Exceptional Baroque architecture, delicate Carrara marble decoration, trompe-l’œil and sculptures… the Chapelle de la Trinité, in the heart of the Presqu’Île, almost makes you forget reality and immerse yourself in a dream. This religious edifice, long sidelined, is back in the Lyon landscape.
Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement is famous for its many shops, cafés and delicious restaurants. Take a detour to Place des Terreaux and venture to the Musée des Beaux-Arts and its pretty garden. You’ll have no trouble finding things to do in the surrounding area.
Candlelight concerts at Chapelle de la Trinité
Imagine a myriad of candles embracing the clean lines of the Chapelle de la Trinité, making it glow with a thousand lights, offering an unforgettable sensory experience. With its soft classical sounds, talented musicians and candlelit parterre, you’re sure to be carried away by the poetry of the concert.
Vary your pleasures with the best soundtracks from Japanese cinema and animation… Explore the best of music with vibrant tributes to Vivaldi, Mozart, Ludovico Einaudi and Hans Zimmer, as well as the Rolling Stones, 80s rock, Tim Burton film scores , Michael Jackson, ABBA, Queen and Coldplay! Will you give Candlelight a try?
Anecdotes and curiosities about Chapelle de la Trinité
1. The astronomical observatory
During his visit to Lyon, Dominique Cassini, a member of the Académie Royale des Sciences, persuaded Père Jean de Saint-Bonnet to create the city’s first observatory above the church in 1702. The impressive building comprised a rectangular hall lit by four bays and two towers. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed during the siege of Lyon in 1793, and was not restored until 1817 by François Clerc. However, it no longer met the astronomical needs of the time, and following the creation of Lyon’s Faculty of Sciences, the observatory moved to the Palais Saint-Pierre in 1863.
2. Forgotten
The chapel was desacralized in 1920 and sold with its organs to the commune of Saint-Chef in Isère. It lost its prestige and was even used as a gymnasium from 1930 to 1937. Its historical importance was only recognized by its classification as a historic monument on August 23, 1939. After a 1,700,000 euro restoration begun in the 1990s by the Lyon municipality and the Rhône-Alpes region, the chapel is now a popular venue for classical music concerts and conferences, notably as part of the Quais du Polar festival.
What else can you do at Chapelle de la Trinité?
Chapelle de la Trinité invites you to enjoy exceptional musical experiences, thanks to its remarkable acoustics. Every year, a rich program of Baroque music takes place under its roof, including the Festival de Musique Ancienne de Lyon and the prestigious Concerts de la Chapelle. You’ll also have the chance to attend conferences, exhibitions and fashion shows (after all, Lyon is famous for its fabrics).
And finally, located in the heart of the Presqu’île, you’ll be right in the middle of the shopping district as you leave, surrounded by restaurants and boutiques where you can stroll all afternoon.
Did you know? The magic of Candlelight events – classical music concerts by candlelight– has taken hold in some of the most unusual and beautiful venues in the capital of Gaul. Following their proven success, they’re back to bring a little more magic to the splendid Chapelle de la Trinité.