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Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon has been luring people ever since the Romans named it Lugdunum in 43 BC. Commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse for the past 500 years, Lyon is France's third-largest city, and offers today's urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences.

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Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Musée des Confluences

This eye-catching building, designed by the Viennese firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, is the crowning glory of Lyon's newest neighbourhood, the Confluence, at…

Musée des Beaux-Arts

This stunning and eminently manageable museum showcases France's finest collection of sculptures and paintings outside of Paris, from antiquity onwards…

Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

Crowning the hill, with stunning city panoramas from its terrace, this superb example of late-19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture is lined…

Lyon Confluence

Lyon's race toward the future is personified in this reborn industrial district near the southern tip of Presqu'île. Once a landscape of empty warehouses…

Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste

Lyon's partly Romanesque cathedral was built between the late 11th and early 16th centuries. The portals of its Flamboyant Gothic facade, completed in…

Musées Gadagne

Housed in a 16th-century mansion built for two rich Florentine bankers, this twin-themed exhibition space incorporates an excellent local history museum,…

Place des Terreaux

The centrepiece of the Presqu'île's beautiful central square is a 19th-century fountain made of 21 tonnes of lead and sculpted by Frédéric-Auguste…

Opéra de Lyon

Lyon's neoclassical 1831-built opera house was modernised in 1993 by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who added the striking semi-cylindrical glass…

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Explore lyon with these 15 free things to do.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

If you're museumed out, head to this lovely space north of the centre, which provides a green haven for nature lovers and families. Spanning 117 hectares,…

Théâtre Romain

Lyon's Roman theatre, built around 15 BC and enlarged in AD 120, sat an audience of 10,000. Romans held poetry readings and musical recitals in the…

Fresque des Lyonnais

Well-known Lyonnais peer out from this beautifully executed seven-storey mural, including loom inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752–1834), Renaissance…

Place Bellecour

One of Europe’s largest public squares, gravel-strewn place Bellecour was laid out in the 17th century. In the centre is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.

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Visit Lyon in 1 day – My self-guided walking tour + itinerary

You have programmed for your little weekend of visit Lyon in 1 day . Well, my self-guided walking tour could help you discover the most beautiful sites of Lyon in 1 day. All you have to do is follow my walking route on the attached Google Maps to discover the most beautiful places in Lyon.

This tourist circuit makes a loop that is carried out quietly on foot in one day (see route map below).

How to visit Lyon in 1 day?

To visit Lyon in 1 day, you have several possibilities:

• Lyon private tour with a guide
• Discover Lyon by bike
• Half-day group tour of Lyon with a guide
• Visit Lyon on your own on foot in 1 day by following my circuit on foot. This circuit allows you to see most of Lyon. See details below.

What to visit in Lyon in 1 day?

It's difficult to choose among all the beautiful places in Lyon, the sites that turn out to be the most interesting to visit in 1 day! It's also not easy to organize them to make a nice loop on foot but not at a running pace. So I voluntarily eliminated all visits to museums and certain churches.

The majority of the sites on my self-guided tour are to be seen from the outside because to do the in-depth visits, you would need to plan at least 2 days. Indeed, visiting museums takes too much time.

Here is the list of sites that can be visited in Lyon in 1 day and that I have selected for my self-guided tour (in order of visits):

• Place Bellecour
• Place des Jacobins
• Celestins Square
• Célestins Theater
• Saint John Cathedral
• Hill of Fourvière
• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Restaurant Christian Tedoie
• Gourguillon climb
• Traboules of old Lyon
• Hermès restaurant dinner cruise

Route map to visit Lyon on foot

Click on "More options" in the map to follow the GPS

Self-guided walking tour to visit Lyon in 1 day

Departure from the circuit Place Bellecour . This is the heart of the Lyon peninsula , a large place where the Lyonnais gather for all types of events (sporting, cultural or political). You will of course take the photo of the statue of Louis XIV on his horse and why not a little coffee to start the day off right!

Then you will leave by the Emile Zola street , to join the 1 st stage of my tour: One of the most beautiful squares in Lyon, the Place des Jacobins  !

Then by taking rue Jean Fabre, you will arrive at the Celestins Square then discover the Célestins Theater which is a magnificent Italian theater.

By joining the Tisitt wharf , you will take the Bonaparte Bridge which allows you to cross the Saône to reach the heart of Old Lyon ( medieval and Renaissance quarter ) . Your best bet will be to start visiting the Saint John Cathedral and admire his gigantic rose window, s gargoyles threatening et its majestic architecture Gothic.

Then I advise you to go to the funicular station which is to the Vieux-Lyon metro station . Thus, with the funicular, you will go directly (and more easily than on foot) to the Hill of Fourvière .

This is where the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière which overlook the city of Lyon since the end of the 19th century.

Since the esplanade of the basilica , you will have a panoramic view of Lyon. You can visit the basilica which was built to thank the Virgin for having spared Lyon the Prussian invasion in 1870.

Then the circuit continues through rue Roger Radisson to turn into the rue Cléber to enter the site Juldunum . This is the ancient site of Fourvière, entry to which is free. You can visit the great theater Gallo-Roman (15th century BC), the Temple of Cybele or lower, the O deon which has preserved some beautiful mosaics.

Visit Lyon in 1 day - Restaurant

To continue the route, you will have to take the rue Clebert , go back down Antiquaille Square up to the Pierre Marion Street to get to street n ° 4. This is where I advise you to take the lunch break: at restaurant Christian Tedoie.

It’s a good plan for lunch because this gourmet restaurant offers gourmet and refined cuisine with a formula at 24 € and in a really nice setting (panoramic terrace).

Visit Lyon in 1 day - Vieux Lyon

Now that you have regained your strength, I suggest you do the Gourguillon climb reverse !

Going down rue Pierre Marion, you will turn left into rue des Farges to join the Gourguillon climb that you will descend. This street (little known to tourists) is one of the oldest streets in Lyon with its cobblestones, its medieval houses from the 15th century. You can admire rare half-timbered houses in Impasse Turquet, a street perpendicular to rue Gourguillon.

Visit Lyon in 1 day - Traboules

At number 2 of the street, opens a traboule which goes up to Chemin Neuf. You can take it to arrive at Place Beauregard and take the stairs of the Montée des Épies.

A but you are probably thinking a traboule  ??? What is that ?

These are small passages characteristic of the city of Lyon that allow you to cross from one street to another or from one district to another. Lyon has more than 300 which have become real tourist attractions. If you want to visit them, there is an app ( Mobile application to download ) which allows you to follow routes specifically dedicated to visits to the traboules .

And if you want to discover it for yourself, here is the list of the most visited traboules:

• Rue Royale / Quai Lassagne
• 6-8 small rue des Feuillants / 19 place Tolozan
• 2 Place des Terreaux
• 4 rue Désirée / 7 rue Puits-Gaillot
• 3 place Louis Pradel / 1 rue Luigini
• 5 rue Joseph-Serlin / 2 place Louis Pradel
• 13 rue de la Poulaillerie / 2 rue des Forces
• Passage de l'Argue
• 2 rue Charles-Dullin / 1 rue Gaspard-André

After getting lost in the alleys and traboules of old Lyon , you can return to your hotel to relax before dinner.

Visit Lyon in 1 day - Cruise on the Rhône

And to finish in style, why not have dinner while having a belle boat cruise on the banks of the Rhône ? It was a report some time ago that gave me this idea: View report

The advantage is that you can spend a romantic evening along the water while discovering monuments that you will not have had time to visit in my circuit "  Lyon in 1 day  "!

To do this dinner cruise at  Hermès restaurant (provided by the Cie Les Bâteaux Lyonnais), you have to go to 16 Quai Claude Bernard (Left bank of the Rhône at the foot of the University Bridge) just 10 minutes walk from the hotel which I present to you below. Remember to book at 04.78.42.96.81!

Where to stay to visit Lyon on foot?

For a little one weekend in Lyon , I recommend that you choose a hotel well placed to be accommodated in the most beautiful districts of Lyon (beware of areas to avoid in Lyon ). Its location is ideal so as not to waste time in transport and to be close to restaurants and shops while being quiet.

My good plan is hotel La Residence because it is really perfect in terms of services, has an ideal location and all this at an unbeatable price for Lyon! Indeed, it is located in a pedestrian street on the Lyon peninsula, a 3-minute walk from Place Bellecour and 450 meters from the old town.

View this hotel on Booking.com

I hope that my circuit inspires you ... If you prefer to let yourself be guided to visit Lyon, here is a good plan: Guided tour of Old Lyon So, perhaps on the occasion of the festival of Lights or a whole weekend in Lyon: Lyon in 2 days or a combined circuit Lyon - Annecy you will have the opportunity to follow this little tour of Lyon on foot !

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• 1 Districts
• 2.1 History
• 2.2 Politics
• 2.3 Economy
• 2.4 Climate
• 2.6 Smoking
• 2.7 Tourist information
• 4.1.1 Other regional airports
• 4.2 By train
• 4.5 By bike
• 5.1 On foot
• 5.2 By public transport
• 5.3 By bicycle
• 6.1 Highlights
• 6.2 Vieux Lyon
• 6.3 Fourvière, Saint-Just
• 6.4 Croix-Rousse
• 6.5 Presqu'île
• 6.6 Confluence
• 6.7 Other areas
• 6.8 Museums and galleries
• 6.9 Parks and gardens
• 7.1 Music, dancing and opera
• 7.2 Theatre
• 7.3 Cinemas
• 11.1.1 Around Place Bellecour
• 11.1.2 In Vieux Lyon / Saint-Paul
• 11.2 Mid-range
• 11.3 Splurge
• 11.4 Ice cream, pastries, brunch
• 12.1 English and Irish pubs
• 12.2 Live music
• 12.3 Others
• 12.5 Wine bars
• 13.1 Budget
• 13.2 Mid-range
• 13.3 Splurge
• 15.1 Emergency numbers
• 16.1 Consulates
• 17.1 Nearby
• 17.2 Further away

Lyon is the capital of the French administrative region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A city of half a million, Lyon alone is the country's third-largest city, but its metropolitan area is only second in population to Paris . Lyon is mostly known as the gastronomic epicentre of France, with one of the highest concentrations of restaurants per capita in the country. Lyon was a Roman provincial capital and thus has extensive Roman ruins. Architecture in old Lyon ranges from 12th century to modern, and is primarily influenced by its position in the Renaissance as a centre of silk production.

Districts [ edit ]

Lyon is shaped by its two rivers, the Rhône (to the east) and the Saône (to the west), which both run north–south. The main areas of interest are:

Fourvière, Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse and a large part of Presqu'île are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site .

Lyon has nine administrative subdivisions called arrondissements , which are designated by numbers. They correspond approximately to the following neighbourhoods:

• 1st arrondissement (centre): North of Presqu'île and slopes of the Croix-Rousse hill; home of the canuts (silk workers), and still a 'rebel' neighbourhood.
• 2nd arrondissement (centre): Most of Presqu'île; basically, this is where the action is.
• 3rd arrondissement (East): Part-Dieu, North of Guillotière, Montchat, North of Monplaisir; the most populated arrondissement with wealthy and popular neighbourhoods, former industrial or military sites and a modern business district.
• 4th arrondissement (North): Plateau of the Croix-Rousse hill; historical area with a "village" mood.
• 5th arrondissement (West): Vieux Lyon, Fourvière, Saint-Just, Point du Jour; historical sites and quiet residential neighbourhoods.
• 6th arrondissement (North-East): Brotteaux; the wealthiest part of the city.
• 7th arrondissement (South): South of Guillotière, Gerland; from popular neighbourhoods to high-tech industrial zones.
• 8th arrondissement (South-East): South of Monplaisir, Etats-Unis, industrial and popular neighbourhoods built mainly in the 1920s-1930s.
• 9th arrondissement (North-West): Vaise, La Duchère, St Rambert; some of the areas which have evolved the most.
• Don't forget to visit Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon , a nice little town on the western hill of Lyon, across the river Saône, where you can enjoy a walk halfway between the city and the countryside, with marvellous views of the city.

Postal codes for Lyon begin with 69 for its former département of Rhône and end with the number of the arrondissement : 69004 is therefore the zip code for the 4th arrondissement . Special zip codes may be used for businesses.

Understand [ edit ]

Founded by the Romans , with many preserved historical areas, Lyon is the archetype of the heritage city, as recognised by UNESCO . Lyon is a vibrant metropolis which starts to make the most out of its unique architectural, cultural and gastronomic heritage, its dynamic demographics and economy and its strategic location between Northern and Southern Europe. It is more and more open to the world, with an increasing number of students and international events.

The city has about 470,000 inhabitants. However, the direct influence of the city extends well over its administrative borders. The figure which should be compared to the population of other major metropolises is the population of Greater Lyon (which includes 57 towns or communes ): about 1,200,000. Lyon and its metropolitan area are rapidly growing and getting younger, because of their economic attractiveness.

History [ edit ]

All periods of Lyon's 2,000-year history have left visible traces in the city's architectural and cultural heritage, from Roman ruins to Renaissance palaces to contemporary skyscrapers. It never went through a major disaster (earthquake, fire, extensive bombing) or a complete redesign by urban planners. Very few cities in the world boast such diversity in their urban structure and architecture.

Early traces of settlement date back to 12,000 BC but there is no evidence of continuous occupation prior to the Roman era. Lugdunum , the Roman name of the city, was officially founded in 43 BC by Lucius Munatius Plancus, then Governor of Gaul. The first Roman settlements were on Fourvière hill, and the first inhabitants were probably veterans of Caesar's war campaigns. The development of the city was boosted by its strategic location and it was promoted Capital of Gauls in 27 BC by General Agrippa, emperor Augustus's son-in-law and minister. Large carriageways were then built, providing easy access from all parts of Gaul. Lugdunum became one of the most prominent administrative, economic and financial centres in Gaul, along with Narbonne . Emperor Claudius, who reigned from 41 to 54 AD, was born here, on 10 BC, when his father Drusus was Governor of Gaul. The main period of peace and prosperity of the Roman city was between 69 and 192 AD. The population at that time is estimated between 50,000 and 80,000. Lugdunum consisted of four populated areas: the top of Fourvière hill, the slopes of Croix-Rousse around the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, the Canabae (around where Place Bellecour is today) and the right bank of the Saône river, mainly in what is today St Georges neighbourhood.

Lugdunum was the place where the first Christian communities of Gaul appeared. It was also where the first martyrdoms took place, most notably in 177 AD when the young slave Blandine was killed in the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules, along with 47 other martyrs.

The city lost its status of Capital of Gauls in 297 AD. Then, in the early years of the 4th century, the aqueducts which brought water to the top of Fourvière suddenly stopped functioning. This was due to a lack of funds for their maintenance and security; the lead pipes which carried the water were stolen and could not be replaced. The city was completely deprived of water overnight. This triggered the end of the Roman Lugdunum, which lost a large part of its population and was reorganised around the Saône.

In the Middle Ages , the city developed on both banks of the Saône. The name "Lion" or "Lyon" appeared in the 13th century. The early Middle Ages were very troubled politically. Since the political geography of France kept changing, the city belonged successively to multiple provinces. It then belonged to the Holy Roman Empire from 1018 to 1312, when it was given to France at the Vienna Council. At that time, the city was still of limited size but had a large religious influence; in 1078, Pope Gregory VII made the Archbishop of Lyon the highest Catholic dignitary in the former Gaul ( Primat des Gaules ).

In the Renaissance , fiscal advantages and the organisation of numerous trade fairs attracted bankers from Florence and merchants from all over Europe; the city became more and more prosperous and experienced a second golden age. The main industries were silk weaving, introduced in 1536, and printing. Lyon became one of Europe's largest cities and its first financial place, helped by the advantages given by King François I who even considered, at one time, making Lyon the capital of France. Around 1530, the population of Lyon reached 50,000.

In the following centuries, Lyon was hurt by the religious wars but remained a major industrial and intellectual centre, while the financial activity moved to Geneva and Switzerland. In the 18th century, half of the inhabitants were silk workers ( canuts ).

The eastern bank of the Rhône was not urbanised before the 18th century, when the swamps (called Brotteaux) were dried out to allow construction. Those massive works were led by engineer Morand. In the meantime, works conducted by Perrache doubled the area of the Presqu'île. The extension works were halted by the French revolution but started again in the early 19th century.

During the Revolution, in 1793, Lyon took sides against the central power of the Convention (Parliament), which caused a severe repression from the army. Over 2,000 people were executed.

In the early 19th century , the silk industry was still developing, notably thanks to Jacquard's loom which made the weaving work more efficient. Social crises, however, occurred: in 1831, the first revolt of the canuts was harshly repressed. The workers were protesting against the introduction of new technology, which was likely to cause unemployment. Other riots took place in 1834, 1848 and 1849, especially in the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood. From 1848, the Presqu'île area was redesigned in a way similar to Haussmann's works in Paris. In 1852, the neighbouring towns of Vaise, Croix-Rousse and Guillotière were made districts of Lyon. The traditional silk industry disappeared at the end of the century because of diseases affecting the French silk worms and the opening of the Suez Canal which reduced the price of imported silk from Asia. Various other industries developed at that time; the most famous entrepreneurs of the late 19th century were the Lumière brothers, who invented cinema in Lyon in 1895.

Edouard Herriot was elected mayor in 1905 and governed the city until his death in 1957. He initiated a number of important urban projects, most notably in partnership with his favourite architect Tony Garnier: Grange Blanche hospital (today named after Herriot), Gerland slaughterhouses (now Halle Tony Garnier) and stadium, the États-Unis neighbourhood, etc.

During World War II , Lyon was close to the border between the "free zone" and the occupied zone and was therefore a key strategic place for the Germans and the French Resistance alike. Jean Moulin, head of the Resistance, was arrested in Caluire (North suburb of Lyon). On 26 May 1944, Lyon was bombed by the Allied aviation. The Liberation of Lyon occurred on 3 September.

In the 1960s, the construction of the business district of Part-Dieu began; its symbol is the "pencil" tower, the tallest building in Lyon. Meanwhile, the association "Renaissance du Vieux Lyon" (Rebirth of the Old Lyon) managed to have this Renaissance area classified by the government as the first preserved landmark in France, while it was threatened by a highway project defended by mayor Louis Pradel. Pradel was a convinced "modernist" and supporter of the automobile. He also backed the construction of the Fourvière tunnel, opened in 1971 and of the A6/A7 freeway through Presqu'île, near Perrache station, a decision later described as "the screw-up of the century" by mayor Michel Noir, in the 1990s. In 1974, the first line of the metro was opened. In 1981, Lyon was linked to Paris by the first TGV (high speed train) line. In the 1980s and 1990s, a huge number of buildings in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse were renovated. The landscape of Lyon is still evolving, notably with the new Rhône banks promenade or the construction of new skyscrapers in Part-Dieu.

As of mid-2023, the banks of the Saône in the 2nd arrondissement are being landscaped to become a revitalised public space. The completion of the Lyon beltway on the western side should relieve the central areas from some of the traffic. A high-performance train network serving exurban areas (like the RER around Paris) is also planned.

Politics [ edit ]

A city of merchants and industry, Lyon has a long tradition of centre-right governments and mayors, even if some neighbourhoods, most notably Croix-Rousse, have a very strong left-wing inclination. In 2001, however, Gérard Collomb of Lyon, a member of the moderate left-wing Socialist party, was elected mayor. Although many controversies initially surrounded Collomb, he enjoyed broad popularity and served until 2017. He adopted a pro-business strategy and launched several public infrastructure projects and urban renewal operations.

Economy [ edit ]

The silk industry was the main activity for centuries. Since the end of the 19th century, it has been replaced by a number of others. Feyzin, a southern suburb, is home to a major oil refinery, and there are a lot of chemical plants along the Rhône river south of Lyon. Pharmaceutics and biotechnology are also important; they have been fueled by Lyon's prominence in medical research, and the local authorities are trying to maintain an international leadership in these industries. The southeastern suburbs of Vénissieux and St Priest host large automotive plants, such as Renault's truck and bus factories. But as in most Western metropolises, the service industry is now dominant. Many large banking and insurance companies have important offices in Lyon, and the IT services industry is also well developed. From an economic point of view, Lyon is the most attractive and dynamic city in France. This may be explained by the easy access from all over Europe (probably second only to Paris in the country), the availability of qualified workforce and research centres, and cheaper real estate prices compared to the capital.

Climate [ edit ]

Lyon has a "semi-continental" climate. Winters are cold but temperatures under −5 °C (23 °F) remain rare. You can, however, experience an awful freezing sensation when northerly winds blow. Snowfalls happen but snow-covered streets are generally not seen for more than a few days every winter. Summers can be hot; temperatures around 35 °C (95 °F) are not exceptional in July and August. Precipitations are moderate and happen throughout the year; the mountains to the west (Massif central) protect the area against perturbations from the Atlantic. During the summer, especially in August, precipitations often take the form of thunderstorms whereas in winter, lighter but more continuous rain is more common. Spring and early autumn are usually enjoyable.

Events [ edit ]

• The Festival of Lights ( Fête des Lumières ) is by far the most important event of the year. It lasts four days around the 8th of December. It was initially a traditional religious celebration: on December 8, 1852, the people of Lyon spontaneously illuminated their windows with candles to celebrate the inauguration of the golden statue of the Virgin Mary (the Virgin had been the saint patron of Lyon since she allegedly saved the city from the plague in 1643). The same ritual was then repeated every year. In the last decade or so, the celebration turned into an international event, with light shows by professional artists from all over the world. Those range from tiny installations in remote neighbourhoods to massive sound-and-light shows, the largest one traditionally taking place on Place des Terreaux. Most major monuments such as the City Hall, Hôtel-Dieu or the Fourvière basilica are illuminated in a spectacular way. The Lyon II/Lyon III University buildings along the Rhône are also among the most beautiful illuminations. The traditional celebration lives on, though: during the weeks preceding December 8, the traditional candles and glasses are sold by shops all over town. This festival attracts around 4 million visitors every year; it now compares, in terms of attendance, to the Oktoberfest in Munich for example. Accommodation for this period should be booked months in advance. You will also need good shoes (to avoid the crowd in the metro) and very warm clothes (it can be very cold at this time of year).

• The Nuits de Fourvière festival: From June to early August, the Roman theatres host various shows such as concerts (popular music, jazz, classical), dancing, theatre and cinema. International artists who usually fill up much larger venues are often seduced by the special atmosphere of the theatres.
• Nuits sonores : an increasingly popular festival dedicated to electronic music, every year in May.
• The Biennals : Lyon alternatively hosts a dancing (even years) and a contemporary art (odd years) biennals from September to December/January. The dancing biennal is traditionally opened by a street parade in which inhabitants of the Greater Lyon take part through neighbourhood associations. If you are in town at this moment, do not miss this colourful and funny event.
• Rugby Union World Cup is held in France 8 Sept - 28 Oct 2023, with matches in Lyon, Paris, Marseille, Lille, Bordeaux, Saint-Étienne, Nice, Nantes and Toulouse.

Smoking [ edit ]

As everywhere in France, smoking is prohibited in all closed public places, including bars, restaurants and night clubs.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• 45.7571 4.833 1 Tourist office , Place Bellecour ( M: Bellecour ), ☏ +33 4 72 77 69 69 , [email protected] . 09:00–18:00 daily, 09:00–20:00 during the Festival of Lights . The office is in the southeast corner of place Bellecour. ( updated Mar 2018 )

Talk [ edit ]

The language of the city is French. The local dialect ( patois , basically French with a number of typical local words or expressions) has practically disappeared since one out of two inhabitants were born outside the Rhône département .

Hotels, tourist attractions and restaurants in popular areas generally have staff capable of working in English. You could, however, experience difficulties in more remote areas. The transportation system also has little information written in English. On the street, many people (especially young people) speak at least basic English, but they will appreciate a little effort in French. Using basic words and phrases like bonjour (hello), s'il vous plaît (please), merci (thank you) or excusez-moi (excuse me) will certainly make people even more friendly and willing to help you.

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Getting to the airport:

• RhônExpress . The airport is linked to the city centre through a light rail line. This is the fastest way to reach Lyon by public transport. While faster and more reliable than the former bus shuttles (which no longer run), Rhônexpress connects in the city at the main Lyon Part-Dieu station. There are two stops along the way, including one connecting with the metro (line A) at Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie (second stop), which is convenient if you are staying in Presqu'île or Villeurbanne. The train provides power sockets and free WiFi. Trains run between 04:25 and 00:00 and depart every 15 min (06:00-21:00) to 30 min, every day of the year. Adults €16.10 single, €27.80 return; children €13.40 single, €23.50 return. To find the station in airport, follow the red signs in the airport terminals. You have to walk through the TGV station, which can be as long as 10 minutes if you arrive at Terminal 3 (low-cost airlines). To reach the platform (not to be confused with the general railway) one needs to leave the terminal building and take the escalator downwards.
• Taxi . If you don't want to bother with public transportation, you can take a taxi. Taxis are found outside Terminal 1 (follow the signs). Around €40-50 depending on the exact destination, so if you are a group of four people this could be an option. Ask to be dropped at one of the metro stations on the eastern side of town (Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie, Mermoz-Pinel) to save money.
• Bus Local buses serve the airport. Detailed schedules [dead link]

Other regional airports [ edit ]

Grenoble airport ( GNB  IATA ) is actually about midway between Lyon and Grenoble and is served by some low-cost airlines. There are bus services to Lyon from there.

Another possibility is to fly to Geneva ( GVA  IATA ), which can save you money if you use low-cost airlines. Then Lyon can be reached by train, but it takes about two hours (€21.50 for under 26s).

Finally, an interesting option for intercontinental visitors may be to fly to Paris Charles de Gaulle airport (CDG) and take a TGV (high-speed train) to Lyon Part-Dieu station directly from the CDG train station. In some cases, this makes the journey faster and more convenient (no need to go from LYS to the city). Trains run every hour or so; be sure to buy an exchangeable ticket to be able to catch the first available train after you land.

By train [ edit ]

From the rest of France, train is generally the most convenient way to reach the city, except for some regions, the Southwest for example. Lyon has three main train stations serving national and regional destinations:

There are also smaller stations serving suburban and regional destinations: St Paul ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), Vaise ( M: Gare de Vaise ), Jean Macé ( M: Jean Macé ), Vénissieux ( M: Gare de Vénissieux ) and Gorge de Loup ( M: Gorge de Loup ).

Lyon is linked by TGV (fast trains) to Paris (two hours) and Marseille (1 hr 36 min). Many other domestic destinations are served directly, and there are several direct services to Brussels every day (4 hr). Other international destinations include Barcelona , Frankfurt , Milan and Geneva . As a general rule, TGVs to and from Paris serve both Perrache and Part-Dieu stations; other TGVs generally serve only Part-Dieu.

Coming to Lyon from London by Eurostar may be interesting, and there are now direct trains from St Pancras International to Part-Dieu several times a week, with a journey time of 4 hr 41 mins.

(Trains normally run here from Milan and Turin on their way to Paris, but the route is blocked by a landslide at Modane in Savoy. Workaround routes, e.g. via Annecy, are slow. This is expected to continue to summer 2024.)

For schedules, fares and bookings, see here .

By bus [ edit ]

National and international bus services are operated by Flixbus which serves most major European cities. Buses usually stop at the Perrache bus station, which is next to Perrache railway station.

By car [ edit ]

Lyon is a major automotive hub for central and southern France:

• A6 to the north — Paris .
• A7 to the south — Marseille , Nice , Spain , Italy .
• A43 to the east — Grenoble , the Alps, Northern Italy.
• A47 and A89 to the west — Saint-Étienne, Clermont-Ferrand, Massif Central, west of France.
• A42 to the northeast — Bourg-en-Bresse, Geneva ( Switzerland ), Germany .

These highways are linked around the city on the east by a ring road ( Périphérique ) that is toll-free except in its northern portion ( Périphérique Nord ). Toll costs €2.20, but it is a good alternative to the always-congested Fourvière tunnel on the A6.

Real-time information about traffic jams, scheduled tunnel closures, weather alerts, etc. can be found on the Onlymoov' website maintained by the local authorities.

If you are coming for a one-day trip, leave your car in one of the many park-and-ride carparks around the city. Follow the blue P+R signs from the highway. P+R parks are operated by the local public transportation company TCL [dead link] and are next to major metro or tram lines. They are closed after 01:00, so you cannot leave your car for the night.

The city has many underground car parks, where you can safely leave your car for a hefty price. Most of them are operated by Lyon Parc Auto [dead link] .

By bike [ edit ]

The ViaRhôna route, a 750-km bike path linking Geneva to the Mediterranean coast along the Rhône river, goes through Lyon.

Get around [ edit ]

On foot [ edit ]

The city centre is not so big and most attractions can be reached from each other on foot. The walk from Place des Terreaux to Place Bellecour, for example, is about 20 min. The rule of thumb is that metro stations are generally about 10 min walk apart.

Be careful when crossing major axes: traffic is dense and running red lights is a very popular sport.

By public transport [ edit ]

Lyon's public transportation system, known as TCL , is regarded as one of the most efficient in the country. Central areas are very well served; so are the campuses and eastern suburbs, where many jobs are concentrated. The western suburbs are more residential and can be difficult to reach. As everywhere in France, the network can be perturbed by strikes from time to time.

There are four métro (subway) lines (A to D). The first line of the network was line C in 1974 (lines A and B were already planned but line C took less time to complete because it used an existing funicular tunnel). Line A opened in 1978. Trains generally run every 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the line and the time. Information screens above the platforms display the waiting times for the next two trains and useful information such as delays, upcoming closures, etc. (in French).

• Line   A   ( Perrache — Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie ) serves Presqu'île, the neighbourhoods around Parc de la Tête d'Or and then runs under Cours Émile Zola, Villeurbanne's main artery. The last two stops (Laurent Bonnevay and Vaulx La Soie) provide numerous connections with buses to the eastern suburbs. Line A connects with line D at Bellecour, line C at Hôtel de Ville, line B at Charpennes, tram lines T1 and T2 at Perrache and T3 at Vaulx La Soie. It is very busy during rush hours, especially between Bellecour and Hôtel de Ville.
• Line   B   ( Charpennes — Gare d'Oullins ) serves most notably Part-Dieu station and Gerland stadium. It connects with line A at Charpennes and line D at Saxe-Gambetta.
• Line   C   ( Hôtel de Ville — Cuire ) uses a short cog railway and serves the Croix-Rousse hill. Due to the configuration of the infrastructure, the frequencies are not very good.
• Line   D   ( Gare de Vaise — Gare de Vénissieux ), the busiest of the four lines, is entirely automated; this allows good frequency in off-peak hours, especially at night and on Sundays. There are many bus connections to the suburbs at Gare de Vaise, Gorge de Loup, Grange Blanche, Parilly and Gare de Vénissieux.

There are also five tram lines (T1 to T5). But for providing a direct connection between Lyon's two major train stations (Perrache and Part-Dieu, both on the T1), they are not very interesting if you stay within the city centre; they are most useful to reach campuses and suburban areas.

With more than 130 bus lines, you should be able to go virtually anywhere reasonably far away from the centre. Some of them use trolley (electric) buses; Lyon is one of the few cities in France which still use this system. There are three special bus lines: C1, C2 and C3, where you will find big articulated trolley buses which run very frequently. These are sometimes referred to as Cristalis (actually the brand name of the vehicles) but people do not really use, or even know about this name.

Metros and trams run approximately from 05:00 to 00:00. Some bus lines do not run after 21:00. Check the TCL website for details:

• Detailed schedules [dead link]
• Journey planner [dead link]

Maps can be found online on the TCL website:

• Downloadable maps [dead link]
• Interactive map [dead link]

A ticket for a single journey costs €1.90 (valid for 1 hour after the first use on buses, trams, metro and funiculars, unlimited number of transfers, return travel allowed), or you can buy a carnet of 10 tickets for €16.90 (10 tickets for the price of 8.9) or €14.5 for students. A day pass costs €5.80. Tickets can be purchased from electronic vending machines in the stations, but they do not accept paper money (only coins) and foreign credit cards without chips (magnetic stripe only) are likely to be rejected. Tobacco shops and newsagents showing a "TCL" sign also sell tickets. Single tickets can be purchased from bus drivers but the price is €2.2 in that case. Group tickets are available from the tourist office, as is the Lyon City Pass , which gives unlimited travel and free admission to many museums. Weekly and monthly passes are only available to residents.

Tickets can also be purchased at TCL offices ( agences TCL ) near the major metro stations. To find the one at Part-Dieu, exit the railway station through the Rhône gate (follow the metro B signs), cross the plaza and turn right, then walk past the restaurant terraces.

Make sure to validate your ticket every time you board a bus or tram, even when transferring, or else you could be fined. Look for a grey machine near the doors.

For general information on the network you can call the TCL hotline ☏ +33 4 26 10 12 12 . They are open every day until 00:00 and have English-speaking staff.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Lyon has an increasing number of safe cycling routes. Problematic points remain, especially when it comes to crossing major roads. Also keep in mind that there are two hills with steep slopes. A map of cycling routes is available online [dead link] .

Lyon has a public bicycle service called Vélo'v which allows travellers, after registering a credit card, to pick up, and drop cycles to and from over 300 points around the city. You need a credit card (Visa/MC/French CB) to make use of the service. It is quite cheap:

• Single ride: €1.8, the first 30 minutes of this ride are included. Beyond that, pay only what you consume: €0.05/min for 30 to 60 min, then €0.10/min for 60 to 90 min, then: €0.15/min.
• 1-day ticket: €4, then free for the first 30 min of each ride, €0.05/min for 30 to 60 min, then €0.10/min for 60 to 90 min, then: €0.15/min.
• 3-day ticket: €5, then same fares as the 1-day ticket. Available only for Lyon City Card holders.

30 min is generally more than enough if you stay close to the city centre.

If you have taken a bike and realize that it has a problem (broken chains, warped wheels, flat tyres or even missing pedals are commonplace), just put it back into its place and repeat the procedure to take another one. Improvements to the system have made this operation fast and easy.

The system only works with a European credit/debit card. Otherwise the transaction is aborted, no explanations given on the terminal. It is supposed to accept all cards with a chip, but those with foreign cards could experience difficulties. You will need to pre-authorise a €150 deposit that will be refunded (minus your fare) as long as you return your bike properly and within 24 hours. You need to have a sufficient balance on your bank account.

You must rent a bike immediately after purchasing a temporary pass or the ticket will become inactive (this is only true for the first rental). The terminals have only limited English translation making it a rough start, but once you get to know the system, it is a great way to move around the city. There are so many bikes that it can sometimes be a problem to return them.

When returning a bike, listen for two short beeps and make sure the green light on the pole is on. This indicates that it has been returned and locked. A long, continuous beep and no status light means that something went wrong. Try again by lifting the bike out by the saddle and pushing it back in – it can be a bit fiddly to get it right.

There is an Android/iPhone app called Vélo'v which can help you find a bike or a free parking slot.

A classic bike rental service is available from:

• 45.76992 4.869532 1 Lyon Location bike rental , 16b rue d'Alsace, Villeurbanne ( M: République ), ☏ +33 4 27 46 39 39 . M-Sa 09:00-13:00, 15:00-19:00, Su by appointment . Also rents scooters and motorbikes. Adult bike €29/day, €119/week . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Traffic is dense, parking is either very difficult or quite expensive, and there are quite few directional signs. Avoid driving within the city if you can. For the city centre, look for signs reading "Presqu'île". In the Presqu'île and other central neighbourhoods, it is strongly advised not to park in 'prohibited parking' areas; you could be towed. Tickets for unpaid parking are also commonplace; a specific brigade of the city police is in charge of checking parking payments in the city centre. The penalty for unpaid parking is €11 (you might get several tickets in the same day in central neighbourhoods); the penalty for parking in a prohibited area is €35. If you park in a dangerous place (e.g., you block an emergency exit), the fine can be up to €135.

The minimum age to rent a car is 21 and an additional charge may be required for drivers under 25 years old. Major rental companies have offices at Part-Dieu and Perrache railway stations, and at the airport. Best to hire from Part-Dieu, as the subsequent navigation is much easier.

Taxis [ edit ]

Taxis are quite pricey. The fares are fixed by the authorities: €2 when you board, then per km: €1.34 (daytime, 07:00-19:00) or €2.02 (night, Sundays, holidays). The driver may charge a minimum of €6 for any trip. There are also a number of possible extra charges: €1.41 for the 4th passenger, €0.91 per animal or large piece of luggage, €1.41 for a pickup at a train station or airport.

Taxis cannot be hailed on the street; you need to go to a taxi station or to call for one. The major taxi companies are:

• Lyon Taxi Prestige ( Personal Welcome Lyon Airport, City and Wine tours ), ☏ +33 687 974 790 . Lyon Taxi Prestige, for the regular cost of a taxi, provide high level taxi service in Lyon and everywhere in France. Executive and VIP Service with personal welcome at Lyon Airports and Train stations. City tours. Ski resort transfers, free Wifi on board.  
• Allo Taxi , ☏ +33 4 78 28 23 23 .  
• Taxi-Radio , ☏ +33 4 72 10 86 86 .  
• Cabtaxi , ☏ +33 4 78 750 750 .  
• TL ( Taxi Lyonnais ), ☏ +33 4 78 26 81 81 , [email protected] . ( updated Feb 2020 )

See [ edit ]

Lyon may not have world-famous monuments such as the Eiffel tower or the Statue of Liberty, but it offers very diverse neighbourhoods which are interesting to walk around in and which hide architectural marvels. As time goes by, the city also becomes more and more welcoming for pedestrians and cyclists. So a good way to explore it may be to get lost somewhere and enjoy what comes up, and not to always follow the guide...

A good point for visitors is that most attractions will not cost you a cent: churches, traboules , parks, etc. For those intending to visit several museums (which are almost the only attractions you cannot see for free), the Lyon City Card may be of interest. Available from the Tourist office and some hotels, it costs €22.90 for one day, €31.90 for 2 days and €40.90 for 3 days. It includes unlimited rides on the public transport network, free or reduced entry fee to major museums and exhibitions and one guided tour per day per person (Vieux Lyon, Croix-Rousse, etc.). The price is still a bit high, so count before you buy to see if this is a good deal considering your plans.

Do not hesitate to buy a detailed map with a street index from a book shop or a newsagent; many places of interest or good restaurants are in small streets that you will not find on simplified maps, such as the ones you can get from the Tourist office.

Whatever the time of year (except for the Fête des Lumières ), tourists are not very numerous yet, but they concentrate in a few small areas, especially Fourvière and Vieux Lyon, where the pedestrian streets are just as crowded as the Champs-Élysées sidewalks on sunny weekends.

Highlights [ edit ]

The classics:

• The view from Fourvière basilica, and the basilica itself.
• Streets and traboules in Vieux Lyon, St Jean cathedral.
• Traboules in Croix-Rousse.
• Musée Gadagne.
• Parc de la Tête d'Or.

Off the beaten path:

• Musée urbain Tony Garnier and États-Unis neighbourhood.
• St Irénée church, Montée du Gourguillon, St Georges neighbourhood.
• A drink on Place Sathonay.
• St Bruno church.
• Parc de Gerland.
• Gratte-ciel neighbourhood in Villeurbanne.

Vieux Lyon [ edit ]

After Venice , the Old Lyon , a narrow strip along the right bank of the Saône, is the largest Renaissance area in Europe (well, it's actually far behind Venice). Its current organization, with narrow streets mainly parallel to the river, dates back to the Middle Ages. The buildings were erected between the 15th and the 17th centuries, notably by wealthy Italian, Flemish and German merchants who settled in Lyon where four fairs were held each year. At that time, the buildings of Lyon were said to be the highest in Europe. The area was entirely refurbished in the 1980s and 1990s. It now offers the visitor colourful, narrow cobblestone streets; there are some interesting craftmen's shops but also many tourist traps.

It is divided into three parts which are named after their respective churches:

• St Paul , north of place du Change, was the commercial area during the Renaissance;
• St Jean , between place du Change and St Jean cathedral, was home to most wealthy families: aristocrats, public officers, etc.;
• St Georges , south of St Jean, was a craftsmen's district.

The area is generally crowded in the afternoon, especially at weekends. To really enjoy its architectural beauties, the best time is therefore the morning. Around lunchtime, the streets somewhat disappear behind restaurant terraces, postcard racks and the crowd of tourists.

Guided tours in several languages, including English, are available from the tourist office (€7-12).

• Traboules ( M: Vieux Lyon ). Closed at night . The traboules are a typical architectural feature of Lyon's historical buildings. They are corridors which link two streets through a building, and usually a courtyard. Many traboules are unique architectural masterpieces, largely influenced by Italy and especially Florence. Some of them are officially open to the public. They link the following addresses: - 54 rue St Jean <> 27 rue du Boeuf (the longest in Lyon) - 27 rue St Jean <> 6 rue des Trois Maries - 2 place du Gouvernement <> quai Romain Rolland. To open the doors, just press the service button next to the door code keyboard. If you are unable to enter from one side, try the opposite entrance. In the morning, many other doors are open for service (mail, garbage collecting), so more traboules are accessible. There are traboules in almost all buildings between Quai Romain Rolland and Rue St Jean/Rue des Trois Maries, and others between Rue St Jean and Rue du Boeuf. Free .  
• Renaissance courtyards ( M: Vieux Lyon ). Closed at night . Besides the buildings cited above, some have very beautiful courtyards but no real traboules (that is to say, no crossing from one street to another). The most outstanding are: Maison du Chamarier (37 rue St Jean) and Maison du Crible (16 rue du Boeuf), in which stands the famous "Pink Tower". Free .  

• 45.75837 4.82572 8 St Georges neighbourhood , rue St Georges, rue du Doyenné and other smaller streets ( M: Vieux Lyon ). St Georges is the name given to the south part of the Vieux Lyon. It has nice Renaissance buildings which, however, do not really compare to the palaces of St Jean; on the other hand, it is much more quiet than the St Jean area.  

Fourvière, Saint-Just [ edit ]

Take the funicular up the hill from Vieux Lyon metro station, or if you are fit, walk up Montée des Chazeaux (starts at the southern end of Rue du Boeuf), Montée St Barthélémy (from St Paul station) or Montée du Gourguillon (from the northern end of Rue St Georges, behind Vieux Lyon metro station). This is a 150 m (500 ft) vertical ascent approximately.

Fourvière was the original location of the Roman Lugdunum. In the 19th century, it became the religious centre of the city, with the basilica and the Archbishop's offices.

• 45.762746 4.823005 13 Esplanade de Fourvière ( Panoramic viewpoint ), place de Fourvière ( F: Fourvière ). Next to the basilica is the panoramic viewpoint, with the best view over the city. If the weather is clear, Mont Blanc can be seen in the distance. This is a very good point to start your visit of the city because you can really see its general layout.  

To go down from there, you can take Montée Cardinal Decourtray, then Rue Cléberg and Rue de l'Antiquaille which lead to the Roman theatres, or walk down through the Jardins du Rosaire , a nice garden; then stairways lead to Rue du Boeuf in Vieux Lyon. Of course, you can also take the funicular.

• 45.75939 4.8199 15 Roman theatres ( F: Minimes ). These two well-preserved theatres are the most important remnant of the Roman city of Lugdunum. The Gallo-Roman museum was built next to them. The summer festival "Nuits de Fourvière" takes place here every year, which may cause access restrictions in the evening from June to early August. Free .  

Saint-Just neighbourhood, south-west of the Roman theatres, has less famous but also interesting historical sites.

Croix-Rousse [ edit ]

The area, especially the traboules, may be worth taking a guided tour (available from the tourist office).

Croix-Rousse is known as the "working hill" but for centuries, it had been as much of a "praying hill" as Fourvière. On the slopes was the Roman Federal Sanctuary of the Three Gauls, which comprised the amphitheatre (built in 19 BC) and an altar (built in 12 BC). This sanctuary was abandoned at the end of the 2nd century. In the Middle Ages, the hill, then called Montagne St Sébastien, was not part of the free town of Lyon but of the Franc-Lyonnais province, which was independent and protected by the King. The slopes were then dedicated to agriculture, mostly vineyards. In 1512, a fortified wall was built at the top of the hill, approximately where Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse is today. The pentes (slopes) and the plateau were therefore separated. The slopes became then part of Lyon while the plateau was outside the borders of the city. Up to thirteen religious congregations then settled on the slopes and acquired vast pieces of land. Their possessions were seized and many buildings destroyed during the French Revolution.

Croix-Rousse is known as the main silk production area, but the industry did not exist on the hill until the early 19th century and the introduction of new weaving technology; at that time, silk had already been produced in Lyon for over 250 years. The industry gave birth to a unique architecture: the canuts' apartments had very high ceilings to accommodate the newly introduced Jacquard looms, which were up to 4 metres high; tall windows gave the necessary natural lighting for the delicate work; and mezzanines provided space for family life. The neighbourhood is still one of the most densely populated in Europe. The first revolt of the canuts in 1831 is regarded as one of the first social conflicts of the industrial era. It gave the hill its reputation of a "rebel" neighbourhood. In 1852, the commune (town) of Croix-Rousse, actually the plateau, was made a district of Lyon. Local people still talk about "going to Lyon" when they go down to the city centre. Then important works were undertaken, such as the construction of the first funicular in the world, linking the plateau to central Lyon (it started in Rue Terme; the tunnel is now a road tunnel), or the creation of the Croix-Rousse hospital.

Nowadays the plateau keeps a "village" mood, the slopes still have a "rebel" spirit, with many artists and associations based there, but the sociology of the neighbourhood has considerably evolved with the renovation works and the subsequent rise in real estate prices and massive arrival of upper-middle-class families ( bobos ). Local authorities, however, are committed to preserving social diversity.

The name "Croix-Rousse" comes from a limestone cross which was erected at the top of the hill in the beginning of the 16th century. It was then destroyed and rebuilt several times. A replica installed in 1994 can be seen on Place Joannès Ambre (between the hospital and Croix-Rousse theatre).

• 45.77156 4.82994 18 Église du Bon-Pasteur , 21 Rue Neyret ( M: Croix-Rousse ). 19th-century Romanesque church unique for not having a front entrance due to construction conflicts with the barracks across the street. ( updated Jan 2017 )
• Croix-Rousse traboules . Look for the lanterns over the doors and the specific signs.  
• 7 rue Mottet-de-Gérando <> 8 rue Bodin
• 9 place Colbert <> 14 bis montée St Sébastien: the beautiful Cour des Voraces.
• 14 bis montée Saint-Sébastien <> 29 rue Imbert-Colomès
• 20 rue Imbert Colomès <> 55 rue Tables Claudiennes
• 30 bis rue Burdeau <> 17 rue René Leynaud (passage Thiaffait)
• 6 rue des Capucins <> 1 rue Sainte Marie des Terreaux
• 12 rue Sainte-Catherine <> 6 place des Terreaux

Presqu'île [ edit ]

For the people of Lyon, Presqu'île is the place to go for shopping, dining or clubbing. It also represents a large part of the city's economic activity.

This narrow peninsula between the Rhône and Saône rivers was largely shaped by man. When the first inhabitants settled on what was then called Canabae , the junction of the river was near the current site of St Martin d'Ainay basilica. South of this point was an island. From 1772, titanic works led by engineer Antoine-Michel Perrache reunited the island to the mainland. The swamps which existed there were then dried out, which allowed the construction of Perrache station, opened in 1846. Northern Presqu'île was largely redesigned from 1848; the only remaining Renaissance part is around rue Mercière.

Most of the action on Presqu'île actually takes place between Terreaux and Bellecour. Between Bellecour and Perrache, the neighbourhood of Ainay is traditionally home to the Catholic bourgeoisie. Perrache station and its "exchange centre" (freeway interchange, car parks, metro and bus station) are a very important border; going from one side to the other is a challenge, be it on foot or by car. The area south of Perrache is dealt with in the next section.

• 45.75992 4.82992 35 Boat trips on the Saône ( Navig'Inter company ), Quai des Célestins ( M: Cordeliers/Bellecour, near Passerelle du Palais de Justice ), ☏ +33 4 78 42 96 81 . F - Su 11:00-18:00 . A boat trip can be a good way to see Lyon from a different point of view. Boats will take you either upstream to Ile Barbe or downstream to the Confluence. Night trips available on Fridays and Saturdays. €10-15 .  

Confluence [ edit ]

The area south of Perrache is turning from a mostly industrial area into one of the most interesting neighbourhoods in the city. There used to be two prisons (closed Apr 2009), a wholesale food market (which moved to Corbas in the southern suburbs) and large warehouses and workshops belonging the national railway company SNCF. One of the largest development plans in Europe was put under way a few years ago with the construction of a new tram line and the opening of a cultural centre ( La Sucrière ). The Western side of the area now boasts a number of new buildings, most of which are interesting pieces of contemporary architecture. The new headquarters for the government of Rhône-Alpes region has just been put into service, and a new mall is well under way. A new phase of the project is about to start with the demolition of the huge former wholesale market.

So far there is one major attraction: the "Musée des Confluences", which opened in 2014 and is becoming a must-see for its architectural audacity and its art collections. Otherwise, it is interesting to take a walk or a bicycle ride there to see how Lyon can still be evolving after 2000 years of history.

Other areas [ edit ]

• 45.7318 4.8658 37 États-Unis neighbourhood , boulevard des États-Unis ( T: Etats-Unis-Musée Tony Garnier ). This neighbourhood was built by the famous local architect Tony Garnier in the 1920s to house industry workers. Along with Edouard Herriot hospital, it is one of the masterpieces of this visionary architect. The main axis of the neighbourhood, boulevard des États-Unis, was named to honour the United States, which had just entered World War I when the street was opened in 1917. 25 wall paintings made in the 1980s and 1990s show examples of Garnier's work and his "ideal city projects"; see also "Musée urbain Tony Garnier" in the museums section.  
• Gratte-Ciel , Cours Émile Zola / avenue Henri Barbusse / place Lazare Goujon, 69100 Villeurbanne ( M: Gratte-Ciel ). The neighbouring city of Villeurbanne can be seen as the 10th arrondissement because the urban continuity with Lyon is obvious. It has, however, a strong identity of its own. As an industrial town, Villeurbanne has always had a very strong left-wing political inclination. It was governed by the Communist party for the first decades of the 20th century. A strong testimony of this era remains in the form of massive Soviet-style buildings erected in the 1930s. The Gratte-Ciel ("skyscrapers") ensemble comprises the city hall, the National Popular Theatre and housing buildings, including the skyscrapers themselves. These are 19 stories high. They are not skyscrapers to American eyes, and were not even in the 1930s, but they were considered huge by European standards at that time.  

Museums and galleries [ edit ]

• Institut Lumière - Musée vivant du Cinéma , 25 rue du Premier Film ( M: Monplaisir-Lumière ), ☏ +33 4 78 78 18 95 . Tu-Su 11:00-18:30. Closed 1 Jan, 1 May, and 25 Dec. Open on bank holiday Mondays . This museum in the Lumière brothers' house presents an interesting history of cinema through various items and film excerpts. Also worth seeing for the lovely architecture. €6, under 18 and students €5 .  
• 45.7335 4.8628 42 Musée urbain Tony Garnier , 4 rue des Serpollières ( T: Etats-Unis-Musée Tony Garnier ), ☏ +33 4 78 75 16 75 . Visitor centre: Tu-Sa 14:00-18:00, guided tours Sa at 14:30 or by appointment for groups of 10 or more . This museum was created during the renovation of the États-Unis neighbourhood in the 1980s and 1990s, and the inhabitants were strongly involved in the project. The museum comprises a recreated apartment of the 1930s, which shows how life was like in these very modern housing units, and the 25 wall paintings depicting Garnier's work and ideals. You can also see the walls on your own but you will miss the interesting comments on the history of the area and the social project behind it. Guided tours: €6, under 18 €4, children under 5 free; audioguide: €5, under 18 €3, children under 5 free .  
• 45.7469 4.8361 43 Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation ( Museum of the Resistance during World War II ), 14 avenue Berthelot ( T: Centre Berthelot ), ☏ +33 4 72 73 33 54 . W-Su 09:00-17:30, closed on holidays . This museum in the former Gestapo regional headquarters depicts the daily life in Lyon under the German occupation and keeps memories of this tragic period. Often holds exhibitions (mostly photography). €3. Free for children under 18 .  
• 45.7532 4.8312 44 Musée des Arts Décoratifs et Musée des Tissus ( Decorative Arts museum and Fabrics museum ), 34 rue de la Charité ( M: Ampère Victor Hugo ), ☏ +33 4 78 38 42 00 , [email protected] . Closed for renovations until 2024 . Great if you are into old European oil paintings, or relocated Egyptian, Greek or Mesopotamian antiquities. An impressively large local numismatic gallery. Housed in an interesting building with a pleasant courtyard. Probably disappointing if you have come from larger museums such as those in Paris, unless you have a specific local history or antiquarian focus. ( updated Oct 2023 )

• 45.7604 4.8201 45 Musée gallo-romain de Fourvière , 17 rue Cléberg ( F: Minimes-Théâtres Romains ), ☏ +33 4 72 38 49 30 . Tu-Su 10:00-18:00, closed 1Jan, 1 May, 1 Nov and 25 Dec . The second largest museum in France, it has all kinds of things relating to Rhone-Alps history. A free visit to the Roman theatres may be just as interesting for those not into the details. €4, reduced fee €2.50, under 18 and disabled free; free for all on Th .  
• 45.7643 4.8347 47 Musée de l'Imprimerie ( Printing museum ), 13 rue de la Poulaillerie ( M: Cordeliers ), ☏ +33 4 78 37 65 98 , [email protected] . W-Su 09:30-12:00, 14:00-18:00, closed on holidays . An excellent collection of some facets of printing. The collection features some particularly early works and a reasonable amount of supporting material. Unfortunately, the collection is quite biased towards local Lyonnaise history and thus coverage of printing as an art remains regrettably rather spotty overall. Minimal coverage of photographic processes, weak coverage of typography, zero technical information about later post-physical developments such as postscript and TeX, etc. There is no disabled or child-friendly access (no lifts, and no strollers allowed for fire safety reasons). Budget about an hour and a half if you are in to this sort of thing, 45 minutes otherwise. €5 .  

Parks and gardens [ edit ]

• Rhône banks , quai Charles de Gaulle, ave de Grande-Bretagne, quai de Serbie, quai Sarrail, quai Augagneur, quai Claude Bernard, ave Leclerc ( M: Foch, Guillotière, Stade de Gerland ). The right bank of the river Rhône has been turned from an ugly car park into a 5-km promenade with various landscapes and great views over the Croix-Rousse and Presqu'Ile areas. The place had immediate success among locals. A bicycle is perfect to enjoy it.  
• Saône banks , quai Rambaud, quai Saint-Antoine, quai Gillet ( M: Perrache, Hôtel de Ville, B:40 Fontaines-sur-Saône ). Following the success of the Rhône banks operation, the municipality decided to do renew the operation, this time with the Saône river. The aim is to create a 22km-long promenade between along the Saône banks, separated into two parts (for now): between Confluence and île Barbe , and between the neighboring cities of Fontaines-sur-Saône and Rochetaillée-sur-Saône (north of Lyon). Work is still ongoing but some portions are already open. The promenade extends largely into suburban teritory and is much greener than the Rhône banks. The portion near Rochetaillée features many waterside restaurants ( guinguettes ) serving fresh fish.  

Do [ edit ]

Cultural events are listed by the weekly magazine Le Petit Bulletin (free, available in cinemas, theatres, some bars, etc. and online ).

Early booking is often necessary for the major institutions (Auditorium, opera house, Célestins and Croix-Rousse theatres). The big names sell out months in advance. Unlike London or New York, there is no place in Lyon where you can buy reduced-price tickets for same day shows. (There used to be one but it was very short-lived, possibly because it had too few seats to sell.)

Music, dancing and opera [ edit ]

• Auditorium , 84 rue de Bonnel ( M: Part-Dieu ), ☏ +33 4 78 95 95 95 . The Lyon National Orchestra plays in this impressive, modern concert hall which also hosts some jazz and world music concerts.  
• Opera house , 1 place de la Comédie ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 72 00 45 00 . The old opera house was completely redesigned by Jean Nouvel in the 1990s and hosts opera and dancing shows, along with a few other concerts (especially jazz) in the smaller "Amphithéâtre" room.  
• Transbordeur , boulevard Stalingrad, Villeurbanne ( B: C1-Palais des Congrès ), ☏ +33 4 78 93 08 33 . The medium-sized hall (capacity 1,500) for rock or popular music concerts.  
• Ninkasi , 267 rue Marcel Mérieux ( M: Stade de Gerland ), ☏ +33 4 72 76 89 00 . This is a modern-day institution in Lyon. Ninkasi has two places for live music: Kafé (free shows, essentially electronic music) and Kao (a concert hall dedicated to rock and electronic music). It is also a beer brewery and has bars all over the Presqu'île, and also in Villeurbanne.  
• Maison de la Danse , 8 avenue Jean Mermoz ( T: Bachut ), ☏ +33 4 72 78 18 18 . A theatre dedicated to modern dancing. Also a fine example of architecture of the 1960s.  

Theatre [ edit ]

Lyon has a large number of theatres ranging from tiny "cafés-théâtres" to big municipal institutions. You can enjoy any type of show from comedy to classical drama to avant-garde productions.

• Théâtre des Célestins , Place des Célestins ( M: Bellecour ), ☏ +33 4 72 77 40 00 . The historical theatre, in a beautiful 19th century building by Gaspard André. Serious programme.  
• Théâtre de la Croix-Rousse , place Joannès Ambre ( M: Hénon ), ☏ +33 4 78 27 90 42 . 'The other' theatre, with a more avant-garde programme.  
• TNP , 8 place Lazare Goujon, Villeurbanne ( M: Gratte-Ciel ), ☏ +33 4 78 03 30 00 . Jean Vilar's spirit of 'popular theatre' lives on in the historically left-wing Villeurbanne.   .
• Théâtre Tête d'Or , 60 avenue du Maréchal de Saxe ( B: C3-Saxe-Lafayette / T: Saxe-Préfecture / M: Place Guichard ), ☏ +33 4 78 62 96 73 . This is the only theatre in Lyon showing popular comedies in the Parisian "boulevard" style.  

There are also a number of small independent theatres. Check out Les Ateliers , Espace 44 , Théâtre des Clochards Célestes .

"Café-théâtre" is a very nice way to spend an evening with a show (usually comedy), drinks and food. Here is a small selection:

• Complexe du Rire , 7 rue des Capucins ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 78 27 23 59 . Two rooms and talented young comedians.  
• Espace Gerson , 1 place Gerson ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 4 78 27 96 99 .  

The 200-year-old Guignol is a very famous character of puppet theatre. This irreverent canut who frequently challenges the law in his adventures was created by Laurent Mourguet, a canut himself, in 1808. The main side characters in Guignol shows are his wife Madelon, his Beaujolais-drinking friend Gnafron and the policeman, who always ends up being ridiculous. It was only in the 1950s that Guignol became a children's favourite. Nowadays, a few theatres perpetuate the tradition for children and adults.

• Théâtre le Guignol de Lyon ( Compagnie des Zonzons ), 2 rue Louis Carrand ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 92 57 . The largest Guignol theatre, showing original creations for children and adults. €9, child under 15 €7 .  
• Véritable Guignol du Vieux Lyon et du Parc , place de Guignol, Parc de la Tête d'Or ( M: Masséna / B: C1-several stops around the park ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 60 41 . W Sa Su, bank and school holidays 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00 . Especially intended for children, this outdoor theatre is in the park, near the lake and the zoo.  

Cinemas [ edit ]

• Institut Lumière , Rue du Premier Film ( M: Monplaisir-Lumière ), ☏ +33 4 78 78 18 95 . The museum also has a theatre showing thematic series of cinema masterpieces (in original version). The theatre is in the former Lumière factory, which was the scenery of the first movie in history ( La sortie des usines Lumière ).  
• Comoedia , 13 avenue Berthelot ( T: Centre Berthelot ), ☏ +33 4 26 99 45 00 . After a few years of closure followed by refurbishment works, this independent cinema is now very comfortable and has a relatively avant-garde programme. All foreign movies are shown in original version.  
• CNP , Bellecour: 12 rue de la Barre; Terreaux: 40 rue du Président Edouard Herriot ( M: Bellecour,Hôtel de Ville ). Two independent cinemas; the Bellecour branch has the most avant-garde programme. All foreign movies in original version.  
• Pathé . This major national firm has four theatres in Lyon (Cordeliers, Bellecour, Vaise, Carré de Soie) offering essentially American blockbusters and mainstream French movies. The Bellecour branch has foreign films in original version.  
• UGC . The other major cinema firm, has four theatres in Lyon (Part-Dieu, Cité Internationale, Astoria, Confluence). The Astoria ( M: Masséna ) has foreign movies in original version.  

Sports [ edit ]

• Watch football at 45.765278 4.981944 1 Parc Olympique Lyonnais ( Groupama Stadium ), 10 avenue Simone-Veil, 69150 Décines-Charpieu . The local soccer team Olympique Lyonnais play in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, and often qualify for European tournaments. Their ladies' team also dominates the national & European scene. The stadium, capacity 59,186, is in the suburb of Décines 15 km east of the city centre. ( updated Jul 2018 )
• 45.766389 4.907222 2 ASVEL , Astroballe, 69100 Villeurbanne ( M: Laurent Bonnevay ). The Villeurbanne basketball team has a long history as one of the major clubs in the country.  
• 45.723889 4.832222 3 LOU Rugby , Matmut Stadium de Gerland, 353, Avenue Jean-Jaurès . The rugby team of Lyon has bounced between the top two levels of the country's league system (Top 14 and Pro D2) in the 2010s; they have played in Top 14 since 2016–17. The team moved to OL's former home of Stade de Gerland for 2017–18.  

Learn [ edit ]

Lyon is an important university centre. French language courses are available at Inflexyon , Alliance Francaise , Lyon-Bleu , École Interculturelle de Francais . If you look for an immersion program, you can have a look at Alpadia Language School , formerly known an ESL schools, groups Learn French in Lyon.

Work [ edit ]

Money can be made by giving private English lessons. Most Lyonnais are keen to speak English. There are some schools which accept non-TEFL qualified teachers, but obviously a qualification helps. Try Berlitz or Demos. There are several anglophone pubs which employ young English-speaking workers, occasionally with limited French. Speaking French to a reasonable level is often a must. There is an ANPE (job centre) next to the Opera on Rue de la République. Just go in, you don't have to book, and there are lots of job vacancies to be found. Also search for a shelf with black folders on it. They contain details of better paid jobs.

Buy [ edit ]

The usual hours for downtown shopping are 10:00-19:00, Monday to Saturday. Some larger places close a bit later (19:30). Shops are closed on Sundays, except in December and in Vieux Lyon where Sunday is the busiest day of the week!

• Rue du Président Edouard Herriot, rue Gasparin, rue Émile Zola, rue des Archers ( M: Bellecour ). In the "golden square" between Place Bellecour and Place des Jacobins, you will find a number of famous luxury brands.  
• Carré de Soie , Avenue de Böhlen, Vaulx-en-Velin ( M/T: Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie ). M-Sa 10:00-19:30, some stores open Su . Shopping mall with fashion stores, restaurants and a cinema multiplex, in a developing suburban area.  

Food [ edit ]

• 45.76293 4.85051 6 Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse , 102 cours Lafayette ( B: C3-Halles Paul Bocuse, M/T: Part-Dieu ). Tu-Sa 07:00-12:00 and 15:00-19:00, Su 07:00-12:00 . The Halles moved to the Part-Dieu area in 1971. If you want the very best food, this is the place to go. It has a price however.  
• 45.7749 4.8315 7 Croix-Rousse market , Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse ( M: Croix-Rousse ). Tu-Su 07:00-13:00 . Very popular and typical market mith many local producers. On Tuesdays, also sells non-food items. Very crowded on sunny Sundays, but this is the right time to enjoy the particular mood of the neighbourhood.  
• 45.7597 4.8304 8 St Antoine Market , Quai St Antoine and Quai des Célestins ( M: Cordeliers ). Tu-Su 07:00-13:00 . The other major market, in a wealthier part of town. Also some local fruit and vegetable producers. Eating oysters by the Saône is a very pleasant occupation before Sunday lunch.  
• 45.7565 4.8445 9 Bahadourian , 20 rue Villeroy ( M: Guillotière ), ☏ +33 4 78 60 32 10 . M-F 08:30-12:30, 14:30-19:30, Sa 08:30-19:30 . A large Oriental shop, with all kinds of exotic foods, especially North African. In the heart of the picturesque Guillotière neighbourhood.  

Wine [ edit ]

• Antic Wine , 18 rue du Boeuf ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 37 08 96 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 11:00-20:00 . This tiny shop has an exceptional selection of wines from all over the world. Very interesting selection of Rhône valley wines, amazing collection of old Burgundies. Very reasonable prices. Also a must-see for port amateurs, with the largest selection in France and prices ranging from €12 to €3,000.  
• Vercoquin , 33 rue de la Thibaudière ( M: Saxe-Gambetta ), ☏ +33 4 78 69 43 87 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 10:00-20:00, Su 10:00-13:00 . This wine store is specialised in organic and "natural" wines. It is also a wine bar, all bottles of the shop can be drunk there with a price supplement of €6.  

Eat [ edit ]

Restaurants have their menus with prices displayed outside. As everywhere in France, the prices always include service, bread and tap water (ask for a carafe of water). Tipping is rare and only expected if you are particularly satisfied with the service. This is especially true in budget or mid-range restaurants, maybe less so in expensive places where it may be considered more appropriate; nothing is compulsory, though. Typical tips depend, of course, on the price of the menu and your level of satisfaction but they are generally not as high as in the US, for example. If you pay by credit card and wish to add a tip, you can tell the person in charge how much he/she should charge your card.

Meal times are generally 12:00–14:00 for lunch and 19:30–22:00 for dinner. Visitors from areas such as North America and Northern Europe might be surprised to find many places still closed at their usual dinner times. Places offering all-day service are to be found in tourist areas, and are unlikely to serve quality fresh food. Late-night service is quite rare in quality restaurants, but you can always get the usual fast-food or kebab.

The traditional restaurants in Lyon are called bouchons ; the origin of the word is unclear (it literally means "cork"). They appeared at the end of the 19th century and flourished in the 1930s, when the economic crisis forced wealthy families to fire their cooks, who opened their own restaurants for a working-class clientele. These women are referred to as mères (mothers); the most famous of them, Eugénie Brazier, became one of the first chefs to be awarded three stars (the highest ranking) by the famous Michelin gastronomic guide. She also had a young apprentice called Paul Bocuse. Eating in a good bouchon is certainly a must-do. They serve the typical local dishes:

• Salade lyonnaise (Lyon salad): green salad with bacon cubes, croutons and a poached egg;
• Saucisson chaud : a hot, boiled sausage; can be cooked with red wine ( saucisson beaujolais ) or in a bun ( saucisson brioché );
• Quenelle de brochet : dumpling made of flour and egg with pike fish and a crayfish sauce (Nantua sauce);
• Tablier de sapeur : marinated tripes coated with breadcrumbs then fried, even locals often hesitate before trying it;
• Andouillette : sausage made with chopped tripes, usually served with a mustard sauce;
• Gratin dauphinois : the traditional side dish, oven-cooked sliced potatoes with cream;
• Cervelle de canut ( cervelle = brain): fresh cheese with garlic and herbs.
• Rognons de veau à la moutarde : veal kidneys in a mustard sauce. Delicious and textural experience.

These dishes are very tasty. They were created as workers' food, so they are generally fat and the portions are usually quite big. The quality is very variable since the bouchons are one of the main tourist attractions of the city. A good tip: never trust big signs reading " Véritable bouchon lyonnais " (genuine bouchon ) or with a list of typical dishes on the front window. Those who need to write this are most often tourist traps. In tourist areas, most notably Rue St Jean, pay extra care and stick to trustworthy recommendations if possible. And if someone on the street tries to get you into a restaurant, run. A good bouchon , however, offers very good value for money.

In bouchons and other lower- to mid-range restaurants, basic wines can be served by the pot , a typical bottle containing 46 cl and filled from a cask or wine box. The smaller fillette (little girl) contains 28 cl. This is definitely cheaper than a 75 cl bottle, but the quality is not always guaranteed.

Lyon was named "capital of gastronomy" by the great gastronomic writer Curnonsky in 1935; at that time there were no exotic restaurants, no diets and nobody was talking about fusion cuisine or bistronomy . Fortunately, the local gastronomy has considerably evolved since then and there is now far more to dining in Lyon than the bouchons . Kebab shops, Asian food, bistros, three-star restaurants: Lyon has them all.

The locals are generally fond of eating out and the best places get known quickly by word of mouth. Moreover, the restaurants are quite small on average. It is strongly advised to book a table, especially for dinner, otherwise you may end up in one of the multiple tourist traps. Since many good local chefs seem to enjoy a good family weekend, there are a lot more interesting options on weekdays.

Budget [ edit ]

Many bakeries offer good quality sandwiches, made with fresh baguette of course. Try, for example the Boulangerie Chez Jules St Paul, stated below.

Kebab shops are abundant, most with the same price: €4.50 for a kebab, €5 for a kebab with frites. Look especially near Place des Terreaux ( M: Hôtel de Ville ).

Around Place Bellecour [ edit ]

• 45.757409 4.834881 1 Chez Mounier , 3 Rue les Maronniers ( On the south-east street of the Place Bellecour ). A traditional bouchon (restaurant) with good food. ( updated May 2022 )
• 45.757333 4.834764 2 Chez M'man , 4 Rue des Marronniers . French cuisine, typical Lyonnais dishes and excellent hospitality. It's a well-run establishment near Place Bellecour. A picturesque place in an endearing environment. ( updated May 2022 )
• Apiales , 11 Rue Laurencin . ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 45.756951 4.834741 3 Pitaya Thaï Street Food , 9 Rue des Marronniers . A dive into the streets of Bangkok and its colourful and tasty street food. Fresh and quality products cooked in the wok at the moment in front of your eyes. Delicious and generous dishes. ( updated May 2022 )

In Vieux Lyon / Saint-Paul [ edit ]

• 45.765988 4.82778 4 Boulangerie Chez Jules St Paul , 7 Rue Octavio Mey ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ). Small boulangerie near the historic centre with a great variety of breads, cakes, sandwiches, pizza, salads. There is also the possibility to sit down. Very good croissant aux almond. Also nice to have breakfast. Warm welcome. ( updated May 2022 )
• 45.758212 4.825947 5 La Piazzetta , 11 Pl. Benoît Crepu . Nice setting on the banks of the Saône, the owner's cooking is a delight. Like a trip to Italy. Quality ingredients, the pastas and pizzas are excellent and the portions generous. Fresh products decorate the pasta and pizzas according to the seasons. ( updated May 2022 )
• 45.765822 4.827386 6 Taco Taco , 12 Pl. Saint-Paul . Very good and a big variety of tacos, buritos and quesadillas as well as toppings and sauces to choose from ranging from mild to spicy. Everything is freshly prepared in front of the customer. The burritos are different than from the big Mexican fast food chains and as it is more authentic here. ( updated May 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

• 45.749754 4.841726 7 La Vieille Canaille , 14 rue Saint Jérôme , ☏ +33 4 04 72 71 47 12 . Open from Tuesday to Saturday . A typical French restaurant where the atmosphere is friendly. You will enjoy the large range of wine, the menu explanation and wine suggestions of the waiter. English speaking/menu in English - Terrace in summer. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.7804 4.8071 8 Wallace Bar , 2 rue Octavio Mey ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 4 72 00 23 91 . Food served M-Sa 12:00-15:00, 19:00-22:00, Su 11:00-21:00 . This nice pub is a good spot for drinks and live sports, but also serves good British and French food in large portions. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.76675 4.8326 9 Bouchon Chez Paul , 11 rue du Major Martin ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 35 83 , [email protected] . M-Sa 12:00-14:00, 19:30-21:30 . A very good bouchon serving huge portions. Noisy and friendly. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.7627 4.8326 10 Le Layon , 52 rue Mercière ( M: Cordeliers ), ☏ +33 4 78 42 94 08 . Daily lunch and dinner. Serves all day (12:00-00:00) on Sa and Su . In another street full of tourist traps, this restaurant offers very good, classical local and French cuisine. Try the grenouilles (frogs). Very nice terrace. Good wine list at interesting prices. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.76255 4.82665 11 Les Adrets , 30 rue du Boeuf ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 38 24 30 . Very good classic French cuisine, made from quality products, in a nice decor. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.76835 4.8282 12 Le Potager des Halles , 3 rue de la Martinière ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 72 00 24 84 . Closed Su M . This restaurant serves traditional French cuisine made from very good and very fresh products, with a Mediterranean influence. The chocolate fondant dessert is amazing. Very good wine list too. The lunch menu is an absolute steal. If you want cheaper but just as good, try Le Bistrot du Potager next door, where the same owners serve Spanish-style tapas which are a great value for money (no reservations) . ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.77335 4.8323 13 Balthaz'Art , 19 rue des Pierres Plantées ( M: Croix-Rousse ), ☏ +33 4 72 07 08 88 . Lunch Th-Sa, dinner Tu-Sa . Croix-Rousse has more and more interesting restaurants, and this one is a fine example. In a "flea-market-meets-art-gallery" decor, you will enjoy a fresh and creative cuisine with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Nice wine list, and it is still possible to get a table at a relatively short notice. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.75125 4.8477 14 L'Art et la Manière , 102 Grande rue de la Guillotière ( M: Saxe-Gambetta ), ☏ +33 4 37 27 05 83 . Closed Sa Su M dinner . Small no-tourist restaurant in a no-tourist area. Friendly yet professional service, short menu but very creative, high-quality cooking. Good (although short) wine list. The best bottles are at amazingly low prices given their "constant mark-up" policy. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.7483 4.8283 15 Brasserie Georges , 30, cours de Verdun ( behind Perrache Station ), ☏ +33 4 72 56 54 56 . An exceptional traditional brasserie, serving traditional Lyonnaise food with an Alsatian leaning in a fine interior. A real Art Deco treat. Founded in 1836, it can serve 1000 people a night over two sittings. It also contains a brewery and bar and the interior is worth a look even if you don't want to eat. Reservations recommended, but it sets aside some seats for walk-ins. Mains €15-24, 3-courses from €25 . ( updated Oct 2023 )
• Pizzeria Zampano , 14 rue de Nazareth ( Place de la Ferrandiere ). ( updated Mar 2023 )
• 45.7855 4.8126 16 L'Ouest , 1 quai du Commerce ( M: Gare de Vaise ), ☏ +33 4 37 64 64 64 . A brasserie owned by Paul Bocuse, near the river Saône. The specialities are fish and cuisine of the Caribbean. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 45.7623 4.8263 18 Au 14 Février , 6 rue Mourguet ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 92 91 39 . Tu-Sa dinner only . If you can book at least two months in advance and are ready for a "surprise" menu, this tiny place (16 seats!) run by Japanese chef Tsuyoshi Arai is a rather unique experience. Just tell your waiter what you don't like or can't eat, and you will be served a five- or nine-course menu that changes every day. The cuisine is French with Japanese hints, amazingly creative, and most importantly delicious. ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.7714 4.83715 19 La Mère Brazier — Mathieu Viannay , 12 rue Royale ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 78 23 17 20 . The restaurant, opened in 1921 by the legendary Eugénie Brazier, was taken over by the talented young chef Mathieu Viannay and awarded 2 stars by the Michelin guide only a few months after its opening. Revisited all-time classics (Bresse poultry with truffles, artichokes with foie gras). ( updated Jan 2023 )
• 45.7587 4.8233 20 Têtedoie , Montée du Chemin Neuf ( F: Minimes ), ☏ +33 4 78 29 40 10 , [email protected] . A new address for a well-recognized chef. The previous restaurant had a classic dining room on the banks of the Saône. Têtedoie is now taking his restaurant to the next level with a prestigious location offering one of the best views in town and a very contemporary decor, with the same culinary spirit and prices. The wine list is so big they have to carry it around on a trolley. The place also features a wine bar, a "bistro-style" terrace and an Italian restaurant. ( updated Jan 2023 )

Ice cream, pastries, brunch [ edit ]

• 45.765 4.8288 21 Nardone , 3 place Ennemond Fousseret/26 quai de Bondy, ( B: C3-Gare St Paul / M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 29 09 . Summer: daily 09:00-01:00; winter: W-Su 10:00-19:00, closed Dec 31-Mar 10 . Delicious ice cream with very original flavours, served on a very pleasant terrace. Completely overcrowded on sunny weekends, be prepared to queue... but it is worth the wait if you are a real ice cream fan.  
• 45.76245 4.8277 22 Boulangerie du Palais , 8 rue du Palais de Justice ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 37 09 43 . In this small bakery, you will find good praline tarts, a popular local dessert.  
• Boulangerie Paul , 1 Rue de Brest . Pastries and baguettes make it good for breakfast or lunch, and a great setting to eat it in if you can grab one of the little tables.  

Drink [ edit ]

Lyon offers some nice nightlife. A good starting point is Place des Terreaux and then upwards towards the Croix Rousse ( M/B: Hôtel de Ville - Louis Pardel , 1th arr). In the streets that climb the hill there are many nice places. These is also numerous bars in pedestrian streets of Le Vieux Lyon (the Old Lyon), all around St-Jean Cathedral ( M: Vieux Lyon , 5th arr).

English and Irish pubs [ edit ]

Foreign students often gather in English or Irish pubs, which are more particularly concentrated in the Vieux Lyon area. English-speaking staff everywhere, of course.

• 45.7636 4.8289 1 Kelly's Pub , 12 quai Romain Rolland ( M : Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 85 53 31 , [email protected] . 15:00-03:00 daily . Irish pub, live music on Saturday, Irish music sessions on Thursday, quiz every Monday, pool, darts, Irish and English pub food, air conditioning.  
• 45.77475 4.8307 2 Paddy's Corner , 4 rue de la Terrasse ( M: Croix-Rousse ), ☏ +33 9 52 11 21 76 . 09:00-02:00 . Perfect little pub in the Croix-Rousse area, off the beaten track. Live music sessions every Thursday, Pub Quiz on Tuesdays.  
• 45.7574 4.8247 3 Johnny Walsh's , 56 rue St Georges ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 42 98 76 . Tu-Th 19:00-02:00, F-Su 19:00-03:00 . Nice, authentic Irish pub with good music and some live performances.  
• 45.7804 4.8071 4 Wallace , 2 rue Octavio Mey ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 4 72 00 23 91 . Daily 11:00-03:00 . Comfortable beer and whisky bar with a nice terrace, live sports, pub quiz on Thursdays.  
• 45.7649 4.828 5 The Smoking Dog , 16 rue Lainerie ( B: C3-Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 9 64 06 68 90 . English pub. Pub quiz on Tuesdays. Air conditioning.  

Live music [ edit ]

• 45.7656 4.8319 6 Hot Club de Lyon , 26 rue Lanterne ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 3 78 39 54 74 (at night) . Tu-Th 21:30; F Sa 22:00 . Jazz club (since 1948), in an old typical cellar, with good live jazz 5 nights/week.  

Others [ edit ]

• 45.76816 4.83372 7 L'Abreuvoir , 18 rue Ste Catherine ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 78 30 17 90 . Daily 17:00-01:00 . There you can join some crazy French listening to crazy French music. Definitely an experience, though not everyone's cup of tea.  
• Le Perroquet Bourré ( The Drunk Parrot ), 18 Rue Saint Catherine . Cheap rum, the inside is decorated as a pirate ship.  
• Le Fruit Defendu , Rue Chavanne . A great little hole-in-the-wall bar, good for beers and cocktails, and a great place to start the night! Try the Stella with a shot of orange liquor!  

Boats [ edit ]

At the quai Albert Augagneur is another centre of Lyon nightlife. Along the Rhone river are several out of duty riverboats (péniches) that serve as nightclubs or bars.

• Sirius , 21 quai Augagneur . Live events almost every day of the week. On weekends, there are two dancefloors with all kinds of music. No dress code! Nice.  
• Q-Boat , 21 Quai Augagneur . Another boat, here the hype crowd will feel at home.  
• Marquise . Quai Augagneur. Here you get nice alternative hip-hop, retro soul, etc. Sometimes theatre performances.  

Wine bars [ edit ]

Lyon is certainly a great starting point to explore the French vineyards: Beaujolais, Burgundy, Rhône Valley and the less known Jura, Savoie and Bugey are all within two hours drive. It is therefore unsurprising to see an increasing number of wine bars in Lyon. Here are a few addresses.

• La Cave des Voyageurs , 7 place St Paul ( B: C3-Gare St Paul / M: Hôtel de Ville/Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 92 28 , [email protected] . Tu-Sa 18:00-01:00 . Opened over 20 years ago by "Jeannot", the picturesque and loud-mouthed owner of the other bar next door, this small and friendly wine bar has built a wide and interesting selection of several hundred wines over the years. Of course the locals are well represented (Beaujolais, Burgundy, Rhône valley) but the list also keeps expanding geographically. Also serves some quality food: ham, sausages, cheese. Wine by the glass from €3 .  
• Goudyvins , 20 rue du Bellecordière ( M: Bellecour ). A few steps away from the busy Place Bellecour, a new friendly place where you can enjoy both local and foreign wines with prices starting at €5-7 for a glass of either "blanc", "rosé", or "rouge". The selection is actually quite wide so ask for recommendations, the owner is always helpful and will help you choose your little treat following your tastes. In summer, you definitely need to be lucky to find a spot on the terrace.  
• Georges Five , 32 rue du Boeuf ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 72 40 23 30 . Tu-Sa 19:00-01:00 . This place was opened by the owner of the wine shop Antic Wine. It has therefore a very wide selection of wines (2,800 references), ranging from small local producers to the most famous and sought-after names. Also top-quality food: ham, cheese, etc. Be careful: the place is small, always packed and hosts numerous private events, so if you haven't made your reservation a couple of weeks in advance, save yourself the pain of trying your luck. Wine by the glass from €3, bottles €18-€3,000 .  
• Vercoquin . See "Buy".  

Sleep [ edit ]

It is generally not difficult to find a hotel room in Lyon, except for the Fête des Lumières and during some important professional trade shows like SIRHA (food, hotels and restaurants) and POLLUTEC (environment technology), when every last room in and around Lyon is booked. The dates of those events can be found on the exhibition centre's website . You can find hotels from the major chains, such as Sofitel, Hilton, Best Western, Accor, as well as many independent hotels.

• 45.753813 4.825889 1 Hôtel Vaubecour , 28 rue Vaubecour (2nd arrondissement), 2nd floor , ☏ +33 4 78 37 44 91 , [email protected] . Clean, quite and friendly hotel with small bedroom and modern bathroom. No air conditioning. Double €89 .  
• Auberge de Jeunesse de Vieux Lyon ( youth hostel ) ( Take the metro to Vieux Lyon station then the funicular to Place des Minimes (otherwise a serious hike up a steep hill). ). Belongs to YHA (international youth hostels association). Bunk bed in a dorm, plus breakfast for €21 (plus fee, if not member of YHA). Excellent views over city. Tiny kitchen, extremely limited rooms for couples/families. Keeps with the Catholic 1900s tradition of no gender-mixed rooms. No telephone bookings.  
• 45.687034 4.786215 2 Camping des Barolles , 88, Avenue Maréchal Foch, 69230 Saint Genis Laval ( motorway A450, junction 6b ), ☏ +33 4 78 56 05 56 , [email protected] . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Campsite caters for camper vans, chalets and free camping. There is a small shop at reception. It is a couple of minutes' drive from a large shopping centre. To get to Lyon by public transport, take bus 78 to Oullins and then change to the metro. Friendly staff. Free Wi-Fi. e.g. One adult/one child/one tent/one car = €19 (June 2016) . ( updated Jul 2016 )
• 45.7614 4.8498 3 Citadines Part-Dieu Lyon , 91-95, rue Moncey , ☏ +04 78 14 90 00 , fax : +04 78 60 50 74 , [email protected] . Housing 98 flats over 7 floors, varying from studios to one-bedrooms; Each apartment has a bathroom with a hairdryer, a separate kitchen area, TV with satellite channels and a direct-line phone. Daily rates starts from €170 .  
• 45.7481 4.8287 4 Hotel Victoria , 3, rue Delandine ( Behind Perrache Station opposite Brasserie George ), ☏ +33 4 78 37 57 61 , fax : +33 4 78 42 91 07 , [email protected] . This place is unpretentious and satisfactory. Reasonable value accommodation in a handy location with a friendly welcome. €45-55 .  
• 45.76525 4.8278 5 Hotel Saint Paul , 6 rue Lainerie ( B: C3/Gare St Paul ), ☏ +33 4 78 28 13 29 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This 2-star hotel offers rather small rooms but very good service and cleanliness. Good value for money. The street can be quite noisy, so ask for a room on the courtyard side or bring your earplugs. Double rooms €66/74/80 .  
• 45.719 5.0798 6 NH Lyon Aéroport , BP 202. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Aéroport , ☏ +33 4 72 23 05 50 . 245 modern rooms and Nhube restaurant, meeting rooms and a spa. Rooms from €109 .  
• [formerly dead link] LaTour-Lyon , 21 rue Juiverie ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 6 62 50 84 38 , [email protected] . An accommodation in a renaissance tower in Vieux-Lyon. A delightful duplex and unique setting with a panoramic view through 17 windows and luxurious amenities. €80-110 .  
• 45.761 4.8537 8 Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon , 129 Rue Servient , ☏ +33 4 78 63 55 00 . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 45.7545 4.8339 9 Hotel Sofitel Lyon Bellecour , 20 Quai du Dr Gailleton ( 2nd arrondissement ), ☏ +33 4 72 41 20 20 . Luxury hotel with a large number of meeting rooms for conventions. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 45.7657 4.8279 10 Collège Hôtel , 5 place St Paul ( B: C3-Gare St Paul / M:Vieux Lyon/Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 72 10 05 05 , [email protected] . This 3-star hotel is decorated in the manner of an early 20th century school. Rooms €116 to €146 (tax inclusive), breakfast €12, parking €15 .  
• 45.76335 4.8273 11 Cour des Loges , 2-8 rue du Boeuf ( M: Vieux Lyon ), ☏ +33 4 72 77 44 44 , [email protected] . In an exceptional 14th-century building. Rooms €249 to €620, breakfast €25 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Lyon has 5G from all French carriers. Wifi is widely available in public places, transport, cafes and so on.

• Main Post Office , 10 place Antonin Poncet ( M: Bellecour ), ☏ +33 4 72 40 65 22 . M-F 09:00-19:00, Th open until 20:00, Sa 09:00-12:30 .  
• Terreaux Post Office , 3 rue du Président Edouard Herriot ( M: Hôtel de Ville ), ☏ +33 4 72 00 58 34 . M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-17:00 .  

There are 42 other post offices throughout all neighbourhoods of Lyon.

Most internet cafés and call shops are in the Guillotière neighbourhood ( M: Guillotière ) and behind Place des Terreaux (Rue Ste Catherine, Rue Romarin, M: Hôtel de Ville ), because of the large population of immigrants living there.

Stay safe [ edit ]

Real security problems in the city centre are rare, but the usual advice applies.

Rue Ste Catherine, behind Place des Terreaux, is locally famous for its bars; on weekend nights there are a lot of drunk people on the street, who might be violent. The police keep a close watch but it is probably better to avoid the area if you are on your own, especially after 3AM when the bars are closed. Similar problems may be encountered in Vieux Lyon.

In populated places such as Rue de la République or outside Part-Dieu station, you may come across people advertising for charities; they can be recognised by their specific, coloured clothing. They will not ask you for money but rather give you information documents which encourage you to donate. Homeless people sell newspapers such as Macadam or Sans-abri which help them making some money without begging; they should have an ID card issued by the editors. But there are also people trying to con you and get money for some imaginary charity, sometimes by selling postcards or other items. Never give money directly to someone on the street who claims to be working for charity and does not have official documents, or if the documents look doubtful.

Some areas with a reputation for insecurity are way off the beaten track. But if you do decide to venture outside the city center, avoid wandering in Guillotière, Gerland, Vergoin, and La Duchère. Beyond, the city limits, stay clear of major suburbs like Villeurbanne and Vénissieux.

Emergency numbers [ edit ]

• Police , ☏ 17 .  
• Fire brigade , ☏ 18 .  
• Medical emergency , ☏ 15 .  
• The European emergency number , ☏ 112 (should be used on mobile phones ) .  

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

Thanks to its central geographical position and its historical role as a trading hub, Lyon is at the centre of a dense communications hub and thus is a great starting point to explore southeastern France. Most destinations around Lyon are served by regional trains of the TER Rhône-Alpes network. The extensive highway network in the region also allows for quick and efficient travel. Plenty of interesting cities, attractions and natural sites can be reached in less than 2 hours of travel! A more detailed listing can be found at the regional tourist office [dead link] .

Nearby [ edit ]

The Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage , just outside Lyon, is a large park (more than 6,000 acres (2,400 hectares)) including a lake near the Rhône river where you can indulge in many recreational (hiking, horse riding, biking, golf) and nautical activities (rowing, swimming, windsurfing, boating). There are several beaches, large stretches of forest, plenty of picnic and barbecue spots. It is a popular destination for locals, especially during summer when it gets too hot in the city. Entrance is free. Access is possible by bike from Lyon, using the bike path that runs along the Rhône (it takes about 20 min from the Tête d'Or park - follow the ViaRhôna signs). Also, during the spring and summer months, the area is served by bus line 83 of the TCL, from the Vaulx-en-Velin La Soie station (metro line A, tram T3).

North of Lyon lies the Dombes region of the Ain département. Its many lakes and ponds provide a nice setting for hiking and birdwatching. The main attractions are the bird park of Villars-les-Dombes , featuring a large collection of exotic birds, and Pérouges , a small medieval village. Its buildings all date to the Middle Ages and it's a popular weekend destination for people who live in Lyon.

The famous wineyards of the Beaujolais stretch all the way to the north of the département. There are many castles and you can buy Beaujolais wine directly from independent winemakers. Festive celebrations are organized during the Beaujolais nouveau season in November. The local villages have an interesting typical architecture, their buildings being made with a local yellow limestone called pierres dorées . Take the A6 highway north of Lyon to Belleville then follow some smaller roads. Interesting spots in Oingt, Villié-Morgon.

Some other attractions:

• Vienne (city) , 30 km south of Lyon, is famous for its international jazz festival organized every summer. It also features many medieval and Roman buildings. There is also a large archaeological museum in the nearby town of Saint-Romain-en-Gal. Access by train (TER) or highway A7.
• car museum of Rochetaillée , Château Rochetaillée, 69270 Rochetaillée-sur-Saône , ☏ +33 4 78 22 18 80 , fax : +33 4 78 22 69 60 . Open Tu-Su 09:00-19:00 in July and August, Tu-Su 09:00-18:00 the rest of the year. Closed on Christmas and New Year . Has a very nice collection of modern and old cars. The main attraction of the museum is Adolf Hitler's armored car. Fees: Adults €5, free for children under 18 .  
• Eveux, about 20 km northwest of Lyon is home to the Sainte Marie de La Tourette convent. Designed by Le Corbusier, it's one of 17 of his works worldwide to be listed as a world heritage site .

Further away [ edit ]

The French Alps offer an extraordinary natural setting with gorgeous landscapes and numerous opportunities for outdoors activities: hiking, mountainnering, rock climbing, ski, and snowboard. All this only a couple of hours away from Lyon! Plenty of natural parks and ski resorts, from the upscale to the family-oriented. There are also many interesting cities to discover: Annecy , the "Venice of Savoie" with its beautiful lake and canals, Chambéry (historical capital of Savoy), Aix-les-Bains (thermal city overlooking the lake Bourget), Chamonix (gateway to the Mont Blanc), Grenoble (the "French Silicon Valley", with its high-tech industries and its vibrant student life), with plenty of museums, local culinary specialities and historical sites to make a nice daytrip. Access is easy by highway, from Lyon using the A43 highway. Regional trains serve all the major cities of the Alps from Lyon, often in less than 2hrs. However, most popular ski and mountain resorts (except Chamonix) have no railway station. There are some intercity bus lines, but service is often poor and not always reliable. Having a car may thus be highly desirable but if you don't have one, some local travel agencies sell day or week-end skiing packages to major ski resorts including transportation from Lyon (see box on the right).

Some other nice spots:

• The French-speaking parts of Switzerland and especially the cities of Geneva and Lausanne , as well as the beautiful localities surrounding Lake Geneva . Regional trains from Lyon stop in Geneva. You have to use the Swiss railways (CFF) to go further. By car, drive through the A42 to Geneva. If you intend to drive on the Swiss highways, don't forget to buy the highway vignette! You can purchase one at the border or at the Automobile Club of Lyon (18, Quai Jean Moulin ☏ +33 478 425 101 ).
• Southern Burgundy , especially the city of Macon , the basilica of Paray-le-Monial and the abbey of Cluny .
• Jura mountains and the small town of Nantua , whose lake is famous for its crayfish. The sauce Nantua is a staple of lyonnaise cuisine.
• The thick forests of Auvergne and its capital, Clermont-Ferrand , which is the gateway to the extinct volcanoes of Puy-de-Dôme . Great if you like nature and hiking. Another interesting city is Le-Puy-en-Velay , whose cathedral is one of the four starting points for pilgrimages to Santiago de Compostela .
• Saint-Étienne , a former industrial powerhouse and once renowned for its arms manufacturers. A city with many elegant buildings, public squares and some narrow, pedestrian streets all within walking distance of Place du Peuple. Less than 1 hr by car or train.
• Northern Italy , especially Aosta Valley , Piedmont and Turin . 3 hr by car, through the Mont-Blanc motorway tunnel. Direct train service is unfortunately non existent, although a direct high-speed train route between Lyon and Turin is expected to be built by 2025.

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LYON 100% ENGLISH

Top Tours to Visit Lyon in 2023

Lyon is the perfect city to visit on foot with only a map, a smart phone and a good pair of walking shoes.

But if you’re not up for walking there are tons of other ways to discover the city : bicycle, Segway, bus, boat, Solex and scooter. The only way you can’t see it is by hang glider, yet…

Lyon’s Self-guided Walking Tours

Lyon Sightseeing Tours: Hop on Off Buses

Visit Lyon on two wheels: Bike or Segway tours?

Lyon Boat Tours: Sightseeing cruises

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France Travel Blog

Lyon Travel Guide

Considered to many as a worthy rival to Paris, Lyon is as breathtaking to tourists as it is to locals. It is among the few cities in Europe that blends the galleries and the museums of a cultural hub with the vigor of a former industrial capital. If you are embarking on a European tour , then Lyon in France is a city not to be missed. Read on for more information in this Lyon City Guide. When you touch down in Lyon, be certain that there will be a lot to see and do. And everything is in this Lyon Travel Guide.

From kisses to revolutions, the French are famous for quite a number of things. However, their cities and towns are world-beaters in self-acclaimed titles. Hence, it is not far-fetched when you hear a French city being, for example, a particular food capital, or love capital of the world .

For Lyon, it prides itself on being the ancient capital of the Gauls and the gastronomy, silk, and capitals of the world. The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) acknowledges the historic sites of the city as it designates it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Areas like the Roman district and Fourvière, the Renaissance district (Vieux Lyon), the silk district (slopes of Croix-Rousse), and the Presqu’île, which bear 12th century to contemporary epochs characteristics, have all been earmarked for their architecture and significance.

Here Is The Ultimate Guide to the Lovely City of Lyon. 

Witness vieux lyon’s magnificence (lyon’s old town).

Find time to see this tourist attraction. The Vieux Lyon is one of Europe’s largest renaissance old quarters. From the 15th to the 17th century, wealthy merchant families from France, Flanders, Italy, and Germany settled in the city. Lyon’s silk industry at the time boomed. They built wealthy homes in the gothic, Italian renaissance, and the French renaissance styles, as you will see some of the remaining structures. Some of them still stand in areas like Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges, and Saint-Paules.

>> Is Lyon Worth Visiting?

C heck Out Lyons Murals

You will probably not see the artiest murals elsewhere in France than in Lyon. In the city, there are over a hundred large paintings on walls, and you will find them in working-class areas and on social housing. In États-Unis, especially, there is an outdoor museum with twenty-five murals painted in the 1980s detailing the career of architect Tony Garnier. He planned the district in the 1920s.

To get more intimate with Lyon’s major figures, there is Fresque des Lyonnais. It consists of 24 historical personalities and six modern ones that the city reveres. Lyon’s original fresco worths a mention too in this category. The painting, which is updated every ten years, is called the Canuts Mural. And it chronicles the story of the Croix-Rousse area. 

>> What is Lyon Famous For

See the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

It is France’s largest fine art museum after the world-famous Louvre in Paris. In the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, there are about 70 rooms, with paintings from the 1300s to the 1900s. Also, if you are an art buff, you would find Oriental and Egyptian cultural displays. In fact, there is more for you with a vast collection of Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, El Greco, Canaletto, Picasso, Max Ernst, and Francis Bacon, all on display. The Antiquities section too is incredible as it boasts of about 600 Ancient Egyptian artifacts with reliefs, statuettes, busts, sarcophagi, and Medamud temple’s gates.

Have a Feel of the Romans at the Theatre of Fourviére

Established by Augustus in15BC; the Roman theatre Fourviére is the oldest theatre in France. And even though it has deep characteristics of antiquity, the theater is in fantastic shape. It also offers the impeccable sight to connect to the ancient Roman world of entertainment. Thanks to its recent renovation, the Fourviére can now hold productions. And if you are around in the summer, it holds entertaining festival nights. 

Step In The Fabulous Lyon Cathedral

Lyon’s magnificent cathedral is a gothic construction erected between the 12th and 15th centuries. You will see many of the original stained-glass windows that date back to the 1300s. During the Second World War, they were destroyed and packed away to preserve them bomb explosions.  

>> Most Beautiful Cathedrals In France

Grab a bite at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

You should indulge in a tasty treat here. The Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is an indoor food market, and it is a perfect place to try the culinary excellence of the city. Close to 60 stalls exquisitely display everything French food you can think of. As you will discover, the items are not the only beautiful thing about the Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse; the architecture is simply amazing too. 

It is a great place to do all your food shopping if you intend to have the taste of your own cooked Lyonnaise meal. The best time to visit Les Halles is in the morning before most stalls close for lunch. 

Indulge the Musée Miniature et Cinéma

The brilliant Musée Miniature et Cinéma is situated in Vieux-Lyon and is a 17th century World Heritage structure five stories in height and with a loggia. It is divided into two, but the primary attraction is some 100 “hyper-realistic” miniature scenes. Some of the world’s best miniaturists, including the museum curator, Dam Ohlmann, scrupulously made them. 

They reanimate well-known locations that might take you a short while to notice what is happening in them. Places like the Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris or everyday French scenes are featured works. Also, there is a cinema exhibition with over 300 unique props, artifacts, and models relating to popular movies from the last 50 years. 

Transportation in Lyon

Going around Lyon in cabs can be very expensive. You should consider cutting transport costs by taking public transport because they are cheaper alternatives to move around. The city’s bus network is made up of the Lyon trolleybus system, motorbuses, and coaches for areas that are outside the center. In addition, there are two funicular lines from Vieux Lyon to Saint-Just and Fourvière. The ticketing system here is relatively simple because Lyon has a single public transport operator, the SYTRAL. 

If you love cycling, experiencing Lyon just got better. There is a bicycle network that provides cheap service where bicycles can be hired and returned at any of 340 stations in the city. It is free if you borrow a bicycle for less than thirty minutes and the offer can even be extended for another half-an-hour at any station. Lyon is the first to introduce this bicycling renting system in the country. 

>> Is Lyon Safe?

Gastronomy 

As earlier said, Lyon has a strong and long culinary arts tradition. It has rightly earned the title, the gastronomical capital of the world by renowned gastronomists. Have a bite at the  Bouchon,  a traditional Lyonnais restaurant which has some of tastiest local fare like sausages, roast pork, with local wines. 

Try also the  mâchons , a local brunch made from charcuterie, and it is often eaten with Beaujolais red wine. French tacos, Coq au vin, quenelle, salade lyonnaise, and gras double are a must-taste for an unmatchable culinary experience.

Restaurants

Lyon has many culinary experts from different parts of the world. And this is obvious in the top-quality restaurants you will find all over the city.

>> Is Lyon Expensive?

Here Are Some Of Lyon’s Best Places To Eat

Café sillon.

The owners of this restaurant are young and dynamic Lyonnais natives. At Café Sillon, the menu changes every two weeks but retains a decent variety of options such as rare caviar lemons and Buddha’s hands (citron fruits), seaweed, and tiny citrus fruits are all arranged with different types of lettuces. So, there is always the impression that you are tasting delicately prepared combinations.

The three-course meal and dinner are affordable, and there is a dual option for each course; frilled squid, kombu seaweed, root vegetables, mustard and hazelnut versus sweetbreads in tempura, cress juice with eel, apple and green radish for starters. This is followed by lamb (barbecued) with black olives, peppers, cardoon, and juniper. 

Tip: C hinato,  the Italian red dessert wine, appears to go with everything toothsome that is made out of the restaurant.

Burgundy Lounge

What can be better than dining on an evening overlooking the Saône river? The Burgundy Lounge offers you what most restaurants do not. It has a giant steel bar and tasting lounge downstairs and solid stone walls with a comfortable seating area. Lunch for three courses is not pricey on Mondays to Fridays, and you will have hundreds of wine bottles to choose from.

Le Café du Peintre

The best  quenelle de Brochet  (a golden, potato-shaped pike soufflé) is served at le café du Peintre. It is one of the famous traditional recipes typical of Lyon. The café also serves  Machon  (pork products doused with a Beaujolais) usually in the morning. At lunchtime, le Café du Peintre hosts people from all occupations, including tourists who come to have a nice time and immerse themselves in some of Lyon’s culinary glory. It is a great place to socialize. 

Le Potager des Halles

Not far from L’Ébauche, le Potager des Halles is a vibrant restaurant with everything chic about a modern French restaurant. It even has a saloon-bar vibe with an overhanging gallery and blond-wood bar that often bubbles with locals. Its large tables, screen, school chairs, and many chalkboards actively demonstrate its sport bar-ish credentials. At le Potager des Halles, you will have organic fruit and vegetables, fine groceries, chocolates, and a tapas bar.

Where to See Art and Design in Lyon

Being at the pantheon of arts and culture, there is a whole lot to experience in Lyon, especially if you are an art aficionado. Every year, the city hosts millions of art and design lovers around the world to mark festivals and other related events. You will discover lots of talented artists from around the globe who are expressive with their arts as they tell stories you will find gripping. 

You will love the exhibitions by design personalities like Galerie Mathieu where some poignant minimalist pieces are on display. Visit the Croix Rousse too where you will find L’Oeil de Boeuf, an art studio that is full of life. The studio, which opens for just six months of the year has some irresistible designs for your gazing. Datta bookshop is known for its magazines and periodicals. It also has a space for displaying great pieces of illustration and graphic arts works. 

Le Bleu du Ciel is another perfect art place for tourists, especially lovers of photography. The designs, which are done with flair, are mostly sociologically themed. And if you want to see Lyon’s expanse of scenery, the studio will offer you that unique angle. In the 7th arrondissement, three places will grab your attention. 

The first is a small shop called Bikini, on rue de la Thibaudière, which is only accessible on opening nights. 

On that street, there is also a gallery called Snap; an art setup that looks very much Parisian in character and design. And while you are still in the area, spare some time to visit Ilot d’Amaranthes garden at the junction of Rue d’Anvers and Rue de la Thibaudière. Situated between two structures, it used to be empty, but it has grown to become a special space for people, with lovely roses. 

The Ultimate Lyon Travel Guide – Blog Summary

Lyon is a vibrant city economically, culturally, and industrially. It has an enduring heritage that allures millions of people from different countries in the world. And no doubt that this historic city will, for many years, continue to offer tourists the scintillating experience they crave at all levels.

Read: Things To Do In Lyon

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

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23 Best Things To Do In Lyon, France

By: Author Christine Rogador

Posted on Published: January 30, 2020  - Last updated: January 21, 2024

Founded 2,000 years ago, the city of Lyon is a living museum. Its architecture, distinct culture , the art scene, and even its cuisine represents much of its long history.

Lyon is the third-largest city in France, after Paris and Marseille . It is also a UNESCO World Heritage site crammed with attractions and things to do. It is also one of the most beautiful towns in France .

• Best Hotels In Lyon City.
• 8 Best Hostels In Lyon

From admiring the impressive structures to the street art; visiting fascinating museums and intriguing neighborhoods— here are the best things to do in Lyon, France.

Things you'll find in this article

1. Stroll through Presqu’île, the heart of Lyon

2. explore lyon’s old town, vieux lyon, ‪3. take the funicular to the beautiful fourvière church‬, 4. admire lyon’s famous murals, 5. rue burdeau, 6. croix-rousse, 7. stroll by the saône river, one of lyon’s two major rivers, 8. have a picnic on the banks of the rhône, lyon’s other major river, 9. have a drink on a riverboat, 10. passage thiaffait, 11. visit the musée des confluences, one of the best museums in lyon, 12. eat at a bouchon, 13. visit the food markets in lyon, 14. visit the cinema and miniature museum, 15. wander at le parc de la tete d’or, 16. indulge in culinary delights at halles de lyon paul bocuse, 17. be amaze at the fine arts museum of lyon, 18. go to maison des canuts, 19. watch a puppet entertainment at the maison de guignol, 20. enjoy a show at the opera national de lyon, 21. splurge on shopping at lyon part dieu shopping centre, 22. discover lugdunum: museum and roman theaters, 23. try axe throwing at lancer de hache, alter’hostel, villa maïa, lyon, france is safe, think about buying the lyon city card, allow enough time for walking, be sure to leave a tip, travel tips and resources.

Read More: How To Get To Lyon from Paris

One of the best places to see in Lyon is Presqu’île, which literally means ‘almost an island. There are two rivers (the Rhône and the Saône) running right through it, which cuts off a little slice in the middle making it resemble an island.

This area is right in the heart of the city, and where you can either relax or explore.

Check out the quaint shops or cute cafes. Have a meal or enjoy some local wine.

Stroll along the wide boulevards or get lost in the narrow side streets. Presqu’île is also where you’ll find famous squares like Place Bellecour, Place des Jacobins, and Place des Terreaux.

‪Another must-visit in Lyon is the old historic neighborhood of Vieux Lyon.

This charming area has cobblestone streets and narrow passages, perfect for leisurely strolls. It is a touristy area, but a walk along its busy streets is still among the best things to do in Lyon.

A scenic route to take is down the ‬Rue Juiverie, and then Rue Saint-Jean towards the cathedral.

You may also check out the cafes, shops, pubs, and restaurants to take in the local vibe.

The stunning Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is another of those best places to see in Lyon.

This is located up a hill and offers scenic views of the city. Unlike most churches that look rather somber, this one looks more like a castle .

Inside, the decor and furnishings are dazzlingly ornate. It is a definite must-visit and to get here, you can either hike up the hill or take the funicular.‬

Art is pretty much everywhere in Lyon – from impressive architecture to fascinating museums to its vibrant street art.

Wander around the city and you’d most likely stumble upon eye-catching frescoes or murals. Hunting for these works of art is easily one of the best activities to do in Lyon.

Be on the lookout for the bright and colorful La Fresque des Lyonnais. It is one of the most famous murals in Lyon, depicting a building with famous faces looking out from its windows.

Other murals can be found at Rue de la Platière and Quai de la Pecherie, near the Quai Saint Vincent on 2 rue de la Martinière and near the Henon metro.

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Located at the bottom of the slopes of La Croix-Rousse is an ‘art street’ called Rue Burdeau. It is essentially a hub for Lyon’s art scene.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast or not, this is one of the best attractions in Lyon.

Here, you’ll find a variety of galleries that display paintings , photographs, sketches, sculptures, and installations. There are also artist workshops here, and they have their own club, too.

Rue Burdeau is also where you’ll find Galerie le Réverbère, a modern photography gallery.

Right on top of a hill and with stunning views over Lyon is the picturesque La Croix-Rousse.

This is easily reached by a walk up the La Montée de la Grande Côte. This sloping streets that lead to the village are a must-visit in itself, with its pretty boutiques and cute cafes.

At La Croix-Rousse, you’ll find a small park and a lovely viewpoint overlooking the city. This is definitely one of the best places to see in Lyon, whether you’re here to shop, have coffee, or simply enjoy the views.

While checking out the murals, you most likely have caught glimpses of the Saône river. This is one of the two rivers running through the Presqu’ like.

In the early morning or late afternoon, one of the best things to do in Lyon is to just enjoy a relaxing stroll along the Saône.

Walk down the quays, or along the river. This is among the prettiest places in Lyon so don’t forget your camera.

If you’re going to spend time on the Saône, then you must visit the Rhône. This other river that runs along the Presqu’île is ideal for picnics.

Located ay the east of Saône, this is a wider river with grassy riverbanks perfect for a picnic.

Get some local wine , a baguette , cheeses , and some fruit. Bring them to the banks of Rhône and enjoy it.

This is a good way to relax and take a break from exploring more of Lyon.

If you simply couldn’t get enough of the two rivers, how about a break onboard a boat? Add a drink and you’re all set for an idyllic afternoon or evening cruise.

This is also a unique way to see Lyon, as you admire a different perspective of the city from the water.

Most of these riverboats are actually working bars, cafes, and restaurants. You get to enjoy a meal or a drink as the boat gently pushes through the water.

This is one of the best things to do in Lyon at night that you shouldn’t pass up.

The city’s covered passageways or ‪traboules are a must-visit in Lyon. ‬These are like secret conduits originally used by Lyonnais silk-weavers (‪canuts‬) to transport their goods.

One of the passageways that you must try is the Passage Thiaffait. This passageway was built in the 19th century.

Today, Passage Thiaffait houses workshops and studios. It is now a fascinating hub for fashion and design, a definite must-see.

There are so many museums in Lyon that it will probably take a year to see them all.

If you’re pressed for time and must visit one, make it the Musée des Confluences. It is said to be among the best museums in Lyon and features exhibitions on science and anthropology.

It is housed in a building that’s considered an architectural gem, that’s a fascinating exhibition in itself. The museum is located at the ‪Confluence, where the Rhône and the Saône rivers meet.‬

Try something that’s both unique and delicious while in Lyon.

How about a meal at a Bouchon, or traditional restaurant? The city is actually famous for its bouchons, so this is something you shouldn’t miss.

These restaurants serve traditional cuisine, which are usually meat-based.

There are those places that could adjust to certain dietary specifications so make sure you plan ahead. This is a great thing to do in Lyon that also lets you experience both tradition and local life.

This is something that you could probably do all day, and definitely a must when in Lyon. The city’s open-air food markets are also considered among the best attractions in Lyon.

Check out the ones in Croix-Rousse, which has organic food offerings. There’s also one in Quai Saint Antoine, which has views of the Saône river.

Sample some local dishes and delicacies , or pick up some wine or cheese. These markets also feature food trucks where you can get snacks you can enjoy in between browsing the stalls.

The Cinema and miniature Museum displays ultra-detailed tiny models of Gremlins, costumes, and film sets.

The museum houses over 900 replica settings, props, works of art, and craftsmanship. It also emphasizes visual effects and cinematic creatures, including full-sized props and outfits.

This museum, situated in the middle of Lyon’s historical city, allows you to see props from a diverse variety of famous performances, as well as wonderfully intricate artwork demanding such perfection that you will be surprised.

Quick Tip: Although the museum is self-guided, it is open to persons with difficulties; simply let them know if you want help. The most popular times for the displays on Saturdays and Sundays are from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM, which means it can become quite packed throughout these times.

The park is just a brief stroll northeast of Lyon’s downtown. The most direct route is to cross the Rhone River and walk north for approximately thirteen minutes.

The biggest urban park in France, Le Parc de la Tete d’Or is influenced by the design of an English garden and offers several attractions for all ages, including a zoo, fishing lake, flower gardens, mini train, pony rides for kids, and even more.

It’s a great spot to unwind and enjoy the natural splendor, with hundreds of paths for walking, running, or bicycling as well as big open areas for activities and picnics.

Les Halles Paul Bocuse is a public food market that focuses on some of Lyon’s most well-known local specialties and is a must-see on the itinerary of any gastronomic traveler.

This freshly refurbished building now houses over 40 of Lyon’s greatest butchers, pastry chefs, as well as wine experts, transforming it into an authentic gourmet amusement park. Les Halles is named after Paul Bocuse, who was one of Lyon’s most renowned chefs.

His three-Michelin-starred restaurant is the shrine of our cuisine. Les Halles Paul Bocuse has become a staple in Lyon, and while some individuals shop there daily, it is saved for special events and vacations for the majority of Lyonnais.

Les Halles will be accessible from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., but every vendor within the complex has its hours worked, so whatever time you arrive, everything may be in full flow or have closed for the day.

The ideal times to visit are late morning or mid-afternoon because a lot of stands close for lunch and remain closed in the afternoon.

After the Louvre, the Museum of Fine Arts is France’s biggest Fine Arts museum. It is ranked #1 among regional museums in France and fifth among all museums in France.

The entire admission charge to the museum is $8.62, while minors 17 and under are free. It is accessible every day of the year except Tuesdays and major holidays.

Because of the historical importance of Egyptology in Lyon, influenced by figures such as Victor Loret, prehistoric Egypt is the primary focus of the museum’s antiquities division.

Maison des Canuts acts as a Lyon museum that gathers and displays artifacts from Lyon’s silk-based industrial growth. The House of Canuts provides guided tours that include loom-weaving exhibitions. The history of Lyon Silk is highlighted during guided tours.

The exhibition galleries recount the history of silk, beginning with its discovery in China via the silkworm and continuing with the derivation of the name Canut, their organization and revolts, and the creation of the Jacquard loom.

One of the many advantages of this institution is that it provides a comprehensive overview of five centuries of silk production, including historical, artistic, specialized, and social elements.

The visitor may discover how Lyon has been molded by its textile industry history, featuring the city’s architecture, as well as its financial, humanist, and social growth, as defined by the silk workers’ revolution and its aftermath.

The Théâtre la Maison de Guignol, positioned in the center of Lyon, is a fantastic small hub for art and dramatic acts in the city. The theater has fantastic entertainment for all ages, including puppet shows, actors and comedians, illusionists, along with regional as well as local groups.

Intimate settings allow for participatory presentations that are both fascinating and enjoyable. The concerts are ideal for children and will undoubtedly provide an hour of enjoyable recollections. Adults pay 12.38 USD, while children aged 16 and under pay 10.23 USD.

Any opera fan should pay a trip to the renowned Opera National de Lyon. It ranks as one of the world’s top opera theaters, and its opera troupe and corps de ballet are renowned.

Today, both the local artists and a rotating cast of visiting songwriters and singers bring large crowds to watch spectacular versions of everything.

It is in the center of the city’s art scene. It is also one of the city’s most magnificent architectural marvels, with a beautiful glass dome designed by Jean Nouvel that sits over the old 18th-century structure.

Lyon’s Opera Ballet is also headquartered here, and during the summer, the company’s jazz musicians perform on the streets beneath the arches.

The Part Dieu retail mall is located in the center of Lyon. It is a destination where you can buy practically everything. It is easy to get there and enjoyable to roam about.

La Part Dieu retail center is one of Europe’s largest, located amid the commercial and busy nucleus of Lyon’s second city center.

With over 30 million consumers in 2013, it was the most frequented commercial center in France. To top it all off, this retail center is one of the biggest in France, alongside Les Quatre Temps at La Défense in Paris.

In addition, the Centre is a legitimate site for cultural events in Lyon. It provides exclusive events and a dynamic tourist experience.

The center’s existence, like that of a theater, follows the seasons. Visitors to La Part-Dieu may enjoy top-quality shows thanks to a huge number of agreements with highly regarded local groups.

Lugdunum: Museum and Roman Theaters is a UNESCO World Heritage site with distinctive architecture and excellent artifacts.

The concept of establishing a museum to hold relics associated with the Roman city of Lyon was initially considered in the 1930s. The idea did not take shape until the 1960s when it was handed to architect Bernard Zehrfuss.

The museum merges into the environment of a unique archaeological site formed of two main structures of the city of Lugdunum: a theater and an odeon, each of which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lancer de Hache acts as one of only a couple of axe-throwing facilities in France, bringing the Lyonnais to a sport that arose from a centuries-old Canadian custom.

Lancer de Hache offers hour-long lessons for groups of up to 16 individuals, allowing them to dress up in a traditional red-and-black checkered shirt and take aim with flair.

Daytime courses are great for business groups and team development, while nighttime programs are open to the general public.

Anyone over the age of 16 is invited to come to test the concept, whether they want to blow off steam, enjoy an occasion, or simply check out a new activity.

Where to Stay in Lyon, France

Location: 32 QUAI ARLOING, 9th arr., 69009 Lyon, France

Alter’hostel provides rooms in Lyon, next to the Pentes de la Croix Russes, just a 17-minute stroll from Vieux Lyon, and a 28-minute walk away from the Town Hall.

It has free internet access for free and a communal lounge. The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is located 2.1 kilometers away. The main desk is open 24 hours a day.

Each room has its bathroom, and every bed has its curtain, electric outlet, and safety deposit box. Guests have use of a fully equipped common kitchen as well as restroom facilities used by all hostel guests. Toiletries are available for purchase on-site.

Price per Night:

• $29 – $34
• Facilities for disabled guests
• 24-hour front desk

Mixed Dormitory Room For 1 (1 night): $29 Price + $1 taxes and charges

Notable Inclusions:

• Private kitchen
• Inner courtyard view
• Air conditioning

Location: 8 rue Professeur Pierre Marion, 5th arr., 69005 Lyon, France

Situated on Lyon’s Fourvière Hill, Villa Maïa provides stunning views of the city. The indoor pool has sights of the garden built by gardener Louis Benech. There is free WiFi throughout the resort, and valet parking is offered.

Each morning, a continental breakfast is served. There are gluten-free options available. Continental breakfast is also available in the guest rooms. Room service is accessible 24 hours a day, and the facility has a front desk open seven days a week along with concierge service.

• $469- $1,115
• Indoor swimming pool
• Spa and wellness center
• Fitness centre
• Private parking
• Very good breakfast

Suite For 2 (1 night): $1,115 Price + $4 taxes and charges

• 1 large double bed
• Private suite

Lyon Travel Tips

I feel as safe as I would in any other large city, if not more so. As a regular solo traveler, I’d say Lyon is a city I’d feel fairly at ease in on my own. Pickpockets are the most dangerous threat to be aware of.

This is an extremely clever method to explore the city! It’s convenient, practical, and simple to get, and it allows you to enjoy everything Lyon has to offer.

It gives you FREE admission to a variety of museums, performances, guided tours, and activities. It entitles you to lower costs on leisure activities as well as unrestricted usage of public transportation.

Allow plenty of time for strolling and exploration. Walking about the city and admiring the architecture and various sculptures was one of my favorite aspects of the day. This is how I discovered several stunning murals and town squares.

Typically, 10% to 15% of the total amount ordered would suffice. Budget tourists should bear in mind that the closer the restaurant is to the center, the higher the price. A large variety of appealing affordable restaurants and cafés may be found in Lyon’s outlying neighborhoods.

Travel Insurance: I never leave home without travel insurance. My personal opinion is if you can afford to travel, you can afford to buy a travel insurance. All things can happen while on the road and you can never be too sure. And it's something that you'll be glad to have when you need it. For my preferred travel insurance, I use Safety Wing .

What To Wear: If you want some ideas on what to pack for France, check out this packing list guide for France .

Where To Stay: I personally use Booking.com for all my accommodations. Check out for their latest deals here .

Reading Resources: Check out our best reading resources here .

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries and lived in 4 continents in the last 10 years, including France. A self-proclaimed Francophile, I love everything France.

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The ancient capital of the Gauls, Lyon was founded in the 1st century BC. The city has carried on developing ever since, and nowadays offers a remarkable architectural heritage. Let's set off to discover this city steeped in 2,000 years of history and home to many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Lyon is famous for its historic centre, with treasures to amaze any visitor. Stroll around the picturesque streets of the old town, Vieux Lyon, spend some time in the Renaissance quarter, and admire the Cathedral of St. John. This Gothic building is notable for its four towers, 13th-century stained glass windows, Flamboyant Gothic Chapel of the Bourbons, bishop's throne and 14th-century astronomical clock. Don't miss the famous traboules, the inner passageways between streets that run through one or more buildings, containing tucked-away galleries, inner courtyards, ancient façades... The must-see Rue Saint-Jean is the main street in Vieux-Lyon, with a string of beautiful residences like the La Chamarerie mansion, the House of Lawyers or the Laurencin mansion.

Lyon also has a significant Roman heritage, exemplified by the remains of the Roman theatres. Located on the Fourvière hill, within the archaeological park which hosts the famous music festival Les Nuits de Fourvière every summer, they consist of a large theatre, the oldest Roman theatre in France, and the small theatre, the Odeon. Nearby, the Lugdunum Gallo-Roman Museum exhibits remarkable collections of sculptures, mosaics, jewellery and ceramics, as well as the famous Claudian Table, a bronze plaque inscribed with a speech given by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the year 48. At the top of the lush green hill is the majestic Basilica of Our Lady of Fourvière, which overlooks the city. Built at the end of the 19th century, it has a richly decorated interior, as evidenced by the mosaics depicting the story of the Virgin. From the esplanade, you can enjoy a marvellous view over the city, and also over the Alps on a clear day. Continue to the Heights Park (Parc des Hauteurs), which offers many viewpoints over the Saône and the city.

Another of Lyon's hills, La Croix-Rousse, offers a village atmosphere at the top (le plateau) and picturesque slopes (les pentes). It was once the neighbourhood of the canuts, the specialist silk workers who made Lyon famous in the past. An ideal place for a stroll, La Croix-Rousse is full of sights to see, with its House of the Canuts, dedicated to the history of silk-making in Lyon, typical traboules, pretty shops, frescoes and trompe-l'oeil paintings like the impressive Wall of the Canuts. At the bottom of La Croix-Rousse, on Rue de la Martinière, you can admire the magnificent and unmissable Lyonnais Fresco.

Between the Rhône and the Saône, the Presqu'île invites walkers and shopaholics to discover its commercial streets lined with boutiques and its beautiful squares, including Place des Terreaux, Place Bellecour - the biggest in Lyon! - Place des Jacobins and Place Louis Pradel. Rue Mercière is an ideal place to indulge in Lyon's culinary specialities thanks to its many restaurants. In the midst of an urban renewal programme, the Confluence quarter dazzles visitors with its ultra-modern creations. The museum is a must-see, for its unusual architecture as well as its collections about the history of Earth and human evolution.

To unwind, nothing beats a walk in the Tête d'Or Park. A breath of fresh air in the city, featuring green spaces with century-old trees, a lake, a rose garden and a free zoo, this immense park attracts walkers, joggers and rollerbladers. The banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers are also ideal for pleasant strolls, as is Barbe Island in the middle of the Saône, where the remains of a Romanesque abbey will delight lovers of old buildings.

Lyon is also a major gastronomy destination. The authentic specialities served by the "bouchons" (small restaurants typical of Lyon), lovely brasseries and great Michelin-starred restaurants are proof of this. Located at 102 Cours Lafayette, in Lyon's 3rd district, the Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse is a covered food market with shops and restaurants offering excellent local products. This is the place to be for gourmets and anyone who loves good food.

When it comes to art and culture, Lyon offers a wide range of museums. You have the Museum of Fine Arts and its exceptional collections of paintings and sculptures; the Museum of Textiles and Decorative Arts, which houses the largest collection of textiles in the world; the Museum of Contemporary Art; the Puppetry Museum, which will delight children and adults alike; the Miniature and Cinema Museum with its incredible collection of objects used for special effects; the Museum of the Lumière Institute to discover the beginnings of the silver screen, and many more. Lyon Aquarium and Mini World Lyon are sure to please younger visitors.

The Festival of Lights in December is a magical and unforgettable experience. At night-time, the city's bridges, monuments and buildings are aglow with coloured lights. A magnificent spectacle not to be missed!

Additional information Lyon

Access to the Fourvière hill is through the Funicular Fourvière Les Minimes and Saint -Just.

I-Way, auto racing simulator: In a rather futuristic design, you can participate in a race car as a real pilot on board a Formula 1 car, a rally car or a prototype Endurance. World exclusive and mounted with 18 simulators in networks, you will experience the thrill of auto racing ... braking, acceleration, mass transfer, vacuum, force feedback and adrenaline are scheduled.

Things to see and do

• The Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: St. John's Cathedral with Astronomical Clock, St. Paul's Romanesque Church, traboules...
• The Fourvière hill: the Fourvière basilica, the archaeological park and the museum of Gallo-Roman civilization, the Rosary garden, the Parc des Hauteurs. Access to Fourvière Hill is via the funiculars of Fourvière, Les Minimes and Saint-Just.
• The Museum of Confluences.
• The district of Croix-Rousse.
• The traboules of the Croix-Rousse starting from the Cour des Voraces.
• The Presqu'île with Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux, Opera, Place des Jacobins.
• The Museum of Fine Arts and the cloister of the Palais Saint-Pierre.
• The Basilica of Saint Martin d'Ainay.
• Painted walls in all neighborhoods, including the Croix-Rousse canut wall, the Lyonnais fresco, the Tony Garnier urban museum...
• Lyonnaise gastronomy, corks.
• I-Way, racing simulator: In a futuristic and design place, you can participate in a car race like a real driver aboard a Formula 1, a Rally car or a prototype Endurance. Exclusively worldwide and thanks to 18 networked simulators, you will experience the sensations of motor racing... braking, acceleration, mass transfer, aspiration, force feedback and adrenaline will be on the program.
• Gadagne Museum: history of Lyon and puppet museum.

Leisure activities

Places of interest, events and festivities.

• Fourvière Nights in June, July and August.
• The Dance Biennial in September even years.
• The Contemporary Art Biennial from September to December in odd years.
• The Light Festival in October.
• The Festival of Lights December 8.
• From 5 to 7 april 2024
• Lieux divers
• In 2024, the Festival Quais du Polar returns for a new edition ! - A choice of novels, graphic novels, TV series, films, round-tables, meetings and conferences, suspense quests in the streets of Lyon, exhibitions, games… throughout the three-day 20th edition of the festival.
• From 6 to 7 april 2024
• Opéra de Lyon, Place de la Comédie
• The Orchestra musicians and members of the Lyon Opera Choirs have formed small groups to give chamber music concerts. Do not miss the opportunity to discover new pieces.
• On 7 april 2024
• A creative recital by a young, talented pianist. Russian pianist Alexander Malofeev's poetic programme revolves around the dialogue between Baroque and Russian Romanticism.
• From 16 to 21 april 2024
• Merce Cunningham Forever. To celebrate the American master's influential work, the Lyon Opera Ballet presents Beach Birds and BIPED, two seminal pieces introducing the art of dance to the 21st century. Be sure to discover the work of one of the leading figures of abstract dancing.
• From 18 to 23 april 2024
• For the 11th edition, the Lyon Science-Fiction festival comes back in April 2023 to offer a retrospective of cinema, conferences, imaginary literature fair in the company of many partners and guests.
• On 23 april 2024
• 149 rue Garibaldi, Auditorium de Lyon - Orchestre National de Lyon (ONL), Place Charles de Gaulle
• After a busy day at work, come and relax with friends and colleagues at the Auditorium ! Experience the magic of a live symphony concert and discover the great classics in a short format, ideal for a first encounter with the orchestra.
• From 13 to 24 may 2024
• This piece by Berlioz tackles Shakespeare through the finest, most cheerful writing about the feeling of love. Two visions are clashing : the safety of home on one hand, unbridled desire on the other.
• From 18 to 19 may 2024
• On 18 may 2024
• Lieux divers - Various places, Lieux divers -Various places
• A fun and surprising program awaits you for a Night of Digital Museums !
• From 8 to 9 june 2024
• 4 place Lieutenant-Morel, Le Collège Graphique
• Lyon BD Festival gathers the whole universe of the 9th art around varied and original events for bd live ever, ever alive ! Cinemas, museums, restaurants, welcome comic in all its forms.

Detailed information

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

• The Beaujolais and villages of golden stone.
• Les Monts du Lyonnais .
• The Dombes with the Birds Reserve of Villars-les-Dombes .
• Animal Park of Saint-Martin-la-Plaine.
• Animal Park Peaugres.
• Lake of the Pines.

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Lyon

A Guide to the Best Things to Do in Lyon

By: Author Sophie Nadeau

Posted on Last updated: 4th January 2022

Categories France

Last Updated on 4th January 2022 by Sophie Nadeau

As Lyon is one of France’s largest cities, it’s clear that there’s no shortage of amazing things to do in Lyon. From admiring breathtaking views to discovering the city’s unique foodie scene, there’s a plethora of activities to entertain even the most discerning of travellers.

If you’re thinking about seeing a lot of attractions and monuments while in Lyon, Consider purchasing the Lyon City Pass , which includes a cruise along the Saone and access to public transportation. To work out whether or not the pass is worth it for you or not, add up the cost of the individual attractions you wish to visit and see if you’ll save money. Find more details here.

Between hidden gems, world-class food experiences, and an abundance of impressive architecture, the beautiful Eastern French city of Lyon is constructed at the confluence of the Rivers Rhône and Saône.

Perfect for a weekend break or longer excursion, there’s no shortage of reasons to visit Lyon on your next French adventure… Those who only have a short time in the city will want to check out our one day in Lyon itinerary.

Where is Lyon?

What is lyon known for, eat local lyonnaise food, marvel at street art, frescoes, and murals, discover roman ruins, get lost in the old centre, discover the best views in lyon, discover the hidden gems of lyon, drink a coffee, fête des lumières, visit the lyon christmas market, take a day trip from lyon, pack a universal travel adapter, bring a french phrasebook, where to stay in lyon, what is the population of lyon, what are the best free things to do in lyon, is lyon safe to visit.

Lyon lies at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône in the East of France . Not too far from the border with Germany, the city is also nicknamed the ‘gateway to the Alps’ as a result of its proximity to the famous European mountain range.

Constructed at the confluence of the River Saône and the River Rhône, Lyon is constructed across the two slices of the mainland, as well as the Presqu’Île that forms the city centre.

As well as being one of the biggest cities in France (third after only Paris and Marseille) , Lyon is famous for its rich culinary scene thanks to its strategic position between Provence and Burgundy. The most famous foodie experience in Lyon is probably dining in a traditional ‘Bouchon’.

Though not the cheapest French destination by any stretch of the imagination, there’s no denying that Lyon is much more affordable than Paris. Thank to lower accommodation prices, among other things, the foodie city costs less than the French capital. This also means that hotels are generally cheaper, as are restaurant prices, and bar menus.

If you’re looking for one of the best solo female travel destinations in Europe, then Lyon is hands down one of the best places to travel to alone in France. Thanks to its excellent foodie scene, fantastic scenery, and ease of transport links to the rest of France (and beyond), you’ll soon fall in love with this Eastern French city.

Best things to do in Lyon

For a true taste of traditional French food, be sure to head to a ‘Bouchon’. These foodie hotspots are typical of Lyon are primarily dotted around the Vieux Lyon district of the city. However, don’t head to a ‘bouchon’ expecting a fine dining experience.

Instead, you’ll soon discover a focus on quality food, a friendly atmosphere, and a historical vibe. After all, the bouchons of Lyon grew to such popularity during the 17th and 18th-centuries, when they began as small inns which catered to the silk merchants passing through the city. For further insight into Lyon food, consider booking  this Half-Day Gourmet Food Tour with Tastings.

If you’re looking for the fresco capital of France, then you need to look no further than Lyon. From the smallest slice of street art to a larger glimpse of a trompe l’oeil which covers the length of an apartment block, there’s plenty of stunning murals to be found across the city.

The craze for art across the city really stemmed from one original project: Fresque des Lyonnais. Located in La Croix-Rousse neighbourhood, this 800 metre squared mural currently depicts 30 well-known people from the city and was originally painted in the 1990s.

Hands down, one of the best things to do in Lyon is to admire all of the beautiful murals dotted around the city. The best neighbourhood to see murals in Lyon is La-Croix, where the best-known painting of all can be found in the form of La Fresque des Canuts, which depicts scenes to do with Lyon’s silk-weaving industry.

Founded on the Fourvière hill as early as 43 CE and then-known as  Colonia Copia Claudia Augusta Lugdunum,  or  Lugdunum  for short, wander around Vieux Lyon today and you can expect to find traces of Lyon’s ancient history around almost every turn. 

These are particularly prevalent on the Fourvière Hill, where you’ll find the remains of several Roman theatres and ancient Roman baths hidden behind a modern apartment block.

Hands down, the top Roman ruins in Lyon can be found in the form of the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, which is free to visit and is now classed as a UNESCO world heritage site on account of its historical importance.

With its many architectural styles and expansive area, Lyon is a city where old meets new. However, if you’re looking for a picturesque old town where nearly every lane is cobbled and where each street corner is prettier than the next, Vieux Lyon is undoubtedly the place to go.

Situated at the base of the Fourvière hill, which in turn is crowned by a bejewelled Basilica, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is characterised by its Renaissance mansion houses and traboules  (covered passageways) . The district also happens to be one of the largest old towns in France. While in the area, be sure not to miss out on Elise Saint-Paul and Les Musées Gadagne.

Despite being a large city, there is still a charming historic city centre that’s best explore on foot. As well as medieval churches and cobbled lanes, Lyon boasts plenty of 19th-century architecture that’s reminiscent of Paris.

If I were to select just one word to sum up my time in Lyon it would be  ‘stairs’.  Up and down, down and up, the city is set across a plethora of levels, often giving way to breathtaking views and requiring a fair bit of energy along the way!

Meanwhile, the waterways of Lyon offer plenty of beautiful riverside cafés during the summer months (head to Buvette Saint Antoine for one of the best views of the city ) and the opportunity to take lots of quayside walks.

Between secret passageways, little-known museums, and beautiful European bookshops, the foodie capital of France has no shortage of secret spots and hidden gems. Though must-see attractions of the city include Notre Dame de Fourviere and Parc de la Tête d’Or, the city has plenty of unusual corners to explore.

Not sure where to start? Some of my favourite offbeat locations include Le Bal des Ardents bookshop, the rainbow staircase of La Croix Rousse neighbourhood, and the traboules that were once used by silk merchants but are now hidden passageways dotted all around the city. Otherwise, check out this guide to the best of secret Lyon for further Wanderlust inspiration!

Over the past few years, Lyon has become a hotbed of fantastic independent coffee shops and cafés. Forget Paris. Over the past decade or so, coffee culture in Lyon has exploded, resulting in a myriad of amazing cafés across the city.

So whether you’re in search of speciality coffees or chai teas, there’s no shortage of incredible caffeine  (and other warm beverage)  experiences to be found. Some of my top picks for  cafés in Lyon  include My Petite Factory, a vegan-friendly coffee shop close to the prettiest bookshop in Lyon, and Puzzle Café, the foodie stop where you’ll find the best lattés in the city.

Other pitstops of note include Slake for the ultimate Sunday brunch experience (be sure to book in advance- unlike in other cities you can book brunch in Lyon cafés well in advance) and La Boîte à Café in La Croix-Rousse district of the city.

Of all the reasons to visit Lyon, the Fête des Lumières may well be the most unique. In a festival dating all the way back to the 19th-century, the Fête des Lumières (Light Festival) takes place every December and sees various light displays and shows take place across the city, every night for four nights. The tradition was started to express gratitude towards the Virgin Mary.

Among other things, many houses across the city place tea lights outside of all their window frames, while the main light show sees light rays dancing across the Fourvière hill. While in the city, be sure to check out the stunning display on the façades of the buildings alongside the River Saône. Discover more about the Fête des Lumières here.

Yet another seasonal event that is well worth checking out if you’re in Lyon during December is the Lyon Christmas Market (known as Marché de Noël Lyon) . The market takes place on an annual basis in Place Carnot from the 24th of November until the 24th of December.

Just a couple of hours from Provence, a few hours from the Swiss border, and as the gateway to Burgundy, there’s no shortage of day trips to be taken from Lyon. And while it’s true that there are plenty of experiences to be had for the oenophiles, there are also must-see destinations for history buffs and nature lovers too!

As a large city with good transport links, Lyon makes for a great base from which to explore the wider region. Hands down, one of the best day trips from Lyon is to the charming city of Vienne , which is famed for its Roman ruins. If you’re looking for the opportunity to experience a taste of medieval France, then a day trip to Perouges from Lyon is an absolute must! 

Lyon’s location as the gateway to the region of Burgundy (Bourgogne in French) , an area famed for its rich red wine production, also means that day trips to Burgundy destinations such as Beaune and Mâcon are easily accessible within just a couple of hours by train. For more inspiration, be sure to check out our guide to the best day trips from Lyon .

Lyon Travel Tips You Need to Know Before Visiting

Whether it’s your first, fifth, or hundredth visit to Lyon, then there are some things you should bear in mind before visiting the Eastern French city. So whether it’s language advice, what to see, or what to pack, read on to discover the best of Lyon travel tips…

If you want to keep your electronics charged on the go, then you’re going to want to bring along a universal travel adapter like this one .

Though English is fairly widely spoken, particularly by those in the tourism industry, it’s only polite to learn a few words of the local language, which in this case is French. Bring along a simple French phrasebook like this one to help you get by.

Between boutique stays and backpacking hostels, there’s something for every accommodation budget when it comes to visiting Lyon. For an uber-luxurious stay, be sure to book yourself into the five-star Villa Florentine .

Frequently asked questions about Lyon

As of 2015, the population of Lyon is 513,275.

Those visiting Lyon on a budget will be pleased to know that, while Lyon is certainly pricier than many other French destinations, there are a number of low cost activities and attractions on offer.

Some of the best free things to do in Lyon include visiting the Notre Dame de Fourvière basilica, strolling around the old town, relax in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, and discovering the chic Croix-Rousse district of the Eastern French city.

The tourist parts of Lyon are generally as safe as most other destinations in Europe. With this being said, visitors should be wary of pickpockets (which are present all over Europe) . Never leave your valuables lying around or attended. I personally recommend always wearing a crossbody bag like these ones.

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Lyon Is Great For

Wine tastings.

Historical Tours

Concerts & shows

Cultural Tours

Culinary Tours

• Hotel Carlton Lyon - MGallery Collection
• InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel
• Boscolo Lyon Hotel & Spa
• Hôtel de l'Abbaye
• Hotel des Celestins
• Agastache Restaurant
• Table et Partage
• Le Comptoir des Cousins
• La Table de Max
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
• Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere
• Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature
• Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon
• Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular
• Afternoon Old Town Food tour
• Lyon Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Audio Commentary
• Northern Rhône Valley Day Tour with Wine Tasting from Lyon
• Guided tour and wine tasting Northern Rhône Valley

3 Days in Lyon: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

How to spend 3 days in lyon: the best itinerary + where to stay.

You’re planning to spend 3 days in Lyon and you’re looking for the best itinerary?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay , I have prepared for you the perfect itinerary to visit Lyon in 3 days.

I will start this guide with my best tips to avoid the long waiting lines and save money at Lyon’s best tourist attractions.

Then, I will give you my optimized 3-day itinerary to make the most of your stay in Lyon.

In addition to the best places to visit and activities for each stage of your itinerary, I will also give you all my best tips and accommodation suggestions depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Lyon in 3 days? Where to stay?

Let’s find out!

1. The Lyon City Card

3 days in lyon: all must-see attractions, one last tip for a perfect 3-day stay in lyon, a. place bellecour, b. la presqu’île, c. la croix-rousse, d. le vieux-lyon, e. fourvière, a. parc de la tête d’or, b. shopping at part-dieu, c. lunch at les halles bocuse, d. rhône river cruise, e. cultural visit to one of the museums, option 1: the beaujolais, option 2: the grand parc of miribel jonage, option 3: walibi park, option 4: the most beautiful villages to visit near lyon, where to stay in lyon, visiting lyon in 3 days with family, more things to do during your 3 days in lyon, map of your 3-day itinerary in lyon, with a flight, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, my best tips to save time and money at lyon’s must-see attractions.

Before starting this 3-day itinerary in Lyon , I’m going to give you a few tips to save time and money during your visit.

To visit Lyon in 3 days , you should purchase the Lyon City Card (also known as “Lyon City Pass”).

These kinds of city passes are super convenient: they exist for most French cities such as Strasbourg and Marseille , as well as for other European cities like Rome , Milan or Barcelona .

With your Lyon City Card, you will be able to save time by skipping the lines at certain attractions and save money compared to purchasing entrance tickets one by one.

Here’s what’s included with the Lyon City Card:

• Unlimited access to public transportation: bus, metro, tram, and funicular
• Free entry to all the city’s museums (23 in total!): the Musée des Confluences, the Musée Gadagne, the Museum of Fine Arts…
• A cruise on the Rhône
• A rooftop tour of the Basilica of Fourvière
• A guided walking tour of Old Lyon (you will need to book a timeslot in advance)
• A Guignol puppet show (most famous puppet in France, originating from Lyon)
• Access to the miniature park Mini World Lyon.

You will also enjoy numerous advantages or discounts on:

• The Lyon City Tram for exploring Croix-Rousse
• The hop-on hop-off bus
• Shows performed in the city’s theatres
• A dinner cruise.

When booking, you will need to choose the duration of validity: 1, 2, 3, or 4 days.

After booking, you will receive a confirmation voucher by email. It will allow you to pickup your Lyon City Card at Lyon Airport , at the reception of Part-Dieu shopping center, or at the OnlyLyon Tourism Pavilion (tourist office), located on Place Bellecour.

Simply choose the place that’s the most convenient for you!

For a perfect 3-day trip to Lyon , simply click the button below to purchase your Lyon City Card:

2. Guided Tours in Lyon

During your 3-day stay in Lyon , you can of course explore the city on your own.

But in order to learn interesting facts and anecdotes about the city, your best bet is to opt for a guided tour with a local guide.

In addition to the traditional guided walking tour of the city , you will also find food tours in Lyon or more fun oriented tours, by Segway or Electric bike for example.

If you want to join a guided tour during your 72 hours in Lyon, you can find all the information and prices by clicking on the following links:

• Private 1h30 Segway tour around Presqu’île
• One-hour ride with audio commentary on the City Tram , in Croix Rousse district
• Electric bike guided tour of Old Town and the Tête d’Or park
• Gastronomic tour with tastings of the best traditional dishes in Lyon old town
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour.

If you already know your travel dates (or as soon as you will have them!) , you should really book your accommodation.

As Lyon is one the most touristic city in France , the hotels offering the best value for money are often fully booked months in advance.

As a seasoned traveler, I can assure you that it’s always by planning as far in advance as possible that I’ve found the best hotels or apartments deals.

You agree that it would be a shame to somewhat ruin your stay in Lyon by ending up in a not-so-great hotel that costed you a fortune, right? 😅

So your best bet is to take 5 minutes now to have a look at  traveler’s favorite hotels in Lyon.

And if you like one of the hotels you find, book it!

It’s fast, it’s easy and most accommodation offer free cancellation. That’s the best way to protect yourself from the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the best hotels deals in Lyon, simply click on the green button below:

After securing your dream stay, it’s time to continue reading this guide!

3 Days in Lyon: The Best Itinerary

It’s now time to plan your 3-day itinerary in Lyon!

I assume that you will be staying in Lyon for 3 full days and have purchased the Lyon City Pass or skip the line tickets in advance. It’s the best way to save time and money!

For each day of your stay, I will give you all the details you need to organize your visits , as well as a map showing the attractions of the day.

If you have any questions about organizing your 72h trip to Lyon after reading everything, feel free to ask me in the comments section at the very end of the article. I will be glad to help you out!

Day 1 – The Main Districts of Lyon

Day 1 Visits:

A. Place Bellecour B. La Presqu’île C. La Croix Rousse D. Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon) E. Fourvière

You should start your tour of the city at Place Bellecour.

Surrounded by cafés and shops , it’s the city’s iconic square and the largest pedestrian square in Europe . You can easily get there by taking the metro to Bellecour station .

At the center of Place Bellecour, you can find a statue of Louis XIV. The square also offers a great view over Fourvière hill and the Basilica.

During winter, you will find a ferris wheel on the square, as well as the Christmas ice rink.

And if you’re in Lyon for the Festival of Lights , you will definitely want to see the beautifully illuminated square!

Place Bellecour is the perfect starting point for your 3-day itinerary in Lyon , as this is where you’ll find the tourist office.

So here, you can pick up a map of the city as well as your Lyon City Card.

From Place Bellecour, you can easily start exploring the Presqu’île district on foot .

As one of the city’s main districts , it’s a must-see when you have 3 days in Lyon. There, you will find numerous historic buildings and the city’s most famous squares. So simply stroll around and explore!

Here is an optimized route to see all points of interest, in chronological order:

• Place des Célestins, where you can see Lyon’s theatre
• Place des Jacobins with its beautiful white marble fountain
• Rue de la République , the main shopping avenue
• Lyon’s Palais de la Bourse (listed as a historic monument!)
• Lyon’s Opera House
• Place de la Comédie, where the city hall is located
• Place des Terreaux, to admire the impressive Bartholdi fountain.

If you prefer, you can opt for a 1h30 guided Segway tour that will take you around Presqu’île neighborhood .

It’s a great way to learn more about the history of the city while doing a fun activity!

Simply click on the green button below to book your Segway tour of Presqu’île:

After visiting Presqu’île (on your own or with the Segway tour), let’s continue your 3-day stay in Lyon with a visit to La Croix-Rousse , another famous district of the city.

You can reach it on foot from Place des Terreaux in 25 minutes, or by taking metro line C at the Hôtel de Ville stop and getting off at Henon.

It’s free if you have the Lyon City Pass , since public transport is included!

La Croix Rousse used to be a working-class neighborhood, home to the main silk factories . The workers, known as the Canuts , have profoundly marked the history of Lyon with their social revolt in 1831.

To ensure you don’t miss any of the main sights in this district , I recommend the following itinerary:

Start by heading to Le mur des Canuts . This is a 1200 m² trompe-l’oeil mural that is considered the largest trompe-l’oeil in Europe. You will be able to see the old fresco depicting the life of the workers, as well as the more recent paintings.

Next, you should visit La Maison des Canuts to discover the impressive looms. The guided tour is free with the Lyon City Pass .

After the visit, climb up to the Gros Caillou to enjoy a panoramic view of the entire city.

Don’t feel like walking? In that case, you should explore La Croix Rousse with the City Tram !

It’s a little tourist train that takes you around the district for a guided tour with audio guides . The tour lasts approximately 1 hour.

You get a discount with the Lyon City Pass, and if you don’t have the pass, you need to book the City Tram here:

It’s now time to head to Lyon’s most touristic neighborhood: the Vieux Lyon , the historical district listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

From La Croix Rousse , you can reach it on foot (or by metro and bus if you prefer) by heading to Saint Vincent footbridge.

On your way, you can check out the Fresque des Lyonnais, on Rue de la Martinière.

This mural portrays several historic and contemporary figures that have left their mark on the city’s history, such as Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, Paul Bocuse, and l’Abbé Pierre.

After crossing the bridge, walk along the Quai de Bondy and then head towards Place du Change . You’re almost there: just a stone’s throw away, you will find Rue Saint-Jean , the main street of the Vieux Lyon district.

One of the unique features of Vieux Lyon is its traboules, with astonishing architecture .

These are underground pedestrian passageways that go beneath buildings and houses to cross a road. The largest traboule in Lyon can be found at 54 Rue Saint Jean , and you should also go see La Tour Rose , the most famous traboule, located 16 Rue du Bœuf.

As you wander down Rue Saint Jean, you’ll spot the Palais de Justice with its impressive facade and the Miniature and Cinema Museum (free entry with Lyon City Card ).

To end your visit of Lyon old town, continue walking on Rue Saint Jean to arrive in front of the Saint Jean Cathedral. Dating back to the 12th century, it houses one of the oldest astronomical clocks in Europe.

As the first day of your 3-day trip to Lyon is coming to an end, you should go watch the sunset from the top of Fourvière hill.

This hill offers a stunning panoramic view of the city!

If you want to walk, you can climb up on foot, and if you feel a bit tired after this day of visit, feel free to take the funicular for a quicker ascent.

And because here at VoyageTips we do things right, you won’t need to go far, as the start of the funicular is just next to Saint-Jean Cathedral (near the metro station).

When I told you I will give you an optimized itinerary for your 3 days in Lyon! 😎😄.

At the top of Fourvière hill, in addition to enjoying a superb view over the city, you can also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.

And if you have the Lyon City Pass , you will even get a guided tour that will grant you access to the Basilica’s rooftop!

Second Day in Lyon: What to Do and See?

Day 2 visits:

A. Parc de la Tête d’Or B. Shopping at Part-Dieu C. Lunch at Les Halles Paul Bocuse D. Cruise on the Rhône E. Cultural Visit to One of the Museums

You should start your second day in Lyon than with a peaceful stroll in Parc de la Tête d’Or .

The largest public park of Lyon has several entrances, and I recommend entering through the Porte des Enfants du Rhône to arrive near the lake.

From there, you can also take the little train that tours the park. It’s a great choice if you’re on a 3-day visit to Lyon with your family , as kids will really like it!

In the park, you will also find beautiful rose gardens and a zoological park. Entrance is free for both.

You can also rent bikes, pedal boats or even mini electric boats for your children.

The Parc de la Tête d’Or is definitely one of the best places to visit in Lyon during your stay if you have kids!

A 3-day visit to Lyon gives you plenty of time for a little shopping break , and that’s what I’m proposing right now.

Head to Part-Dieu , located 1.5 km from Parc de la Tête d’Or, by following Rue Garibaldi.

With over 190 stores , it’s one of the largest shopping centers in France.

By now, it should be around lunch time.

You should thus head to Les Halles Paul Bocuse, right next to the shopping center.

This large indoor market features several gourmet food stalls. Treat yourself to local specialties such as the famous quenelles or the praline tart!

Les Halles Paul Bocuse are closed on Mondays.

After lunch, you should relax a bit, and the best way to do is to go on a cruise along the Rhône and Saône rivers .

It’s a great way to discover the city from another angle!

If you have the Lyon City Card , the boat trip is included , so it would be a shame not to take advantage of it.

Without the Lyon city pass, you need to book your one-hour boat tour by clicking on the button below:

Lyon is home to several interesting museums , and I think it’s the perfect visit to end your second day.

You can choose among the following museums:

• Gadagne Museum, to learn more about the history of Lyon. There’s also a small museum dedicated to the art of puppetry, in honor of Guignol, the famous puppet born in Lyon
• Miniature and Cinema Museum recreates iconic scenes from the world of film in miniature. A must-visit for film buffs.
• The Fine Arts Museum and its collection of paintings and sculptures
• Confluences Museum for those interested in archaeology, anthropology, and ethnology
• The Olympique Lyonnais Museum, which will delight football fans.

And don’t forget that all these museums are free with the Lyon City Pass!

3rd Day in Lyon: Places to Visit

Day 3 visit  (4 options to choose from):

A. Beaujolais Region B. The Grand Parc of Miribel Jonage C. Walibi Park D. The most beautiful villages to visit near Lyon

Spending 3 days in Lyon allows you to take the time to visit the surroundings of the city .

In two days, you’ve had an excellent overview of Lyon , and for this third and final day, you should really explore the surrounding areas .

There is a lot to see around Lyon, which is why I offer several options .

Simply choose the one that suits you best , depending on whether you are traveling with children or adults and your personal interests!

Spending 72 hours in Lyon also gives you the chance to discover the famous Beaujolais wine region .

It’s the perfect choice if you’re a wine lover!

There, you can visit the traditional villages and vineyards of Beaujolais, do cellar tours (with wine tastings of course!) , and discover the secrets behind the Beaujolais grand crus.

To get to Beaujolais from Lyon, take the A6 motorway towards Paris and exit at junction 30 (Belleville sur Saône).

You can find a list of vineyards to visit around Lyon by clicking on the green button below:

And what’s great is that some of the visits are free!

Here’s my selection of the best vineyards (simply click on the orange links for more info and to book):

• Domaine Frédéric Berne produces organic wines in Beaujolais. Enjoy free tasting or a visit plus tasting from only 8€!
• Domaine Emmanuel Fellot offers tastings of 8 wines paired with cheeses and regional charcuterie. You can also book a guided tour around the vineyards on an electric bike.
• Château de Montmelas to discover the Vins Marquis de Montmelas.
• Les Vins de Viennes , a vineyard producing both red and white wines.

If you don’t have a vehicle , you should rather opt for an organized day trip from Lyon that includes transport and a guide.

You can find more info about the best Beaujoloais day trip by clicking on the button below:

This is a great option if you decided to spend 3 days in Lyon with family and if the weather is nice.

The Grand Parc of Miribel Jonage covers 2200 hectares and extends over 15 municipalities around Lyon . You can indulge in numerous activities, whether alone, as a couple, with friends, or with children.

In summer, you can, for example, enjoy the lake and its beaches for a swim as well as the numerous water activities : pedalo, stand up paddle, kayak…

And if your kids prefer solid ground, you can rent bikes/electric bikes, play tennis, badminton or even try archery . Overall, it’s a day filled with activities!

You should check the official park website for a list of all the available activities.

Walibi Park is the best amusement park in the region.

If you’re a thrill-seeker , then this will be a top choice for the last day of your 3-day Lyon itinerary!

You can try more than 30 attractions and enjoy a fun-packed day.

To get to Walibi Park (about 1 hour’s drive from the center of Lyon), you can rent a car or use one of the shuttles that leave from Place Bellecour every Saturday morning in the summer.

In other seasons, OUIBUS shuttles make the journey to Walibi Park from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport .

The park is open from 10am to 6pm.

If you love strolling through charming villages, while you’re in Lyon, make sure to visit Pérouges , one of the most beautiful villages in France .

Pérouges is a 40-minute drive from Lyon. It’s a beautiful medieval village with its cobbled streets and charming narrow alleys. It’s like being on a movie set – truly a different world!

Every summer in June , the medieval festival of Pérouges takes place, offering an even deeper immersion into medieval life.

You can even make a loop and visit 3 villages.

• After Pérouges, go to Beaujeu , the historical capital of Beaujolais (1h drive from Pérouges).
• When you’re done visiting Beaujeu, go back to Lyon , taking the road that passes by Val d’Oingt (formerly known as just “Oingt”) , another really beautiful village.

And if you prefer to discover one of the most beautiful french cities , the gorgeous city of Annecy , located about 1h40 by car from Lyon is also a great option.

You can visit it in a day or spend 2-3 days there, especially if you wanna do nautical activities on the lake or hiking in the mountains nearby.

If you plan to visit Annecy, you should read my dedicated article: The 17 Best Things to Do in Annecy.

Now you know how to visit Lyon in 3 days!

However, there’s still one important step left to get ready for your weekend in Lyon: finding a good hotel!

To make it easier for you, I’ve prepared a selection of the city’s best hotels:

• HO36 Opéra: Located just 100 meters from Place des Terreaux, in the Presqu’île area. Youth hostel with dormitory beds starting at 30€ per night, breakfast for 8€. Strong points: the great location, the pleasant interior patio.
• Kyriad Lyon Centre: Located in the Presqu’île district, 20 minutes from Place Bellecour. Double room but with twin beds starting at 50€ per night, breakfast for 11€. Strong points: the room space and comfort, the friendliness of the staff. Excellent value for money if you don’t mind sleeping separately from your partner!
• Campanile Lyon Centre Part-Dieu: Located in the Part-Dieu district. Comfortable and modern double rooms starting at 90€ per night, breakfast for 12€. Strong points: the very good value for money, the competent staff, the good breakfast.
• Villa Maia: Situated on the Fourvière hill. This 5-star hotel in Lyon offers luxurious and super comfortable rooms with panoramic views of the city from 450€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: the sumptuous setting, the exceptional view, the heated indoor pool. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Lyon!

Are you planning a 3-day family trip to Lyon ?

Well, you’re in luck because Lyon is an excellent destination for a holiday with children. If they have trouble walking for a long time, you can easily use public transport to get from one site to another.

Here are the best activities in Lyon for a stay with kids:

• The city tram tour, in Croix Rousse
• The funicular ride to the top of the Fourvière hill
• The cruise on the Rhône
• Visiting Parc de la Tête d’Or and its zoo (with maybe a mini train ride!)
• The Musée des Confluences
• The Grand Parc of Miribel Jonage and all its activities
• Walibi Park
• And why not a Guignol puppet show! (included with the Lyon’s tourist card ).

If you’re going on a 3-day trip to Lyon with your children, you can also find some time to visit Mini World Lyon.

It’s France’s largest animated miniature park. Spreading over 3000 m², it features miniature worlds ranging from the city to the mountains and countryside.

Mini World Lyon is accessible by metro, tram, or bus from the city center and entrance is free with the Lyon City Pass.

For more information, visit the official website.

If you want to customize this 3-day Lyon itinerary , you should read my dedicated article about the city.

There, you will find all the best places to visit in Lyon as well as ideas for day trips in the surroundings. It will allow you to create an itinerary that’s perfectly suited to your tastes!

You can find my guide of Lyon here: The 21 Best Things to Do in Lyon.

To help you visualize your routes during these 3 days in Lyon, I’ve created a map listing the places to visit day by day . You can display the map legend by clicking on the button in the top left corner with a small arrow. This will allow you to view the routes for each day.

Spending 3 Days in Lyon

Since flight prices to Lyon can vary a lot, it’s a good idea to check them as early as possible. For that, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. It’s the best way to get a great deal!

You should check the train schedules and fares for your 3-day visit to Lyon and book your tickets right here:

Do you need help organizing your 3-day itinerary in Lyon? Feel free to ask me your questions in the comments section below!

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Your Trip to Lyon: The Complete Guide

Lyon Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip

Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France, is the country's third-largest city after Paris and Marseille. With a history stretching to the Gallo-Roman period, Lyon is now an important hub for art, culture, gastronomy, winemaking, and commerce. Keep reading to learn how to plan your trip to Lyon, with info on getting there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do.

Planning Your Trip

• Best Time to Visit:  Lyon is generally most pleasant from mid-spring to fall, when warmer weather makes activities such as wine tasting, strolls, cycling, and day trips ideal. However, you should also consider visiting in early December, when holiday lights, Christmas markets, and other festivities awaken the city from its winter lull.
• Language:  French is the official language in Lyon.
• Currency:  The Euro has been France's official currency since 2002.  
• Getting Around:  Central Lyon and the main areas of interest for tourists are fairly compact and easy to navigate by foot; make sure you're equipped with either a good navigation app on your phone or a print map. If you decide to take public transportation, the city has an inexpensive Metro, bus, and tram network. Tickets can be purchased in stations or onboard buses, but be aware that single tickets purchased on buses cost significantly more than ones purchased in advance. There are also two funicular lines bringing you up the city's two steep hills; you can use regular metro/tram tickets or travel passes on these lines. Meanwhile, if you wish to take a day trip to nearby vineyards or surrounding towns, local trains run regularly and efficiently from central Lyon.
• Travel Tip: You won't feel you're in a huge city if you find a hotel somewhere close to the major tourist attractions—and you'll save money on transportation, too.

Things to Do

Built up on a hilly site around the Rhône and Saône rivers  , Lyon offers plenty to see and do, whether it's your first visit or third. Especially on a first trip, you'll want to explore the winding streets of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon); the St-Jean Cathedral at its western edge is a stunning example of medieval Gothic architecture, while warm Italian-style buildings in ochre and warm pink mostly date to the Renaissance period. Be sure to walk along the banks and poetic bridges of the two rivers, and perhaps enjoy a picnic somewhere along the way. Finally, have lunch or dinner at one of Lyon's iconic bouchons : traditional, mostly family-owned eateries famous for their simple but delicious local fare.

Here are more of the top things to see and do during your stay:

• To the west of Old Lyon is Fourvière hill, dominated by Notre-Dame de Fourvière; you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city from the lookout point outside the basilica. The ruins of two Roman arenas, along with Lyon's fascinating Gallo-Roman archaeological museum ( Musée Lugdunum ), are located here as well. Fourvière is reached by a funicular that departs from the base of the hill in Vieux Lyon.
• By the 18th century, Lyon was renowned throughout Europe for its silk production. Tour the silk weavers' district on the high slopes of the area known as La Croix Rousse; wander through the old passageways, or traboules, that permitted silk workers to transport goods to the city center below.   The Croix-Rousse neighborhood itself is also worth exploring, and is full of interesting street art, quirky boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
• Lyon is an important historic site for film and cinema. Visit the Lumière Institute and the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema to learn more about the city's key role in the development of moving pictures.

Explore more local sights and attractions in our full guide to the top things to see and do in Lyon , and our photographic tour of the city's highlights .

What to Eat and Drink

Lyon is widely considered the gastronomic capital of France, and boasts more than 1,000 restaurants. You won't have trouble finding a good meal in Lyon. The city is awash with traditional, inexpensive tables—including the previously mentioned bouchons, with their intimate dining rooms and authentic vibe. Local specialties include a soft, herbed "silkweaver's" cheese called cervelles de canuts; tripes; quenelles de brochet (pike fish in a rich, creamy sauce); and Lyonnais-style salad. If you want to learn how to cook with the region's traditional ingredients, consider signing up for a single-day class with Plum Teaching Kitchen Lyon .

While you're in town, check out the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a covered market and food hall named after the renowned and late French chef. Wander through 48 bustling market stalls to taste and/or buy some excellent cheeses, produce, wines, pastries, and typical Lyonnais treats. Some of the city's better restaurants, both informal and formal, are situated in and around the market.

Located in the heart of the Rhône winemaking region, Lyon is also an excellent place to taste superb French wines, whether by visiting a local wine bar, or by taking a day trip to a regional winery or tasting cellar. Learn more about wine tours in and around Lyon on the city's Tourist Office and Convention Bureau website .

For more on where to eat in the city, explore our guide to the best restaurants in Lyon.

Where to Stay  

As the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and one of France's largest cities, Lyon counts plenty of hotels—from familiar global chains to quirky boutique accommodations and B&B-style lodgings. Many in the three- and two-star categories offer excellent value for money and above-average amenities. If you're traveling during peak season (mid-spring through early fall), make sure to book well ahead to secure the best rates.

If you don't mind preparing some of your meals, staying in a furnished vacation rental equipped with a kitchen can be an excellent way to save money on eating out. And with the number of high-quality markets and bakeries available in Lyon, you might find yourself in the mood to experiment with the fresh ingredients you get your hands on anyway.

In terms of where to stay within the city, expect hotels in Vieux Lyon and the Presque-île area to charge more per night. Areas a bit outside of the city center—such as Perrache (near the train station) or in Croix-Rousse—are often less expensive. Before booking any accommodations, consider factors such as access to the city center by public transport.

Getting There

Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is located 15 miles from the city center and features excellent links with France's high-speed rail (TGV) network. There is also a shuttle bus connection, called the Navette Lyon, that links the airport to the city center.

Air France, Austrian Air, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, KLM, Emirates, and Lufthansa are among the national and low-cost carriers to offer both domestic and international flights to and from LYS. Several airlines, including Air France, offer direct service from Paris and other major cities around France; if you're flying from North America, you will generally need to connect through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).

If you're taking the train from another city in France or elsewhere in Europe, you'll arrive at one of Lyon's main rail stations: Part-Dieu or Perrache. There's a third rail station at LYS, which can be useful for continuing onward to cities and towns near Lyon, if you decide to explore the region further. TGV trains arrive and depart several times daily to and from Paris, and serve the Part-Dieu station. There are also direct Eurostar trains from London to Lyon ; it takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes in total, and brings you from one city center to the next.

See more about getting to and from Lyon by train by visiting France's National Rail network, SNCF (in English) .

Money-Saving Tips  

• The Lyon City Card gives you free access to all bus, metro, tramway, and funicular lines in the city; free and discounted admission to many museums and shows; and some shopping discounts. The Lyon Card is available as a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass; there are separate rates for adults and children.
• Consider visiting Lyon in low season (roughly late October to early April). In addition to enjoying more of the city to yourself and benefiting from shorter lines at popular attractions, flights and hotel rooms are often less expensive at this time.
• Lyon has a number of annual festivals and events that are free, including the Fête de la Musique (June 21), which allows you to enjoy free music performances throughout the city.
• You can travel around cheaply on two wheels by using Lyon's city bike scheme . The first 30 minutes are free, and the hourly and daily rates after that are budget-friendly.
• In the spring and summer, Lyon's many riverbanks and parks can be perfect for enjoying a picnic. Stock up on inexpensive but delicious pastries, bread, fruit, and French cheeses from one of Lyon's neighborhood bakeries or farmers' markets.
• If you want to take advantage of Lyon's world-famous cuisine while watching your bank account, opt for eating out during lunch. Pre-set lunch menus are generally much more affordable than dinner à la carte.

European Commission. " France and the Euro ." Web. Consulted December 11, 2020.

Encyclopædia Britannica. " Lyon, France ". July 6, 2018.

Only Lyon Tourisme. " Courtyards and Traboules of Croix-Rousse ." Updated August 8, 2019.

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Lyon travel blog — the fullest lyon travel guide for first-timers.

Located in the southeast of France, the city of Lyon is known for its quaint architecture, unique cuisine and vibrant cultural beauty. So, is Lyon worth visiting, how to visit Lyon, what to do in Lyon and how to plan a budget trip to Lyon for the first-time perfectly? Let’s check out our Lyon travel blog (Lyon blog) with the fullest Lyon travel guide (Lyon city guide, Lyon guide, Lyon France travel guide) from how to get to Lyon, best places to visit, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Lyon to help you maximize your trip as follows!

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Lyon or Lyons is the third largest city and second largest metropolitan area of France. It is located in the central-southeastern part of the country at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, about 470 km (292 mi) south of Paris, 320 km (199 mi) north of Marseille and 56 km east of Saint north-Etienne. The inhabitants of the city are called Lyonnais.

If Paris is as crowded and vibrant as Hanoi or Saigon, perhaps Lyon is as gentle and pleasant as Danang of Vietnam. Having the opportunity to visit many cities in France, through each city, each place leaves its own impression and color. But for me, if I had to vote for an impressive city in France, it would be Lyon, where the festival of lights is located, where it is extremely clean and peaceful.

Overview of Lyon (#lyon travel blog)

Lyon is a city located in the southeast of France, at the confluence of two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône. Lyon is the capital of the Rhône department in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes administrative region of France. In French the people of Lyon are called Lyonnais. The French city of Lyon has existed for a long time, formerly founded by the Romans in 43 BC and is one of the key cities. In the Middle Ages it was also an important trading city, dominating the routes that stretched from Northern Europe to the Mediterranean and Italy. Lyon became the capital of the textile industry in France and gradually became a major garment center of the country later.

Lyon nestled between the hills Fourvière and Croix Rousse. It is known as the second largest metropolitan area after Paris. Different from the noisy and bustling of the capital, Lyon always retains its full beauty of peace. Coming here, you can freely explore the long history, admire the poetic natural landscape or the magnificent architectural heritages recognized by UNESCO. Therefore, if you are interested in historical and cultural aspects, there is no better place than Lyon.

Today, the city of Lyon remains one of the largest industrial and commercial centers in France. With the transport link between the railway and the road, and one of the busiest airports in the country, it has made it easier to transport and import goods that contributing to the prosperity of the city.

When should you travel to Lyon? (#lyon blog)

Lyon has a typical temperate climate, with rainfall all year round. The winter months are dry, with summers usually quite hot. From May to September is summer season, pleasant weather. October is the wettest month you should avoid going during this time, it’s a good time to visit Lyon. The most beautiful time to travel to Lyon is in January when the trees are budding, the green color is flooding and the weather is pleasant and cool.

However, there is a time when you should avoid going to Lyon that is around the 2nd and 3rd week of August. This is the time when in Lyon there are often heavy rains accompanied by prolonged thunder and lightning, making the trip difficult.

Lyon is also home to many major cultural events, the most prominent of which is the globally famous Festival of Lights (French name is Fêtes des Lumieres), which is held annually in December.

Getting to Lyon (#lyon travel guide)

Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport is about 25 km from the city center is the largest airport in the region, a great destination for airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Air France, Thai Airways or Singapore Airlines, Emirates, United… Right here, you can also catch connecting flights to more than 100 other destinations.

Lyon has 2 train stations right in the heart of the city: Part-Dieu and Perrach. The 3rd station at Lyon Saint Exupéry Airport.

I took the train from Gare de Lyon, Paris to Lyon Part Dieu, Lyon for about 2 hours. All train tickets I bought at the website Thetrainline.com, the station is big, so it’s easy to go, convenient and easy to find, I almost have no any difficulty in finding the train.

Getting around Lyon (#lyon france travel guide)

As one of the most modern cities in France, public transport in Lyon is very developed. Using public buses, subways or trains is very easy when traveling to Lyon because they always have stops at the main attractions. You can also rent a bicycle to explore the city – there are plenty of bike rentals you can find on the street. Of course, you can also use Uber service.

Metro (#lyon travel blog)

For visitors to the city of Lyon, the public transport system is the number one choice. Whatever location has little distance needed to travel, most visitors can choose to get to use public transportation. Not only is it cheaper than a taxi, it’s a more challenging and authentic way to navigate around a new place. The distance from the old town to the train station is about 40 minutes on foot, so most of visitors prefer to take the subway.

Lyon’s Métro currently includes four routes and the fare is €1.80 for a single ticket and €5.60 for a 24-hour ticket.

What to do and where to go in Lyon?

Vieux lyon (#lyon blog).

The oldest town in Lyon and the first to be protected under Malraux law – the French law protecting cultural heritage. Located at the foot of Fourviere hill, there are three famous churches: Saint Jean, Saint Paul and Saint Georges which are also attractions for tourists when traveling to Lyon.

In the 15th, 16th, and 17th centuries, Lyon’s silk industry flourished and wealthy merchant families from across France, Flanders, Germany and Italy settled in the city. They built lavish, gothic, Italian renaissance and French renaissance houses, and there are still 300 of these remaining in the Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges and Saint-Paules districts.

The old town of Lyon was also recognized by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage in 1998. Although it is an old town, life here is always busy and bustling. Along with that are the beautiful, ancient architecture.

Lyon Opera House

Address: 1 Pl. de la Comédie, 69001 Lyon, France

The Opera House is designed to blend modern and traditional features, with a very pretty dome. Above all, this is the place for you to listen to the best operas.

Fourviere Hill

Located to the west of the of Lyon city is a district and also a hill. This is the site of the original Roman settlement in 43 BC. Fourviere has many different religious buildings such as churches, convents, chapels. Most famous for its Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The festival of Lights held on December 8 every year attracts hundreds of thousands of participants each year, proving the strong attraction of Fourviere.

Croix Rousse Hill

Looking in the opposite direction to Fourvière hill is Croix Rousse also known as “The hill that works”. The reason for that name is because this place is the cradle of Lyon city industry, especially thanks to the silk weaving factories that helped Lyon become the world silk capital in the 19th century.

Typical architecture of Croix Rousse is high-walled houses, high windows, wood-reinforced ceilings to install looms. The most distinctive feature of this old town is the shortcut through the courtyards of the houses, including the famous La cour des Voraces house, where the weavers have continuously held uprising meetings for the right to life and dignity in the period 1831-1849.

St. Jean Cathedral

Address: Pl. Saint-Jean, 69005 Lyon, France Hours: 8:15 AM–7:45 PM

Located in the heart of Vieux Lyon, St. Jean Cathedral was built in about 300 years and is a harmonious blend of many architectural styles. Upon entering the church, visitors can admire the beautiful stained-glass windows in the choir seats and the attractive patterns on the Gothic windows in the adjacent chapels.

If you go to the north wing, you will see the main attraction of the church, which is the astronomical clock more than 600 years old. If you visit at noon, around 2pm, 3pm, or 4pm, you’ll have the chance to hear its unique chime and observe its sophisticated mechanical movements.

Institut Lumière

Address: Rue du Premier Film, 69008 Lyon, France

The museum is the original home of the Lumière brothers, who created the Cinema and much more. The museum is located in a house built by one of the Lumière brothers and near their huge manufacturing plant where they made photographic paper and other documents, prints and films, the inventor of movies and the world’s first films they produced. A really nice museum for those interested in the history of cinema and old mansions. The villa itself is very impressive, a large and charming building.

Ancient Roman Theaters of Lyon

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France

The Ancient Roman Theaters of Lyon located on the left bank of the Saône River. And 2,000 years after it was built, it remains a performance venue during the Nuits de Fourvière drama festival in June and July. At its peak, it will hold 10,000 spectators, but only the middle terraces remain and bottom of the cavity. The theater was rediscovered in the late 19th century and restored over the next 40 years.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Address: 8 Pl. de Fourvière, 69005 Lyon, France Hours: 7 AM–8 PM

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière really has a wonderful architectural block seen from the outside. You see it from almost anywhere in the city on the hilltop above the old part of the city, either day or night! The best view of Lyon and one of the most beautiful Basilicas in France. Outside the Basilique you can find sites with good views to the west and see both the Saone and Rhone rivers and a large part of Lyon.

This magnificent church seen on the Fourvière hill to the west of the city is one of a series of iconic churches built in major French cities in the late 19th century. It’s one of the city’s most visited sites and became a symbol of Lyon’s strong religious power.

Outside the Cathedral you can find sites with good views to the west and see both the Saone and Rhone rivers and a large part of Lyon.

The basilica is located in the oldest part of the city with Roman style. Head inside to see the lavish interiors and the Art Museum then climb the north tower for one of Lyon’s best view.

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

Address: 20 Pl. des Terreaux, 69001 Lyon, France Hours: 10 AM–6 PM/Tuesday: Closed

It is the largest museum in France after Louvre of Paris about the richness and artistic value, history of the works here. The museum is located in the center of the city, in the Benedictine monastery from the 17th century. This monastery has now become a tranquil garden – home to famous sculptures of Rodin and Bourdelle. Art collections from major civilizations around the world and art schools from antiquity to the present are displayed in the museum’s 5 areas and 70 galleries with paintings from the 1300s to the 1900s, sculptures and sculptures. carving and exhibiting both Egyptian and Oriental art.

The Antiquities Display Area is a repository of some 600 ancient Egyptian artifacts including reliefs, busts, figurines as well as monumental gates recovered from the temple of Medamud.

Musée d’Art Contemporain

Address: Cité Internationale, 81 Quai Charles de Gaulle, 69006 Lyon, France Hours: 11 AM–6 PM/Monday, Tuesday: Closed

The museum is open for special exhibitions without any programs annual exhibitions. Make sure you check out specific exhibitions before making the attempt to visit.

These performances are held under the large roof of the Scenic on the banks of the Rhône. Old buildings are located in the hills just behind the old town.

Park Tête d’Or

Address: 69006 Lyon, France Hours: 6:30 AM–10:30 PM

Parc de la Tête d’Or is a rather large park located in the middle of the city. With an area of up to 105 hectares, the park is a relaxing place for many people. Walking at the Park Tête d’Or you step on the beautiful grass lawns. However, some places are forbidden to step on the grass, so be careful!

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon (Lugdunum)

Address: 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon, France Hours: 11 AM–6 PM/Monday: Closed

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon was founded in 43 BC. This is now a place to keep many valuable ancient Roman artifacts. There are many ceramic items such as vases, statues, mosaics… The outstanding sculpture here is the Hercules monument made of decorative marble from the ancient bathroom. There are also mosaic floors depicting images related to the God of the Ocean.

Bellecour Square

Located right in the center and a famous Lyon tourist attraction between the Rhône and Saône rivers, this square is home to a statue of King Louis 14, a famous king of French history. It is also the favorite weekend shopping and entertainment center of the city residents.

Bellecour is considered the heart of the city of Lyon. Every corner here is imbued with the French atmosphere with passionate coffee aroma and romantic street tunes. This is also a familiar dating place for locals and domestic and foreign tourists.

La Fresque des Lyonnais

Address: 2 Rue de la Martinière, 69001 Lyon, France

La Fresque des Lyonnais, or Mural of Lyonnais, is a building mural covering the back and sides of a bright yellow building on the Saône side of District 1. It is one of the more popular historic sites, depicting some of the many Lyonnais who made the city what it is today.

It features 24 historical figures and six contemporary figures, with modern day figures drawn at street level to represent the interactions between residents and visitors today. The nine-month project took the windowless wall in the city center and turned it into a cultural destination for Lyonnais. La Fresque des Lyonnais is located on the corner of 49 St Vincent and 2 rue de la Martinière. The wall is 800 square meters, with 200 square meters of it on the St. Vincent and 600 square meters in rue Martinière.

Besides, the most famous attraction of Lyon city is the massive mural system with nearly 150 scattered paintings turning this place into the mural capital of Europe.

According to history books, the first historic mural of Lyon covering 1,200m², is located on Croix Rousse hill, called “Wall of the Silk Weavers”, done in 1987 by the collective painters of the Cité Création cooperative. In the picture that was updated twice in 1997 and 2013 with the aim of showing the changing neighborhood. In the first drawing, the artists depicted real character Marc Carbonare, 28 years old, carrying a bicycle up the stairs.

In the second drawing, he is present with a new bicycle, and in his arms is holding his first daughter. Until the third version of the painting, the man Marc was 54 years old, riding a Velov (the city’s public bicycle) with his wife, twenty-something eldest daughter and 12-year-old youngest son!

Tony Garnier Urban Museum

Address: 4 Rue des Serpollières, 69008 Lyon, France Hours: 2–6 PM/Monday; Sunday: Closed

When visiting Lyon murals, surely visitors cannot ignore the museum named Tony Garnier. This is the author of the famous industrial town project – an ideal town combining modernity and humanity, which Garnier has realized with 164 detailed maps.

Born into a family of weavers in Lyon, from a young age Garnier experienced the poverty of the working class, he raised the desire to improve their lives with architecture. Inspired by utopia, in 1904, Garnier proposed an industrial city model when the influx of immigrants from the countryside to the streets created a housing problem.

Then, when he was appointed by the mayor of Lyon – Edouard Herriot – as chief architect, Garnier expressed his views on urban planning through many large projects such as animal markets, slaughterhouses, stadiums, hospitals… The most typical are the first low-cost apartments for working people. Although cheap, but Garnier’s top concern for more than 1,400 apartments built in the 1930s is the quality of life of residents, including: aesthetics, comfort, height restrictions, green space between streets…

Presqu’île Peninsula

This is a district located between the two rivers Rhone and Saone, this is the most famous place for tourists from all over the world when traveling to Lyon. The blend between a modern town but still ancient and majestic is the most outstanding feature of this neighborhood. This is also the place where the most luxurious and vibrant shopping streets in Lyon are concentrated.

Don’t miss the Presqu’île peninsula on this trip. This is a good opportunity for visitors to see firsthand the beautiful natural scenery. In addition, on the peninsula, there are many other fun spots waiting for you. Large commercial centers, famous squares or cultural streets of medieval architecture are also very attractive. Coming to the Presqu’île peninsula, you can admire the medieval architecture marking the 19th century.

An afternoon stroll

Lyon is extremely favored by nature when there are two major rivers of France flowing through, the Rhône and the Saône. The two rivers are fresh and green with embankments that are meticulously built to create tourism and cool conditions for the people here. There is nothing more wonderful than walking around the river and enjoying the fresh air in the evening!

This was an additional idea when we were a bit stuck, because we didn’t know where to go, we decided to take a walk around the river area on an autumn afternoon. Lyon is a city located in the southeast of France, at the confluence of two rivers, the Rhône and Saône rivers. Therefore, people in the city also love to have sports activities such as jogging, exercising or simply walking their dogs along the river. It looks calm, but I heard that these two rivers have flooded many times for the residents on the banks.

What and where to eat in Lyon?

Once known as the culinary capital of France, Lyon is an attractive tourist destination, with many interesting places to visit, and also a place to organize many major events throughout the year. In particular, visitors will have a wonderful culinary experience when coming to famous restaurants here. Not only famous Michelin restaurants, but there are also many traditional eateries with fresh dishes, local specialties at reasonable prices.

Besides, Lyon is also famous for the development of the wine industry. Located in the Côtes du Rhone vineyard to the south and Beaujolais, Burgundy to the north, this is definitely a must-visit for foreign wine lovers.

There are countless delicacies in Lyon waiting for you to discover such as Lyon salad or Salad Lyonnaise (Warm bacon & egg salad), white sausage with mustard sauce, Bresse poultry or beef intestine, quenelles cake.

Lyon salad (Lyonnaise lettuce) is often eaten with fried eggs, salted bacon, cilantro, croûtons and tomatoes.

St. Marcellin: St. Marcellin is the name of Lyon’s most characteristic cheese. Pieces of cheese are small round discs, soft and fibrous. The dish is made from cow’s milk, marinated with white wine or the skins and grapes left in the winemaking process. From there, the finished product is smooth and has an enchanting taste.

Chicken Lyonnaise: People often use the chicken from Bresse next to Lyon with the best quality in France. Grilled chicken in the oven with aromatic herbs or topped with fragrant truffle.

Quenelle de brochet: Shaped like a large dumpling. Quenelle de brochet has an outer shell made of flour, egg butter and milk that wraps the smooth Brochet fish inside. This dish must be served with shrimp – crab sauce or crayfish sauce, if possible.

Boulangerie du Palais (Address: 8 Rue du Palais de Justice, 69005 Lyon, France), the best bakery in Lyon. This popular cookie located downtown is fresh and handmade daily.

The famous restaurant in Lyon is Canut et les Gones (Address: 29 Rue de Belfort, 69004 Lyon, France) with a unique design of dining rooms like pickup trucks, caves with scrumptious dishes from the great chef Junzo Matsuno (Japan) that will satisfy those the most demanding diners.

Here is a list of 10 famous restaurants in Lyon France.

• Canut et les Gones: Address 29 rue Belfort, phone: + 33 478 291723. Lunch €10.50, Dinner 3-course menu €28.50
• Le Jean-Moulin: Address 22 Rue Gentil, phone: +33 478 373797. Lunch 3-course menu €13.50, dinner €24.90
• Bouchon Le Jura: Address 25 rue Tupin, phone: +33 478 422057. Lunch €13, Dinner €26.50
• In Cuisine: Address 1 place Bellecour, + phone: 33 472 411800. Lunch/dinner €13.50
• Le Bouchon des Filles: Address 20 rue Sergent-Blandon, phone: + 33 478 304044. 4-course menu €25
• Brasserie Chantecler: Address 51 Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse, phone: +33 478 281369. Two-course menu €12.50
• Le Sud: Address 11 place Antonin Poncet, phone: + 33 472 778000. 2 course menu €22.10
• Le Comptoir du Vin: Address 2 rue Belfort, phone: +33 478 398995. Daily menu €10.50
• AOC Les Halles: 102 Cours Lafayette, phone: +33 472 607957. Daily menu €11.50

Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Food Market

This food market is named after one of the great food giants of France, in the culinary capital of France so you can be sure of the quality of the food here.

It’s a foodie’s dream, a craft market run by the best food merchants in the area, selling charcuterie, cheese, meats, fruits and vegetables…

There are also a number of niche restaurants in the complex, and it’s packed with locals at lunch. So this is the place to go grocery shopping, enjoy a delicious Lyonnaise meal and buy regional specialties to take home. As with most French food markets, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is suitable for a morning visit.

What to buy in Lyon?

Are you wondering what to buy as a gift when traveling to Lyon, France? So chocolate will be an delectable, but very meaningful gift. To buy delicious chocolate, you can buy it at  some famous and quality chocolate shops in Lyon such as:

• Bernachon factory: The place to create delicious chocolate bars, leading in the world. Address: 42 Cours Franklin Roosevelt, 69006 Lyon.
• Bouillet shop: A place specializing in chocolate sales. Address: 15 Place de la Croix-Rousse, 69004 Lyon.
• Voisin shop: With more than 1000 years of experience specializing in selling chocolate, this place has become the most prestigious chocolate shop in Lyon that is loved by many people. That’s why the store has expanded to many more branches, everywhere, one of which must be mentioned is the 3 most popular shopping locations: Address 1: 32 Rue Grenette. (Tel: +33 4 78 37 55 61) / Address 2: 28 Rue de la Republique. (Tel: +33 4 78 42 46 24) / Address 3:10 Cours Vitton. (Tel: +33 4 78 24 29 25).
• With more than 400 stores, the large and small exhibition hall Les Puces Du Canal in the northern suburbs is an interesting place to shop, especially for second-hand goods, antiques, and furniture.
• Le Village Des Createurs is again the exclusive domain of local fashion creators with unique products with typical individual styles.

Where to stay?

Lyon is quite small, but if you don’t have a car, you should stay near the city center for easy travel and close to attractions. My tip is that I choose the places to stay in Lyon Old Town as much as possible, within a 2km radius for easy walking back and forth. Because I find Lyon Old Town quite central and close to many places to eat, museums, and cathedrals.

Travel through many cities, many different lands. The impression left on each person will certainly be a little different, but if I were to ask myself which is the most livable city in France, I would say it is Lyon. Lyon is big enough, vibrant enough for young people full of dreams and ambitions, Lyon is peaceful enough, and also brings idyllic and serenity to the elderly to rest. Lyon is warm, welcoming and offers many attractive destinations enough to attract tourists from all over the world to explore. Come to Lyon at least once in your life, to know what you are looking for.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• MEININGER Hotel Lyon Centre Berthelot ( Agoda , Booking )
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Lyon ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotelo Lyon Charité ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel des Celestins ( Agoda , Booking )
• Première Classe Lyon Centre Gare Part Dieu ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Carlton Lyon – MGallery Collection ( Agoda , Booking )
• Fourviere Hotel ( Agoda , Booking )
• Hotel Des Artistes ( Agoda , Booking )
• Campanile Lyon Centre Part-Dieu ( Agoda , Booking )
• MOB HOTEL Lyon Confluence ( Agoda , Booking )

Check out more top & best hotels in Lyon on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Lyon you can refer to

• Lunch Cruise On the Saone by Les Bateaux Lyonnais Hermes
• Dinner Cruise on the Saone by Les Bateaux Lyonnais Hermes II
• Dinner Cruise on the Saone by Les Bateaux Lyonnais Hermes I
• Lyon City Card
• Highlights Of Lyon Small Group Walking Tour
• Lyon 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (Open-Top)
• Gourmet Dinner Cruise in Lyon
• Lyon Sightseeing Cruise
• Rhône & Saône Lunch Cruise in Lyon
• Lyon City 1 Hour Tram Tour
• Old Lyon Customizable Private Walking Tour

Read more France guide here .

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