Dating to 1842, the Palace of Justice was designed by French architect Louis-Pierre Baltard, and today remains one of Lyon's celebrated 19th-century buildings. This fully functioning courthouse is home to the Rhône Assize court and the city's Court of Appeals. Visiting is easy via public transportation, since the court is near the Vieux Lyon metro stop. City tours also typically stop in the Old Lyon and pass the Palace of Justice. For the best views, enjoy a stroll along the Saône.
The courthouse is located at 1 Rue du Palais de Justice, in Old Lyon. The easiest way to visit the courthouse is by metro. Hop on the D line, and get off at the Vieux Lyon metro station. For a scenic stroll to the courthouse, exit the station, walk to Quai Romain Rolland, and head north. You'll see the colonnaded building on your left. Visitors find courtroom access via the Quai Romain Rolland entrance.
The Palace of Justice is open daily, during the week, from 8:45am until 12pm, and then again from 1:15pm until 5pm. In July and August, the court closes one hour earlier, at 4pm. Plan to arrive during the day, to enjoy the building's exterior detailing, or arrive during the Festival of Lights to see the building lit dramatically.
Lyon's Cathédrale St-Jean—only a few blocks from the Palace of Justice—is situated in the heart of Old Lyon. It serves as a spectacular example of 12th-century architecture. Visitors enjoy the Gothic detailing, the ancient, stained-glass windows, and the ornate astronomical clock, complete with the perpetual calendar. The cathedral is free to visit, and open daily, all year round.
