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things to do in lyon

Things to do in Lyon

Attracting increasing numbers of visitors every year, it is a real City Break destination at a European level. Proof of this is that Lyon is among the Top 10 most popular European cities on Google* and in 2016 it was elected Europe’s Leading City Break Destination during the World Travel Awards.

A dynamic and modern city that draws its strength from its world-famous traditions, which are gastronomy, silk and cinema.

Being on holiday is a healthy balance between relaxing and enjoying the various activities that Lyon has to offer! Things to do in Lyon

For a successful stay, be sure to discover all the interesting tours and excursions available in Lyon! The opportunities are endless, from a walk in the park to a day at the spa. Why not pamper yourself with a massage or a food & wine tasting evening? From cooking courses to sports activities, there is something for everyone. Spice up your experience by trying a new and unique activity. You’ll leave rested and in great shape with wonderful memories of your holiday. Things to do in Lyon

A city focused on the future

Building on experience, Lyon is resolutely focused on the future.
For several years now, the urban area has been committed to ensuring its territory becomes an exceptional site with wide-ranging urban projects. Its programme includes redeveloping the southern part of the Presqu’île, the Part-Dieu area, and renovating the Grand Hôtel-Dieu. The aim is to enable the territory to reinforce its economic and industrial fabric, strengthen its excellent high-tech sectors and ensure free-flowing movement.

Some top things to do in Lyon

1. Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
  • Why: This medieval district is one of the best-preserved Renaissance areas in Europe. Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, explore charming courtyards, and discover hidden passageways (traboules) that were once used by silk workers.
2. Visit Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
  • Why: Perched on a hill, this stunning basilica offers panoramic views of the city. Inside, admire intricate mosaics and beautiful architecture. The view from the hill is one of the best spots in Lyon for a breathtaking cityscape.
3. Stroll Through Parc de la Tête d’Or
  • Why: This expansive park is perfect for a relaxing day outdoors. It features a large lake for boating, a botanical garden, a zoo, and plenty of walking paths. It’s ideal for a peaceful stroll or a family picnic.
4. Tour the Musée des Confluences
  • Why: Located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, this modern science and anthropology museum is known for its futuristic architecture and fascinating exhibitions on the natural world, human history, and civilizations.
5. Discover Lyon’s Culinary Scene
  • Why: Lyon is famous for its food, especially in its traditional bouchons, small, cozy restaurants serving local specialties like quenelles, salade lyonnaise, and tarte à la praline. Don’t miss the food markets like Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse for fresh produce and local delicacies.
6. Explore Croix-Rousse
  • Why: Known as the “hill that works,” Croix-Rousse was the heart of Lyon’s silk industry. This district is full of quirky boutiques, street art, and charming cafes. It’s also home to a vibrant market and panoramic views of the city.
7. Walk Along the Rhône and Saône Rivers
  • Why: Lyon’s rivers are central to its identity. You can walk or bike along the riversides, enjoy the beautiful views, or relax at one of the many cafes or bars on the water. There are also boat cruises that offer scenic tours of the city from the river.
8. Visit the Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts)
  • Why: One of France’s largest fine arts museums, located in a former abbey, the museum showcases an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and archaeological artifacts, including works by Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.
9. Experience the Traboules
  • Why: These hidden passageways through buildings are unique to Lyon, particularly in the Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse areas. They were originally used by silk workers to transport goods, and today they are fascinating to explore and offer insight into the city’s history.
10. Climb the Fourvière Hill and Visit the Roman Theatres
  • Why: In addition to the Basilica, the hill of Fourvière hosts ancient Roman theaters. The Theatre Antique de Lyon and the Odeon offer a glimpse into Lyon’s history as a Roman city, with views of the city and the surrounding hills.
11. Attend the Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières)
  • Why: If visiting in December, don’t miss the Fête des Lumières, Lyon’s famous light festival. The city’s landmarks and public spaces are illuminated in spectacular light displays, making it a magical experience.
12. Take a Cooking Class
  • Why: Given Lyon’s reputation as the food capital of France, a cooking class here offers an opportunity to learn how to make traditional Lyonnaise dishes. Many local chefs offer hands-on workshops where you can prepare a meal and enjoy it afterward.
13. Visit the Museum of Contemporary Art (MAC)
  • Why: For art lovers, the MAC is a must-visit. The museum focuses on contemporary art, with rotating exhibitions featuring international and French artists. It’s located in the Parc de la Tête d’Or, so it’s easy to combine a visit with a walk through the park.
14. Shop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
  • Why: This indoor food market is a food lover’s paradise. Named after the famous chef Paul Bocuse, it features high-quality local products like cheese, charcuterie, and pastries, and is a great place to pick up gourmet souvenirs.
15. Go on a Wine Tour
  • Why: Lyon is surrounded by some of France’s best wine regions, such as Beaujolais and Côtes du Rhône. Take a guided wine tour to visit local vineyards, sample regional wines, and learn about the area’s winemaking history.
16. Explore the Parc des Hauteurs
  • Why: Located near the Fourvière hill, this park offers lush greenery, scenic views of Lyon, and a peaceful atmosphere. It’s perfect for hiking, walking, and enjoying nature while being close to the city.
17. Discover the Silk Museum (Musée des Canuts)
  • Why: Lyon has a long history as a center of silk production. The Musée des Canuts in Croix-Rousse offers insight into the city’s silk industry, including the tools, techniques, and stories behind this important aspect of Lyonnaise heritage.
18. Visit the Institut Lumière
  • Why: The Lumière brothers, who invented cinema, were from Lyon. Visit the Institut Lumière to learn about their groundbreaking work in film and explore exhibitions on the history of cinema.
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Must have apps when visiting Lyon

Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich history, gastronomy, and vibrant cultural scene, offers various apps that can enhance the experience for visitors. Here are some must-have apps for travelers to Lyon:

1. Lyon City Card
  • Purpose: Access to attractions and transport
  • Why: This official app offers digital access to the Lyon City Card, which provides free or discounted entry to top attractions, museums, and public transportation for a set number of days.
2. Citymapper
  • Purpose: Public transport navigation
  • Why: Lyon’s public transport system (metros, buses, trams, and funiculars) can be easily navigated using Citymapper. It provides real-time data, helping you get around the city quickly and efficiently.
3. Google Maps
  • Purpose: Navigation and location services
  • Why: Google Maps is essential for navigating Lyon’s streets, discovering local businesses, and finding directions for walking, driving, or using public transport.
4. TripAdvisor
  • Purpose: Reviews and recommendations
  • Why: Use TripAdvisor to find top-rated restaurants, attractions, and hotels in Lyon, complete with user reviews and helpful travel tips.
5. TCL (Transports en Commun Lyonnais)
  • Purpose: Lyon public transport
  • Why: The official app for Lyon’s public transport system (TCL) offers schedules, maps, ticketing options, and updates on service disruptions. It’s essential for navigating the city’s extensive metro, tram, and bus network.
6. La Fourchette (TheFork)
  • Purpose: Restaurant reservations
  • Why: Lyon is known for its gastronomy, and La Fourchette is the best app for booking tables at restaurants, offering discounts, and browsing through restaurant menus.
7. Lyon Parc Auto
  • Purpose: Parking management
  • Why: This app helps you find available parking spaces across Lyon, which can be especially useful when navigating the city’s busy streets or exploring popular districts like Vieux Lyon.
8. Musee des Confluences
  • Purpose: Museum guide
  • Why: For those visiting the Confluences Museum, this app provides information on exhibits, events, and an interactive map of the museum, enhancing the experience of one of Lyon’s most famous attractions.
9. Lyon Maville
  • Purpose: Local news and events
  • Why: Lyon Maville gives you the latest news on what’s happening in Lyon, including cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, and other activities throughout the city.
10. Vélo’v
  • Purpose: Bike-sharing service
  • Why: With a network of over 350 bike stations across the city, Vélo’v is Lyon’s bike-sharing service, offering an eco-friendly way to explore Lyon. The app helps you locate available bikes and docking stations.
11. Lyon Cité Régionale
  • Purpose: Tourism guide
  • Why: This app is ideal for tourists looking to discover Lyon’s key attractions, events, and cultural offerings. It includes information on museums, monuments, and local hotspots.
12. WeatherPro
  • Purpose: Weather updates
  • Why: Lyon has a temperate climate, but weather can change quickly. WeatherPro helps you stay prepared with accurate forecasts, which is useful for planning your activities.
13. Lyon Shopping
  • Purpose: Shopping guide
  • Why: Lyon is famous for its shopping, especially in the Presqu’île district and the Croix-Rousse area. This app helps you find stores, boutiques, and markets across the city.
14. Vinci Park
  • Purpose: Parking management
  • Why: If you’re driving in Lyon, the Vinci Park app lets you find, reserve, and pay for parking spots in various locations, including the city center.
15. Spotify or Deezer
  • Purpose: Music streaming
  • Why: Enjoy local or international music while exploring Lyon. Whether you’re enjoying the city’s nightlife or relaxing in a park, these apps help you curate the perfect soundtrack for your trip.

These apps will help you navigate Lyon, discover its gastronomy, and enhance your cultural experience, making your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

Best time to visit Lyon

The best time to visit Lyon is in September and October, when the city empties of its summertime tourists, leaving behind crisp, cool autumn weather and colorful foliage. The months between November and April, while the coldest and darkest, are the best times to find deals on airfare or accommodations.