Place des Jacobins Lyon
A place through the centuries
From the Jacobins to the Elegants
The square takes its name from a former Dominican convent convent (the Jacobins) established here in the 13th century. At first, it was a place of religious life, but the successive Revolutions gave it a new face. Gone were the monks, replaced by ambitious urban development!
A showcase of Haussmann-style architecture
It was in the 19th century that the square took on its current form, with its opulent buildings, ornate facades and elegant balconies. It quickly became a symbol of prestige for the Lyon bourgeoisie, who proudly took up residence here.
The Jacobins fountain: the star of the square
It’s impossible to talk about the Place des Jacobins without mentioning its magnificent fountain. Created in 1885 by Lyonnais artist Gaspard André (yes, the same architect as the Théâtre des Célestins), It celebrates four great figures of Lyon’s arts: Philippe de Champaigne, Germain Pilon, Guillaume Coustou, and Hippolyte Flandrin. These perfectly executed statues embody the city’ s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
An amusing detail?
The maintenance of the fountain, which used to be tedious, was often entrusted to washermen in overalls. One day, one of them slipped in the pool, causing general hilarity among passers-by… and a nice photo in the local press.
Stories from the square
1- A lion on a walk
During a circus parade in the 1920s, a lion briefly escaped and crossed the Place des Jacobins, causing panic among the inhabitants. Fortunately, the beast was quickly brought under control. Since then, people have joked that the fountain is missing a lion statue.
2- Lovers of the Jacobins
With its benches and soft night lighting, the square has become a popular spot for couples. Urban legend has it that making a wish under the light of a lamppost by circling the fountain three times will bring good luck to lovers.
3- A film set
The timeless beauty of the square has made it a film star. It regularly appears in films, as if playing its own role: that of a living setting, blending romance and elegance.