For nearly 80 years, Les Nuits de Fourvière has brought together artists and audiences in an extraordinary setting where history and contemporary creativity intertwine. Hosted in Lyon’s Roman amphitheater, the festival is a unique space where cultures converse and disciplines merge—theater, dance, music, circus, magic, cabaret, and opera—creating the art forms of tomorrow.

A Festival Rooted in History

The story of Les Nuits de Fourvière is deeply connected to Lyon’s ancient past as Lugdunum, one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire. Founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, Lugdunum served as the capital of Gallia Lugdunensis and was a vital commercial and cultural hub of the western provinces. It was the birthplace of emperors Claudius and Caracalla and remained a center of power and influence for centuries.

Lugdunum was strategically located on the Fourvière heights, west of the Rhône and Saône rivers, making it an essential crossroads of the empire. By the 2nd century AD, the city had grown to a population between 50,000 and 200,000, making it one of the largest cities in the Roman world. It was known for its aqueducts, amphitheaters, temples, and bustling trade networks, which extended across Gaul and beyond.

From Roman Amphitheaters to Modern Stages

The Grand Théâtre of Fourvière, originally built in 15 BC, remains one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in Europe. During the Roman era, it hosted plays, oratory, and public gatherings, much like today’s Les Nuits de Fourvière, which revives this rich tradition by transforming the ancient venue into a modern stage for cutting-edge performances.

For two months each summer, Les Nuits de Fourvière bridges Lyon’s past and present, offering a diverse, internationally renowned program that blends history with contemporary artistic innovation. In a city where emperors once ruled and gladiators fought, audiences now gather to witness the magic of modern storytelling, music, and performance.

Whether through historical re-enactments, avant-garde performances, or spectacular musical acts, the festival continues the legacy of Lugdunum, proving that Lyon has always been a city of culture, creativity, and artistic excellence.