Visit Lyon: Between history and modernity
Lyon, located in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, is a city that seduces travelers with its unique blend of history, culture and gastronomy. Renowned for itsUNESCO World Heritage architectural heritage, it offers visitors an immersion in centuries of history while retaining a modern dynamism. Strolling through the cobbled streets of Vieux Lyon, admiring the view from Fourvière hill or savoring a specialty in a typical “bouchon” are just some of the activities that make Lyon an unmissable destination.
Lyon’s must-see sites: A rich and varied heritage
Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica: A symbol of Lyon
Perched atop the Fourvière hill, the basilica is one of Lyon’s most emblematic monuments, visible from almost anywhere in the city. Built at the end of the 19th century, its impressive architecture blends neo-Gothic and Byzantine styles. Climbing the steps or taking the funicular up to the top, visitors can enjoy an exceptional panorama of the entire city and its surroundings. Inside, sparkling mosaics and colorful stained-glass windows recount Lyon’s religious history, while the crypt dedicated to Saint Joseph invites contemplation.
Vieux Lyon: A medieval and Renaissance district
Vieux Lyon is the historic heart of the city, a district where every cobbled alleyway tells a story. Its traboules, secret passageways linking buildings, bear witness to Lyon’s flourishing silk-making past. Wandering through these narrow passages, you’ll discover inner courtyards, galleries and spiral staircases reminiscent of medieval times. The district is also home to museums such as the Musée Miniature et Cinéma, where you can admire film sets and meticulously crafted models.
The Presqu’île: Lyon’s beating heart
Located between the Saône and Rhône rivers, the Presqu’île is Lyon’s nerve center. Here, visitors can stroll between designer boutiques, big-name stores and lively cafés. Place Bellecour and Place des Terreaux are must-see landmarks where you can admire iconic statues and historic fountains. It’s also the ideal place to enjoy Lyon’s nightlife, with theaters, bars and clubs that keep the city alive until the early hours.
Things to do in Lyon: Between culture and nature
Cruise on the Saône and Rhône rivers
To discover Lyon from a new angle, there’s nothing like a cruise on the Saône or Rhône rivers. Cruising on the waters, visitors can admire the colorful facades of Vieux Lyon, the lively quays and emblematic bridges. Some theme cruises include tastings of Lyonnais specialties, offering both a cultural and gastronomic experience.
Parc de la Tête d’Or: A green space in the heart of the city
Lyon’s green lung, Parc de la Tête d’Or, is a popular destination for families, sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The 117-hectare park boasts a botanical garden, a free zoo and a pedal-boat lake.
The banks of the Rhône: A place to relax
The banks of the Rhône provide an ideal walking and cycling area. A blend of nature and modernity, the area attracts locals and tourists alike, in search of a moment of relaxation by the water.
Gastronomy in Lyon: World capital of gastronomy
Lyon’s bouchons: a unique culinary tradition
Lyon is famous for its gastronomy and its bouchons, small traditional restaurants where you can enjoy generous, authentic dishes. Specialties include pike quenelles, grilled andouillettes and tarte à la praline.
Les Halles de Lyon: Paul Bocuse
The temple of Lyon’s gastronomy, Les Halles de Lyon is a must for lovers of local produce.
Lyon’s markets: Local flavours
Lyon’s markets, such as Croix-Rousse, are great places to pick up fresh produce, cheeses and charcuterie typical of the region.
Events and festivals: Lyon all year round
Fête des Lumières: A unique show
Every year in December, Lyon lights up for the Fête des Lumières, a not-to-be-missed event that attracts millions of visitors.
Les Nuits de Fourvière: Culture and live entertainment
In summer, the ancient theater of Fourvière becomes the venue for the Nuits de Fourvière, a festival combining music, dance and theater.
Festival Lumière: A tribute to cinema
Lyon, the cradle of cinema, celebrates its annual Lumière Festival. A meeting place for cinephiles and lovers of the history of the seventh art.
Practical tips for visiting Lyon: Getting around and accommodation
Getting around Lyon
Lyon has an efficient public transport network, with metros, streetcars and buses. Tourist passes are available for easy travel.
Where to stay in Lyon?
Lyon offers a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. The hotels in Vieux Lyon are seductive for their historic charm.
Safety and practical information
Before you leave, it’s a good idea to check out the tourist information section, especially for travel formalities such as obtaining a eu visa.
A city of art and culture, Lyon charms with its history, gastronomy and friendly atmosphere. Whether you come to stroll through Vieux Lyon, sample local specialties or attend a festival, every visit is an opportunity to soak up the soul of Lyon. Before you leave, it’s a good idea to find out about travel formalities, such as obtaining a visa, so you can make the most of your stay in this must-see city in the Rhône-Alpes region.