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Europe / France / Rhone Valley / Lyon / Best Attractions

Primatiale St-Jean

With its exterior restored to its original creamy glory, this majestic Gothic cathedral is well worth a visit. Built over the foundations of at least five former churches, the current cathedral was built in the Middle Ages. Paintings around the cathedral belonged to Napoleon’s uncle, Cardinal Fesch. A magical time to visit is towards the end of a summer afternoon when the western sun shines through the 14th-century rose window, bathing the nave in an ethereal white light. The most extraordinary feature is a 16th-century astronomical clock that announces the hour daily at noon, 2, and 3pm with rooster crows and angels heralding the event.