The 15 things to do in Lyon

Visit Lyon: What are the best things to do in the capital of Gauls? Discover the selection of the editor!

In the centre-east of France, between the Alps and the Central Massif, the magnificent city of Lyon is located at the confluence of the Rhone and the Saône. The third city of France, Lyon is a city full of history and culturally rich: ancient theatre and vestiges of the Gallo-Roman era, Vieux-Lyon dating from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the Presqu’Ile and its more classical buildings, the Croix-Rousse of the industrial era and, finally, the Confluence with its ultra-modern contemporary buildings.

Extremely dynamic city, Lyon has been constantly evolving for over 2000 years! Are you wondering what to do in Lyon during your stay? Here is our selection of the 15 things to visit to discover the many treasures of the city!

1. Notre-Dame de Fourvière

At the top of the Fourvière hill stands the basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière , dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The name of the hill would come from the Latin « Forum Verus », meaning old forum, because it was chosen by the Romans for the foundation of Lyon in 43 BC.

Completed 1896 , the Basilica is an emblematic monument of the city and a must when you want to visit Lyon! Overlooking the city, it includes a very rich interior and exterior setting, including a cycle of mosaics representing the history of the Virgin in the history of France and the Church. From the esplanade of the Basilica, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city!

Enjoy your presence on the Fourvière hill to visit the remains of Théâtre Gallo-Romain de Lyon , the oldest of France built by Auguste in 15 BC.

2. Old London

It is impossible to visit Lyon without lingering in the picturesque district of Vieux Lyon . This neighborhood is one of the largest Renaissance style ensembles in Europe.

Enjoy your stroll to admire the Cathedral of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, as well as the traboules of Lyon. These shortcuts in the form of internal passages allow you to pass from one street to another, through one or more buildings. Traboules contain architectural curiosities such as vis stairs, façades or galleries.

3. La Presqu’ile

Would you like to visit Lyon? We recommend you go on adventure from the central place of Bellecour . Third largest place in France, she had different names before adopting the Place Bellecour in France 1850 Place Louis-le-Grand, Place de la Fédération and Place Bonaparte.

So you can lose yourself in the neighborhoods of the Presqu’ Island , going back to the Place des Terreaux, bordered by the Museum of Fine Arts and the Hotel de Ville. Rue Mercière, you will find many small restaurants and bars where to relax, perfect for a culinary weekend in Lyon . The Hotel-Dieu, recently renovated to host the city of gastronomy in 2019, is one of the largest buildings in the Presqu’ Island. It now houses many shops, hotels and restaurants to discover during your stay!

4. La Croix-Rousse

"The hill that works" is the nickname of the Croix-Rousse, with reference to the Lyon canuts. It opposes “the hill that prays” – Fourvière. This neighborhood is deeply marked by its high-place history of the silk industry. Today it is a rich and varied cultural space. If you have time and are fond of comedies, don’t hesitate to visit one of the famous theaters of Croix-Rousse!

5. The Parc de la Tête d’Or

The Parc de la Tête d’Or is the largest public park in France! Inaugurated in 1857 , it is today the true green lung of the city and extends on near 117 hectares inside Lyon. Very popular with Lyon, the park is a wonderful place to relax, meet with friends and picnic.

The zoo in Lyon is also located in the heart of the park. Free of charge, it welcomes many preserved species, such as adorable red pandas, and also lions — the city’s emblem!

6. The docks of Saône and the Rhone

Along the Saône or along the Rhone to the Confluence range from long docks. Soon green, sometimes paved, they offer a pleasant walk and especially many places to relax, relax and chat.

The more upstream rest from the péniches where you can have a drink, dinner or party. At Confluence, on the Presqu’ Island, is the dynamic district of the same name where modernity and historical past are located.

7. Light celebration

If you want to visit Lyon at the end of the year, don’t miss the light festival that takes place every year at the beginning of December.

For 4 nights, the city is covered with illuminations and light games of all kinds. Whether in the streets, on buildings where famous monuments, lights are everywhere! Enjoy this magical atmosphere with family, friends or even solo. You'll leave stars full of eyes!

8. The gastronomy Lyonnaise

What are you looking for in Lyon? Whether you are a gourmet or not, the gastronomy of the city is a must.

Recognized throughout France, gastronomic specialties of Lyon You'll enjoy your taste buds. From the typical lyonnais caps to the quenelles, including its famous pie to the pralines and bugs, you will certainly enjoy!

9. The Museum of Confluences

Open 2014 , Museum of Confluence sits in an oval-style building and resumes the Muséum de Lyon collections closed in 2007. Are you visiting Lyon? Take a tour in this exceptional contemporary museum offering collections around the "confluence of knowledge".

10. The park of Gerland

Do you want to spend an afternoon with friends surrounded by trees? Put the course on the park of Gerland . Dedicated to leisure, you will certainly find what to take care of: playground, skate park, etc.

If you just want to take a walk away from the bustle of the city, you can quite follow the canal surrounded by plants of all kinds. Open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. in winter, and from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. in summer, it is one of the must-sees in Lyon.

11. Les Halles Paul Bocuse

♪ Halles Paul Bocuse are a must-see institution in the city. They are the showcase for gastronomic excellence in Lyon. If you are visiting the corner, don’t hesitate to visit this covered market hosting no less 48 merchants who will delight your taste buds!

12. Barbe Island

Located in the middle of the Saône, the Barbe Island — meaning “the wild island” — is a place to visit if you like peaceful walks in green corners. Land of multiple legends, it is today divided into two parts: public and private. In the public domain, you can enjoy spaces for children, or a land for petanque.

The history lovers will be delighted to visit the remains of Notre-Dame Church and the most gourmet will be able to find refuge in the Auberge de l’Île, a high place of Lyon cuisine.

13. The Light Institute

Are you a filmmaker? L’ Institute of Light de Lyon — having elected a home in the homonymous villa — is the thing to do if you stay in Lyon! (Re)Discover the beginnings of the 7th Art and learn more about the famous Brothers of Light, Louis and Augustus. Dive into the heart of their unique universe that has shaped their fame and make a good in time through various objects as surprising as each other.

14. Nightlife

Lyon is known for its vibrant nightlife. We especially recommend the Sugar, a panoramic rooftop in Confluence that promises delicious and addictive evenings.

15. Participate in a workshop in Lyon

If you would like to go further in the discovery of Lyon's gastronomy, we advise you to participate in this workshop in Lyon to discover the secrets of the crust paste. During 2 h , for 180 € , chef Joseph Viola – the best worker in France – will make you discover the pure traditions of Lyon cuisine.

Thus, thanks to this workshop, you will not learn how to make the famous recipe of the paste in Lyon. You can then treat your taste buds with your preparation, for the greatest pleasure of gourmets!

If you wish to participate in a workshop in Lyon, we also recommend or the one on

How to get to Lyon?

Since the rest of France

• By plane

The city of Lyon has the 4th airport of France: Lyon Saint-Exupéry . You can reach it from most major cities in France. If prices vary depending on the place of departure, you are still advised to take it in advance and to use a flight comparison as Ulysses , to find tickets at the best price.

• By train

Lyon has 2 stations: Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon-Perrache . They are served by numerous trains (TGV, TER, Intercity) from many French cities: Montpellier, Paris, Annecy, Grenoble, Marseille, Lille, Strasbourg, Valencia and more.

Prices will vary depending on your departure city.

• By bus

Located near the homonymous SNCF station, the Lyon-Perrache bus station hosts several bus companies — such as FlixBus, Eurolines or OUIBUS — from various French cities.

Here again, ticket prices will vary depending on your departure city.

From the airport to the city centre

If you have decided to fly to Lyon and want to reach the city centre located 25km from the airport, there are several options available:

• By taxi

A taxi centre is located at Lyon Airport, providing you with a quality service. However, the rates are consistent. Count about 49€ for the ride.

• In Rhônexpress

Thanks to the Rhônexpress, you can reach the centre of Lyon in less than 30 minutes. This special tram will take you to the TGV train station in Lyon-Saint Exupéry.

Trips are made 7 days a week (even on holidays), all 15 minutes (from 6am to 9pm) and all 30 minutes (from 4h25 to 6h and from 9pm to midnight).

By buying your tickets 1 month in advance you can benefit from a preferential rate, 9,90€ . Otherwise, you'll have to count 16,30€ for over 25 years and 13,60€ for 12-25 years. The journey is free for – 12 years.

Where to stay in Lyon?

If you choose to visit Lyon, you must ask yourself in which district . Several choices are available to you: Fourvière, Sain-Jean, Presqu’Île and much more.

In terms of accommodation, the most classic will surely opt for a hotel room. Do not hesitate to use a Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best.

Want some more personal stuff? Choose to stay in one Airbnb . From classical studio to ultra modern duplex, everyone will find their account.

Now you know what to do in Lyon and in the surroundings during your stay in the capital of Gauls!