Place des Terreaux is one of Lyon’s most emblematic squares, located in the 1st arrondissement, close to the Café des Fédérations.
The Place des Terreaux has a rich and ancient history. It owes its name to the fact that it was once a place where earth was beaten to make gunpowder. Over the centuries, it has become a focal point of Lyonnais life. It is dominated by the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, a majestic neo-classical building built between 1645 and 1672 by the architect Simon Maupin.
At the centre of the square is the famous Bartholdi Fountain, created by the sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, also known for designing the Statue of Liberty in New York. It’s a lively place, often the scene of cultural events, artistic events, open-air concerts and festivals throughout the year. Many tourists and residents of Lyon also come to the square to relax, stroll around or enjoy the many cafés and restaurants that surround it, such as the Café des Fédérations.
The Café des Fédérations is an emblematic establishment in Lyon, located near the Place des Terreaux. It is renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere, as well as for its traditional Lyonnais cuisine, offering typical dishes such as quenelle, tablier de sapeur and salade lyonnaise. The café attracts both locals and tourists in search of authenticity.
All in all, the Place des Terreaux and the Café des Fédérations are two key venues in Lyon’s social and cultural life, offering visitors a unique and immersive experience of the city’s history and gastronomy.
