Saint-Nizier Church

The church has played an important role in the life of Lyon since its construction. The Franciscans who built it on the tomb of Saint Bonaventure himself, who died in Lyon in 1274, were very close to the common people. Very spontaneously, they welcomed in their church the craftsmen and workers of the capital of the Gauls. With the support of Cardinal Barbarin, and the endorsement of Pope Francis, the church was erected as a Minor Basilica. Enlarged in the 15th century, Saint-Bonaventure became the church of the Corporate Confraternities, which financed the construction, from 1471 to 1625, of several chapels that were often well cared for (chapel including Sainte-Geneviève).

Neo-classical style church, located between two adjoining dwellings. One enters the building via a magnificent cul-de-four porch. Because of its geographical location, it is in the same parish as the church of Saint-Paul which faces it from the other bank of the Saône.

The church of Saint-Paul, located on the right bank of the Saône, at the foot of Fourvière hill, is one of the three oldest churches in Lyon currently preserved. The district, very close to the cathedral, was for a long time a very important commercial and financial centre. When you discover it, it appears just below the Fourvière basilica. Seven of its altars were dedicated to the Virgin.