Fourvière is the hill that gave Lyon its start — the Romans founded Lugdunum here in 43 BCE on the heights above the Saône, and the site's strategic advantages (water from three sides, visibility for miles) were obvious from the beginning. Today the hill is Lyon's most visited area, crowned by the white basilica and the Gallo-Roman remains. Take the funicular from Vieux Lyon station, or walk up through the quiet residential streets of old Fourvière — the streets are genuinely steep.
The Roman theatres, the Gallo-Roman museum, the basilica, and the rooftop views are all on or near the summit. On clear days the Alps are visible to the east — the snow-capped peaks of Mont Blanc visible 200 kilometres away on the best days.