Neighbourhood guide

Villeurbanne

Gratte-ciel, theatre and a big public library

Villeurbanne is a separate town on Lyon's eastern border, centred on the Gratte-ciel district that mayor Lazare Goujon began in the 1930s. The Palais du Travail, the town hall and the Théâtre National Populaire sit around one square.

The district grew from the Palais du Travail, by architect Morice Leroux, and the town hall with its 65-metre belfry, completed in 1934. Beneath the Palais du Travail a swimming pool was dug in 1933. The Théâtre National Populaire next door took its national status in 1972 and still sells tickets from its box office on place Lazare-Goujon.

Culture is spread across town. The Institut d'art contemporain shows exhibitions and is part of the Lyon Biennale programme this autumn, and Le Rize combines a library, the city archives and exhibitions with free activities. The Parc de la Feyssine, a 45-hectare wild park by the Rhône, is the largest green space in the town.

Getting there

Metro line A to Gratte-Ciel for the theatre and town hall. Tram T6 to Hôtel de Ville - TNP, tram T1 to Thiers-Lafayette for the Institut d'art contemporain, tram T3 to Reconnaissance Balzac for Le Rize. Metro line B to Gare Part-Dieu Vivier-Merle is also within walking distance of the Institut d'art contemporain.

16 places

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What to see

Start on place Lazare-Goujon with the Palais du Travail, the Hôtel de ville and the Théâtre National Populaire, then walk avenue Henri-Barbusse through the Gratte-ciel. The Église Saint-Athanase on cours Émile-Zola has parts from the 13th century, and the art deco Église de la Sainte-Famille dates from 1937. Le Zola cinema is the last of about twenty that once operated in the town.

Where to eat and drink

No restaurant has been checked against its own website for this guide. The streets around the Gratte-ciel are the main place to look for cafes and lunch, and the theatre and the Rize are both close enough to combine with a meal.

Nearby neighbourhoods

Parc de la Tête d'Or A free park of 105 hectares, plus the Brotteaux streets around it 12 places · 4.0 km away

Part-Dieu Station, library and the covered market 4 places · 4.2 km away

Monplaisir Where cinema began 7 places · 4.7 km away

Croix-Rousse Silk workers' hill, traboules and Sunday markets 14 places · 5.6 km away

The best of Villeurbanne

Best museum Institut d'art contemporain Open Wednesday to Sunday afternoons.

Best free stop Le Rize Activities are free and the archives are open to visitors.

Best green space Parc de la Feyssine Forty hectares left to grow wild beside the Rhône.

Things to do in Villeurbanne

Landmark Théâtre National Populaire Theatre opened in 1934 as the Théâtre de la Cité, a national theatre since 1972, with its box office on place Lazare-Goujon.

Facade of Le Rize cultural centre on rue Valentin Hauy in Villeurbanne

Museum · Free Le Rize Municipal cultural centre combining a public library, the city archives and exhibitions on Villeurbanne's history, with free activities.

Glass pavilion entrance of the Institut d'art contemporain in Villeurbanne

Museum Institut d'art contemporain Contemporary art centre and regional art fund, showing exhibitions on site and the 18th Lyon Biennale programme until 13 December 2026.

Twin-tower Art Deco facade of the Palais du Travail in Villeurbanne

Landmark Palais du Travail Building by architect Morice Leroux and the first element of the Gratte-ciel district, with a swimming pool dug into its basement in 1933.

Art Deco Hôtel de ville of Villeurbanne with its central tower

Landmark Hôtel de ville de Villeurbanne Town hall completed in 1934 to a design by Robert Giroud, with a 65-metre belfry and large central halls.

Art Deco Gratte-Ciel tower blocks rising above Villeurbanne

Neighbourhood Les Gratte-ciel Town-centre district built around the Palais du Travail and the town hall from the 1930s on the initiative of mayor Lazare Goujon.

Sheep grazing in a meadow of the Parc de la Feyssine in Villeurbanne

Park Parc de la Feyssine Urban nature park of 45 hectares on a former water catchment area beside the Rhône, left to grow wild, opened in 2002.

Église Saint-Athanase seen from cours Émile Zola in Villeurbanne

Church Église Saint-Athanase Oldest monument in Villeurbanne, with elements from the 13th century, used by the Ukrainian Greek Catholic community since 1969.

Rose-window facade of the Église de la Sainte-Famille in Villeurbanne

Church Église de la Sainte-Famille Art deco church dating from 1937, long important to the Italian community and seat of a sacred art biennale since 1996.

Interior of the Astroballe arena in Villeurbanne during a basketball match

Landmark Astroballe Multi-sport arena with 5,600 seats, opened in 1995 and home to ASVEL basketball matches.

Rows of white crosses at the Nécropole nationale de la Doua in Villeurbanne

Landmark Nécropole nationale de la Doua Military cemetery with 6,346 graves of soldiers who died for France, visible from the ring road.

Art Deco facade of the Cinéma Le Zola on cours Émile Zola in Villeurbanne

Landmark Le Zola Cinema bought by the city in 1980 and the last survivor of about twenty cinemas in interwar Villeurbanne, run by the association Pour le Cinéma.

Landmark Centre Culturel et de la Vie Associative Municipal venue with two large halls used for shows, conferences, exhibitions and dances, and the base of the city's associations department.

Landmark Studio 24 Five-storey red, blue and green studio building with a 500-seat theatre hall, also used for film shoots.

Park Jardin des tout-petits Small public garden opened in 1929 on land given to the city, reserved for children under 6 and the adults with them.

Cobbled lane between old stone houses in the medieval village of Pérouges near Lyon

Day trip Pérouges Walled medieval town of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses, labelled one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, with about 80 listed buildings.

What's on in Villeurbanne

Local events in the next 30 days, read from the ward, park and organiser pages each one links to.

Le Tour de France Theatre and shows
On now, until 13 Nov · L’Assemblée - fabrique artistique
Show at L’Assemblée - fabrique artistique, listed on the Ville de Lyon agenda.
Map · Source: Ville de Lyon
Rebel Girl session #10 punk hardcore Concert
Fri 13 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
Marmaï sort son 1er Album - Freedom Concert
Sat 14 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
Short Film Festival screening Film
Sat 14 Nov · Le Rize
Short-film screening with the cinema Le Zola, as part of the Festival du Film Court, two hours.
Free · 16:00 to 18:00 · Map · Source: Le Rize · Festival du Film Court
Exhibition: Fumeuses mémoires Exhibition
17 Nov to 12 Dec · Le Rize
Exhibition by La Ville édifiante on industrial pollution and public health rules in Lyon and Villeurbanne.
Map · Source: Le Rize · Fumeuses mémoires
Improcité VS La Fabuleuse Bande Improvisée Comedy
Tue 17 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A sports event at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
Film screening: The Pearl Button Film
Thu 19 Nov · Le Rize
Screening of the documentary The Pearl Button by Patricio Guzman, in Spanish with French subtitles.
Free · 19:00 · Map · Source: Le Rize · Prize sur le monde : Le bouton de nacre
ASSEMBLAGE - CONCERT RIOT GRRRL & Marché DIY Concert
Fri 20 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
Concert de L'ÉQUIPAGE un quintet jazz-rock Concert
Fri 20 Nov · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature
Young International Creation, Lyon Biennale 2026 Exhibition
On now, until 13 Dec · Institut d'art contemporain, Villeurbanne
Exhibition of new works by ten emerging artists, shown at the Institut d'art contemporain in Villeurbanne.
Map · Source: macLYON · Jeune création internationale - Biennale de Lyon 2026

Show all 20 events

VLMV + DERIVE IN ME + YANN PONTHUS Concert
Sat 21 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
CRASH IMPRO Comedy
Tue 24 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
Book-in #6 avec Lumir Lapray et Lazine Concert
Wed 25 Nov · Toï Toï le Zinc
A concert at Toï Toï le Zinc, listed on the Toï Toï le Zinc calendar.
Map · Source: Toï Toï le Zinc
One Silver Dollar Concert
Sat 28 Nov · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature
Samba day with evening concert Concert
Sat 28 Nov · Le Rize
Day of samba workshops, a stall area and an evening concert by Roda da TT, organised by Tá no Pé Brasil.
10:00 to 22:30 · Map · Source: Le Rize · SAMBA DEI
Cosmologies, chansons et textes autour du vivant par Pauline De Boever Concert
Thu 3 Dec · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature · Cosmologies - chansons et textes autour du vivant par Pauline De Boever
Carte blanche to the ENM music school Concert
Sat 5 Dec · Le Rize
Music and dance evening by students of the ENM on the theme of water, 1h15.
16:00 to 17:15 · Map · Source: Le Rize · Carte blanche à l'ENM
Spéctacle théatre d'impro - Les Ephémères Comedy
Thu 10 Dec · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature
Gigi : Concert Son&Lumière Concert
Fri 11 Dec · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature
Bal Trad / Léonore & Vincent Concert
Sat 12 Dec · La Filature
A concert at La Filature, listed on the La Filature calendar.
Map · Source: La Filature

Show 30 events nearby, outside Villeurbanne

Rue Pierre-Joseph Proudhon market Market
Friday. Next: Fri 13 Nov · Rue Pierre-Joseph Proudhon, Villeurbanne
A market with food and other stalls at Rue Pierre-Joseph Proudhon in Villeurbanne, running Friday, as listed in the Métropole de Lyon's open data on market sites.
Free entry · Map · Source: Métropole de Lyon (open data, Licence Ouverte 2.0) · Marché Rue Pierre-Joseph Proudhon
Place Victor Balland market Market
Wednesday and Saturday. Next: Sat 14 Nov · Place Victor Balland, Villeurbanne
A food market at Place Victor Balland in Villeurbanne, running Wednesday and Saturday, as listed in the Métropole de Lyon's open data on market sites.
Free entry · Map · Source: Métropole de Lyon (open data, Licence Ouverte 2.0) · Marché Place Victor Balland
Planetarium show: Des oasis dans l’espace Activities
Sat 14 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Des oasis dans l’espace
Planetarium show: Légendes du ciel étoilé Activities
Sat 14 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
11:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Légendes du ciel étoilé
Planetarium show: Polaris Activities
Sat 14 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 6 à 12 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Polaris
Planetarium show: Univers sombre Activities
Sat 14 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 10 ans.
17:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Univers sombre
Planetarium show: Le soleil, notre étoile Activities
Wed 18 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Le soleil, notre étoile
Planetarium show: Vacances sur Altaïr Activities
Wed 18 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Vacances sur Altaïr
Planetarium show: De la terre à l’univers Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · De la terre à l’univers
Planetarium show: Mondes habités Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 10 ans.
17:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Mondes habités
Planetarium show: Poussières d’étoiles Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Poussières d’étoiles
Planetarium show: Vacances sur Altaïr Activities
Sat 21 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
11:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Vacances sur Altaïr
Planetarium show: De la terre à l’univers Activities
Wed 25 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · De la terre à l’univers
Planetarium show: Polaris Activities
Wed 25 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 6 à 12 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Polaris
Planetarium show: Le ciel des tout-petits Activities
Sat 28 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Tout-petits.
11:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Le ciel des tout-petits
Planetarium show: Mondes habités Activities
Sat 28 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 10 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Mondes habités
Planetarium show: Univers sombre Activities
Sat 28 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 10 ans.
17:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Univers sombre
Planetarium show: Vacances sur Altaïr Activities
Sat 28 Nov · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Vacances sur Altaïr
Planetarium show: Légendes du ciel étoilé Activities
Wed 2 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Légendes du ciel étoilé
Planetarium show: Terre, Lune, Soleil Activities
Wed 2 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 8 à 12 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Terre, Lune, Soleil
Planetarium show: Découverte du ciel Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
17:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Découverte du ciel
Planetarium show: L’aube de l’ère spatiale Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · L’aube de l’ère spatiale
Planetarium show: Le ciel des Mayas Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Le ciel des Mayas
Planetarium show: Vacances sur Altaïr Activities
Sat 5 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
11:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Vacances sur Altaïr
Planetarium show: De la terre à l’univers Activities
Wed 9 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · De la terre à l’univers
Planetarium show: Vacances sur Altaïr Activities
Wed 9 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 4 à 7 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Vacances sur Altaïr
Planetarium show: Des oasis dans l’espace Activities
Sat 12 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
15:30 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Des oasis dans l’espace
Planetarium show: Mondes habités Activities
Sat 12 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 10 ans.
14:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Mondes habités
Planetarium show: Polaris Activities
Sat 12 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: De 6 à 12 ans.
11:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Polaris
Planetarium show: Poussières d’étoiles Activities
Sat 12 Dec · Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin
Immersive planetarium show of about one hour, recommended age as printed: Dès 8 ans.
17:00 · Map · Source: Planétarium de Vaulx-en-Velin · Poussières d’étoiles

All 20 local events in Villeurbanne

Live music in Villeurbanne

LDLC Arena 59 upcoming gigs
Le Transbordeur 44 upcoming gigs
La Rayonne 25 upcoming gigs
Grrrnd Zero 10 upcoming gigs
Espace Tonkin 6 upcoming gigs
Ninkasi Gratte Ciel 5 upcoming gigs

What's on in Villeurbanne this week

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Stay in Villeurbanne

Browse live availability and compare prices around the neighbourhood.

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