A venue with a rich heritage
The Saint-Paul campus of the Catholic University of Lyon embodies a remarkable urban and architectural transformation. Created from the transformation of the former Lyon penitentiary, the campus blends contemporary lines with 19th-century buildings. Combining preservation of its heritage—golden stone facades, panoptic structure, central rotunda—with bright contemporary additions (glass roof, interior street, walkways), the architecture creates a space that is both symbolic and functional. Designed according to bioclimatic principles (green roofs, wood and solar boilers), the campus marries environmental sustainability, social diversity (housing, shops), and openness to the neighborhood.
Novatech 2026 conference venue
Catholic University of Lyon (UCLy), Saint-Paul campus, 10 Place des Archives, 69002 Lyon
How to get to UCLy?
Arrival at Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport (LYS)
- From the airport, with Rhônexpress shuttle: tramway RX to Gare Lyon Part-Dieu (30min - 15,20 €),
then tramway T1 towards Debourg - Exit at Place des Archives station (25min - 2.10€) - From the airport by taxi: from 60 to 100€ - indicative rates (35min)
Arriving at Part-Dieu or Perrache railway station
- From Part-Dieu: tramway T1 towards Debourg - Exit at Place des Archives station (25min - 2.10€)
- From Perrache: exit at Place des Archives station then continue on foot (7min)
With TCL transport company
- A (red) subway line: from Perrache to Vaulx-en-Velin, via Bellecour, Hôtel de Ville and Charpennes stations
Exit at Perrache station - Running hours: 5am - midnight - Tramway T1: from Debourg to IUT Feyssine via Confluence, Perrache and Part-Dieu stations
Tramway T2: from Montrochet to Saint Priest Bel-Air, via Perrache, Jean Macé and Grange Blanche stations
Exit at Place des Archives station - Running hours: 4.30am - midnight - Bus C19: from Perrache to Francheville Taffignon via Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon - Exit at Perrache station
Bus C21: from Perrache to Gorge de Loup - Exit at Perrache station
Bus 63: from Perrache to Oullins Le Golf - Exit at Place of Archives station
- Parking Q-Park Station Perrache: 2 rue Smith, 69002 Lyon
- Parking Q-Park Perrache Carnot: Cours de Verdun, 69002 Lyon
- Parking at Centre d'échange de Lyon-Perrache (EFFIA): 37 cours de Verdun-Perrache, 69002 Lyon
Vélo'v: self-service bicycles rental
- 2 Velov' parking lots near UCLy: n°2037 (Place des Archives) and n°2027 (at the corner of rue Smith and cours Suchet)
Information coming soon
Where to stay?
Examples of accommodation near the Catholic University of Lyon (UCLy)
Hotel Villa Berlioz ***
Appart'hôtel Odalys City
Lyon Centre Confluence ***
Hotel Charlemagne
by HappyCulture ****
(4.5/5 on Google)
What to do in Lyon?
- Let's start right here with the 2nd district. As you explore the Presqu'île peninsula, passing through the Cordeliers, Bellecour, Perrache, and Confluence neighborhoods, sometimes on the Saône river side, sometimes on the Rhône river side, discover the city's history through the stunning buildings and monuments that mark these neighborhoods.
- Visit Vieux Lyon (the "old Lyon"), the UNESCO-listed part of the city, full of intact Renaissance and Gothic influences. And full of great restaurants, too!
- Get a great view of the city from the surrounds of the Fourvière Basilica and Crypt. A truly beautiful historical church and a truly remarkable view of the city. On a clear day you can even see to Mt. Blanc!
- Want to relax and soak up nature? There are lots of choices, but our favourite is probably Le Parc de la Tête d’Or. It has something for everyone; a zoo, beautiful botanic gardens, walking/cycling tracks, and a stunning formal rose garden, and all located right within the city centre! You can find many other great parks here.
- Enjoy local produce at Lyon's markets and the famous Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse food market.
- Interested in music, danse, circus? The Nights of Fourvière definitely have something for you (but get in fast – tickets sell out very quickly: opening of the box office in mid-March).