
Basilique de Saint Martin-d'Ainay
Visit the Basilique of Saint-Martin d'Ainay - the Romanesque jewel of Lyon !
It can seem rather strange to come upon the Basilica Saint-Martin d’Ainay on the Lyon peninsula between Perrache railway station and the Place Bellcour. Archives show the first foundations of the building date back to the 9th century a long time before Lyon gained its present-day outline. Two centuries later, the building was renovated and given a more Romanesque style. It became the bastion of worshippers of the « Martyrs de Lyon » who had been tortured during the 2nd century under Marcus Aurelius. Despite the tribulations which marked the town during the Middle Ages and modern times, the basilica has held firm and today represents a first-hand account of the history of Lyon.
Because of the historical and architectural journey it represents, the basilica is a wonderful place for a family outing, particularly budding architects and archaeologists. It stands on the banks of the Saône in the wealthy 2nd ‘arrondissement’, not far from Quai Tilsitt, and has a range of architectural styles rarely found in the « Capital of the Gauls ».
The history of Lyon in one place
The Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay is one of those religious buildings whose history covers several epochs. The oldest part of the building is the Pre-Romanesque chapel of Sainte-Blandine dating from the 9th century. The impressive belltower - porch was built in the 12th century from the remains of Roman buildings in Lyon. It is a fine example of Romanesque architecture with sculpted friezes of animals and a pyramid-shaped roof.
Finally, the church of Saint-Martin has vaulted naves decorated with hypnotising painted patterns, as are the main apse and the dome. The elegance and fascination of the Basilica Saint-Martin stem from its architectural and historical contrasts of Roman remains, medieval sections and more modern building methods.
A glorious heritage, a stone’s throw from old Lyon

When visiting the Basilica of Saint-Martin d’Ainay, you are perfectly placed for seeing the historic centre of Lyon. Although you are only a few minutes’ walk from the Place Bellecour and busy shopping streets of the 2nd ‘arrondissement’, just cross over the Saint-Georges - Abbé Paul Couturier footbridge to old Lyon. Sit down at a table in one of the ‘Bouchons Lyonnais’ to savour a pike quenelle before walking up Rue Saint-Georges for some melt-in-the-mouth praline brioches. Next fall under the charm of the Saint-Jean district and explore its famous ‘traboules’, secret covered passageways leading from one courtyard to another, which lead you to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, a joy for children with its large collection of masks, decoration and amazing miniatures.
Discover the Rhône département with Gîtes de France Rhône : Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse, Institut d'Art Contemporain
Useful information
Access and Transport to Basilica St Martin
By road : coming from Marseille or Saint-Etienne via A7 or Paris via A6, exit Lyon-Centre. Go along Quai du Dr-Gailleton as far as Rue Franklin. Turn left along Rue Franklin, turn right into Rue Vaubecour and carry on to Place d’Ainay.
By métro : to station Ampère-Victor Hugo on Line A
Opening times
Monday – Saturday : 08.30 -12.00, 14.30 -18.00. Sunday : 08.30 – 12.00.
Address and contact
11, Rue Bourgelat
69002 Lyon
Tel : 04 72 40 02 50
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