lyon tourism

LYON - France's second city

Lyon - where to stay, what to see and do.

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  Lyon - things to see and do 

Lyon Hotels and apartments

1. hotels choose hotels by area of lyon.

• Central area - La Presqu'île, between the two rivers
• The old  city , west of the Saône
• La Part Dieu - near the main railway station

A choice of hotels and apartments in Lyon.

Lyon tourist attractions.

Seeing Lyon

In the area - around lyon.

Lyon in a nutshell :

Access - getting to lyon   , lyon train stations : , the lyon city card : .

Location : 

Must-see attractions in Lyon

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…

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,…

Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

The WWII headquarters of Gestapo commander Klaus Barbie evokes Lyon's role as the 'Capital of the Resistance' through moving multimedia exhibits. The…

Mur des Canuts

Said to be Europe's largest fresco, this magnificent trompe l'oeil shows a slice of daily life among Lyon's residents. The work is packed with intricate…

Fresque des Lyonnais

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

Musée Lumière

Cinema's glorious beginnings are showcased at the art nouveau home of Antoine Lumière, who moved to Lyon with sons Auguste and Louis in 1870. The brothers…

Atelier de Passementerie

Preserved for posterity by the Soierie Vivante association, this silk-trimmings workshop functioned until 1979, weaving braids and intricate pictures…

Musée des Arts Décoratifs

This well-organised museum displays 18th-century furniture, tapestries, wallpaper, ceramics and silver. Ticket includes admission to the adjoining Musée…

Musée des Tissus

Extraordinary Lyonnais and international silks are showcased here. Ticket includes admission to the adjoining Musée des Arts Décoratifs, which displays…

Musée Gallo-Romain de Fourvière

For an enlightening historical perspective on the city's past, start your visit at this archaeological museum on the hillside of Fourvière. It hosts a…

Musée d'Art Contemporain

Lyon's contemporary-art museum mounts edgy temporary exhibitions and a rotating permanent collection of post-1960 art. It sometimes closes for several…

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.

Palais de Justice

Facing the river in old Lyon, the grandiose neo-classical Palais de Justice is well worth a gander.

Maison des Canuts

On a 50-minute guided tour, learn about weavers' labour-intensive life and the industry's evolution, see manual looms in use, and browse the silk boutique…

Aquarium du Grand Lyon

Just west of the Confluence, Lyon's well-thought-out aquarium is home to some 300 marine species, including more than 5000 fish. Bus 15 links it with…

Atelier de Tissage

Accessible strictly by guided tour, this wonderful old workshop houses looms that produce large fabrics. It's best visited in conjunction with the nearby…

Le Petit Musée Fantastique de Guignol

The star of this tiny, two-floor museum is Guignol, the Lyonnais puppet famous for its slapstick antics and political commentary. Various animated scenes…

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…

Musée de l'Imprimerie

From early equipment through to computerised technology, this absorbing museum traces the history of the city's printing industry.

Place Sathonay

At the foot of Croix Rousse, this tree-shaded square has a small village atmosphere, with its bars, restaurants and cafes.

Musée Miniature et Cinéma

This maze-like museum on tourist-busy rue St-Jean provides an unusual insight into the making of movie sets and special effects achieved with the use of…

Musée Henri Malartre

Jean-Paul II's Renault Espace, Hitler's Mercedes, 50-odd motorbikes, bicycles and historical modes of Lyonnais public transport are displayed inside this…

Jardin Rosa Mir

The Jardin Rosa Mir is a walled garden decorated with thousands of seashells accessed off a narrow laneway.

Mur du Cinéma

Lyon's cinematic story is told in still-image form here in one of the city's many murals.

Parc de La Cerisaie

This panoramic 4.5-hectare park is one of the hidden gems of Croix Rousse.

A city two thousand years old, situated on the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon rests below the impressive Fourvière and Croix Rousse hills. In Lyon, visitors can take a unique journey through time and across cultures through traipsing down its narrow streets, crossing its “traboules“ (narrow secret passages), walking along its bustling quays, passing through its impressive squares, and seeing over 200 sites illuminated at night.

Not to be missed in Lyon

• Roman Theatres and Old Renaissance Lyon
• Fourvière basilica and La Croix Rousse with its silk-weavers’ workshops
• Cultural life: biennial arts festivals, national opera, dance, theatres, national orchestra
• Museums: Fine Arts, Cinéma-Lumière, Textiles, Gallo-Roman Civilisation
• Illumination Scheme: over 200 sites are illuminated each evening
• Shopping, fashion, antiques, markets, squares, gardens
• Lyon’s gastronomy, from its small traditional restaurants to its high-end restaurants
• Lyon along the Rhône and the Saône: boat trips, quays, riverbanks and bridges
• The vineyards: Beaujolais, Côtes Rôties, Côtes du Rhône

Experience Lyon during a weekend exploring the city and its art of living

This package includes 2 nights in a hotel, 1 Lyon City Card (External link) , and a meal in a traditional Lyon restaurant. Lyon City Card gives access to 28 tourism activities, including museums, guided tours, boat trips (April / October), concerts, travel on public transport, as well as reductions and special offers. Prices start from € 150 per person.

Festive Lyon

• THE LYON DANCE BIENNALE (External link) : An international event that has helped make Lyon a quintessential location for dance; some even call Lyon the world capital of dance. The next event will take place in September of each year.
• THE LYON CONTEMPORARY ART BIENNALE (External link) : A prestigious international contemporary art exhibition that showcases fine art from around the world in Lyon.
• LES NUITS DE FOURVIERE (External link) : In just over ten years, "Les Nuits de Fourvière" has become a major event on the international perfoming arts festival scene. It's now a leading summer festival and cultural event attracting more than 100,000 people each year.
• THE FETE DES LUMIERES (External link) : Since 1852, every year on December 8th, the Lyonnais place small candles on their windows and head into the streets, where squares, churches, gardens and other public places are transformed under the lights.

Getting there

3 high-speed-train stations: Lyon-Part Dieu, Lyon Perrache, Lyon Saint-Exupéry (2 hrs from the centre of Paris and 1 hr 30 mins from Marseille). Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport (40 mins from the city centre). Motorways: A6, A7, A46, A42, A43 (460 km from Paris)

Lyon Tourist Office Place Bellecour BP 2254 69214 Lyon Cedex 02 Tel +33 472 77 69 69 Hotel booking : 0033 472 77 72 50 Fax: 0033 478 42 04 32 [email protected]

• FLICKR - My Only Lyon (External link)
• YOUTUBE - Lyon Tourisme (External link)

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17 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Lyon

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

France's second-most important city after Paris is surprisingly undiscovered. Although Lyon doesn't always make it onto tourist itineraries, many cultural treasures await those who take the time to explore the city.

With a history dating back to ancient Roman times, Lyon has earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list . The city boasts France's oldest ancient ruins, medieval quarters, and handsome Renaissance houses.

The atmospheric neighborhoods of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) found along the Rhône and Saône Rivers reflect the city's rich heritage. The Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline de la Croix-Rousse districts have an enchanting character, while the Presqu'île exemplifies 19th-century elegance. These captivating historic quarters are the best places to visit in Lyon for a taste of the city's old-world charm.

The happiest of all visitors are the ones who journey here to sample the famous cuisine. The celebrated Michelin-starred Auberge du Pont de Collonges, 10 kilometers from Lyon, was helmed by legendary French chef Paul Bocuse for decades and is still a top destination for gourmands. Authentic Lyonnais gastronomy can also be enjoyed all over Lyon at bouchons , small cozy bistros that serve traditional local specialties.

Explore the city with our list of top attractions and things to do in Lyon.

See also: Where to Stay in Lyon

1. Musée des Beaux Arts

2. quartier saint-jean and quartier saint-georges (old town), 3. musée de la civilisation gallo-romaine, 4. gourmet restaurants, culinary boutiques, and cooking classes, 5. colline de la croix-rousse, 6. presqu'île district, 7. musée des tissus et des arts décoratifs, 8. centre d'histoire de la résistance et de la déportation, 9. basilique notre-dame de fourvière, 10. cathédrale saint-jean baptiste, 11. basilique - abbaye saint-martin d'ainay, 12. cultural performances, 13. parc de la tête d'or, 14. musée de l'imprimerie et de la communication graphique, 15. mural of famous people from lyon, 16. aquarium de lyon, 17. musée des confluences, where to stay in lyon for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to lyon, lyon, france - climate chart.

The impressive cultural heritage of Lyon is evidenced in this Musée des Beaux-Arts, considered the next best fine arts museum in France after the Louvre. At the Place des Terreaux near the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the museum occupies the 17th-century Abbaye Royale des Dames de Saint-Pierre (Royal Abbey of the Sisters of Saint-Pierre).

This museum has one of Europe's largest collections of artwork, with an especially impressive assortment of paintings and sculptures from the 14th through the 20th centuries. The antiquities, ancient coins, and graphic arts collections are also noteworthy.

The quality of the collection is exceptional. There are many renowned works by European masters such as Delacroix, Fragonard, Géricault, Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, and Véronèse.

The museum displays an excellent collection of Impressionist paintings and modern art. Highlights include works by Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso.

The museum's restaurant and tea salon, Les Terrasses Saint-Pierre , offers a casual dining option for lunch, snacks, coffee, and tea. During summertime, guests may dine al fresco on the terrace in the gardens.

Address: Palais Saint-Pierre, 20 Place des Terreaux, Lyon

Official site: https://www.mba-lyon.fr/en

Lyon's atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean is the place to discover the old-world ambience of Vieux Lyon . This medieval quarter north of the cathedral is filled with narrow cobblestone lanes and quiet little courtyards.

Begin exploring around Rue du Boeuf and the Place Neuve Saint-Jean , a picturesque square filled with traditional restaurants. Then wander around the pedestrian streets of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois-Maries . There are many inviting shops, crêperies , bouchons , casual restaurants, and cafés along the way.

Continue until reaching the Hôtel de Gadagne at the Place du Petit Collège. This 16th-century mansion houses two excellent museums: The Musée d'Histoire de Lyon (History Museum) illustrates the history of the city-from antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the 20th century. The Musée des Arts de La Marionnette (Puppet Museum) displays marionettes from all over the world.

A short stroll away from the Gadagne museums is Théâtre Le Guignol de Lyon (2 Rue Louis Carrand), where the Compagnie M.A. marionette company performs. Attending a traditional puppet show is one of the most entertaining things to do in Lyon. Performances are in French.

Another place to watch a marionette performance is in the Quartier Saint-Georges, at the Théâtre La Maison de Guignol puppet theater (Place de la Trinité, 2 Montée du Gourguillon). Performances are in French; check the schedule in advance.

La Maison de Guignol theater is a quick walk from the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste , and a few steps away is the Café du Soleil (2 Rue Saint-Georges), a great place to enjoy an authentic Lyonnais meal.

Also just steps away from the cathedral is La Maison du Chamarier (37 Rue Saint-Jean). This classified Historical Monument, built between the 13th century and the early 16th century, shows the evolution from Flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance architecture.

A la Marquise (37 rue Saint Jean at Rue Bombarde), a historic pâtisserie shop with a refined salon de thé (tea room), occupies the ground floor of La Maison du Chamarier. This esteemed boutique prepares classic French pastries and Lyonnaise specialties, such as tarte à la praline (praline tart) and bugnes (beignets). The pâtisserie boutique is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9am until 7:30pm; the tea room serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.

Lyon stands on the site of the ancient Roman city called Lugdunum, founded in 43 BC, which was the capital of Gaul. The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization (Museum of Archaeology) displays Gallo-Roman-era objects including vases, gravestones, mosaics, statues, coins, and ceramics.

The antiquities presented in the museum's exhibits are from onsite digs (from the city of Lugdunum) as well as nearby Roman archaeological sites of Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne.

The collection is renowned for its breadth and variety. Highlights include a monumental Hercules sculpture, decorative marble work from ancient baths, and a magnificent 100-square-meter floor mosaic depicting images related to the God of Oceans.

The museum is located next to an archaeology site that boasts the oldest ancient ruins in France, including two Roman theaters. The Grand Théâtre dating back to 15 BC was where tragedies and comedies were performed. The Odéon was the theater for musical performances. There are also the foundations of a temple that was devoted to the Goddess Cybele.

Address: Museum, 17 Rue Cléberg, Lyon; Archaeological Site, 6 Rue de l'Antiquaille, Lyon

Lyon is widely considered the capital of French gastronomy. While visiting Lyon, one should definitely indulge in the famous regional cuisine. The local cooking features hearty dishes such as steak, lamb stew, roast chicken with morels, and poached eggs in red wine sauce. The most unique culinary specialty is something known as " quenelles ," a type of dumpling (made with ground fish) in a rich cream sauce.

The best places to visit in Lyon for authentic cuisine are the " Bouchons Lyonnais ," friendly family-run bistros that offer simple yet delicious meals. Generally bouchons serve classic regional specialties.

The city has several renowned restaurants created by Paul Bocuse in addition to the Michelin two-starred Restaurant Paul Bocuse outside Lyon. In the Presqu'île district, the Brasserie Le Nord serves Lyonnais specialties in a warm, convivial setting. The Brasserie Le Sud near the Place Bellecour specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. On the Quai du Commerce, the Brasserie L'Ouest offers classic French meals and international dishes in a casual dining room.

For an elegant dining experience, the Grand Café des Négociants (1 Place Francisque Régaud) is an excellent choice in the Presqu'île district. This historic brasserie (dating to 1864) offers traditional Lyonnaise cuisine. Waiters in old-fashioned uniforms serve meals to guests seated at white-linen-covered tables in an opulent Second Empire dining room. The restaurant's name " café des négociants " ("coffee shop of traders") refers to its original purpose as a place where silk merchants and diamond vendors met. The Place Francisque Régaud is still home to many luxury retail boutiques.

Tourists will also have fun shopping for gourmet food products in Lyon. Chocoholics should make a beeline for Palomas boutique (2 Rue du Colonel Chambonnet), an acclaimed chocolatier in Lyon since 1917, and Boutique Voisin (28 Rue de la République and other locations throughput Lyon), a prestigious chocolate shop founded in 1897.

A highly recommended foodstuff shop is Giraudet (2 Rue du Colonel Chambonnet), which sells high-end culinary items; the shop also offers cooking classes. The boutique A L'Olivier (33 Cours Franklin Roosevelt) is a purveyor of the finest olive oils made in France.

Also be sure to visit Les Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse (102 Cours Lafayette). This covered marketplace has more than 50 different shops and restaurants that offer regional products, including charcuterie, locally made cheese, fresh bread, quenelles, truffles, fruits, vegetables, pâtisserie, and chocolate bonbons.

Built on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse hillside, this historic neighborhood was an important center of weaving in the early 19th-century. Because of the high gradient of the streets, there are many charming curves and staircases.

The most unique aspect of the neighborhood is its collection of traboules , covered passageways that run through courtyards, buildings (including private houses), and pedestrian staircases. In the 19th century, these special alleyways were used by silk workers to transport their fabrics. Tourists will have fun wandering around the neighborhood to discover the architectural curiosities of the winding streets and hidden traboules .

There are passageways starting at 9 Place Colbert and continuing to 14 Bis Montée Saint Sébastien; from 20 Rue Imbert Colomès to 55 Rue des Tables Claudiennes; and from 30 Rue Burdeau to 19 Rue René Leynaud (Passage Thiaffait). The traboules are open to the public, but visitors should be quiet, out of respect to the residents.

Another tourist attraction in this area is the Maison des Canuts (House of Silk Workers) at 10/12 Rue d'Ivry. This small museum is dedicated to the art of creating silk. During a visit, tourists can discover the invention of the Jacquard loom and watch hand-weaving demonstrations on traditional looms.

Lyon's Presqu'île district is a piece of land, sort of like an island, within the river. This neighborhood is distinguished by its beautiful architecture and monumental town squares.

The Place des Terreaux is worth visiting just to see the fountain by F.A. Bartholdi. This grandiose work of art depicts the triumphal chariot of the Garonne River. Notice the four marvelously sculpted horses that look very hardworking, they represent the four different rivers that flow into the ocean.

Lyon's Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is found on the east side of the square. Originally built between 1646 and 1672, the Hôtel de Ville was rebuilt (after a fire) by Jules Hardouin-Mansart in his signature Baroque style.

Another monumental edifice in this area is the Palais de la Bourse et du Commerce , on Rue de la République. Although the building has a Renaissance architectural style, it was constructed in the 19th century. Continuing south of the Palais de la Bourse, tourists will come across the Eglise Saint-Bonaventure , a former Franciscan church built in the 14th-15th centuries.

Lyon's finest square in the Presqu'île district is Place Bellecour , between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. The square's centerpiece is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV created by the Lyon-native sculptor F. Lemot. Elegant 19th-century buildings line the east and west sides of the square. From the north side of the square, there is a view of the Fourvière hill.

A few steps away from the Place Bellecour is the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon , a splendid 17th-century building that once served as a hospital. Another lovely square, the Place Carnot , is found by way of Rue Victor-Hugo. This square features an immense monument to the Republic created in 1890.

Housed in an 18th-century mansion are two superb museums: the Fabric Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts. The Musée des Tissus (Fabric Museum) is a unique museum that allows visitors to discover the fascinating history of Lyon's silk trade, dating back to the Renaissance period.

The collection includes rare fragments of clothing from the 13th and 14th centuries, exquisite tapestries from the 18th century, as well as more modern 19th- and 20th-century pieces. Also on display is a splendid silk dress of the Empress Josephine. Among the most precious items in the collection is a pleated tunic from Egypt's 5th Dynasty era, dating to around 2,500 BC.

The Musée des Arts Decoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts) offers a rich collection of decorative pieces of artwork painted on faïence, paper, wood, and other materials; small religious sculptures; Japanese figurines; Italian majolica pieces; vintage dinnerware; antique furniture; and clocks.

The items are displayed in real-life settings to provide cultural context. Some of the museum's rooms feature lavish decor. Visitors feel as if they are taking a peek into a wealthy family's home of a bygone era.

Note: The museum has been closed since April 2021 for renovation work.

Address: 34 Rue de la Charité, Lyon

During the Second World War, Lyon was known as the "Capital of the Resistance" because of the strength of its struggle against the Nazi regime. The Resistance and Deportation History Centre is housed in the building that was used by the Head of the Gestapo in Lyon. This building is now dedicated to the remembrance of the victims who were held in the building's cellars.

The Centre d'Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation is open to the public (Tuesday through Sunday) as a museum. The History Center tells the story of the deportees, the hidden children of deportees, members of the resistance, and others who lived through the Second World War. A permanent exhibition outlines the major events of WWII and focuses on the years of occupied France.

The center also screens a documentary film about the trial of Klaus Barbie, the SS officer who was the head of the Gestapo in Lyon. The film features eyewitness accounts and extracts from the court trial of Barbie.

An audio guide helps visitors make sense of the historical information, which is presented in videos, photos, and written documents.

The center aims to honor the citizens in the resistance and pay homage to the memories of the victims of deportation. It is constantly updating its content and continually seeks out WWII eyewitnesses to share their stories.

Address: Espace Berthelot, 14 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon

In a majestic location on the Colline de Fourvière (the hill that overlooks Vieux Lyon), the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière rises to a height of 130 meters above the Saône River. The Basilica is accessible by funiculars running up the hill.

This stunning church was built after the Franco-Prussian War (between 1872 and 1884) when the people of Lyon had vowed to create a Marian sanctuary if their city was spared. The Basilica is a blend of Gothic and Byzantine styles with a richly decorated interior.

Spend time in the sanctuary to admire the sumptuous mosaics and paintings. After touring the interior, climb the northeast tower to take in the sensational views of Lyon's cityscape and surrounding areas.

For awe-inspiring panoramas, head to the Esplanade de Fourvière , on the left side of the Basilica, which provides a sweeping outlook onto the city of Lyon. The views extend to the Croix-Rousse and the Terreaux districts, the Quartier Saint-Jean further down the hill, and the Place Bellecour on the right.

Address: Place de Fourvière, Lyon

Built in the 12th-century, the magnificent Cathedral of Saint-John is renowned for its 13th- to 14th-century stained-glass windows. The large rose window dating from 1392 allows in a kaleidoscope of colorful light.

The cathedral is mainly Romanesque with a Late Gothic facade. One of the most interesting features is the astronomical clock created by Nicolas Lippius in 1598.

The cathedral also has a remarkable bell (cast in 1622) named "Anne-Marie de la Primatiale" that is one of the largest ever made and is only rung on Catholic feast days.

For a good view of the cathedral from a distance, go to the embankment near the Pont Bonaparte. This perspective allows you to see the soaring twin towers from a distance.

The cathedral is open to the public for prayer and meditation every day. Opening hours on weekdays are from 8:15am until 7:45pm and on weekends from 8am until 7pm.

Mass is celebrated Monday through Saturday at 9am, and additionally on Fridays at 7pm. On Sundays, Mass is held at 8:30am and 10:30am.

Address: Place Saint-Jean, Lyon

The oldest church in Lyon, the Basilique - Abbaye Saint-Martin d'Ainay was built in the 11th century on the site of a 4th-century Roman temple (which was later replaced by a 9th-century Carolingian church). The basilica originally belonged to a Benedictine abbey founded in the 6th century.

A wonderful example of Romanesque architecture, the church contains four classical columns, a 12th-century mosaic pavement in the choir, and 19th-century gilded paintings by the Lyon artist Hippolyte Flandrin.

Address: Place d'Ainay or 11 Rue Bourgelat, Lyon

On the Place de la Comédie, the Opéra de Lyon is an opulent 19th-century opera house with a majestic dome. The original theater was renovated by Jean Nouvel, who tripled the size of the building using modern architectural techniques. The Opéra de Lyon presents a wide variety of opera, as well as dance performances and classical music concerts.

Tourists may visit the Opéra de Lyon on guided tours Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1pm and Thursdays at 5:30pm. Guided tours are in French, and tours last for 90 minutes. Tickets for tours must be reserved in advance and may be purchased online, by phone, or at the Opéra de Lyon ticket office. Groups may organize visits Monday through Saturday (at 1pm or 3pm) by contacting the theater ahead of time.

The Théâtre des Célestins (4 Rue Charles Dullin) is a dazzling Neoclassical theater built in 1881. The exquisite Italian-style auditorium is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Guests marvel at the breathtaking ceiling painting and gilded décor while lounging in plush red velvet seats.

The Célestins Theater presents dramatic performances (in French), ranging from classical repertory to contemporary plays. Outside of performances, the theater is only open to the public for guided tours on specific days.

The Parc de la Tête d'Or was named for a golden statue of Christ that, according to legend, was buried here by Crusaders. Nestled on the left bank of the Rhône River, this luxuriant park is a haven of tranquility in the heart of the city.

The park has a zoo , an eight-hectare botanical garden , and a rose garden with heirloom varieties. There is also a lake ( L'Embarcadère ) where families can rent boats to sail around and admire the scenery.

Highlights of the park for children are Le Grand Carrousel , a delightful merry-go-round created in 1895; the pony rides ; the " Petit Lac " ("Little Lake"), with its mini paddleboats designed for little ones; and an old-fashioned choo choo train called " La Dauphinoise " that youngsters adore.

Address: Place du Général Leclerc, Lyon

Official site: http://www.loisirs-parcdelatetedor.com/en/

The printing press was a revolutionary technology that changed the world, and Lyon was an important center of bookmaking during the 15th to 16th centuries. The Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication offers an insightful overview of the history. Exhibits explain graphic printing techniques, as well as the cultural effect of printed books.

Address: 13 Rue de la Poulaillerie 69002 Lyon

At the Quai Saint Vincent, this 800-square-meter mural features 31 famous people from Lyon, with 25 historical figures and six contemporary figures. The mural was created by the Cité de la Création organization in 1994-1995. Look for Paul Bocuse in front of "Le Pot Beaujolais" restaurant.

Address: 49 Quai Saint Vincent and 2 Rue de la Martinière

Opened in 2002 and renovated in 2010, the Aquarium of Lyon is dedicated to educating the public about marine ecosystems and environmental issues related to the ocean. Aquarium tanks represent various ocean zones, such as tropical and temperate waters.

Through its exhibits on coral reefs and unique marine species, the Aquarium of Lyon aims to increase public awareness about the importance of protecting biodiversity.

The Aquarium of Lyon is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30am until 6:30pm.

Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Déchant, La Mulatière

Official site: https://www.aquariumlyon.fr/en/

An eye-catching ultra-modern building provides the exhibit space for this comprehensive and cutting-edge museum. The museum displays collections of natural science, natural history, archaeology, and anthropology. The natural science department includes minerals, shells, zoology, and entomology sections. The archaeology department covers paleontology and Egyptology.

Highlights of the museum's collections include the pre-Columbian archaeological objects from Peru, the artifacts from Eastern Siberia, the Chinese religious puppets, an assortment of African headdresses, and the sub-Saharan ceramics.

The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:30am until 6:30pm. On the first Thursday of every month, the museum stays open until 10pm.

Address: 86 Quai Perrache, Lyon

Lyon's compact center is easy to navigate, with the Presqu'île quarter tidily enclosed between the converging Rhone and Saone rivers. At its center is the large Place Bellecour, with the Tourist Information Office. Behind Presqu'île, streets and stairways rise steeply to the hilltop Croix Rousse. On the right bank is the UNESCO-listed Vieux Lyon. The highly rated hotels below are handy to the main tourist attractions in or near these areas:

Luxury Hotels :

• Convenient to shopping and restaurants, the four-star Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts is in the center of the Presqu'île district, near Place Bellecour.
• The sumptuous guest rooms at the five-star Hotel Le Royal Lyon - MGallery Collection overlook a quiet courtyard or Place Bellecour.
• Between the Saône River and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the four-star Grand Hotel des Terreaux offers stylishly decorated guest rooms in a 19th-century townhouse. The hotel also has an indoor pool and provides a gourmet breakfast.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Near the colorful riverside cafés of Quai Saint-Antoine, the three-star Hotel des Celestins is in a happening neighborhood with many restaurants and shops.
• Directly across the Saône River from the cathedral and near the Théâtre des Célestins, the three-star Hotel des Artistes is a family-friendly hotel with excellent amenities.
• The three-star Hotel Bayard Bellecour occupies a graceful 19th-century mansion that is a listed historic monument, right on Place Bellecour.

Budget Hotels:

• Near the Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs, the two-star Hotel Vaubecour offers stylish accommodations in a neighborhood of antique shops and artisan studios.
• In the Presqu'île district near the Perrache railway station is the two-star Hotel du Simplon , which offers basic accommodations and a casual restaurant.
• A short walk from Vieux Lyon and steps away from the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the two-star Hotel Saint-Pierre des Terreaux has small contemporary-style rooms with mini refrigerators, but no elevator.

Lyon is a big enough city that it helps to take an organized tour. This allows you to visit the top tourist attractions in an enjoyable and easy way, led by a knowledgable local guide. Soak up the town's historic ambience and admire the cultural highlights while you learn interesting stories and historical details. Below are several tours that include visits to Vieux Lyon (the Old Town) and other must-see sights:

See the City Highlights:

• To make sure that you see all of the top sights, go on a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour that stops at over a dozen different attractions, including museums, parks, and historic monuments.
• For a more customized experience, take the Lyon Guided City Tour by Electric Tuk-Tuk for one or two hours of a private guided tour that takes you to Lyon's main highlights such as Place Bellecour and the Colline de Fourvière.

Explore Vieux Lyon:

• Wander the narrow, winding streets and ancient alleyways of the Old Town and feel as if you are stepping back in time on this Storytelling Walking Tour of Old Lyon . Your guide will tell stories of the people who lived here during the Renaissance era; the tales bring the city's intriguing past to life.
• To explore the quaint Colline de la Croix-Rousse district, take the Lyon City Tram , which includes a guided tour by mini train.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Places to Visit by Train from Lyon . Thanks to the country's TGV (high-velocity) train system, Lyon is easily accessible to many of France's top tourist attractions . By TGV train, it takes less than two hours to arrive in Paris , while Avignon , in Provence , with its UNESCO-listed 14th-century Palais de Papes, is just over an hour away.

Highlights of the French Alps and Jura Region : Less than 90 minutes away by car, Grenoble boasts a charming historic center, top-notch cultural attractions, and gorgeous alpine scenery. The quaint alpine village of Chamonix and the mythic Mont-Blanc mountain in the French Alps are a 2.5-hour drive away. The verdant landscape of the Parc Jura Vaudois in the Jura Region is a 2.5-hour drive away.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Lyon (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Lyon (France)

Lyon is one large World Heritage Site, with a big renaissance old town, Roman ruins, historic industrial districts and the regal 19th-century Presqu’île quarter. The city was founded 2,000 years ago at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, and built its fortune on the silk trade. This industry furnished it with beautiful renaissance architecture in Vieux Lyon, where semi-hidden passageways called Traboules connect courtyards with the Saône.

You can’t talk about Lyon without mentioning the food, as the gourmets agree that Lyon is the world’s culinary capital. It’s the city of the chef, Paul Bocuse, revered as a god of French cuisine.

Lets explore the best things to do in Lyon :

1. Vieux Lyon

You can set foot in one of the largest renaissance old quarters in Europe.

In the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries Lyon’s silk industry was thriving, and rich merchant families from across France, Flanders, Germany and Italy settled in the city.

They built sumptuous homes, in the gothic, Italian renaissance and French renaissance styles, and there are still 300 of these remaining in the districts of Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges and Saint-Paules.

During the 16th century it was estimated that there were 180,000 looms in the city, and you can see the resourceful ways this industry combined with the fabric of the city in Vieux Lyon’s characteristic traboules.

2. Traboules

In Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse Saône are an architectural feature unique to this city: Traboules are delightful renaissance passageways, some 40 of which are open to the public, running beneath buildings in the direction of the Saône River.

They gave the city’s silk workers direct access to riverbank, making it quick and easy to transport textiles, while also offering shelter from the elements.

Nearly all of these passageways are part of residential properties, so it’s a good idea to go quietly.

The best place to start your adventure is around Quai Fulchiron Rolland and Rue des Trois Maries.

3. Fourvière Basilica

This magnificent church, ever visible on the Fourvière hill to west of the city is one of a series of iconic hill-top churches built in major French cities in the late-19th century.

The basilica is in the oldest part of the city, Lyon’s pilgrimage site and where several Roman sites have been discovered.

Go inside to see the extravagant interiors and the Museum of Sacred Art, and to ascend the north tower for one of Lyon’s best photo ops.

The church is the focus for the famous Fête des Lumières, which takes place at the start of December every year.

This is in praise of the Virgin Mary, to whom Fourvière is dedicated, for protecting the city from the bubonic plague in the 17th century.

4. Parc de la Tête d’Or

A little way north of the centre is one of the largest urban parks in the country, with a zoo and France’s foremost botanical garden within its boundaries.

If you’re around in spring then the international rose garden should be one of your first ports of call in the city.

The botanical attractions are spectacular too, with more than 20,000 plant varieties and the most graceful 19th-century greenhouses you could hope to see, thick with the scent of chlorophyll.

For families with kids the park is a must-do, thank to the African Plain, with zebras, lions and giraffes, and the expansive lake for epic pedal-boating voyages in summer.

Related tour: Lyon: 3-Hour Guided E-Bike Tour with a Tasting Break

5. Presqu’île

A  finger of land between the Rhône and Saône, Presqu’île was man-made by a humungous 18th-century urban engineering project, draining marshes and connecting what was once an island with dry land.

It’s where most things “happen” in the city, a district of glorious 19th-century architecture, wide plazas, shops, cultural institutions, restaurants, cafes, bars and nightclubs.

Lyon’s opera house and city hall are located here, while if you’re peckish Rue Mercière is basically one long line of superb restaurants.

If you’re here for the shopping, start at the pedestrianised Rue de la République where all the high-street brands await.

6. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Housed in a former abbey from the 1600s, the Musée des Beaux-Arts is France’s largest fine art museum after the Louvre in Paris.

There are 70 rooms here, with paintings from the 1300s to the 1900s, sculpture and displays of both Egyptian and Oriental art.

You don’t need more than a passing knowledge to  be impressed by the wealth of famous French and European artists on show: Degas, van Gogh, Renoir, Cézanne, El Greco, Canaletto, Picasso, Max Ernst and Francis Bacon, and that’s just an overview.

The Antiquities department is a trove of some 600 Ancient Egyptian artefacts, including reliefs, busts, statuettes and sarcophagi, as well as monumental gates recovered from the Medamud temple.

7. Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

This monument is also high on the left bank of the Saône River.

And 2,000 years after it was built it is still a performance venue during the Nuits de Fourvière drama festival every June and July.

At its peak it would have held 10,000 spectators, but only the middle and lower terraces of the cavea remain.

Where the seating has been lost though, you can see the fascinating substructure of the cavea, which continues far up the hillside.

The theatre was rediscovered in the late-19th century and restored over the next 40 years.

Artefacts found here and at the neighbouring Odeon are displayed at the Gallo-Roman museum, listed below.

8. Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

If Fourvière’s extensive Roman ruins leave you thirsty for more ancient history, this modern museum is on site to give you some background.

The building deserves a mention, as it’s partly underground and has been dug from the hillside next to the roman theatre.

Futuristic, bunker-like galleries are arranged around a spiralling concrete ramp.

There’s a lot to get through at the museum, but one piece that you need to see is the Circus Games Mosaic, dating to the 2nd century and depicting a chariot race with staggering technical skill.

There’s also the Gauilish Coligny Calendar, and the Lyon Tablet, transcribing a speech made by the Roman Emperor Claudius in the 1st century.

9. Lyon Cathedral

The city’s fabulous cathedral is a mostly gothic construction built between the 12th and 15th centuries.

The majority of the original stained-glass windows are still here and date to the 1300s.

They had been dismantled and packed away during the Second World War to save them from bomb damage.

The most captivating are the north, south and west roses, as well as the apse’s lancet.

The astronomical clock inside is nine metres tall and was installed in the 1300s.

Under the main clock-face is an astrolabe, added in the 1600s, that can show the position of the earth, sun and moon.

Above it are automated figures that put on a little show when the chimes are rung on the hour.

10. Institut Lumière

Anybody who goes to the cinema should be excited to pay homage to the Lumière brothers, who are held as the fathers of the movie-making art.

The museum was set up by a descendant of Louis Lumière, who, working with August, helped invent the cinematograph, the first motion picture camera and projector.

They also made more than a thousand films together, shown at the world’s first cinemas.

The attraction is in Villa Lumière, a lovely art nouveau mansion built by the brothers’ father in 1899. In these elegant surrounds you can view many of their movies and check out the ingenious creations, like the cinematograph, that helped change entertainment forever.

11. Musée Gadagne

Essentially Lyon’s city museum, this attraction is named after the sublime 16th-century renaissance palace that houses it, built by two Florentine brothers.

In 30 rooms and across four floors there are some 80,000 items, dating between medieval times and the mid-19th century.

Antique maps and sketches indicate how Lyon has changed and show some of the city’s landmarks being built.

You’ll find out about the instrumental role the silk industry played in the city’s evolution in the 1500s and 1600s with the help of artefacts and documents, and can see the lavish lifestyles afforded by those who made their fortune here.

Also part of the attraction is the Musée des Marionnettes, with 2,000 antique puppets.

12. Musée Miniature et Cinéma

Also In Vieux-Lyon, this museum is in the “Maison des Avocats”, a beautiful  17th-century World Heritage building five storeys in height and with a loggia.

The collection is split in two: The main attraction is some 100 “hyper-realistic” miniature scenes.

These have been made by the world’s best miniaturists, including the museum curator Dan Ohlmann, and possess such painstaking detail and craftsmanship that you’ll need minutes to see everything happening in each one.

They recreate famous locations like Maxim’s Restaurant in Paris or everyday French scenes from days gone by.

There’s also a cinema exhibition with more than 300 authentic props, artefacts and models relating to movies from the last 50 years.

13. Lyon’s Murals

Another reason Lyon demands to be explored is for its murals.

There are around 100 large paintings on walls around the city, often in working-class neighbour and on social housing, so they can draw you to places you might not otherwise venture.

There are some vital ones to see though: In États-Unis there’s an outdoor museum with 25 murals painted mostly in the 80s recounting the career of the architect Tony Garnier, who planned this district in the 20s.

To get acquainted with Lyon’s main personalities there’s Fresque des Lyonnais, 24 historical figures and six contemporary people (two of whom have since passed) relevant to the city.

Then there’s Lyon’s original fresco: The Canuts Mural, telling the history of the Croix-Rousse neighbourhood, and updated every ten years.

14. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

This food market is named after one of France’s culinary giants, in France’s capital of cuisine, so you can be sure of the quality of what’s inside.

It’s a food-lover’s dream, a hand-picked assembly of the region’s  best food merchants, selling charcuterie, cheese, meat, fruit and vegetables.

There are also several proper restaurants in the complex, full of locals at lunch.

So it’s a place to do your food shopping if you’re self-catered, get a delicious Lyonnaise meal and also buy regional specialities to take home.

As with most French food markets, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is best visited in the morning, long before the stalls close down for lunch.

15. Lyonnaise Cuisine

Lyon has more restaurants per capita than any other city in the country and for centuries has been lauded for the high-quality of its produce and the prestige of its cuisine.

You can dig into traditional Lyonnaise cuisine at “bouchons”, typical restaurants , and the best of these (awarded the label, Authentique Bouchon Lyonnais) tend to be around Presqu’île.

They prepare meals that would usually have been eaten by workers in times gone by, so are filling, rich and make use of parts of the body you might not usually consider: There’s marinated deep-fried tripe, usually served with a garlic and herb sauce. Andouilette, a sausage made from tripe, or gras double, tripe cooked with onions.

Don’t worry; it’s not all tripe! Coq au vin is also a tradition here, as is Lyonnaise potatoes, which are sliced and pan-fried with onions and parsley.

15 Best Things to Do in Lyon (France):

• Fourvière Basilica
• Parc de la Tête d'Or
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
• Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
• Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière
• Lyon Cathedral
• Institut Lumière
• Musée Gadagne
• Musée Miniature et Cinéma
• Lyon's Murals
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
• Lyonnaise Cuisine

Lyon   Travel Guide

Courtesy of RossHelen | Getty Images

10 Best Things To Do in Lyon

Updated February 11, 2021

Whether it's meandering the renaissance streets of Vieux Lyon or touring the expansive Musée des Beaux Arts, visitors will find an array of things to do in Lyon. Along with the fine arts, there are museums dedicated to miniatures and movies (Musée

• All Things To Do

Theatres Romains de Fourvière Theatres Romains de Fourvière free

Built in 15 B.C., the Theatres Romains de Fourvière are the ruins of three ancient Roman sites, including a theater, a smaller theater and a temple located on the hill of Fourvière. It's also the site of the ambient Nuits de Fourvière , an annual performing arts festival that takes place during June and July. 

Recent visitors recommended tacking on a visit to the Theatres Romains de Fourvière after visiting the Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière, since it's located on the walk down. Others remarked that the acoustics are amazing, and the view of surrounding Lyon is spectacular. However, some were disappointed with the limited signage. You'll find a museum next to the ruins, but all of the information is written in French. Consider reading up on the site or hiring a tour guide if you want a richer experience. 

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière free

The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière crowns Lyon from its perch on Fourvière hill, which is also known as "the praying hill." It was built in the late 19th century by architect Pierre Bossan, who incorporated neo-Byzantine styles in the design. Inside, visitors will find awe-inspiring mosaics on the walls, richly colored stained glass, gilt sculptures and a crypt. Gardens, also designed by Bossan, surround the basilica.

Recent travelers raved about the ornate Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, saying that the mosaics that line the wall are exquisite. Recent visitors recommended taking the Saint-Jean - Fourvière funicular or a taxi up to the hilltop basilica but walking down to enjoy the scenery without quite the strain on your legs.

Vieux Lyon Vieux Lyon free

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, is the city's renaissance district located in the 5th arrondissement. Here, visitors will find many attractions, such as the Place du Change, the former business square of the city, and Rue St-Jean, a popular place to walk – partly for its traboules (secret pathways and staircases that pass through buildings). It's believed that these passageways date back to the fourth century, when residents needed a way to get from their homes to the river (their source of fresh water) without having to weave through the town's winding streets. They were later used by the silk trade and then by the resistance during World War II. 

The fact that this history remains intact is thanks to Andre Malraux, the French Minister of Culture in 1962, who saved the district from demolition plans by designating it a protected area. This jumpstarted a revitalization of the area. Just decades later, the refurbished renaissance district was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

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Musée Miniature et Cinema Musée Miniature et Cinema

The Musée Miniature et Cinema (Museum of Miniature and Cinema) is really two museums in one. First, the museum contains the miniature scenes of artist Dan Ohlmann and the work of dozens of other miniature artists. It also holds hundreds of film set props, including the original costume from "Batman Forever" and a triceratops head from "Jurassic Park." 

Recent visitors called this museum unexpected and delightful, saying that they recommend it highly for both children and adults. Others say the beautiful, 16th-century building is an added bonus to the interesting, even entrancing exhibits. 

Musée des Beaux Arts Musée des Beaux Arts

More than 70 rooms filled with artwork, such as "Dancers on the Stage" by Edgar Degas and "La Tentation de saint Antoine" by Auguste Rodin, among other French and European masterpieces, fill the Musée des Beaux Arts. Works date from antiquity and include everything from paintings and sculpture to decorative arts. The Musée des Beaux Arts, which is housed in a 17th-century former Benedictine convent, is also accompanied by a large garden. 

Not only is the art enjoyable, but the food is too, according to recent visitors, who recommend enjoying a lunch in the museum's dining hall. Recent visitors said you could spend hours here, so if you're short on time it's best to pick the two or three areas that interest you most and go from there. Make sure to pick up a free audio guide. 

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse free

Called a "heaven for foodies," Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is the city's premier indoor food market boasting nearly 50 vendors and several bars and restaurants. Here you'll find everything from fruits and vegetables to cheese, truffles, spices, flowers and everything in between. 

Past visitors raved about the market and were especially impressed with the variety of cheeses and cured meats. If you're in need of picnic supplies, this is the place to go, according to reviewers. Buying the food here and eating it elsewhere may be your best bet as some past travelers complained of limited seating inside the market. If you're interested in perusing some of the city's outdoor markets, St Antoine Market and La Croix Rousse Market are two popular options. 

Musée des Confluences Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences, established in 2014, is one of Lyon's newest institutions set in the city's newest neighborhood. Lyon's natural history museum, it aims to tell the story of the world from origins to visions of eternity, from the viewpoint of many different cultures and even animals with the help of more than 2 million artifacts.

Recent visitors said both the building and the setting are spectacular, recommending that travelers take in the views from the terraces. Many travelers described the museum's exhibits as eclectic and imaginative. Even if visitors don't have time to stop in, reviewers recommend walking alongside the Rhone to enjoy the architecture from the outside. 

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🇫🇷 31 Best Things to Do in Lyon for an Amazing Trip

• Post author: Lisa Garrett
• Post last modified: April 3, 2024
• Post category: Lyon Things to Do

Disclaimer :  This page may contain affiliate links.  I earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these links (at no additional cost to you).

Planning a trip to Lyon? You’re going to have a fantastic time! I’ve got your ultimate guide to the best things to do in Lyon. With so many great attractions, everyone is sure to find something they’ll love!

I’ve visited this incredible French city several times — most recently on a solo trip last May. And I loved it so much that I’ve got two extended trips to Lyon planned for this year!

I’ve put together a fabulous list of top Lyon attractions as well as hidden gems that you won’t want to miss.

From the stunning Notre Dame Basilica to the gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain and the gourmet market Les Halles de Lyon, I’ve got all the information you need to have a fabulous trip to Lyon.

Ready for some fun? Lace up your shoes and let’s go!

Quick Picks: Top Lyon Tours

• Old Town Walking Food Tour (Vieux Lyon sightseeing + tasty local favorites)
• Beaujolais Golden Stones Wine Tour (The best day trip for wine lovers!)
• Market Tour, Cooking Class + Lunch (Perfect for those who love to cook!)
• E-Bike Tour of Lyon (A great way to see Lyon’s top sights!)
• Lyon City Card (Amazing value! I buy this every time I visit Lyon)

Table of Contents

Best Lyon Things to Do and See

Even though Lyon is the third-largest city in France, it feels like a hidden gem. Surprisingly, 2/3 of Lyon’s visitors are business travelers!

Lyon is a lot less ‘touristy’ than its big sister, Paris — but there are plenty of must-see attractions in Lyon that make it definitely worth a visit!

1. Visit Place Bellecour

One of the first places you should visit during your stay in Lyon is Place Bellecour.

This grand pedestrian square is in the heart of Lyon in the Presqu’île neighborhood, bordered by the Rhône and Saône rivers.

It’s also literally the city’s center, as it marks ‘kilometer zero’ for the roads in the region.

Dominating the square is an imposing statue of Louis XIV, the Sun King, proudly mounted on a horse. This is truly a sight to behold! Place Bellecour is also where you’ll find the city’s tourist office (and that’s the reason to go here first!).

I highly recommend buying a Lyon City Card , especially for first-time visitors to Lyon who want to ‘see it all’.

I purchase one on every visit. They are a great way to save money, as they give you free access to over 20 museums, free city tours, a sightseeing river cruise, free public transportation, and lots of discounts to other Lyon attractions.

(For full details, read my Lyon City Card review .)

Save time and money on your Lyon trip — purchase your Lyon City Card today!

2. Uncover the Historic Charm of Vieux Lyon

A visit to Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) should be at the top of your itinerary — even if you only have one day to spend in Lyon .

This vibrant neighborhood is recognized as part of Lyon’s UNESCO World Heritage site . It’s rich in history, dazzling architecture, unique museums, and restaurants serving up delicious Lyonnais cuisine.

As you wander through its quaint cobblestone streets and passageways, known as traboules, you can’t help but feel connected to the city’s deep-rooted past.

Start your exploration at Saint Jean Cathedral , a stunning example of Gothic architecture. If you’re taking a tour of Old Lyon , you’ll likely meet at the Place Saint Jean in front of the cathedral.

From there make your way to Rue Saint-Jean and Rue du Boeuf , the neighborhood’s main streets, lined with traditional bouchons, charming boutiques, and pastel-colored buildings.

3. Explore Lyon’s Mysterious Traboules

You’ll absolutely love seeking out the charming “traboules” of Lyon. These are hidden passageways that sneak from one street to another, passing through historic buildings.

If you look closely, you’ll find these secret passages tucked away in Old Lyon and the Croix-Rousse neighborhoods. As you wander through the traboules, you’ll find inner courtyards, each with their own unique and sometimes beautiful architectural details.

Look for the special markers on the buildings – there are quite a few of them open for public exploration.

Exploring the traboules is a must-do Lyon experience! If you want to make sure you’ve seen the best ones, take this guided traboules tour .

Did you know? Traboules played an interesting role in Lyon’s history.

Back in Roman times, they provided a quicker route to the Saône for water access, skipping the winding lanes. As Lyon’s famed silk industry grew, these traboules turned into undercover routes for transporting textiles, shielding them from the rain.

Even in the grim times of WWII, the traboules played a pivotal role as hidden meeting spots for the French resistance against the Nazis. All these historical tidbits add rich layers as you explore these historic passages.

Take this guided traboules tour in Vieux Lyon — it’s a great way to learn about Lyon history!

4. Visit the Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica

Perched atop Fourvière Hill, you’ll find the magnificent La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière . This stunning 19th-century monument dedicated to the Virgin Mary is a must-see when you’re in Lyon.

To get there, hop on the funicular for an easy ride up the hill. You get a fabulous view of the basilica as you exit the funicular station.

While the exterior might give off fortress vibes, the interior tells a different story with its breathtaking mosaics and stained glass.

According to my tour guide, the mosaics contain 8,000 different shades of color. Quite impressive, isn’t it?

The Notre-Dame basilica welcomes visitors every day but remember to check mass times as you can’t tour the basilica during services.

Good news – there’s no entrance fee to explore the gardens, the basilica itself, or the crypt (also known as the Chapel of the Virgin).

5. Take in the Panoramic Views of Lyon

Although the Notre-Dame Basilica is a Lyon must-see in my opinion, many people come to the top of Fourvière Hill just for the views!

The terraces surrounding the basilica are definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Lyon .

From this hilltop vantage point, you can see the city of Lyon spread out in front of you. In the foreground are the buildings of Vieux Lyon, with a particularly good view of the Saint-Jean Cathedral.

Extending beyond the Old town you’ll spy the Rhône and Saône rivers, with Presqu’île sandwiched in between. The more modern sections of Lyon extend out into the distance.

The basilica’s esplanade is one of the best places to visit in Lyon to get stunning photos!

I’ve even seen people sitting on the ledge to get better pictures, but I’ve got a pretty healthy fear of heights, so I keep my distance from the edge.

6. Admire the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral

Nestled next to the Saône, the awe-inspiring Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is one of the most magnificent buildings in Lyon.

This cathedral, a splendid blend of Roman and Gothic styles, features a large stained-glass window and a 16th-century astronomical clock you simply can’t miss. (It’s tucked away into the back corner of the church.)

(If you’ve never come across an astronomical clock , you’re in for a treat!

Besides showing the time of day, they also display information like the positions of the sun, moon, and stars. Some even house automated displays that are activated at specific times of day – quite the marvel of engineering!)

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral is a main attraction in Lyon’s most celebrated festival, the Fête des Lumières .

Take this customized private tour of Lyon and see everything on your Lyon bucket list!

7. Celebrate Lyon’s Fête des Lumières

The Fête des Lumières ( Festival of Lights ) is one of Lyon’s most famous and beloved events. It takes place every December, usually over four nights. The key date to watch out for is December 8.

Like many French holidays , this festival originated as a religious event to honor the Virgin Mary.

In 1643, the city promised to pay tribute to Mary if it was spared from the plague that was sweeping the land. It was, so on December 8th, the people of Lyon celebrated by lighting candles in Mary’s honor.

Things kicked up a notch in 1852 when the gilded statue of Mary was installed atop the Notre Dame Basilica. Over time, this celebration evolved into the stunning light show that we enjoy today.

During the Fête des Lumières, the city is lit up with beautiful light installations, projections, and performances. It’s a truly magical experience that attracts visitors from around the globe.

One of the best things about the Fête des Lumières is that it’s completely free! You can wander around the city and experience all of the different installations at your own pace.

So, if you’re visiting Lyon in December, make plans to attend the Fête des Lumières. You won’t want to miss out!

8. Treat Your Taste Buds on a Lyon Food Tour

Are you passionate about food? You’re going to love eating in Lyon!

Lyon was declared the world’s gastronomy hotspot by a renowned food critic back in 1935. Trust me, this is a big reason to visit Lyon !

With twenty Michelin-starred restaurants calling Lyon home, you’re guaranteed some unforgettable meals. But don’t forget about the city’s charming bouchons – these small, family-run bistros serve up traditional Lyonnaise cuisine, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

To fully experience the city’s culinary delights, I definitely recommend taking this Vieux Lyon food tour . It’s the best way to ensure you don’t miss a single one of the region’s delectable specialties.

(Want more options? Check out this post about more amazing Lyon food tours .)

Sample Lyon’s savory favorites, such as quenelles de brochet – tender fish dumplings bathed in a rich, seafood-infused cream sauce.

If you’ve got a sweet tooth (like me), the praline rose is a must – imagine almonds enveloped in caramelized pink sugar. You can eat them on their own, but you’ll find them in bakeries across the city baked into pastries (my personal favorite!), and the famous Lyon tarte aux pralines.

Lyon is also the perfect base for wine lovers, and a great place to enjoy wine tasting ! Lyon is also an ideal starting point for taking a day trip to local wineries .

Your best bet is taking this walking food tour in Vieux Lyon , where you can combine sightseeing with delicious Lyon dishes!

9. Marvel at the Famous Mur des Canuts Mural

Lyon is not just about history and food – it’s also a city of incredible art. And Lyon’s trompe-l’oeil murals are beyond amazing!

They cover entire buildings, creating an illusion so real, you’ll do a double-take. These murals are scattered around the city, and I can’t recommend them enough. They are one of the most Instagrammable places in Lyon!

My personal favorite is the stunning Mur des Canuts mural . It’s a beautiful tribute to Lyon’s silk workers and a favorite among tourists. It’s also one of the largest murals in the world!

The Mur des Canuts (Wall of the Silk Workers) is located in the Croix-Rousse area, the center of Lyon’s silk industry.

What makes this fresco so fascinating is that it has been painted to blend right in with the neighborhood. The talented artists have painted the mural to look like apartment buildings, shops, and people going about their daily activities.

10. Shop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

You can’t visit Lyon without stopping by Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse , also known as the “Mecca of French gastronomy.” This indoor food market is a must-see for any food lover, offering a wide range of high-quality gourmet products.

From fresh fish and meat to cheeses, pastries, and chocolates, you’ll find everything here to create a perfect picnic or take home as souvenirs for friends and family. Or splurge and enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants inside the market!

You can also join a private gourmet tour of Les Halles Paul Bocuse for an even more immersive experience.

Led by a knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn about the history of the market and its famous chef namesake, Paul Bocuse. Taste some of the best products available from locally produced sausages to Lyon’s signature praline rose.

So whether you’re looking for a unique shopping experience or just want to indulge in some delicious food, Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is not to be missed. Bon appétit!

Indulge your inner foodie with this private tour of Les Halles de Lyon !

11. Discover Ancient History at Lyon’s Roman Ruins

Lyon, once known as ‘Lugdunum’ during Roman times, wears its historical heart on its sleeve. Its well-preserved ancient Roman architecture has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage site tag.

( A surprising fact about France is that Lyon was more important than Paris during Roman times!)

At the top of your Lyon itinerary should be the ancient Roman amphitheater and odeon, both top tourist spots in the city. Their historical charm is further enhanced by modern-day concerts and festivals held here, like the Les Nuits de Fourvière in June and July.

If you’re keen to uncover more, head to Lyon’s Croix-Rousse area to explore the Amphitheater of the Three Gauls. Although the amphitheater in Vieux Lyon steals the show!

12. Enjoy the Music at Les Nuits de Fourvière

Founded in 1946, Les Nuits de Fourvière (Fourvière Nights) is one of the most popular festivals in Lyon. This cultural festival occurs for about two months, typically from June through July, and it’s a top reason to visit Lyon in the summer.

What’s special about Les Nuits de Fourvière is its eclectic mix of performances. There is truly something for everyone!

In one season, you might see a cutting-edge hip-hop act, a traditional folk concert, a classic piece of theater, and a cutting-edge modern dance show. It’s no wonder that this festival continues to grow in popularity (attendance is well over 100,000 a year!).

The Roman Amphitheater, where the festival takes place, adds a unique historical touch to the event. Imagine watching a Shakespeare play or listening to a world-renowned orchestra in the same space where Roman citizens once gathered – it’s like traveling back in time.

When I visited last May, they were installing the high-tech stage equipment in the theater. I must say, that is a strange combination of modern and ancient!

The festival is also expanding into other performance locations, such as the Opera House and the Théâtre des Célestins.

If you’re in Lyon during June and July, you won’t want to miss this amazing festival!

13. Explore the Wonders of the Lugdunum Museum

Are you a history buff? Intrigued by the Roman era?

Then you won’t want to miss the Lugdunum Museum during your trip to Lyon! This museum brings the fascinating Gallo-Roman civilization of Lyon to life with its collection of mosaics, statues, and other Roman artifacts.

The Lugdunum Museum definitely tops the list of must-visit museums in Lyon . One of the highlights (and surprises) is the stunning views of the Roman amphitheater through the museum’s large windows!

And don’t worry if you’re traveling with little ones – the museum has plenty of exhibits that are both educational and entertaining for kids.

(Location: Vieux Lyon/ Fourvière Hill. The museum is closed Mondays).

14. Unwind with a Saône River Cruise

After a delightful day of exploring Lyon on foot, why not treat yourself to this Saône river sightseeing cruise ?

These sightseeing cruises offer a unique perspective of Lyon, with the added bonus of giving your feet a well-deserved rest!

There are three river cruises to choose from. My favorite is the Cap Presqu’île. It’s charming journey that begins by cruising upstream, offering picturesque views of Vieux Lyon, the basilica, and the quaint Tour Métallique de Fourvière (Lyon’s very own ‘Little Eiffel Tower’).

Your adventure continues as the boat turns and sails downstream, heading to the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers.

Along the way, you’ll be treated to glimpses of Vieux Lyon’s majestic churches, including the striking Saint Jean Cathedral and the Church of Saint George. You’ll be amazed by Lyon’s diverse architecture, spanning centuries—from historical French landmarks and cathedrals to the ultra-modern Musée des Confluences.

To top off your memorable day in Lyon, book this sightseeing dinner cruise . Treat yourself, you deserve it!

15. Dine at a Traditional Lyonnais Bouchon

Lyon is the capital of French gastronomy, so you know you’ll be eating well during your stay! Enjoy authentic Lyonnais dishes at a bouchon, a traditional type of restaurant in Lyon.

These cozy restaurants typically have red and white checked tablecloths and serve up hearty dishes like quenelles (a kind of dumpling made from pike fish), andouillette (tripe sausages –not for me), and coq au vin.

Make sure to try some of the local wines as well, such as Côtes du Rhône or Beaujolais. And don’t forget to finish off your meal with a delicious dessert, like praline tart (tarte aux pralines).

In addition to enjoying the delicious food and wine, dining at a traditional bouchon is also an opportunity to immerse yourself in Lyon’s rich history and culture.

These restaurants are part of the city’s heritage and have been serving up traditional dishes for centuries. Many bouchons have a rustic and cozy ambiance, making them the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city.

If you’re not sure which bouchon to try, look out for the “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” label on restaurant windows. This is a prestigious award given to restaurants that adhere to strict traditional standards in terms of their menu, decor and atmosphere.

Vieux Lyon has several authentic bouchons to tempt your taste buds!

16. Take in the Sights in the Place des Terreaux

Place des Terreaux is a must-visit spot when you’re in Lyon.

It’s a stunning plaza that’s nestled between Lyon’s intricate 17th-century City Hall, the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon, on the east and the treasure-trove Fine Arts Museum on the south.

The plaza is home to the gorgeous Bartholdi Fountain , masterfully crafted by the renowned French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi. He’s known worldwide for his iconic creation – the Statue of Liberty!

With plenty of cafes lining the square, the Place des Terreaux is a great place to relax and do some people-watching!

17. Experience the charm of the Musée des Beaux-Arts

One of my favorite museums in Lyon is the Musée des Beaux-Arts . I’m a big fan of classical art, and Lyon’s Fine Arts Museum does not disappoint!

It’s the second-largest Fine Arts museum in France (after the Louvre Museum in Paris, of course). And it’s conveniently located on the Place des Terreaux.

The Fine Arts Museum is a treasure trove filled with an impressive collection of European paintings, antiquities, and sculptures. There is also an extensive collection of coins and medals.

Part of the museum’s charm is that it is located in a former 17th-century abbey.

If you’re looking for a moment of tranquility amidst your sightseeing adventures, the museum’s serene, statue-studded garden located in the courtyard makes a perfect oasis. (Plus, it’s free to visit the gardens!)

Location: Presqu’île. Closed on Tuesdays.

18. Find the Fresque des Lyonnais Mural

I talked about the Mur des Canuts mural earlier. But that’s certainly not the only famous mural in Lyon! Keep your eyes open as you roam the city and you’re sure to run across more fine examples of public art from murals to painted staircases.

You should make it a point to find the Fresque des Lyonnais . It’s been painted to look like an apartment building, with famous people from Lyon’s past and present depicted on the building’s balconies and windows.

This fabulous fresco features thirty famous people from Lyon, from the Lumière brothers to Antoine de Saint Exupéry, the celebrated aviator and author of The Little Prince . (Fun fact, the Lyon airport is named after him!)

The ground floor is painted to look like shops peopled by more famed Lyonnais personalities.

Take a peek at this short video, highlighting the intricate details of the first level of the Fresque des Lyonnais mural. Can you spot Chef Paul Bocuse?

Be sure to check out both sides of the building — most of the characters are painted on the larger side (facing the north), but the mural continues on the narrow western edge facing the Saône.

Tip: If you’re taking the Cap Presqu’île river cruise, you’ll be able to see the narrow edge of the Fresque des Lyonnais.

In my opinion, these murals are one of the best reasons to visit Lyon .

19. Visit the Musée des Confluences

At the meeting point of Lyon’s two rivers, you will find the Musée des Confluences , a remarkable blend of a science center and an anthropology museum.

Here you’ll find fascinating exhibits that explore the history of mankind and our relationship with the natural world.

The museum’s building is an architectural marvel. Its ultra-modern architecture is a big contrast to the historic buildings and cathedrals in Vieux Lyon.

Although it’s a bit out of the way, don’t worry! It’s easily reachable by public transportation. You can even combine two great Lyon activities and take a scenic river cruise that comes with a museum ticket!

Take your time and immerse yourself in the captivating exhibits of the Musee des Confluences, truly one of the finest museums in Lyon !

(Location: Presqu’île. Closed on Mondays). 

20. Fool Your Eyes at the Musée de l’illusion Lyon

While most of Lyon’s top attractions are rooted in history, there are plenty more modern attractions to visit.

One really fun museum to visit is the Musée de l’illusion Lyon. It’s the perfect place for the whole family to explore and enjoy!

This museum’s collection of illusions and games will make you question reality. Your eyes will be tricked by the interactive exhibits showcasing holograms, kaleidoscopes, visual puzzles, and optical illusions.

Although you can visit solo, it’s best if you’re visiting with a friend so that you can take pictures of the illusions! It’ll be a one-of-a-kind memento from your Lyon trip!

21. Shop at the Saint-Antoine Market

Sometimes when I’m traveling, I don’t want to have a big meal three times a day. But you need to have something to fuel a long day of sightseeing.

The solution? A visit to a farmers market, or fresh food market. Every town in France has at least one market day. It comes as no surprise that Lyon has markets available nearly every day of the week!

My favorite is the Marche Saint-Antoine . It’s located on the banks of the Saône, with excellent views of Vieux Lyon. The market offers a wide variety of fresh produce, local specialties, and even rotisserie chickens for a quick and delicious meal.

The Saint-Antoine market is open every day of the week (except Mondays) but is especially bustling on Saturdays. It is a great place to stock up on ingredients for your own cooking or simply wander around, sampling various foods along the way.

Make sure to arrive early if you want to avoid crowds and get first pick of the freshest produce available. Pick up a loaf of bread, some cheese and whatever else strikes your fancy.

Then enjoy a tasty picnic lunch on the banks of the river or in the Parc de la Tête d’Or. (Enjoying a picnic in a beautiful park is one of the most romantic things to do in Lyon !)

22. Picnic in the Parc de la Tête d’Or

If you’re a nature lover visiting Lyon, you definitely won’t want to miss the Parc de la Tête d’Or (Park of the Golden Head).

This charming park, sprawling over 100 hectares, is a great place to relax on a bright sunny day. And it’s one of the best places in Lyon to enjoy an alfresco picnic!

Stroll (or jog) across the grass or along the park’s trails. Check out the central lake, the Lac de la Tête d’Or. In the summer, you can even rent a boat and have some nautical fun.

There’s more to explore in this enormous park, from Lyon’s botanical gardens to a zoo and a stunning rose garden showcasing hundreds of rose varieties.

Traveling with kids? Hop on the Petit Train for a ride around the park or watch a delightful Guignol puppet show.

A visit to the Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the top things to do in Lyon , for both young and old!

23. Uncover the Magic at the Cinema and Miniatures Museum

Get ready to step into a world of imagination at Lyon’s very own Cinema and Miniatures Museum . It’s like having two exciting adventures in one place!

One part of the museum takes you behind the scenes of some of your favorite blockbuster films like Alien and Pirates of the Caribbean , revealing the magic of cinematic special effects and authentic movie props.

The other part? It’s a miniature wonderland, filled with intricately designed scenes from restaurants to shops to markets.

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Open every day.)

24. Dive into the World of Cinematography at the Musée Lumière

On the topic of movie magic, did you know that Lyon is the birthplace of cinematography? Yes, that’s true!

And the Musée Lumière is proudly located at the very spot where the Lumière brothers invented the Cinématographe.

This fantastic film museum takes you on a journey through the evolution of moving images and also hosts a variety of movie screenings.

The Lumière Museum is a must-visit for movie enthusiasts!

(Location: East Lyon. Closed on Mondays.)

25. Stroll Through the Place des Jacobins

Place des Jacobins is a charming little square in Lyon’s Presqu’île. It’s often overlooked but is definitely worth a visit.

The star of this square is the beautiful Fontaine des Jacobins, added in 1856 and carved from pristine white marble by Gaspard André. This fountain honors four of Lyon’s renowned artists and is a popular location for art students practicing their craft.

Next time you’re strolling through the neighborhood, why not pause and soak in the beauty of this spectacular fountain? (It’s only a 3-minute walk from Place Bellecour.)

The Place des Jacobins is particularly stunning at night when the fountain and the buildings surrounding the square are beautifully illuminated.

26. Explore the Charm of Musées Gadagne

Immerse yourself in Lyon’s history at the Musées Gadagne , a distinctive gem situated in the city’s oldest Renaissance building.

This museum is a two-in-one treat, with the Lyon History Museum and the unique World Puppet Museum that showcases Lyon’s famous Guignol puppet.

For a serene break from sightseeing, visit the building’s inner courtyard. Enjoy the roses and the hanging gardens. (Plus, visiting the garden is free!)

(Location: Vieux Lyon. Closed on Tuesdays.)

27. Step into the World of Silk Weaving at Maison des Canuts

Take a journey back in time to Lyon’s thriving silk-making era at the Maison des Canuts, or the House of the Silk Workers .

This museum offers an in-depth exploration of the city’s rich textile history, focusing particularly on the evolution of silk production.

Consider joining a guided tour for an unforgettable weaving demonstration on a Jacquard loom. The invention of the Jacquard loom was a game-changer for the silk-making industry.

Before you leave, stop by the gift shop to grab a gorgeous silk scarf — it’s the perfect Lyon souvenir.

(I love buying scarves as souvenirs in France — they’re light, easy to pack, and an amazing fashion accessory!)

(Location: Croix-Rousse. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.)

Learn more about Lyon’s history by taking this Lyon silk tour !

28. Climb Lyon’s Painted Staircases

Adding to Lyon’s fabulous public art are several painted staircases scattered throughout the city.

These outdoor masterpieces are found in various neighborhoods, each with a unique design and style.

One beautiful example is the Escaliers Prunelle. This painted staircase is located at 2 Rue Prunelle. The base of the staircase (where you can take an Instagram-worthy photo) is on Rue Rivet.

Another great painted staircase is the Escaliers Montée des Carmélites. It’s a hidden gem in Lyon. You’ll find it in the southwestern corner of Lyon’s Jardin des Plantes.

And to round things out, visit the Escalier Mermet at 25 Rue René Leynaud.

29. Reflect on History at the Resistance and Deportation History Center

Venture to the eastern side of Lyon and immerse yourself in the poignant and evocative Resistance and Deportation History Center .

This museum serves as a profound reminder of the trials and tribulations experienced during World War II.

The part I liked the best was the collection containing hundreds of firsthand video accounts from resistance fighters and deportees. These stories really put a personal touch on this tragic time in history.

(Location: East Lyon. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

30. Visit the Opéra National de Lyon

Looking for some culture? The Opéra National de Lyon is your destination.

It’s a feast for the eyes, inside and out! From concerts and dance performances to operas, there’s always something happening here to check your ‘culture’ box.

What’s more, the Opera House hosts a rooftop terrace, offering breathtaking views of the city that you’ll definitely want to capture.

Conveniently located just east of the Place des Terreaux and the Hôtel de Ville and right by a metro stop, you’ll likely pass this landmark often during your visit. (My hotel was very close to the Opera House, so this was certainly true in my case!)

31. Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at the Salon du Chocolat

If you love chocolate as much as I do, you won’t want to miss the Salon du Chocolat!

That’s right, you’ll find chocolate in endless varieties at this fabulous festival celebrating all things chocolate.

The Salon du Chocolat is the world’s largest chocolate festival and is held in Lyon for three days in November.

Enjoy chef demonstrations, pastry workshops, and chocolate exhibitions.

All I can say is, ‘Yum!’

Lyon attractions maps

With such a long list of great things to do in Lyon, it can be hard to know where everything is located, and which attractions are close to each other.

If you’re short on time, you don’t want to waste a lot of time backtracking around the city.

Check out this map of Lyon attractions to help you get a good idea of where things are located. Use this to help group your must-see attractions based on location.

For example, on a 3-day trip to Lyon, I’d spend one day just exploring Vieux Lyon and Fourvière Hill. Then another day I’d focus on checking out the attractions in Presqu’île.

The third day is a catch-all day for more far-flung attractions like Les Halles de Lyon, the Croix-Rousse area, and the Parc de la Tête d’Or. (And any good stuff that I didn’t have time to fit into days 1 or 2!)

Lyon Travel Tips and FAQ

The best way to get from Paris to Lyon is by train . Take the TGV (high-speed train) and you’ll be in Lyon in just 2 hours. Relax and enjoy the scenery along the way!

No, you don’t need a car in Lyon. It’s very easy to explore Lyon’s attractions on foot or to take public transportation. Driving and parking in Lyon can be a challenge, so it’s easier to visit without a car.

Lyon is known as the capital of gastronomy in France. Lyon is also known for its history in silk production, and it’s the birthplace of cinematography. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history and architecture.

Lyon is a very walkable city . Many of Lyon’s top attractions are rather close to each other, in the neighborhoods of Vieux Lyon and Presqu’île. You can easily use Lyon’s public transit to explore farther-flung sights.

It’s best to spend three days in Lyon . With three days, you have plenty of time to visit Lyon’s top sights. You’ll also have some free time to enjoy leisurely strolls along the river and enjoy Lyon’s renowned cuisine!

The best time to visit Lyon is from May through October. You can do a lot of sightseeing since the days are long and the weather is nice! If you’re visiting in June and July don’t miss the festival Fourvière Nights (Les Nuits de Fourvière).

Yes, Lyon is one of the best day trips from Paris by train . It’s only a 2-hour trip by high-speed train. You won’t be able to see everything, but if you plan your one-day itinerary right, you can still see many of city’s top attractions.

Final Thoughts:

As you can see, there are so many incredible things to see and do in Lyon. I definitely recommend three days in Lyon for the most enjoyable visit, so that you have time to see the famous murals , explore the historic neighborhood of Vieux Lyon , or nibble your way through the city on a Lyon food tour .

If you are visiting Lyon on a day trip, you’ll be hard-pressed to see everything I’ve included in this post. But you can still see a lot of Lyon’s top attractions! Check out this post for my one-day Lyon itinerary .

Happy Travels!

Are you ready to book your trip to Lyon?

Looking for the top picks for your trip to Lyon? Here are some of the best tours, hotels, and more to help you plan the perfect vacation!

Top Tours and Experiences in Lyon

• E-Bike Tour of Lyon (A fun & easy way to see Lyon’s top sights!)
• Market Tour, Cooking Class+ Lunch (Perfect for those who love to cook!)
• Beaujolais Golden Stones Wine Tour (The best day trip for wine lovers)

Top Hotels in Lyon

• Villa Florentine (Fabulous 5-star hotel in Vieux Lyon)
• Grand Hotel des Terreaux (I stayed here! Great location)
• Hôtel Bayard Bellecour (Highly rated budget-friendly hotel)

Planning a trip to Lyon, France? Don’t miss out on any of these great Lyon attractions! Pin it for Lyon travel inspiration!

Lisa Garrett

Lisa Garrett is the founder of Travel to Lyon.

She has explored Lyon with her husband (Chris) as well as on solo trips to France. She will be living in Lyon this summer to bring you even more tips to help you plan the perfect trip to Lyon!

Learn more about Lisa !

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Best Things to Do in Lyon, France

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

What to Do in Lyon, the City of Lights

Lyon is one of the most beautiful cities in France . The capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône Alpes region is also one of France’s oldest cities, founded around 2,000 years ago. The city is basically a World Heritage site, filled with Roman ruins, historic districts, and a Renaissance Old Town.

Located at the meeting of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, Lyon has the perfect size to explore on foot, with interesting Lyon attractions, public spaces, as well as beautiful architecture. And if this isn’t enough, Lyon is known as one of the culinary centers of the world, and the cuisine is simply spectacular!

In summer 2024, Lyon will be one of the host cities of the Summer Olympics 2024 , so it’s the perfect excuse to discover or re-discover the city! Keep reading to discover our suggestions for things to do in Lyon, France, for an unforgettable holiday.

Are you planning a Lyon trip last minute?

Below are some of the best Lyon tours, hotels, and more!

• Book your flight tickets to Lyon (LYS) ; Book your train tickets to Lyon
• Book your transfer from Lyon Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups

Looking to travel around Lyon independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Lyon .

Top Experiences and Tours in Lyon

• Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise
• Vieux Lyon 4-hour Food Tour with Tastings
• Lyon E-bike Guided Tour
• Day Trip to Beaujolais Wine Region

Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Lyon? Get your hands on a  Lyon City Card !

Top Lyon Accommodation and Lodging

• Villa Florentine (in the Old Town and with the best panoramic view of Lyon)
• Hotel de l’Abbaye Lyon (beautiful hotel located in a former abbey in Vieux Lyon)
• Hotel des Remparts Perrache (3-star hotel in the Presqu’Ile of Lyon)
• Check out the full list of favorite hotels in Lyon

Don’t forget your travel insurance!

Compare plans, prices, and coverage with  Travel Insurance Master , a comparison site that will find the perfect fit for you amongst the world’s leading programs.  Travel Insurance Master is also the best place to look for senior travelers .

Top Things to Do in Lyon, France

Lyon is one of the best weekend getaways from Paris by train and a must-stop during any road trip from Paris to Nice . Wondering what to do in Lyon for a day, a weekend, or a longer stay? Here’s the list of the best things to do in Lyon, France, to get the most out of the city. This Lyon things-to-do list includes historical sites, cultural attractions, and some of France’s best vineyards.

Spend two days in Lyon to cover the best places to visit in Lyon and get a good taste of what the city has to offer. Spend more time if you are willing to explore the city’s surroundings on day trips from Lyon.

GOOD TO KNOW: While Paris is referred to as “La Ville Lumière” (City of Light), Lyon is also known as “La Ville des Lumières” (the City of Lights) because of the famous winter festival Fête des Lumières, Lyon’s Festival of Lights .

Notre Dame de Fourbière

Exploring the history and architecture of Notre Dame de Fourbière is a must-do in Lyon. The basilica was built between 1872 and 1884, and it sits on top of Fourbière Hill in Lyon’s Fifth District.

The basilica is magnificent from the outside, but the inside is something else, filled with stained glass images, beautiful mosaics, and interesting crypts. The hike up the hill to the basilica is well worth doing, particularly if you do it in the early morning or evening to see the Old Town at sunset or sunrise.

Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon)

Vieux-Lyon is Lyon’s Old Town, and it’s one of the largest Renaissance areas in all of Europe. It is located on a narrow stretch of land between the Fourbière Hill and the Saône River, which constrained Old Lyon to grow vertically.

Between the 15th and 17th centuries, Lyon was home to a thriving silk industry, and the city was full of wealthy people. You can see the city’s wealth when you visit Vieux-Lyon, with its exquisite old houses in the Italian and French Renaissance styles.

LA RENAISSANCE DU VIEUX-LYON: In the 1960s, some neighbors of Old Lyon formally opposed the project of Mayor Louis Pradel, who planned to raze part of Old Lyon, then considered unhealthy, to build an expressway there. La Renaissance du Vieux-Lyon association was born. The association bought and restored one of the most iconic buildings in Vieux Lyon and invited André Malraux, then the Minister of Culture, to visit. Thanks to the association’s strong mobilization and the decision by André Malraux (1962) to create the first French protected area in Lyon, Old Lyon was saved. Subsequently, the association endeavored to revive Old Lyon, restore it with the help of the inhabitants, and introduce it to tourists.

Wandering around the Old Town is one of the best things to do in Lyon. Old Lyon is divided into three neighborhoods around its three main religious buildings – Saint-Jean, Saint-Georges , and Saint-Paul – just make sure that you linger in the Quartier Saint-Jean , where you’ll find the Cathedral of Saint-Jean Baptiste and most of the Lyon sightseeing.

This part of the city is also filled with interesting museums like the MAM – Musée des Arts de la Marionette , the MHL – Musée de l’Histoire de Lyon (both in the same building), and the Musée des Automates de Lyon .

TIP: To get the most out of Old Lyon, take this top-rated Lyon walking tour with an expert guide.

Explore the Presqu’Ile

La Presqu’Ile is one of the more interesting places to visit in Lyon. It’s a tiny area between the Rhône and Saône rivers made in the 18th century to connect this island with Lyon’s mainland.

This is the city’s busiest and most interesting part, filled with pretty shops and cultural buildings like the Opera House and City Hall . At night, it has a good concentration of restaurants and bars, ideal for casual dining in the summer (but not only).

Whether you enjoy shopping, bar hopping, or cultural attractions, you’ll love this part of the city!

La Croix-Rousse

Located on the city’s second hill of the same name, La Croix-Rousse is an interesting neighborhood to visit during your trip to Lyon. The area is filled with 18th-century architecture and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998.

The Croix-Rousse is known as “the Hill that Works,” as opposed to the Fourvière Hill, “the Hill that Prays.” In the 19th century, the Croix-Rousse was Lyon’s silk district, home to 30,000 canuts (the name given to silk workers in Lyon) who made the city a major textile center in Europe.

Take a stroll to discover the soul of this district, where past and present mingle, and the buildings are specially designed to house the looms between traboules and stairs. While you’re there, you can enjoy the neighborhood’s local charm, its cafés, shops, and street art, and then enjoy the views of Lyon from the plateau at the top.

Take an E-bike Guided Tour

This guided e-bike tour is an excellent introduction to the city of Lyon. In three hours or so, we visited Lyon’s top attractions on two wheels, from the banks of the Saône River to the Parc de la Tête d’Or.

The bonus was having a local guide with us, who helped us navigate through the city and entertained us with the history of the city and its main landmarks.

After a break with some wine, cheese, and cold cuts, we climbed up to Fourbière Hill (very easy with an e-bike!), where we visited the Basilica, the Roman Theater (from outside) and admired the incredible vistas over the Old Town.

For me, this guided e-bike tour was one of the best things to do in Lyon, and I highly recommend it! – Click here to book this guided e-bike tour of Lyon

Relax at Parc de la Tête d’Or

Strolling around this beautiful park is one of the most relaxing things to do in Lyon, France. The Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the largest urban parks in the country and boasts a lot to do. While you’re there, check out the botanical garden, which contains over 20,000 plant varieties.

There’s also a zoo in the park that kids love and an international rose garden that’s absolutely stunning in the spring.

Visit the Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences is one of the main Lyon tourist attractions. Located in the Second District of Lyon, at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône rivers, the Musée des Confluences is a science center and anthropology museum. The museum’s building is an attraction in itself, set up in the heart of a monumental structure between crystal and cloud.

Inside, you’ll find collections of natural science and Earth science, as well as art and crafts exhibitions. You’ll learn about everything from the Big Bang theory to the history of the universe and the birth of life within it. 

Whether you have kids or just enjoy learning more about the world, you’ll love this museum – Click here to buy your tickets

Explore the Hidden Traboules

The traboules of Lyon are a Lyon must-see. Traboules are secret walkways through the buildings that communicate two different streets. They always have an inner courtyard to get more natural light and a staircase with galleries that gives access to two different buildings.

There are around 400 traboules in the city, and most of them are located in Vieux-Lyon. Around 40 of them are open to visitors, so don’t hesitate to get the free map of traboules from the Office of Tourism to explore the best ones.

The traboules curve between buildings, up staircases, and through pretty courtyards. They were used as shortcuts to move quickly from the Saône River – where the boats with merchandise arrived – to the city center.

Because of their secret nature, some of them were the landmarks of the 19th-century Canuts Revolt. In the 20th century, the traboules were also used by the resistance fighting against occupying German forces during the Second World War. 

Enjoy Lyon’s Local Food

France is known for its delicious food, so when people say that Lyon is the best place in the country to eat, then you know that the cuisine must be really good!

Lyon is France’s gastronomical capital. It’s where young chefs learn their trade, and you can be the lucky recipient of all this experimentation.

No matter where you eat in Lyon, you’ll find that the food in Lyon is pretty amazing! To learn more about what Lyon has to offer from a culinary point of view, try this Lyon Old Town Food Tour with a local guide, which explores the Old Town from a gourmet’s perspective, combining cultural discovery and local flavors. If you are vegan, you can explore Lyon through its local food with this Vegan Food Tour of Lyon .

For lunch or dinner, make sure that you visit one of the local bouchons , which are typical restaurants of Old Lyon where you can eat specialties like the tablier de sapron, quenelles (kind of dumplings), Lyonnaise salad, and canut brain. Everything is generally served very copiously and washed down with a glass of Beaujolais or Côtes-du-Rhône.

Winter Wonder at the Fête des Lumières (Lyon’s Light Festival)

If you are considering visiting Lyon in winter, then make it around the time of the Fête des Lumières . Lyon’s Light Festival is a popular event and is held every year around December 8th to honor Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The festival lasts four days, and during it, the locals place candles on the outsides of their windows, and the city’s main monuments are beautifully illuminated in a spectacular light display. During the festival, there are also other activities involving light, including the light show at the Place des Terreaux.

The Fête des Lumières is one of the must-see winter festivals in France, that’s why we recommend Lyon as one of the best places to visit in France in the wintertime – book your hotel and train tickets well in advance!

Explore the Wine Regions near Lyon

Wine tours from Lyon are very popular among visitors and usually include the visit of a couple of wineries and some tastings, plus the possibility to buy as many bottles of great wine as you want directly from the producers.

This Beaujolais wine tour explores the Beaujolais wine region and comes with a couple of tastings. Famous for its Beaujolais Nouveau, which is a Burgundy wine, the region is also dotted with charming little golden stone villages. Actually, this area of Southern Beaujolais is nicknamed Vallée des Pierres Dorées because of these golden stones.  

Wine tours to the Rhône Valley wine region are also popular. The distance to cover during this tour is longer, so tours usually last a full day, with a break for lunch (usually not included in the tour price).

Côtes du Rhône produces some of the most renowned wines in France, most notably its full-bodied reds. This Northern Rhône Valley wine tour mostly explores wineries in the Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie appellations and comes with many tastings (compared to wine tours in other regions in France). Be sure to eat a proper meal during the tour and get ready for the snores of your travel mates on the way back!

TIP: If you have a car, there are many wineries in the area that offer tours with tastings in French and English. They are usually small businesses, so be sure to book in advance so they can make the necessary arrangements to welcome you.

Take a Day Trip from Lyon

There are lots of interesting things to see in Lyon, but it is also worth using one day to explore Lyon’s surroundings on a day trip. France is known for its amazing countryside, so make sure you get out and enjoy one of our suggested Lyon day trips .

Take the time to see the medieval town of Pérouges with its medieval walls, rural countryside, and beautiful old town.

A little bit further from Lyon, the alpine city of Annecy is also beautiful to visit. With its canals, cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and medieval castle, the town is serene and picture-perfect, and it is very easy to visit from Lyon by train – Click here to buy your train tickets from Lyon to Annecy .

A visit to Saint-Etienne is another of the top things to do around Lyon. Saint-Etienne is another of the Olympic host cities, and it is the perfect destination for you if you are into design and unique museums.

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Visit Lyon: Top 21 Things To Do and Must-See Attractions

Things to do in lyon: the 21 best places to visit and highlights.

You’re planning to visit Lyon , and you’re looking for the best things to do?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have written this guide of the 21 best things to do in Lyon , with all must-see attractions and points of interest.

In addition to the best places to visit, you will also find itineraries to visit Lyon in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days (or more!) as well as my selection of the best hotels depending on your budget.

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

Let’s find out!

1. Vieux Lyon

2. the traboules of lyon, 3. fourvière hill and notre dame de fourvière basilica, 4. place bellecour, 5. the presqu’île de lyon, 6. the croix rousse, 7. the parc de la tête d’or (park of the golden head), 8. the confluence district and its museum, 9. the best activities to do in lyon with friends, 10. lunch at a “bouchon” in lyon, 11. lyon’s festival of lights, 12. a stroll along the banks of the rhône and saone, 13. cruise in lyon, 14. the fine arts museum, 15. les halles de lyon paul bocuse, 16. part-dieu district, 17. shopping in lyon, 18. the medieval village of perouges, 19. the grand parc de miribel-jonage, 20. walibi rhône alpes amusement park, 22. beaujolais vineyard, what are the things to do in lyon when it rains, visit lyon on foot, how many days to visit lyon, visit lyon in 1 day, visit lyon in 2 days, visit lyon in 3 days, where to stay in lyon, where to eat in lyon, rent a boat in lyon, tourist map of lyon, what to do in lyon with your family, where to park in lyon, where to buy the lyon city card, you’re traveling in france these articles will help you, visit lyon: 21 must-see attractions.

We’ll start this list of the Top 20 places to visit in Lyon with the district of Vieux Lyon. 

Dating back to the Medieval and the Renaissance period, the Vieux Lyon (also called Saint-Jean district) is one of the city ‘s historical districts.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , this district is a refreshing experience with its small cobbled streets, large Cathedral and unique museums.

There, you will also find the the famous “bouchons” of Lyon (more about this below).

Places to visit in Vieux Lyon:

1) The musée Gadagne: this museum complex is located in a beautiful Renaissance building, listed as a historical monument.

There you will find a museum dedicated to the history of Lyon from Antiquity to the present day, as well as the puppet arts museum, which is also worth a visit. The famous Guignol is actually native to the city!

After your visit to the museums, you must go to the hanging gardens of Gadagne for a break. The information about the timings and prices can be found on the official website.

2) The Miniatures and Cinema Museum: if you are passionate about cinema, you will love this museum.

You will discover more than a hundred ultra realistic miniature scenes as well as all the rigging techniques used before computer image processing.

Information about the timings and access is available on the official website.

3) The Cathedral or Primatiale Saint-Jean: it has one of the largest collections of religious objects and relics dating back to the Byzantine era.

It is a must-see building in Lyon, particularly for its 14th century astronomical clock, one of the oldest in Europe.

For more information, click here.

4) The former palais de Justice and the 24 columns adorning its façade.

To visit Lyon and the Musée Gadagne in particular, you should buy the Lyon City Card here.

It entitles you to free public transport + free admission to 22 museums in Lyon ! A boat cruise and a guided tour are also included.

Book by clicking the button below:

The traboules of Lyon alone deserve a small paragraph as they are a special feature of the city . In Vieux Lyon you will find the maximum number of traboules, but there are also some in the district of the Croix Rousse.

The traboules of Lyon are passageways reserved for pedestrians, passing under houses and buildings to cross from one street to another. There are hundreds of them and their architecture is really unique and surprising, it is a very good idea to see them when in Lyon.

You can explore the traboules by yourself, taking the risk that some of the passages will be closed or opt for a guided visit of Lyon to make sure you don’t miss the most famous ones.

You must book this tour with a local guide. The itinerary and duration are customisable, you can also visit many other places in the city:

As they are real tourist attractions in Lyon , the best known and most photographed traboules are the Cour des Voraces (located at Place Colbert) and the Rose Tower (16 rue du Boeuf), in Vieux Lyon.

And if you want to go through the longest traboule in Lyon , it’s at 54 rue Saint-Jean !

When you go through the traboules, don’t forget that there are people living above, so be calm and respectful.

From Saint-Jean, there are large staircases leading up to Fourvière Hill, one of the most touristy places to see in Lyon.

As the climb can be quite long and tiring , you can also choose to go there by cable car . La Ficelle (nickname of the cable car) departs from the Vieux-Lyon metro station .

At the top of the esplanade, you will enjoy a panorama of the whole city with the Alps and Mont Blanc in the background. This is the best place to go to Lyon to admire the view!

Overlooking the hill, you will find the Fourvière Basilica, the most visited monument in Lyon and the emblem of the religious history of the city . With a rather austere appearance on the outside, its interior is richly decorated.

Next to the Basilica is a communication tower called the “little Eiffel Tower” because of its surprising resemblance to its cousin in Paris.

In the same area, you can also visit the ruins of the ancient Lugdunum Ancient Theatre and visit the Gallo-Roman Museum. 

All information is available on the official website of the museum.

If you want to discover the city from even higher , there’s a great activity to do in Lyon: a helicopter flight.

You can fly over all the sights of Lyon, the Rhone and the Saone for 30 minutes:

In the list of places to see in Lyon, head to Place Bellecour.

Place Bellecour is a privileged meeting place for Lyon residents.

Whether you want to visit Lyon, go shopping, go to the cinema or just go round the bars, all the way from Bellecour. It constitutes Lyon’s point 0, which means that distances are calculated from there.

Recognised as the largest pedestrian square in Europe , this vast red earth esplanade offers a breathtaking view of Fourvière and provides access to many streets ideal for shopping.

In the centre of the square you can also see the statue of Louis XIV on his horse (built in 1713 in honour of the Sun King) and further on, the statue of the Little Prince and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

If you have decided to visit Lyon in winter, you can take a ride on the Bellecour Ferris wheel to discover the whole city. At Christmas, there is also a skating rink .

You’re going to Lyon?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Lyon on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Lyon.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Lyon, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Lyon!

Another unmissable area during your stay in Lyon : the Presqu’île.

This area is the city’s central point, so you’ll have to go there on your way around Lyon.

You will find many historical monuments as well as the most famous squares (including place Bellecour, which I mentioned just above).

The places to see on the Presqu’île de Lyon:

• Rue de la République: the city’s main shopping street. Here you will find cheap brands as well as designer and luxury boutiques.
• Place des Terreaux , with its 360 ton Bartholdi fountain
• Place des Jacobins , one of the most beautiful in Lyon
• Victor Hugo pedestrian street and its numerous shops
• Place des Célestins where the theatre of the same name is located
• The palais de la Bourse , listed as a historical monument
• The Lyon Town Hall. 

From the presqu’île district, you can also choose an unique activity: a Segway ride.

For this private tour lasting around 90 mins , you will be accompanied by a local guide, and you can explore the city centre and Vieux Lyon.

Click here to book:

Let’s continue to explore Lyon’s districts on foot , and go to Croix Rousse.

Easily accessible by metro or via multiple staircases for the more athletic among you, the district occupies a plateau on a hill in the city . It is often referred to as a “village” in the city because it is rather unusual and has a strong working-class identity due to its past.

The Croix Rousse is in fact the former district of the canuts , the workers specialised in silk work and whose revolt had irrevocably marked the history of Lyon .

The buildings were built specifically to house the huge weaving machines with very high ceilings and huge windows. Today there are only a few of them left in the national museums.

If you are interested in this period in the history of Lyon, you must visit the Maison des Canuts , a former silk-weaver’s workshop and also the Fresque des Canuts , on the Boulevard des Canuts. This 1200 square metre optical illusion reflects the life and atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

In the same vein, you can also go and admire the Mur peint des Lyonnais Célèbres, at the bottom of Croix Rousse.

Finish your tour of Croix Rousse at the Gros Caillou to enjoy the view of the whole city. The Montée de la Grand Côte also offers superb panoramas.

The neighbourhood’s history is so interesting that you must opt for an audio guided tour . Just download it on your phone and you can walk around with the explanations of a guide for all the main places.

The concept is really great and the quality of the tour is really good.

Click here to book!

To visit Lyon and more specifically the Croix Rousse, you can also take a 1 hour ride in the City Tram. 

Guests can enjoy audio commentary, including the Gros Caillou, the mur peint and the fresque.

You should continue your trip to Lyon with another tourist site, highly appreciated by visitors as well as by the locals to enjoy the greenery: the Park of the Golden Head.

Located in the sixth arrondissement of Lyon, the Park of the Golden Head is the largest park in the city .

It is the ideal place to go for a walk in Lyon and to do outdoor activities. 

You can choose to visit the free zoological park, the rose garden, the botanical garden or take a train ride or go paddle boating on the lake .

Sports lovers can also go jogging in peace or go for a bike ride.

You will easily find food throughout the park.

If you have chosen to go to Lyon with your family, your children will certainly appreciate this place. The place is quiet and relaxing.

Find out about other activities on the official website.

To explore the Park of the Golden Head and other places of interest in Lyon, you can also choose an electric bike tour. If you can’t walk much, it’s a great choice!

The itinerary is very relaxed and really well done to not tire you out. On the agenda: exploring the old town , Park of the Golden Head , and also the Place Bellecour for example.

You can book it by clicking the green button below:

Completely renovated, the Confluence district is the contemporary neighborhood of Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saone.

A former industrial district with many factories, it has been rehabilitated to become an eco-district with numerous shops, offices and houses.

In Confluence, you must absolutely visit the museum. Though recent, it has quickly become a must-see in Lyon.

The musée des Confluences , with its futuristic architecture and located on the banks of the Rhone, offers permanent exhibitions on the origins of life , including an archaeological part, another on the representations of death and a last part on the societies and civilisations made by man.

The staging is original and very interesting thanks to clear explanations.

To organise your visit to the musée des Confluences, you can visit the official website.

And to avoid queuing at the entrance, you must book your priority access ticket by clicking on the button below:

If you have decided to visit Lyon with friends or family , here is my selection of excellent activities to try. 

You can click directly on the orange links to view prices and make your reservation:

• An escape game : a great classic for a trip with friends. In Lyon, the Harry Potter escapge game is particularly awesome. It’s a fun way to discover the city while solving puzzles!
• A virtual reality experience: fight in a gladiator arena, decimate zombies or protect your castle from a dragon attack.
• Quiz Room: this is a new activity in Lyon! In a TV set and in teams of 2 or 3, answer questions based on sports, music, society. But nothing will go as planned, because between traps and rule changes, no holds are barred…
• A quad bike trip for a unique tour of Lyon
• A rather special food tour since you will only have the opportunity to taste dishes that are not very healthy (burgers, cold cuts, cheese, chocolate dessert…) for 3 hours!
• A Ninja Warrior course directly inspired by the famous TV show
• Archery tag: an activity combining archery and paintball – Minimum group of 4 people
• Bubble football: a classic game of football but you will be wearing a giant bubble.

You can discover the best activities to do in and around Lyon by clicking on the button below:

You can’t even think of visiting Lyon without having at least one meal in a Lyon bouchon!

A true institution , there is even a label “Bouchons Lyonnais” to certify the authenticity of the typical bistro.

Eating in a bouchon in Lyon is the best way to discover and experience the gastronomy and regional specialities.

On the menu, kidneys, a brioche sausage, quenelles or even the cervelle de canut and the sapper’s apron! 

Among the impressive list of Lyon bouchons, here are my recommendations:

• Bouchon La Voute (Chez Léa)
• Comptoir Brunet bouchon
• Bouchon des Cordeliers
• Tête de Lard.

All of them are very well known, so you must book in advance!

What to do in Lyon in winter?

If you are visiting Lyon around December 8th, you should definitely not miss the Festival of Lights.

This festival has been held every year since 1852, an unmissable event attracting millions of visitors every year.  Originally, the festival was created to celebrate the Virgin Mary who is said to have saved Lyon from the plague epidemic.

Today, whether you are a believer or not, the Festival of Lights is definitely worth a visit to admire all the illuminations and works of light projected on the façades of the monuments. 

Free access!

To prepare your next Festival of Lights during your stay in Lyon, visit the official website.

As you know, Lyon is at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers . This means beautiful walks along the docks!

The riverbanks have been well designed for pedestrians, making it a special place to walk in the city. The views are beautiful and you can watch the numerous barges of the Rhône pass by.

From the banks of the Saone you will find the most beautiful views of Fourvière hill.

You can stroll around on foot or by bicycle.

The presence of these 2 rivers means you can do another super activity: a boat cruise to explore Lyon from another angle.

Several types are offered depending on the length and choice of the boat: barge, tourist boat or even boat rental without a licence.

To spend a pleasant time on the Saône, I particularly recommend this 1h cruise with a guide .

For only €14 per person, the boat will take you past Vieux Lyon and the Confluence district.

To book your trip, just click on the button below:

And if you are looking for romantic activities in Lyon , you must opt for a cruise with meals included. I recommend it because unlike others, the meal offered is excellent.

You will have the choice of 2 options (click on the orange links for information):

• 2h30 lunch cruise 
• 2h30 dinner cruise. 

If you have taken the Lyon City Pass , a cruise is already included.

During your weekend in Lyon, you must include the Musée des Beaux-Arts in your itinerary.

Located on the Place des Terreaux , in the Presqu’île, the museum is located in the former abbey of the Dames de Saint-Pierre . Classified as a historical monument, in its 70 rooms, the museum displays an important collection of European paintings and sculptures from the 14th century to the mid-20th century.

There is also a large part dedicated to Antiquity and more specifically to the theme of Egypt.

It is the most important museum behind the Louvre in Paris and is considered one of the most beautiful museums in France. 

All practical information is available on the official website.

Entrance to the museum is free with the Lyon City Card.

Les Halles is the gastronomic landmark in Lyon , with shops selling local products , chocolatiers, cheese makers and caterers . In all there are about sixty merchants.

It is located in the third district of Lyon , next to the Part-Dieu train station and is open from 7:00am to 10:30pm during the week (closed on Mondays) and from 7:00am to 1:00pm on Sundays and public holidays.

A huge covered market, it is the ideal place to indulge yourself with good cold cuts, taste the quenelles lyonnaise or delicious praline pie, the typical dessert of the city.

However, it is not a small market with local producers, the prices are quite high but you will surely get quality products from them.

To access and find out about the shops at Les Halles, visit the official website.

For those who are interested in the culinary specialities of Lyon , you must take a a gastronomic tour.

With a local guide, this outing includes 6 tasting stops at the traditional establishments and allows you to taste more than fifteen different specialities. The gourmets among you will be delighted!

The Part Dieu district is mainly a business district, known to tourists for its large shopping centre.

Before becoming a business hub, the grand Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon was a hospital with innovative medical practices recognised throughout France.

Famous for its architecture, dome and gardens, the grand Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon is today both a shopping centre, one of the hotspots of French gastronomy and a 5-star hotel.

It is also where you will find the biggest buildings in Lyon such as the InCity tower, the Oxygène tower, and the Crayon .

In the Crayon, the restaurant on the 32nd floor of the building offers 360° views across the city .

Want to know where to go to Lyon for some shopping?

Here are the best places to shop:

• Part-Dieu: this shopping centre is one of the largest in Europe . Part-Dieu has nearly 250 shops and 40 restaurants. There is also a large cinema hall and many services. The shopping centre is open Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to 8:00pm.
• Confluence: newer than Part-Dieu, the Confluence shopping centre is very spacious and pleasant for visitors. Around 100 shops, 27 restaurants and a cinema hall await you from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 8pm.
• The Rue de la République de la Presqu’île and its countless shops selling well-known brands like H&M, Zara etc…
• The Carré d’Or Lyonnais still in the Presqu’île but a luxury version with Hermès, Vuitton etc…
• Croix Rousse for its vintage boutiques and second-hand stores.

What are the things to do around Lyon?

Now that you know what to see in Lyon, you must visit the surroundings. Here are some of the places to see close to Lyon.

Perouges is a 40-minute drive from Lyon.

Often ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, the village of Perouges is a typical example of a medieval town . The cobbled streets and small alleys ensure a complete change of scenery for visitors. It feels like a movie set.

If you visit Perouges in summer, you can enjoy the medieval festival organised in June . On the agenda: medieval costumes, parades, shows and a market to spend an unforgettable day.

This is the nicest village to see around Lyon! 

The grand Parc de Miribel-Jonage , with its 1,200 acres, stretches over fifteen municipalities in the metropolis of Lyon and offers a wide choice of activities to do alone or with the family.

In summer, the lake shores welcome many swimmers and tourists. Several water activities are available for half a day, such as biking, paddle boating, and canoe rides.

The park is also ideal for teaching children to ride a bike, roller skating or a scooter.

You will find the complete list of activities to do in the park , on the official website.

This is the ideal place for a family outing near Lyon!

If you spend a week in Lyon and you need to take a break from your travelling, the ideal solution is to spend a day in Walibi.

Walibi is both, an amusement and a water park, offering an unforgettable and thrilling experience . About thirty attractions available for families, couples and friends every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

The park is located about an hour’s drive from the centre of Lyon. However, if you do not have a car , there are shuttles that take you to Walibi from place Bellecour every Saturday of the summer season.

For other periods, OUIBUS shuttles leave from Lyon Saint-Exupéry Airport and Bourgoin-Jallieu and arrive directly at the amusement park.

One of the most popular tourist attractions around Lyon!

Anse is a small, typical Gallo-Roman town located 30 km North of Lyon.

An entire part of the city is made up of houses dating back to the 15th century with mosaic floors and buildings with old architecture.

The best option is to plan a morning in Anse and have lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the city.

Whether you are a wine lover or just curious, it is a great experience to go on the wine trail around Lyon for a day.

Lyon is located between the Beaujolais vineyards in the North and the Rhone Valley in the South.

You will find the list of estates to visit around Lyon by clicking on the green button below:

And the great part is that some tours are free!

You will discover all the secrets of making the fine Beaujolais vintages and will have the opportunity to participate in a wine tasting on site .

Here is my selection of the best estates (click on the orange links to book):

• The Frédéric Berne estate produces organic wines in Beaujolais. Free tasting or visit + tasting from just €8!
• The Emmanuel Fellot estate offers 8 wine tastings accompanied by regional cheeses and cold meats. You can also book a tour of the vineyards on an electric bicycle.
• Château de Montmelas to discover the Montmelas Marquis wines.
• The Vins de Viennes , an estate producing white and red wines.

Day trips are also organised from Lyon .

Onboard a minibus with a guide, you will discover the villages and vineyards of Beaujolais . A visit to the cellars and tasting are also on the agenda.

You can book your day-trip to the Beaujolais vineyards by clicking here!

I’ve already told you about flying over Lyon by helicopter, and you can also for a a helicopter ride over the Beaujolais region: 

It’s not easy to know what to do in Lyon when it starts raining and your plans for walking around are turned upside down.

To remedy this, I have prepared a list of activities to do when it rains in Lyon. 

And don’t forget that most of the activities to do with friends or family that I have already recommended in point 9 of this article are also doable in bad weather!

• Visit the city ‘s museums. There are more than 20 in Lyon, so needless to say, this can keep you busy! And the great part is that if you’ve bought the Lyon City Card , they are all free!
• Shopping in the Part-Dieu and Confluence shopping centres
• An introduction to wine tasting where you can taste 5 very well-known wines of the region
• An airliner , fighter plane or helicopter flight simulator with a commercial pilot instructor
• An art workshop (click here) : In Lyon you can choose between workshops for mosaics, painting, modelling, candle making, perfume or make-up.
• Go to the cinema: there is one in the city’s 2 main shopping centres, so you can mix shopping with a movie
• Visit the 6 greenhouses of the Park of the Golden Head
• A sensory deprivation experience , for an exceptional moment of relaxation
• Go bowling: the Bowling Lyon 8   is located on Marius Berliet street.
• Go-karting: Kart’In , K1 Speed  and Only Kart all offer indoor circuits so you don’t get wet
• Indoor skiing: the Only Kart complex recently opened an indoor ski slope , the only one in France!
• Climbing in the largest room in France at the Climb Up Lyon , rue Lortet.

If you want to explore the city on foot, here is a one-day itinerary that will allow you to see the maximum number of unmissable tourist spots in Lyon .

This itinerary will take you through the 4 main districts of Lyon.

You can start the day by exploring the Presqu’île district starting with the famous Place Bellecour, where you can get a map of the city from the Lyon Tourist Office.

Visit the Place des Célestins, the Place des Jacobins, the rue de la République and then reach the Place des Terreaux where you will find the town hall and not far away, the Opera.

Continue your walking tour of Lyon by visiting the Croix Rousse district, a 25-minute walk from the town hall.

First see the fresque des Canuts , take a tour through the Maison des Canuts and go up to the Gros Caillou to enjoy the panorama.

Now its time to have breakfast in one of the famous Lyonnais bouchons.

Finish your tour of the Croix Rousse by going to see the Fresque des Lyonnais, at the bottom of the district, about 15 minutes walk from the Gros Caillou.

Reach the opposite bank of the Saone by crossing the Saint Vincent bridge.

You will then arrive at the North of Vieux Lyon , follow the banks of Bondy and turn on the Place de Change to arrive on the main street of Vieux Lyon, the rue Saint-Jean .

You must take a walk in the famous traboules and then go to the Cathédrale Saint-Jean.

In the late afternoon, go up to admire the sunset on Fourvière Hill.

If you’re tired, you can cheat a bit and take a cable car ride from the Vieux Lyon metro station. But Fourvière is also accessible on foot via the Montée Saint Barthélémy.

And to end the day in style, you must go on a dinner cruise.

The ideal duration to visit Lyon is three days.

This allows you to spend two days to visit the various spots and to take a break between the two days to enjoy, for example the park of the Golden Head or to go for a tour near Lyon for a day.

If you want to visit Lyon and save money, the best way is to get the Lyon City Card . Valid for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days, it allows you to enjoy free access to all the museums of the city and public transport. 

A boat cruise, a visit to the roofs of the Fourvière Basilica or a guided visit to the Maison des Canuts are also on the agenda.

You can also take advantage of discounted rates for Segway tours or tourist bus rides. A show at the Guignol theatre is also included.

The Lyon City card can be purchased on this website (click the button):

If you only have one day to visit Lyon, you must follow the walking route that I have explained in the section “ Visit Lyon on foot”.

It allows you to discover the 4 main districts (Presqu’île, Croix-Rousse, Vieux Lyon and Fourvière) in one day.

If you don’ t necessarily want to walk all day , you can also skip certain neighbourhoods and visit one or 2 museums .

Or why not take the opportunity to do some shopping?

Last option to visit Lyon without walking : opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour to discover the city’s main sights and monuments in 14 stops.

You can book your tickets for the bus directly by clicking here. 

In 2 days in Lyon, you have time to explore the city in greater depth.

Continue the walking tour itinerary from the first day and add:

• A nature and greenery visit in the park of the Golden Head 
• A shopping break in one of the largest shopping centres in France: the Part Dieu
• Lunch at the Halles Paul Bocuse
• A boat tour  on the banks of the Rhone or the Saone
• Visit of one or more museums according to your interests: Musées Gadagne for history, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature for cinema, Musée des Beaux-Arts for paintings or Musée des Confluences for natural history.

For a perfect 2-day stay in Lyon , you should read my detailed itinerary: How to visit Lyon in 2 days?

Things to do in addition to the previous 2 days.

If you want to stay in the city , you can visit the museums in Lyon that you did not have time to do the previous days and do a little more shopping.

If you prefer to visit the surroundings of Lyon for a day , there are several options:

• For a family outing and if the weather is nice, I highly recommend the Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage or a day at Walibi Park. A great time with children around Lyon!
• For wine lovers, the undisputed winner is the trip to the Beaujolais ! If you have a vehicle, you can also book a visit to a wine estate here! 
• And if you are more interested in the beautiful villages of France, you must visit Perouges or Anse , or even both in a single day if you have a car. They are only 40 minutes away. To reach Perouges or to return to Lyon, you must visit the Grand Parc de Miribel.

And one last option: Why not spend the day in Annecy , the pearl of the Alps, located about a 90 minute drive away?

In this case you can read my complete guide: The 17 best things to do in Annecy .

If you want to spend 3 days in Lyon, you should read my dedicated article: The best itinerary for 3 days in Lyon.

• HO36 Opéra: Located just 100 metres from the Place des Terreaux, in the Presqu’île disctrict. Hostel with dormitory bed from €30 per night, breakfast at €8. Strong points: location, the pleasant interior patio. The best inexpensive place to stay in Lyon!
• Greet Hotel Lyon Confluence: Located in the Presqu’île district, 20 minutes from Bellecour square. Double room from €90 per night, breakfast at €10. Strong points: spacious and comfortable rooms, friendly staff. Excellent price/service ratio in Lyon!
• Bayard Bellecour :  Located just opposite place Bellecour. Warm and comfortable double room from €120, breakfast at €19. Strong points: excellent homemade breakfast, charming rooms, the perfect location to visit Lyon on foot.
• Hotel Le Roosevelt: Located between the park of the Golden Head and Part-Dieu. Modern double room, spacious and comfortable bedding from €150, breakfast included. Strong points: calm atmosphere, geographical location, friendly staff.
• InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel: Located in the Presqu’île district, this splendid luxury hotel offers elegant rooms starting at €350, including breakfast. Strong points: river view, the setting, excellent location.
• Villa Maia: Located on Fourvières Hill. This 5-star hotel in Lyon offers luxurious and super comfortable rooms with panoramic views of the city from €450 per night, including breakfast. Strong points: sumptuous setting, exceptional view, heated indoor swimming pool. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Lyon!

In addition to the aforementioned Lyon bouchons and the Halles Paul Bocuse, here are some good restaurants to eat in Lyon.

• The restaurant Paul Bocuse: Located in Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or, the restaurant serves the most famous dishes of the famous chef who died in 2018. This restaurant is rated 3 stars in the Michelin Guide and serves dishes which are famous among the general public, such as the VGE Truffle Soup, which was prepared for former President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. You must book at least one week in advance to have a table in this restaurant.
• La Mère Brazier: In the first arrondissement of Lyon, la mère Brazier restaurant is is rated two stars in the Michelin guide. The chef, elected the Best Chef of France , offers modern and creative cuisine with dishes you won’t find anywhere else.
• Le Musée:  Located on rue des Forces. This Lyon bouchon naturally offers the culinary specialities of Lyon such as quenelles and cervelle des Canuts. The quantity and quality are excellent, with a great price/service ratio. Very warm welcome and great service.

If you want to rent a boat for a nice day on the Saône during your stay in Lyon, you should book it with Samboat.

Motorboats, sailboats, yachts, small boats without a license, with or without a skipper: they simply have the most complete offer for boat rental!

So, what are you waiting for to book your boat trip in Lyon? 😊

To help you visualise the city a bit better, I have created this tourist map of Lyon , with all the best places to visit and things to do in Lyon and its surroundings.

You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button, the one with a small arrow on it.

FAQ – I’ll answer your questions about Lyon

If you have chosen to visit Lyon with children , here are my recommendations:

• A walk to the park of the Golden Head with a visit to the zoo (free)
• Attend a puppet show with the famous Guignol
• Visit the musée Miniature et Cinéma
• Take the little train at Croix Rousse
• Take them to Mini World Lyon , the largest animated miniatures park in France. To avoid queues, tickets are available online by clicking here!
• Discover the aquarium of Lyon (tickets available for purchase here! )
• The park adjoins the Fort de Vancia , 10 minutes from Lyon
• A BMW Z4 driver’s training course – Yes, you read that right, your child can drive a car for a few laps. 9 years and up.

The cheapest and most convenient way to park in Lyon is to opt for a parking garage (P+R).

Located outside the city, they are just next to a subway station, so you can easily reach the city centre using public transport.

These car parks in Lyon are free, provided you present your valid transport ticket for every day (if you have lost or thrown it, you will have to pay €10 to leave the car park).

Here are the most practical car parks to park in Lyon:

• Arriving from the North or the West: Gorge de Loup car park- 10 minutes by subway to Place Bellecour
• Arriving to the South or East: Laurent Bonnevay car park – 15 minutes by metro to reach Presqu’île de Lyon.

You need to buy the Lyon card online by clicking here.

If you need help planning your stay in Lyon, don’t hesitate to ask me your questions in the comments section below.

France travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the Rick Steves France guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all our articles about France: All Voyage Tips articles about France are listed here.

• Honfleur: Top 15 things to do and discover
• La Rochelle: 15 things top do and see
• Strasbourg: Top 25 things to do

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Best Museums

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The Top 20 Things to Do in Lyon, France

Stefano Scato/Getty Images Plus 

Nestled in France's lush Rhône Valley, Lyon is one of the country's most populous and interesting cities. The former Gallo-Roman capital is around two thousand years old, boasts world-acclaimed local cuisine and wines, and offers curious visitors a wealth of interesting attractions like museums and hidden passageways. Keep reading for the best things to see and do in the city once known as "Lugdunum."

Discover Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

Atlantide Phototravel /Corbis Documentary/Getty Images 

Any first visit should ideally begin in Vieux Lyon, or Old Town. Dating to the early medieval period, it is today mostly remarkable for its well-preserved buildings from the Renaissance.

Old Town runs north to south along cobbled streets parallel to the Saône River. It is nestled against Fourvière hill, which boasts some of the city's most beautiful 15th- and 16th-century buildings, famous for their rose- and orange-hued façades built in Italian Renaissance style.

To explore the area, get off at the Vieux Lyon-St Jean metro stop and slowly wind through the narrow streets, quaint shops, traditional restaurants, and secretive courtyards. Rue Saint-Jean is the main street for shopping and dining in the area.

Admire the Architecture at Saint-Jean Cathedral

vwalakte /Istock/Getty Images Plus 

Completed around 1480, the Saint-Jean Cathedral is a genuine masterpiece. A UNESCO World Heritage Site  , it dominates the Place Saint-Jean, at the southern edge of Vieux Lyon.

The Cathedral's mixed architectural style reflects the different phases of its construction over hundreds of years. Saint-Jean features an apse and choir designed in the Romanesque style, while the Gothic-style nave and façade came later.

Other outstanding features include a prominent rose stained-glass window dating to the 12th century, an astronomical clock added during the 14th, and sculptures decorating the façade that illustrate Biblical stories. Also make sure to visit the Bourbon chapel, built by the Duke of Bourbon during the 15th century and widely considered a masterpiece for its elaborate sculptures.

Get Lost in Lyon's Traboules (Old Passageways)

TPopova /istock/Getty Images Plus 

For a fascinating look at Lyonnais history, make sure to explore the city's distinctive traboules. These are networks of ramped, covered, or partly covered passageways that connect many of the Renaissance-era buildings that stand on Fourvière hill. It is thought that some date to as early as the 4th century, while others were added in subsequent centuries.

While many traboules were likely built to allow residents to quickly descend from their homes to the old town below, some gained a new purpose during the 19th century. They connected the silk workshops of the Croix Rousse district to the commercial center of Vieux Lyon, allowing silk weavers to transport textiles down the steep hill to reach merchants. Later, during World War II, French Resistance fighters famously hid from Gestapo officers and planned meetings in the passageways, which many outsiders were unaware of.

We recommend taking a guided tour of the traboules to access some of the most impressive among them, and appreciate architectural details from ornate galleries to dizzying spiral staircases.

Explore the Gallo-Roman Museum & Arenas (Musée Lugdunum)

City of Lyon

As if Lyon's layers of medieval and Renaissance heritage weren't impressive enough, this museum and archaeological site peels back further layers to reveal the city's importance during the Roman Empire.

Perched on the steep slopes of Fourvière, the UNESCO World Heritage site comprises a museum filled with Gallo-Roman artifacts and objects from daily life, built into the hillside next to two well-preserved Roman amphitheaters. The main amphitheater is France's largest, and at its height it was able to seat 10,000 people for plays and other spectacles. The smaller "Odeon" arena was probably used for concerts and political meetings, and could seat around 3,000. The arenas host open-air summer concerts and other events to this day.

Visitors can also explore onsite Roman baths and churches, roam through fragrant rose gardens, and enjoy panoramic views over the city.

Get a Panoramic View of the City from Fourvière Basilica

  Gregory_DUBUS /Getty Images Royalty Free collection 

Often compared to Sacré Coeur in Paris, the Fourvière Basilica ( Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière in French) dramatically crowns the hill of the same name, offering fantastic vantages over the rooftops and monuments of Lyon.

Inaugurated in 1884, the gleaming white Basilica blends Byzantine and Roman architectural elements. It's dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and was built as a symbol of protection following a bubonic plague that swept through Europe in the 17th century.

Many see Fourvière as a symbol of Lyon itself, while others dislike its design and compare it to an "upside-down elephant." Whatever your opinion of its architectural merits, visit the exterior and gilded interiors before taking in sweeping views over the city.

Eat Out at a Typical Lyonnais "Bouchon"

Courtesy of Le Bouchon des Cordeliers/

Lyon is prized for its food and gastronomy. To get an authentic taste of some of the best for reasonable prices, head to one of its bouchons: intimate, traditional eateries where you can taste regional specialties such as pike quenelles and Charolais beef, in addition to inventive dishes from local chefs.

If you're looking for a table that blends tradition with inventive culinary offerings, try Le Bouchon des Cordeliers or Café du Peintre.

Learn About Lyon's Puppeteering and Marionette-Making Traditions

The dual collection at Musées Gadagne offers further insight into the long history of Lyon, as well as an exploration of the city's puppeteering and marionette-making traditions.

Visit the history museum to learn more about Lyon during the Renaissance. You can explore daily life during the period, artistic and cultural achievements, architecture, and more.

The Puppet Museum, meanwhile, is an old-fashioned but fun collection that all ages will enjoy. Learn more about the traditional crafting of wooden marionettes (also called guignols in French) and the quirky, endearing local custom of staging elaborate puppet shows that even adults flock to.

Taste & Stroll at Lyon's Famous Food Market

 Wikimedia Commons 

If you can only make time for one market in Lyon, it should be this one, opened in 1859. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse bears the name of one of France's most legendary chefs, and offers food lovers a maze of delights across some five dozen stalls.

Here you'll find a huge variety of authentic French cheeses, baked goods, herbs, sauces, chocolate, colorful produce from nearby farms, and more. If you want to browse or buy regional specialties, shops like  Maison Malartre sell everything from Lyonnais quenelles (pike dumplings) to escargot and rich sauces.

Come to stock up on goodies for a picnic on the banks of the Saône or Rhône, weather permitting.

Travel tip: The market makes a good first stop in Lyon if you're arriving at the nearby Part-Dieu train station.

Wander Down the Saône Riverbank Promenade

Julian Elliott / robertharding  /Getty Images 

Offering picturesque views over Vieux Lyon and a 9-mile path (or "promenade" that takes you from the city center to the edge of the Rhône Valley countryside, the banks of the Saône River are sublime.

Before or after visiting Vieux Lyon, explore the riverbank paths, promenade and elegant footbridges ( passerelles in French). Take in the warm, elegant façades of Old Town and enjoy light playing on the water, especially near dusk or early in the morning. This is one of the most photo-worthy spots in the city, so make sure your camera or phone has sufficient batteries.

Stop by City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) and Place des Terreaux

Richard Nebesky/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images 

Dominated by Lyon's Hôtel de Ville (City Hall), the Place des Terreaux forms the central artery of the Presqu'île area.

Built in a grandiose neoclassical style and replacing an earlier layout destroyed during the French Revolution of 1789, the sweeping, open central square is often used for city events and official processions. To one side, admire the dramatic Bartholdi Fountain, whose enormous sculpture depicts a woman commanding a chariot over four French rivers. It was completed in 1889.

Lyon's City Hall looms at the east side of the square, while the Lyon Fine Arts Museum stands at the south end, next to the lavish Saint-Pierre Palace.

Explore the Presqu'île District

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This central area between the Rhône and the Saône is the bustling heart of contemporary Lyon, home to busy shopping streets, museums, grand squares, restaurants, and theatres.

Its layout and architecture meld styles from the Renaissance period through to the 19th century, and many of the elegant faćades in the area resemble the Haussmannian architecture of Paris .

The Presqu'île stretches from the Place Bellecour —one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe—to the Place des Terreaux. The Rue Mercière boasts some fine Renaissance-era buildings; closer to the banks of the Rhône you'll find the Lyon Opera House , which features a contemorary domed rooftop from French architect Jean Nouvel.

See World-Famous Masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux Arts)

For anyone interested in fine art, this municipal museum on the Place des Terreaux is an essential destination. Its permanent collection—one of Europe's largest and most important—features paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and antiquities stretching from ancient Egypt to the modern period.

You can see masterpieces from the likes of Véronèse, Rubens, Géricault, Delacroix, Manet, Monet, Gauguin, Picasso, and Matisse, while also admiring urns, sarcophaguses, and objects of daily life from ancient Egypt.

The museum is housed in a distinctive 17th-century building that once served as a Benedictine convent. It was restored in the late 1990s.

Unwind in Parc de la Tête d'Or

Manuel Milan/Getty Images  

For a bit of fresh air or to stage a French-style picnic on the grass, head to one of Lyon's loveliest and largest municipal parks. Opened in 1857, the romantic-style Parc de la Tête d'Or welcomes visitors through its gilded gates, beckoning them to explore verdant paths, man-made lakes, footbridges, cycling routes, and even a small zoo.

Visit the park after taking a stroll along the banks of the Rhône river. If you're traveling with children, they'll appreciate attractions like mini-golfing, horse and pony rides, puppet theaters, and riding the park's dedicated miniature train.

Take a Wine Tour & Sample Local Wines

  Tambako the Jaguar / licensed under  CC BY-ND 2.0

Lyon lies within the fertile and beautiful Rhône Valley , endowed with some of France's finest vineyards and winemaking estates. If you have more than a couple of days to explore the city, we recommend embarking on a day trip that involves wine tasting and guided tours of one or more local vineyards.

On one of these guided wine tours , you'll learn about the Rhône Valley's different terroirs—specific geographical areas thought to produce very different sorts of wines due to soil quality, sunlight, etc. You'll also learn how to appreciate and recognize specific notes and flavors in reds and whites, and tour local wine production facilities to gain more insight into the magic of winemaking.

Visit the Museum of Miniatures & Cinema

Museum of Miniatures and Cinema, Lyon 

Fan of cinema history? How about miniatures? This intriguing double collection focuses on both.

The quirky museum boasts more than 100 painstakingly created miniature scenes depicting movie theaters, restaurants, an apothecary, an old-world medical office, and more.

Meanwhile, the cinema collection includes costumes, replicas of film sets, photos, memorabilia, and a special effects gallery. It also hosts special temporary exhibits on particular directors, film genres, and other themes.

The site in Old Lyon is also worth visiting for the building in which it's housed: a 16th-century Renaissance masterpiece known as the Maison des Avocats  , now a UNESCO site.

Marvel at one of Europe's Largest Pieces of Public Art

Jean-Pierre Lescourret/Lonely Planet Images/Getty Images

Many tourists overlook the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, but they shouldn't. Situated in the steep heights of Lyon's second major hill (alongside Fourvière), the Croix-Rousse is full of hip boutiques and restaurants, meandering paths, and mysterious courtyards.

The historic home of the canuts, Lyon's large community of 19th-century silk workers and weavers, Croix-Rousse still bears the traces of that interesting legacy. Like Vieux Lyon, it also counts numerous traboules, or passageways, worth exploring. These were widely used to transport silk by workers in the area.

Make sure to see the Mur des Canuts , an enormous, "trompe l'oeil" mural that minutely depicts daily life in the district during the 19th century. It's one of the largest pieces of public art in Europe.

Dig Into the History of Lyon's Silk Workers

If you want to dig even deeper into the history of Lyon's canuts (silk workers), paying a visit to the Maison des Canuts (Silk Workers' Museum) in the heart of the Croix-Rousse area is in order.

In addition to learning about the daily life, social conditions, and famous revolts of the canuts, you'll also get insight into the process of silk weaving itself. From the lifecycles of silkworms, to the intricate and painstaking process of weaving silk, to the invention of the Jacquard loom, there's a wealth of interesting information to absorb during a visit to the workshop here.

Honor the Memory of French Jews at the Resistance and Deportation History Center

Lyon's darker history comes alive in this important collection of artifacts and documents related to the city during World War II, when France's collaborationist government in Vichy, France participated in Nazi atrocities.

The documentation center is symbolically housed in Lyon's former Gestapo headquarters, where numerous resistance fighters were tortured. This is also where Klaus Barbie, an SS officer and chief of the Gestapo in Lyon, had his offices. He orchestrated the deportation of some 7,500 local French Jews to European concentration and death camps. He was also personally responsible for the death of 4,000 individuals, mostly political dissidents.

A visit to the multimedia exhibit is both educational and insightful, allowing visitors to keep alive the memory of the thousands who perished under the command of both the Nazis and Vichy France.

See How Lyon Became a Powerhouse in the Silk Trade

The Textile & Decorative Arts Museum takes visitors on a journey through 2,000 years of textile history, offering insight into the social and economic developments that surround it.

The collection tells the story of how Lyon became a world powerhouse in the silk trade during the Renaissance, and features objects such as rare Persian rugs, ornate tapestries, and silks from around Europe.

It also includes a significant collection of medieval and Renaissance-era tapestries as well as an impressive set of antique clocks. There's even a modern collection of decorative items that show how tastes and materials evolved following the Industrial Revolution and through to the contemporary period.

Learn About Some of Lyon's Most Famous Residents: The Lumière Brothers

Wikimedia Commons/Public domain 

If you're surprised to learn that Lyon boasts two museums dedicated to cinema history, you shouldn't be. The famous Lumière brothers —Lyon natives—were pioneers in filmmaking techniques and technology, and were credited with producing the very first (short) moving pictures. As such, the city is proud of its contributions to the history of the "seventh art".

Lumière villa is certainly off the beaten path, but it's worth a detour for its striking 19th-century building and surrounding gardens alone. Inside, you'll find an intriguing collection of artifacts related to the Lumière brothers' filmmaking breakthroughs, as well to the history of movies in general.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. "Cathedral Sint Jean Baptiste in Sint Jean District (Vieux Lyon); Part of the UNESCO World Heritage."

"Traboule 'Maison (House) des Avocats,' Rue de la Bombarde in Sint Jean District (Vieux Lyon)." United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.

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Things to Do in Lyon, France - Lyon Attractions

Things to do in lyon.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Vieux Lyon - Quarantaine
• Cordeliers - Jacobins
• Terreaux - Bat D'argent
• Carnot - Gailleton
• Griffon - Royale
• Molière - Edgard Quinet
• Part Dieu - Bir Hakeim
• Perrache - Charlemagne
• Voltaire - Saint Amour
• Jules Ferry - Récamier
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Parc de la Tete d'Or

2. Office of Tourism and Congress of Metropolis of Lyon

3. Centre D'histoire De La Resistance Et De La Deportation

4. Sensas Lyon

5. La Part-Dieu Shopping Center

6. Musée d'Histoire de Lyon

7. Zoo de Lyon

8. L'Atelier Gourmand de Lyon

9. I-REALITY Lyon

10. I-WAY Lyon

11. Thai Paradis

12. Mission Evasion - Escape Game Lyon

13. Imaginarium Game - Escape Game Lyon

14. Clap Escape

15. John Doe Escape Game

16. La Banquette Bleue

17. Spa Au Bout du Monde

18. Way Out! Escape Game

19. Veritable Theatre Guignol du Parc

20. Le GentleCat - Bar à Chats - Restaurant

21. GAME OVER Escape Rooms - Lyon

22. L'Improvidence

23. Le Nid de Poule - La Basse-Cour

25. KBOX Karaoké

26. I-Scape

27. Trustline

28. Galerie d'art Carre d'artistes l'Expo Lyon

29. Galerie d'art Carré d'artistes Lyon

30. SO FIT - Spa Deep Nature at Sofitel Hotel

What travelers are saying

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the Rhône

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 16 to 21 april 2024
• Opéra de Lyon, Place de la Comédie
• 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
• Lieux divers
• 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
• 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 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.
• From 14 to 24 june 2024
• The piece details the cruel fate of a woman who drank the elixir of immortality over 300 years before, and is therefore unable to die. To be worth living, life requires desire, fear, discovery, love. After having lived it all, Emilia Marty has become cold and insensitive.
• On 19 june 2024
• Two great musicians offer their take on three pieces by Chopin and Grieg. Their bond takes over the whole stage, with the Grand Duo Concertant's virtuoso dialogues and the grandeur of the two sonatas.
• On 21 june 2024
• Celebrate the arrival of summer with music in Lyon !

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

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