shots. Daylight emphasizes its brightness, while evening lights create striking contrasts.
16. Lyon Opera House
Striking contemporary orange landmark
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Paid
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Built in the 18th century and renovated in 1993 with the addition of a glass dome, the Lyon Opera House is a blend of classic and modern architecture. The building was redesigned by architect Jean Nouvel.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture elegant city shots against the refined facade or at the entrance. The evening illumination highlights the architectural lines, while daylight reveals intricate details.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Capture elegant city shots against the refined facade or at the entrance. The evening illumination highlights the architectural lines, while daylight reveals intricate details.
17. Gallo-Roman Theater
Ancient hilltop Roman amphitheater
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min | 2 hours
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
The Gallo-Roman Theater on Fourvière Hill is Lyon’s oldest landmark, built in 15 BC. It could hold up to 10,000 spectators and is still used for summer festivals.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos among ancient ruins for historical shots with panoramic city views. Early morning or sunset offers the best soft lighting for atmospheric images.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Take photos among ancient ruins for historical shots with panoramic city views. Early morning or sunset offers the best soft lighting for atmospheric images.
18. Escaliers Prunelle
Scenic hillside stone staircase
Accessibility: Moderate
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Sunset
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
The Prunelle Stairs in the Croix-Rousse district offer a picturesque descent with panoramic views of Lyon. This hidden gem is perfect for those looking for unique angles.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot on the steps or with the cityscape as your backdrop. Morning light adds freshness to your shots, while sunset casts warm tones.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Shoot on the steps or with the cityscape as your backdrop. Morning light adds freshness to your shots, while sunset casts warm tones.
19. Place des Jacobins
Elegant central fountain square
Accessibility: Easy
Popularity: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Best time: Morning / Evening
Duration: 30 min | 60 min
Entry: Free
Ideal for: Any Type of Shoot
Place des Jacobins is an elegant square in the heart of Presqu’île, featuring a 19th-century fountain designed by sculptor Gaspard André. It is surrounded by refined classical buildings.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph yourself by the fountain or highlight the architectural details. Daylight emphasizes the sophistication of the square, while evening lights add a cozy ambiance. Wowtographer professionals can help create stylish and refined shots here.
📍 Wowtographer Tip: Photograph yourself by the fountain or highlight the architectural details. Daylight emphasizes the sophistication of the square, while evening lights add a cozy ambiance. Wowtographer professionals can help create stylish and refined shots here.