What it is
In 1644 the city council decided that a city of Lyon's standing needed a town hall to match; until then it had met in a modest house. The result, built between 1646 and 1672 under the architect Simon Maupin, is one of the most imposing historic buildings in the city.
It has two faces: the grand front on the Place des Terreaux, and a rear front on the Place de la Comédie, facing the opera house.
Seeing it
It is still the working town hall, where the city council meets. ⭐ The façade, the square and the courtyards glimpsed through the gates are the point for most visitors; the state rooms open only on particular occasions.
