Les Nuits de Fourvière

Les Nuits de Fourvière: nearly eighty years of live performance

The history of Les Nuits de Fourvière began on June 29, 1946, when the Roman-era ancient theatres on Fourvière hill, rediscovered in the early 20th century, hosted their first performances. Since this founding date, the festival has continued to grow to become one of the most important cultural events in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and one of the oldest festivals in France.

An ancient setting inscribed on the World Heritage list

The Grand Théâtre, built under Augustus in the 1st century BC, has a capacity of 4,700 seats with a panoramic view of the city of Lyon. The more intimate Odéon complements this unique setup. These two archaeological gems, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, provide an incomparable setting for live performance, where natural acoustics and the magic of the place combine to create unforgettable evenings.

An exceptional multidisciplinary programme

Les Nuits de Fourvière stands out for the richness and diversity of its programme. Each season offers over 60 shows spanning music, theatre, dance, circus, opera, and cabaret. International headliners rub shoulders with original creations and emerging artists, in a spirit of openness and curiosity. Over the decades, the festival has hosted legendary artists, from the biggest names in rock and pop to major figures in contemporary theatre and dance.

A metropolitan festival

As a public institution of the Métropole de Lyon, Les Nuits de Fourvière also extends its programming beyond its main venues, taking over spaces such as the Musée des Confluences, the Halle Tony Garnier, the Maison de la danse, the Radiant-Bellevue, and the Domaine de Lacroix-Laval. Performances are also offered in parks, community centres, and schools in towns like Bron, Vénissieux, Givors, and Décines, underscoring the festival's metropolitan and popular reach.

An unmissable summer event

With over 130,000 spectators each year, Les Nuits de Fourvière is more than just a festival: it is a summer ritual for the people of Lyon and a major tourist attraction. The experience of attending a concert or performance in a two-thousand-year-old Roman amphitheatre, with the illuminated city below, remains a magical moment that only Lyon can offer.