The Fontaine Bartholdi, located in Lyon’s Place des Terreaux, is one of the city’s most celebrated monuments. Designed in 1892 by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty, the fountain depicts a dramatic chariot drawn by four powerful horses symbolizing the rivers of France rushing toward the sea. Cast in lead and weighing more than 20 tons, it was originally intended for Bordeaux before being acquired by Lyon, where it became a centerpiece of civic pride. The fountain’s dynamic composition, with water cascading around the rearing horses, captures both movement and vitality, making it a striking example of 19th-century public art. Restored in recent years, the Fontaine Bartholdi continues to enchant visitors and locals alike, embodying Lyon’s blend of artistic heritage and urban grandeur while serving as a focal point in the lively square.
Lyon FranceThe Fontaine Bartholdi is located at Place des Terreaux in Lyon’s 1st arrondissement, a lively square in the city center. This striking fountain, sculpted by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi—the artist also famous for the Statue of Liberty—features an allegorical figure representing the River Garonne riding a chariot pulled by four powerful horses. Surrounding the square are key cultural landmarks including the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Lyon’s City Hall (Hôtel de Ville), and numerous historic buildings. The area is a popular social and tourist hub, with cafés, shops, and the nearby Opera House, making it an ideal spot to experience Lyon’s vibrant urban life and rich artistic heritage.
Musée des Confluences
Lyon
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Lyon
Lugdunum – Musée & Théâtres Romains
Lyon
Musée Lumière
Lyon
Musée Cinéma & Miniature
Lyon
Musée d’Art Contemporain
Lyon
Musée de l’Imprimerie et de la Communication Graphique
Lyon
Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
Lyon
Musée d’Histoire de Lyon
Lyon
Musée des Arts de la Marionnette
Lyon
Musée d’Art Religieux de Fourvière
Lyon
Maison des Canuts
Lyon
Musée Henri Malartre
Lyon
Musée Jean Couty
Lyon
Musée Urbain Tony Garnier
Lyon
Association Soierie Vivante
Lyon
Musée Soieries Brochier
Lyon
Musée d’Histoire de la Médecine et de la Pharmacie
Lyon
Musée des Moulages
Lyon
Théâtre des Célestins
Lyon
Théâtre des Marronniers
Lyon
Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse
Lyon
Théâtre Guignol de la Croix-Rousse
Lyon
Lugdunum Roman Theatre
Lyon
Théâtre Tête d’Or
Lyon
Improvidence Café-Théâtre
Lyon
Galerie Ceysson & Bénétière
Lyon
Galerie Valérie Eymeric
Lyon
Galerie Racont’Arts
Lyon
Galerie Carré d’artistes
Lyon
Galerie Le Réverbère
Lyon
Galerie MASUREL
Lyon
Galerie Vrais Rêves
Lyon
Palais archiépiscopal de Lyon
Lyon
Château de La Motte
Lyon
Fort de Loyasse
Lyon
Fort de Vaise
Lyon
Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Lyon
Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste
Lyon
Basilique Saint-Martin d’Ainay
Lyon
Église Saint-Nizier
Lyon
Église Saint-Bonaventure
Lyon
Église Saint-Polycarpe
Lyon
Église Saint-Just
Lyon
Lyon Armenian Genocide Memorial
Lyon
War Memorial on Île du Souvenir
Lyon
Monument de la République
Lyon
Le Veilleur de Pierre
Lyon
Statue de l’Allégorie de la Ville de Lyon
Lyon
Mémorial de la Shoah
Lyon
Parc de la Tête d'Or
Lyon
Jardin Botanique
Lyon
Parc des Hauteurs
Lyon
Jardin Rosa Mir
Lyon
Parc Sergent Blandan
Lyon
Roseraie Internationale
Lyon
Zoo de Lyon
Lyon
Aquarium de Lyon
Lyon
Tour Part-Dieu
Lyon
Tour Métallique de Fourvière
Lyon