Lyon Highlights: Heritage Sites and Renovation of Former CIRC Tower

Lyon continues to attract visitors with its blend of historic architecture, cultural venues and renowned cuisine. Key attractions include the Renaissance‑era Vieux Lyon district, the panoramic Basilique Notre‑Dame de Fourvière, scenic riverside promenades along the Rhône and Saône, bustling markets such as Halles Paul Bocuse, and museums like the Musée des Beaux‑Arts and Musée des Confluences. The city also hosts major events, notably the Fête des Lumières, and maintains a vibrant nightlife and artisan scene.

At the same time, the city is preparing to repurpose the 68‑metre‑tall Guillot‑Bourdeix tower in the 8th arrondissement, which housed the International Centre for Cancer Research (CIRC) until May 2023. Architects from the Nouvelle AOM collective, together with developers Icade and Redman, plan to rehabilitate the building, preserving its historic façade while opening new public spaces that connect the tower to the surrounding Monplaisir‑Lumière neighbourhood.