Heritage & monuments
Aqueduct of the Gier
Aqueduct of the Gier
The Aqueduct of the Gier is a remnant of the Roman water system designed to supply the city of Lyon. It is the longest and best-preserved of the four aqueducts originally built for the region. Visitors go here to see the ancient engineering and trace the path of the water channel from its source at the foot of Mont Pilat.
Getting There
The ruins are located outside the city center. Access is primarily via car or local transport to the surrounding communes. Depending on the specific section of the aqueduct you wish to visit, the journey from central Lyon typically takes 30 to 60 minutes.
Duration of Visit
Because the site consists of various ruins spread across the landscape rather than a single enclosed museum, allow 2 to 4 hours to explore the visible arches and sections of the channel.
When to Visit
The site is best visited during the spring and autumn when temperatures are moderate for walking. Since it is an open-air archaeological site, it does not experience the same crowding as the city center's main monuments.
Combining with Other Sites
After visiting the ruins, you can head back toward the city to visit these nearby locations:
- Saône River (4.6km)
- Musée des Confluences (4.6km)
- La Confluence (4.9km)
- Saint Irenaeus Church, Lyon (5.6km)
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors