Planning a visit to Lyon, France? This vibrant city, known as the gastronomic capital of France, offers a rich blend of cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and delectable cuisine. Whether you’re wandering through the charming streets of Vieux Lyon, exploring the artistic treasures in Musée des Beaux-Arts, or indulging in Lyon’s world-famous food scene, there are countless best things to do in Lyon. Discover the stunning architecture at Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, stroll along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, or experience the vibrant nightlife in the Presqu’île district. Our comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Lyon will ensure you make the most of your trip to this enchanting city. Dive into the captivating history, sumptuous cuisine, and dynamic culture that make Lyon one of the best places to visit in France.
10 Best Places to Visit in Lyon
Planning a trip to Lyon? This charming city, renowned for its historical landmarks, vibrant culture, and world-class cuisine, offers an array of must-visit attractions. Here’s a guide to the best places to visit in Lyon, France for art enthusiasts, history buffs, or a foodies.
- Historical Heart: Vieux Lyon is one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe, brimming with narrow cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Saint-Jean Cathedral, wander through the Traboules (hidden passageways), and explore the Gadagne Museums.
- Activities: Enjoy local cuisine at traditional Bouchons Lyonnais restaurants, and explore artisanal shops and boutiques.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring.
- How to Get There: Accessible by metro line D; get off at Vieux Lyon station.
- Nearby Attractions: The Fourvière Hill and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
- Iconic Landmark: A symbol of Lyon, this basilica offers stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city.
- Top Attractions: Explore the interior mosaics, visit the crypt, and climb to the observation deck for breathtaking views.
- Activities: Attend a religious service or concert, and visit the Museum of Sacred Art inside the basilica.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime, but early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
- How to Get There: Accessible via the Funicular Railway from Vieux Lyon.
- Nearby Attractions: The Roman Theatres of Fourvière and Gallo-Roman Museum.
- Urban Oasis: One of the largest urban parks in France, offering recreational activities and picturesque landscapes.
- Top Attractions: Visit the Lyon Zoo, explore the Botanical Gardens, and take a boat ride on the lake.
- Activities: Cycling, jogging, pedal boating, and picnicking.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and summer for blooming flowers and outdoor activities.
- How to Get There: Accessible by bus lines C1, C4, and C6; nearest metro station is Masséna (line A).
- Nearby Attractions: Musée d’Art Contemporain and the Cité Internationale complex.
- Cultural Treasure: One of France’s premier art museums, housed in a former 17th-century convent.
- Top Attractions: Explore extensive collections of paintings, sculptures, antiquities, and decorative arts.
- Activities: Attend special exhibitions, guided tours, and educational workshops.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; weekdays offer a quieter experience.
- How to Get There: Accessible by metro line A; get off at Hôtel de Ville – Louis Pradel station.
- Nearby Attractions: Place des Terreaux and the Lyon City Hall.
- Central Square: One of Europe’s largest open squares, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
- Top Attractions: Check out the statue of King Louis XIV, the Ferris wheel (seasonal), and the Tourist Information Office.
- Activities: Shopping, dining, and people-watching.
- Best Time to Visit: Anytime; the square is lively year-round with various events and activities.
- How to Get There: Accessible by metro lines A and D; Bellecour station.
- Nearby Attractions: Rue de la République and Théâtre des Célestins.
- Modern Marvel: A contemporary museum at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, known for its striking architecture.
- Top Attractions: Explore exhibits on natural history, anthropology, and civilizations.
- Activities: Participate in interactive displays, temporary exhibitions, and workshops.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; weekdays are quieter.
- How to Get There: Accessible by tram line T1; get off at Musée des Confluences station.
- Nearby Attractions: La Sucrière and the Confluence Shopping and Leisure Centre.
- Hidden Passageways: Unique to Lyon, these secret passages link buildings and streets in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse.
- Top Attractions: Discover the fascinating architecture of Traboule de la Cour des Voraces, and Traboule de la Tour Rose.
- Activities: Take a guided tour to learn about their historical significance.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; early morning or late afternoon for fewer visitors.
- How to Get There: Located in the districts of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse, accessible by metro line D and line C, respectively.
- Nearby Attractions: The Mur des Canuts and Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls.
- Cradle of Cinema: A museum dedicated to the Lumière brothers, pioneers of cinema, located in their former family home.
- Top Attractions: Watch early film screenings, explore the history of cinema, and visit the Lumière Villa.
- Activities: Participate in film-related workshops and special events.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; check for special exhibitions.
- How to Get There: Accessible by metro line D; get off at Monplaisir – Lumière station.
- Nearby Attractions: Maison de la Danse and the vibrant Monplaisir district.
- Gastronomic Heaven: A covered market named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, offering the best of Lyon’s culinary delights.
- Top Attractions: Sample gourmet foods like cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, and seafood.
- Activities: Enjoy dining at one of the many on-site restaurants and cafes.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; mornings are best for fresh produce.
- How to Get There: Accessible by tram line T1; get off at Palais de Justice – Mairie du 3e station.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the Part-Dieu commercial district and Lyon Part-Dieu Shopping Centre.
- Historic Landmark: One of the oldest churches in Lyon, dating back to the 11th century.
- Top Attractions: Admire the Romanesque architecture, ancient sculptures, and mosaics.
- Activities: Attend a mass or take a guided tour to learn about its historical significance.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round; weekdays offer a quieter experience.
- How to Get There: Accessible by metro line A; get off at Ampère – Victor Hugo station.
- Nearby Attractions: Place Bellecour and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
10 Best Things to Do in Lyon
Looking for some thrilling adventure activities in Lyon? Whether you’re scaling heights, exploring underground passages, or paddling down rivers, there are countless best things to do in Lyon, France for adventure enthusiasts. Here’s a guide to the top adventure activities in Lyon with essential travel information.
- Urban Climbing: Fourvière Hill not only offers stunning views and historic sites but also some great climbing opportunities.
- Location: Fourvière Hill, near the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
- Activities: Rock climbing, bouldering, and abseiling.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn for the best weather conditions.
- Travel Tip: Local climbing clubs offer guided tours and equipment rental.
- Nearby Attractions: After your climb, explore the Roman Theatres of Fourvière and the Gallo-Roman Museum.
- Water Adventure: Paddle through the heart of Lyon and experience the city from a unique perspective.
- Location: Saône and Rhône rivers, starting points vary.
- Activities: Kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for warmer water and pleasant weather.
- Travel Tip: Kayak rentals and guided tours are available from local operators.
- Nearby Attractions: Paddle past landmarks like Vieux Lyon, Parc de la Tête d’Or, and the Confluence Museum.
- Soar Above the City: Enjoy breathtaking views of Lyon and its surroundings while soaring in the skies.
- Location: Monts d’Or area, just outside Lyon.
- Activities: Tandem paragliding, solo flights for experienced paragliders.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for ideal weather conditions.
- Travel Tip: Book tandem flights with certified instructors for a safe experience.
- Nearby Attractions: After your flight, explore the charming village of Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or.
- Underground Exploration: Discover the fascinating underground world with a guided caving tour.
- Location: Les Grottes de la Balme, about 40 km from Lyon.
- Activities: Spelunking, guided tours, and exploring subterranean chambers.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, but spring and summer offer more frequent tours.
- Travel Tip: Wear appropriate clothing and footwear for cave exploration.
- Nearby Attractions: Visit the nearby Bird Park in Villars-les-Dombes.
- Adrenaline Rush: Experience the thrill of freefall with a tandem skydive over the beautiful landscape surrounding Lyon.
- Location: Lyon Corbas Airport, about 15 km from the city center.
- Activities: Tandem skydiving, skydiving courses for beginners.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to autumn for the best weather conditions.
- Travel Tip: Book your skydive in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Nearby Attractions: After skydiving, explore the Parc de Parilly or head back to the city center for more adventures.
- Eco-Friendly Exploration: Combine adventure and sightseeing with a cycling tour of Lyon’s top attractions.
- Popular Routes: Cycle along the Rhône River, explore Vieux Lyon, and ride through Parc de la Tête d’Or.
- Activities: Biking, guided cycling tours, and self-guided routes.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for ideal biking weather.
- Travel Tip: Rent bikes from local shops or use the city’s bike-sharing service, Vélo’v.
- Nearby Attractions: Stop by landmarks such as Place Bellecour and the Mur des Canuts.
- High-Flying Fun: Get your adrenaline fix with zip lining and aerial obstacle courses at this adventure park.
- Location: Parc City Aventure in Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.
- Activities: Zip lining, tree climbing, and rope courses.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring through autumn for the best weather.
- Travel Tip: Wear comfortable, sporty clothing and adhere to all safety instructions.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the nearby town of Sainte-Foy-lès-Lyon.
- Aerial Adventure: Float gently above Lyon and its picturesque surroundings in a hot air balloon.
- Location: Various launch sites around Lyon.
- Activities: Sunrise and sunset balloon rides, with spectacular panoramic views.
- Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for the clearest skies.
- Travel Tip: Book in advance and dress warmly for early morning flights.
- Nearby Attractions: Post-flight, visit the vineyards of the Beaujolais region or explore Lyon’s city center.
- Active Exploration: Combine fitness and sightseeing with a guided running tour of Lyon’s iconic landmarks.
- Top Routes: Run along the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, pass through Parc de la Tête d’Or, and explore Fourvière Hill.
- Activities: Running, guided tours, and marathon training.
- Best Time to Visit: Year-round, early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures.
- Travel Tip: Join local running groups or book a guided running tour for a unique experience.
- Nearby Attractions: After your run, cool down with a leisurely stroll through Place de la République.
- Water Thrill: Get your adrenaline fix wakeboarding on one of the lakes at Grand Parc Miribel Jonage.
- Location: Grand Parc Miribel Jonage, about 10 km from Lyon.
- Activities: Wakeboarding, water skiing, and paddleboarding.
- Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for optimal water temperatures.
- Travel Tip: Wakeboard and other water sport equipment rentals are available at the park.
- Nearby Attractions: Explore the vast parklands, beaches, and cycling routes at Grand Parc Miribel Jonage.
Travel Information for Lyon
Lyon is Known as the gastronomic capital of France, this vibrant city offers a rich blend of history, culture, and cuisine. Here’s your comprehensive travel guide for Lyon packed with essential travel information for Lyon, France, to ensure your trip is smooth and unforgettable.
By Air: The main airport serving Lyon is Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS).
- Direct Flights: Major European cities and some international destinations have direct flights to Lyon.
- From Paris: Multiple daily flights connect Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) to Lyon.
By Train: Lyon is well-connected by the high-speed TGV network.
- Stations: The two main train stations are Gare de Lyon-Part-Dieu and Gare de Lyon-Perrache.
- Travel Time from Paris: Just over 2 hours on the TGV from Paris Gare de Lyon.
By Car: Lyon is accessible via A6 from Paris, A7 from the south, and A42 from Geneva.
- Car Rentals: Available at the airport and major train stations.
By Bus: Long-distance bus services like FlixBus and Ouibus offer routes to Lyon from various European cities.
Public Transit: Lyon has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trams, and metro lines operated by TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais).
- Metro: Four lines (A, B, C, D) cover the city comprehensively.
- Trams: Six tram lines (T1 to T6) connect different parts of the city.
- Buses: Extensive network covering urban and suburban areas.
Car Rentals: Ideal for exploring the surroundings of Lyon.
- Rental Agencies: Available at airports, train stations, and within the city.
Biking: Lyon is very bike-friendly.
- Bike-sharing: Vélo’v bike-sharing stations are conveniently located throughout the city.
Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis are readily available, and rideshare services like Uber operate in Lyon.
- Luxury Hotels: Experience opulence at Hotel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery, Villa Florentine, and Cour des Loges.
- Boutique Hotels: For a unique stay, consider Hotel Carlton Lyon and Hotel Silky by HappyCulture.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Ibis Hotels, B&B Hotels, and hostels like SLO Living Hostel offer affordable accommodation.
- Vacation Rentals: Use platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo to find apartments and homes.
- Spring (March to May): Ideal for mild weather and blooming landscapes.
- Summer (June to August): Perfect for festivals, outdoor dining, and warm weather but expect more tourists.
- Autumn (September to November): Pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds; great for exploring the city.
- Winter (December to February): Quieter with fewer tourists, festive Christmas markets, but colder weather.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: Stunning basilica offering panoramic views over Lyon.
- Vieux Lyon: Wander through the Renaissance district with cobblestone streets and historic architecture.
- Parc de la Tête d’Or: Enjoy the lush gardens, zoo, and boating lake in one of France’s largest urban parks.
- Musée des Beaux-Arts: One of the finest art museums in France, housed in a former Benedictine convent.
- Place Bellecour: One of the largest open squares in Europe, surrounded by shops and restaurants.
- Traboules: Explore these secret passageways unique to Lyon’s historic Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon areas.
- Traditional Cuisine: Try Lyon’s famous dishes such as Quenelles de Brochet, Andouillette, Rosette de Lyon, and Cervelle de Canut at traditional Bouchons Lyonnais like Le Bouchon des Filles and Café Comptoir Abel.
- Fine Dining: Indulge in gourmet meals at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Paul Bocuse and Restaurant de Anne-Sophie Pic.
- Markets and Local Produce: Visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for the best of Lyon’s culinary delights including cheese, charcuterie, pastries, and seafood.
- Wine: Sample regional wines from the nearby Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône areas.
- Local Markets: Discover fresh produce, regional products, and artisanal goods at markets such as Marché Saint-Antoine and Marché de la Croix-Rousse.
- Boutique Shops: Explore unique boutiques offering local fashion and interior décor in the Presqu’île area and Rue Auguste Comte.
- Department Stores: Shop at iconic department stores like Printemps and Galeries Lafayette for a wide range of products.
- Specialty Shops: Visit Voisin for chocolates and La Maison des Canuts for silk products.
- Language: French is the official language. While many locals speak some English, learning basic French phrases is appreciated.
- Currency: The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash for small purchases is useful.
- Safety: Lyon is generally very safe, but always exercise standard precautions. Keep valuables secure and be vigilant in crowded areas.
- Weather: The climate varies with hot summers and cold winters. Always carry a light jacket, especially for evening outings.
- Greetings: A polite “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) go a long way. In formal settings, a handshake or light kiss on the cheek (La bise) is customary.
- Dining Etiquette: Wait until everyone is served before starting your meal. Tipping is usually included in the bill (service compris), but leaving a small extra tip for excellent service is appreciated.
- Dress Code: Dress modestly for church visits and stylishly for dining out. While casual wear is suitable for sightseeing, Lyonnais appreciate a well-put-together appearance.
- Hiking and Walking Tours: Discover scenic walking routes in the Parc des Hauteurs and guided walking tours of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse.
- Running and Cycling: Enjoy running or cycling along the Rhône River banks and in Parc de la Tête d’Or.
- Boat Tours: Take a riverboat tour on the Rhône and Saône rivers for unique views of the city.
- Winter Sports: Use Lyon as a base for day trips to nearby ski resorts like L’Alpe d’Huez and Les Deux Alpes.
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