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Around Lyon: 30 Beautiful Places to Discover

Last Updated:  1 August 2023

Is there any need to introduce Lyon , the capital of the Gauls and the capital of French gastronomy? The city offers visitors an incredible architectural and cultural heritage. But beyond the ancient Lugudunum, there are many sites to explore. Of course, the Monts d’Or and the Beaujolais vineyards are also natural sites, beautiful ruins, and charming localities. What are the 30 places to see in the region around Lyon ? Follow the guide, and let’s go on a trip less than 40 km from Lyon city centre!

Around Lyon

What does Lyon mean to you?

The historic Hill of Fourvière ?

Lyon’s gastronomy and its bouchons ?

The Renaissance houses of Old Lyon and their traboules ?

The opera and its unusual roof?

The banks of the Saône and the Rhône?

Lyon is all this… and much more!

But for now, let’s leave the city walls to explore its surroundings…

Staying around Lyon

To plan your accommodation around Lyon, click on this link to booking.com or browse the map below:

What to see around Lyon?

Lyon is located in the heart of a tourist region. If you venture 30, 40 or 50 km from the city centre, you can discover hundreds of points of interest. Of course, it is not possible to list them all. I have selected 30 sites grouped into ten destinations within a 40 km radius of Lyon.

► Do you have any suggestions for visits to and around Lyon? Write them in the comments at the bottom of the article!

Here are the ten main destinations we will discover around Lyon:

Ambérieux-en-Dombes

• Villefranche-sur-Saône

Oingt and Theizé

Monts d’or, rochetaillée-sur-saône, signal de saint-andré, vienne and saint-romain-en-gal.

Check the exact location of the 30 places on our Google Map.

To help you, I have included links to the corresponding tourist offices for most of the destinations around Lyon. Don’t hesitate to go there to get personal information on natural or cultural sites to discover, hikes to find or the programme of upcoming events.

Let’s start this little trip around Lyon with a historic town in the Isère département on the road to the Alps.

Town 40 km east of Lyon

Crémieu is a small town of 3,375 inhabitants, part of the Dauphiné province. Today, Crémieu is part of the department of Isère, not far from the Jura.

The charming old town has picturesque squares, narrow streets with colourful facades, 16th and 17th-century houses and the remains of its medieval ramparts.

The Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Crémieu is a hall church dating back to the beginning of the 14th century. It houses a unique collection of Augustinian paintings created at the end of the Middle Ages.

The fortified hills of Crémieu

Two hills dominate the old town:

• Saint-Laurent Hill, on the east side
• Saint-Hippolyte Hill, on the west side

The ruins of the Château Delphinal (or Château Saint-Laurent) occupy the top of the Saint-Laurent hill to the east of the town. It was strategically important because the border between the Dauphiné and Savoie lay there—the remains of the fortress date from the 13th and 15th centuries.

To the west of the town and opposite the Delphine castle, Saint-Hippolyte Hill is home to the ruins of a Benedictine monastery, surrounded by its fortifications.

What to see around Crémieu

The town is bordered by a natural region of hills and plateaus: L’Isle Crémieu . This area is the link between the Lyon Plain and the Bugey Jura. If you have half a day to spare, here are some sites to explore:

• The castle of Saint-Julien dominates the peaceful waters of the pond of Ry on the road to Siccieu-Saint-Julien-Carisieu.
• The archaeological site of Larina is built on a rocky limestone spur overlooking the Rhône by more than 200 metres.
• The Verbois gorges at Hières-sur-Amby and its beautiful waterfall.

Find out more about Crémieu on the blog

For more information, visit the Crémieu tourist office website.

Village 40 km north-east of Lyon

The medieval town of Pérouges is one of the most visited tourist sites in the Ain département. This ancient weaver’s village is located on a hill and is part of the association Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (France’s most beautiful villages).

The historic centre of Pérouges includes no less than 80 buildings listed as historic monuments. To be discovered in Pérouges :

• the town gates (Porte d’En-Bas, Porte d’En-Haut)
• the rue des Rondes (its picturesque appearance is due to its canopy roofs and the stone hooks that mark the weavers’ houses)
• the Rue des Princes, the former main street
• the Place du Tilleul and its 200-year-old lime tree planted shortly after the French Revolution several timber-framed and corbelled houses line the Place du Tilleul, including the Hostellerie du Vieux Pérouges, which dates from the 13th century
• the 15th-century fortified church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine

As you stroll through the streets of old Pérouges, you may recognise some film locations: Les Trois Mousquetaires (1961) and Angélique, Marquise des Anges (1964).

For more information, visit the Pérouges tourist office website.

36 km north of Lyon

Ambérieux-en-Dombes is located in the centre of a triangle formed by Bourg-en-Bresse, Mâcon and Lyon. The town of 1750 inhabitants is also located in the western part of the Dombes , a marshy region with various shapes and sizes of ponds.

Visitors to Ambérieux-en-Dombes see the old castle from the 12th and 14th centuries. It still has its four towers, including the keep.

In the village, notice the war memorial : it has the particularity of being surmounted by a rooster, a detail uncommon in France.

Excursion to the Dombes

If you have half a day to spare, take the opportunity to explore the Dombes. The natural region has more than 1,000 ponds dug in the Middle Ages by monks. 

As you drive along the small roads of the Dombes, you will discover villages full of flowers, castles made of carrons (red bricks), farms made of pisé (compacted raw earth) and, of course, an array of ponds! Near Ambérieux-en-Dombes, don’t miss:

• the Bouligneux castle (a former fortified house from the early 14th century)
• the charming church of the Nativité-de-la-Sainte-Vierge in Villars-les-Dombes , in Romanesque style and dating from the 12th/13th centuries,
• the bird park in Villars-les-Dombes (one of the oldest bird parks in France. It contains a collection of more than 3,000 birds from all over the world in a 380-hectare reserve, 35 of which are accessible to the public)
• the surprising Ars Basilica in Ars-sur-Formans

For more information, visit the Dombes tourist office website.

Villefranche-sur-Sâone

35 km north of Lyon

Between Mâcon and Lyon, Villefranche-sur-Saône is a gateway to the Beaujolais (to the west) and the Dombes (to the east).

The Rue Nationale crosses the town centre for about 1500 metres. This artery brings together most of the shops, as well as the significant sites of interest in Villefranche:

• the collegiate church Notre-Dame des Marais (16th-century façade and 13th-century Romanesque bell tower)
• the Renaissance houses in the old centre, especially along the Rue Nationale.

Around Villefranche: the Fléchères castle

6 km from the town, in the commune of Fareins, stands the magnificent château de Fléchères . 

It is the largest castle open to the public in the region around Lyon. 

The building is unusual in France, built around a Protestant temple!

The castle was built between 1606 and 1625 on the site of a fortified house. It offers an exceptional testimony to the life of the great notables of Lyon in the 17th century.

The interior features beautiful frescoes that decorate the walls of 10 castle rooms.

The park surrounding Fléchères extends over 30 hectares and comprises beautiful terraces, long shaded paths offering perspectives, an Italian-style pool and topiaries.

More information on the Beaujolais tourist office website

Visit the website of the Château de Fléchères

Around Villefranche: Trévoux

Less than 10 km south of Villefranche, it would be a shame not to stop at Trévoux .

In the Middle Ages, the Saône River acted as a border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire, of which Trévoux was a part.

The town grew wealthy thanks to the river toll established in Trévoux in the 13th century. Its strategic importance was reflected in the construction of a fortified castle and a rampart.

The old town centre has several historic buildings, including 17th and 18th-century townhouses. From the castle of Trévoux, there is a beautiful panorama of the Saône valley, the Dombes, the Beaujolais and the Monts d’Or.

Villages 35 km north of Lyon

To the west of Villefranche-sur-Saône lies the Beaujolais vineyards . The Pays des Pierre Dorées has charming little villages to the southwest. The countryside is often compared to Tuscany or Provence. The Monk and Nun roofing and the warm facades of the villages confirm this image. And yet, we are north of Lyon!

I suggest you visit Oingt and Theizé.

Built at the top of a limestone ridge at over 500 metres, Oingt dominates the Azergues Valley.

The commune belongs to the association of the most beautiful villages in France and attracts many tourists.

The historic village contains small heritage features: wine presses, wells and cadoles (dry stone huts).

The view extends to the Beaujolais vineyards, the Azergue Valley, and the Monts du Lyonnais.

The old village of Theizé occupies a hillside overlooking the Merloux Valley at an altitude of 450 metres.

Its old church dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and was enlarged in the flamboyant Gothic style in the 16th century.

The Rochebonne castle is located at the top of the village. Demolished during the Hundred Years’ War, it was rebuilt in the 17th century by a member of the family of Madame de Sévigné.

At the entrance to the village, the château de Rapetour is a 13th-century fortified house open to the public.

As in Oingt, the small heritage offers visitors many surprises throughout the commune: washhouses, wells, crosses and dry stone huts typical of the Beaujolais.

Le Pays des pierres dorées

The villages of Oingt and Theizé are part of the Pays des pierres dorées (Land of Golden Stones). This is a territory that brings together some forty communes.

Golden stones are limestone quarried in several villages northwest of Lyon. The stone is coloured with iron oxides, giving it its beautiful honey-yellow colour. The inhabitants used them as construction materials for their buildings (houses, castles, churches, etc.).

For more information, visit the Beaujolais Tourist Office website.

27 km north of Lyon

Charnay is a good base for exploring the Pays des pierres dorées.

The perched village occupies a narrow ridge and dominates the surrounding area by over 200 metres. As a result, it offers a clear view of the Beaujolais region.

The village of Charnay is centred on the Place du château (castle square), surrounded by golden stone houses from the 15th and 16th centuries, the church of Saint-Christophe and the castle La Mansarde (late 13th-early 14th century), now the town hall.

Châtillon d’Azergues

A few kilometres south of Charnay, Châtillon d’Azergues is worth a visit. The village of Châtillon is dominated by the imposing ruins of its 12th-13th century castle.

If you leave the village on the D76 in the direction of Alix, notice on the right the picturesque roof-topped well-known as “Sarracen”.

Chazay-d’Azergues

The old fortified town of Chazay-d’Azergues has preserved its belfry and some 15th and 16th-century houses.

Saint-Jean-des-Vignes

This is a charming site with its small church offering a superb view of the Lyon region.

The Espace Pierre Folles

On the territory of the commune of Saint-Jean-des-Vignes is the Espace Pierres Folles . The museum dedicated to the geology and heritage of the Beaujolais region offers a historical retrospective through the geology, fossils, soil and natural resources of the region. Please note: the site is closed for extension and renovation work and should reopen in 2023.

Natural site 30 km north of Lyon

For the people of Lyon, the Monts d’Or are synonymous with Sunday walks in the affluent suburbs of the Lyon conurbation. Indeed, the municipalities established on the slopes of this small massif to the northwest of Lyon are among the hundred wealthiest communes in France (in particular Saint-Didier-au-Mont-d’Or and Saint-Cyr-au-Mont-d’Or).

The Monts d’Or extend from north to south for about ten kilometres. They are bordered to the east by the Saône and the A6, the famous Autoroute du Soleil to the west.

The massif culminates at Mont Verdun (626 metres). The second highest peak is Mont Thou (611 m). These are occupied by military installations whose origins date back to the post-war years of 1871.

The Monts d’Or offer the people of Lyon great hiking opportunities, allowing them to appreciate better the massif’s natural environment and the small heritage (the cabornes or dry stone shelters).

There are plenty of opportunities to see the surrounding countryside. Going to the Croix Rampau is essential to enjoy the most beautiful panorama. An orientation table lets you identify the surrounding sites, from the Puy de Dôme to Mont Blanc !

Further south, the panorama from Mont Thou extends from the Saône Valley to Fourvière . On a clear day, the Jura and the Alps are visible.

13 km north of Lyon

Rochetaillée-sur-Saône , a town perched above the Saône, was once a popular bathing place for the people of Lyon. Today, it is its glazed-tile castle that attracts visitors.

Indeed, the restored former fortified castle is home to the Henri-Malartre automobile museum . Splendid collections can be discovered in the terraced park above the Sâone: automobiles (1890-1986), cycles (1818-1960), motorbikes (1904-1964), and public transport vehicles (1886-1935). Thus, of the 150 models of cars on display, 50 are pre-1914.

Find out more about the Henri-Malartre Automobile Museum.

Paul Bocuse’s restaurant

On the other bank of the Saône, the commune of Collonges-au-Mont-d’Or is home to the famous Auberge du Pont de Collonges , a restaurant founded by Paul Bocuse. The façade of this temple of French cuisine is decorated with paintings and sculptures by Paul Bocuse.

Neuville-sur-Sâone

North of Rochetaillée, make a diversion to Neuville-sur-Sâone to discover the Château de Vimy, or the Château des Abbés de l’Île-Barbe.

Then don’t forget Ombreval Castle , built in 1458 by Monsieur d’Ombreval. The castle’s park has become a public park whose moat still surrounds the building. The castle chapel is in a good state of preservation on the outside, as is the nymphaeum, a pavilion in the form of a grotto (circa 1636).

Locality 40 km west of Lyon

Located in the commune of Saint-André-la-Côte, 20 km from Lyon as the crow flies, the Signal de Saint-André is a summit belonging to the main ridge of the Monts du Lyonnais .

Culminating at 934 m, it is the second-highest summit in the massif, behind the Crêt Malherbe.

It is an important geographical location because it was here that the geographer César-François Cassini (1714-1784) had a marker erected on the summit in 1744 for the production of his famous map of the kingdom of France. It is still there today and indicates why the top was named “signal”.

The panoramic view on a clear day is magnificent. You can see the Monts du Lyonnais, the Lyon conurbation, the Jura and the Alps on the horizon.

In the surroundings, don’t miss the beautiful landscapes of the Monts du Lyonnais, particularly the Ronzey Lake and the countryside of Yzeron . In this village, an orientation table on the church square offers a beautiful view of the Lyon conurbation.

On the D2 road up to Riverie, notice the church in the centre of the village of Saint-Didier-sous-Riverie . It is an imposing sanctuary rebuilt in 1868 with granite bluestone. The church dedicated to Saint Didier de Vienne has the particularity of having two square bell towers, which is rare in the region, especially in a village the size of Saint-Didier-sous-Riverie!

The Route des Crêtes

To get a good overview of the Monts du Lyonnais, follow the route des crêtes from Saint-Didier-sous-Riverie to Vaugneray via :

• Riverie to Saint-Martin-en-Haut (D113)
• Saint-Martin-en-Haut to Yzeron (D122)
• Yzeron to Col de la Luère (D113)
• Then by the D24, downhill to Vaugneray .

34 km south of Lyon

You have to know which Vienne you are talking about!

A little geography revision: don’t confuse Vienne (the French name for Vienna, the capital of Austria), the Vienne river (which gave its name to a French département) and Vienne , a historic city and sub-prefecture of Isère.

Of course, we will mention the latter, located about thirty kilometres south of Lyon.

At the crossroads of roads leading to Lyon , the Alps , the Massif Central and Provence via the Rhône, Vienne’s strategic position is no stranger to the city’s rich built heritage.

Vienne is home to several significant monuments dating from antiquity: the Temple of Augustus and Livia , the ancient theatre from the 1st century AD, and the Roman remains of the Garden of Cybele .

From the medieval period, we can mention the Saint-Maurice cathedral (12th-13th centuries), the Saint-Pierre de Vienne abbey (now an archaeological museum), the Bâtie castle (13th century), the Saint-André-le-Bas de Vienne abbey and its cloister…

The rue Marchande is lined with arcades and old courtyards in the historical centre, reminiscent of the famous traboules in the Old Lyon district .

The city also has several museums : the Fine Arts and Archaeology Museum, Saint-André-le-Bas Cloister Museum, Saint-Pierre Archaeological Museum, and Drapery.

Panoramic views of Vienne

To enjoy a beautiful panorama of the city, go up to Mont Pipet . Near the chapel, the view over the city’s roofs and the cathedral is superb.

On a hillock overlooking the city stands the castle of La Bâtie . The former residence of the archbishops of Vienne in the Middle Ages is now in ruins.

Saint-Romain-en-Gal

On the opposite bank of the Rhône, Saint-Romain-en-Gal reveals an important archaeological site for visitors. The numerous Gallo-Roman remains include thermal baths, a Roman granite road, habitats and mosaics…

More information on the Vienne-Condrieu tourist office website

Practical information

Some practical advice to discover the sites around Lyon:

• You can avoid the traffic jams to get out of/into Lyon by driving outside of rush hour, mainly if you use the eastern ring road (A46-N346).
• These ten places inspire you to discover the region around Lyon (less than 40 km by road). Let yourself be surprised by other discoveries during your escapades, and stay curious! There is so much to discover, especially if you are a lover of small heritage.
• Don’t hesitate to enter the tourist office centres. During my French travels, the receptionists I met know the area and will be happy to help you discover their beautiful region.
• Click here to get ideas about accommodation  in the area around Lyon.
• Visiting the region around Lyon? Think of the following hashtags: #onlylyon – #myauvergnerhonealpes – #enfranceaussi – #frenchmoments

Other blog posts that might interest you

• Read this article in French on our blog Mon Grand-Est
• Practical information for planning your visit to Lyon
• A Culinary Journey into Lyon Gastronomy!
• Discover the old town of Lyon: history and Sightseeing
• The official Tourist Board of Lyon
• Accommodation in Lyon
• Find out more about Tourism in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

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About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Thank you Pierre, for a wonderful piece! I go to Lyon often but because I take the train, I don't visit the environs, so thanks for the nudge! One thing I would add to the Pierres Dorées village of Oingt which you may not know – in December (which is when I visited) they have an informal crèche competition – it's not really a competition but everyone decorates their windows with scenes from the Nativity. Completely brightens up the village and some are incredibly creative!

Thank you very much Leyla for the information on the Christmas Nativity scenes in Oingt! It is indeed worth a visit in December! 🙂

I will be traveling in France by train Can I visit small villages and towns close to Lyon? I am interested in Roman History.

Some of these sites are accessible by train, but hiring a car for most villages is best.

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The 15 Best Day Trips From Lyon, France

• By Caitlin Shetterly
• October 4, 2023

Lyon, France’s third largest city, is perfectly located in eastern, central France, and is considered by many to be France’s heart of cuisine. And with good reason: The famous chef, Paul Bocuse, hailed from Lyon, and since he made his mark, the city has produced an incredible number of award-winning chefs. This beautiful city has two major rivers that run through it, the River Rhône and the River Saône, which converge in the center of the city and from there travel, now as the Rhône, all the way to the Mediterranean. And this remarkable international city is home to not only the “practice Eiffel Tower,” but also the Fourvière (a medieval cathedral that sits high above the city in a strategic location, and can be reached on foot or by historic cable car), Roman ruins, and the awe-inspiring Musée des Beaux Arts. The city center has old, bendy streets, mediterranean colors, and a laid-back vibe. For some this is enough for an extended trip.

But for those on a longer sojourn, or who want to leave their bags and venture forth from Lyon, Frenchly editors have come up with a list of day trips from Lyon that are not only doable, but will offer some extra dimensions to , perhaps, fall a tiny bit more in love with France. (If that’s at all possible!)

The Internet is rife with advice for fun or adventure-filled day trips from Lyon, Paris, Dijon, Nice—anywhere in France, according to the Google, is a day trip from somewhere else. Most of this advice is absurd. However, if you do it right, you can venture out in the relatively small country of France for a day and still adhere to the relaxed pace of a vacation. The important thing to do is be realistic. For instance, Versailles as a day trip from Paris = doable. Lake Annecy as a day trip from Lyon = a tad ambitious. You may not enjoy this charming lakeside city in the French Alps in the time that you have before you need to hop back onto a bus to slog back to Lyon for almost 2 hours; you’ll probably wish you’d brought your bathing suit and booked a night in a nearby hotel. Avignon from Lyon in one day on the expensive high speed train = ridiculous.

The great news is that Lyon has the advantage of being an easy city to navigate out of by train, bus, car, or scooter, making day trips from Lyon a snap. It is so perfectly and centrally located in France that there are many options in the surrounding area to enjoy a lake, a small medieval town, beautiful villages with spectacular views, a castle, and more. And what’s wonderful is that the choices below are not American tourist traps–instead, they are tasteful, wonderful, unusual place, sure to add dimension to your time in France. Keep in mind, too, that, in general, public transport works beautifully in France, so buses and trains may be the easiest way to get anywhere. You can also rent a car at the St. Exupéry Airport in Lyon and go from there.

We like to use the Rome2Rio trip planning app, which will show you how to plan your day trips from Lyon and how much it will cost via train, bus, car, or taxi. 

Top 3 Day Trip Tips

Before you start planning your next day trip from anywhere to anywhere, take a moment to ask yourself these three questions: 

1) Will it expand what you are already doing where you are?

2) Is it cheaper to go for a day rather than decamp? (For instance, if you are in Lyon and want to go to Paris for a day, that is likely more affordable than staying overnight in Paris, but that’s going to depend on the season, train fares and other factors.)

3) Will it be fun to take the train or bus back to your base camp? (As opposed to a miserable slog.)

If you get a yes on all three, then go for it. Enjoy the adventure and bring a great book for the ride.

The 15 Best Day Trips from Lyon

• Chazelles-sur-Lyon
• Chalon-sur-Saône
• Pont-en-Royans
• The Hautecombe Abbey
• Château de Septème
• Domaine de Lacroix-Laval
• Lac D’Aiguebelette
• Plan d’Eau du Bourdelan
• Lac des Sapins
• Grand Parc Miribel Jonage
• Grottes du Cerdon
• Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave

Charming Villages

France, as everyone knows, is replete with beautiful small villages where a passerby can have an authentic experience as long as they avail themselves of the idea that France is full of unique history, food, wine, outdoor spaces and small gifts that are doled out to the keen observer.

1. Pérouges

An easy day trip is to voyage out of Lyon to the Alpine town of Pérouges. Only 25 miles Northeast of Lyon, Pérouges is a tiny village of only 100 year-round inhabitants. Kept immaculately preserved, clean and distinct in its vibe, Pérouges is considered by many to be the most beautiful town in all of France. (It’s actually on France’s list of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.) The old town of Pérouges is perched on a hill, with the Alps as a backdrop. Hidden behind fortress walls, this medieval town has two entrance gates, cobblestoned streets, narrow alleys, secret byways, and Liberty Square, named for a towering Linden tree that was planted during the French Revolution. History buffs will want to pay a visit to the Musée du Vieux Pérouges , a historical manor dedicated to local lore. The town’s vieille ville is full of bakeries, artisan shops, restaurants, cafes, and wineries, and is also home to a sweet leavened bread called Galette de Pérouges, created in 1912 to keep people fed on Fridays during Lent. More like a sweet pizza, the dough is flavored with lemon and cooked to perfection with caramelized butter and sugar on top. Served out of windows and in paper napkins, it can be enjoyed while strolling the lovely streets, or you can settle in for a more formal version at the restaurant inside the Hostellerie du Vieux Perouges.

• How to get there: Train, car, or bus
• Distance from Lyon: 25 miles
• Time to get there: 35 minutes by car, 33 minutes by train, and 1 hour and 20 minutes by bus

A little over 20 miles south of Lyon is the small city of Vienne, located along the banks of the Rhône river as it meanders south from Lyon. Originally the capital for the Allobroges , a Gallic people , it was captured during Roman times and transformed under Julius Caesar into a Roman Colony in 47 BC. It remained part of the Holy Roman Empire until it was transferred to French sovereignty in 1450.

The old town lies in a valley surrounded by steep hills and some of the oldest and best preserved Roman and medieval buildings in all of France, including a 1st century theater and a Roman temple consecrated to the eastern divinity, Cybele. The theater was uncovered during the construction of a new hospital in 1945, and then in subsequent archaeological digs in the 1960s and 70s. There is also a Roman amphitheater that can seat 13,000 people, and was built between 40 to 50 AD. Not to mention an impressive Roman monument called the ‘Temple d’Auguste et de Livie’ which was constructed between 20 to 10 BC and converted into a church during the Middle Ages. 

• How to get there: Train, bus, or car
• Distance from Lyon: 20 miles
• Time to get there: 30 minutes by train, 50 by bus, 25 by car

3. Chazelles-sur-Lyon

About an hour outside of Lyon is the tiny town of Chazelles-sur-Lyon, which has a unique and wonderful museum unlike anything you will find anywhere else. It is the Atelier-musée du Chapeau , where the history of hat making in France through time is celebrated and demonstrated. Afterward, there are several Michelin starred restaurants in the area, one right in town and the others no more than 10 minutes away by bus or car. A long lunch and a look at some hats of ages past before journeying back to Lyon is just what the doctor ordered.

• How to get there: Bus or car
• Distance from Lyon: 30 miles
• Time to get there: 50 minutes to one hour

4. Chalon-sur-Saône

This charming town is located on the Saône and is about an hour north of Lyon. Indeed, Chalon-sur-Saône is the place to visit if you are in France in July and looking for creative day trips from Lyon. It has one of the most famous street art festivals in all of Europe, with artists coming from all over to perform. Entry is mostly free, and you can experience a variety of acrobatics, theater, music, comedy, mime, and more. The architecture of the old town along the river is also a major draw, and includes old timber frame houses, the town’s city hall, and a stunning central square, the Place St. Vincent. A walk up the Tour du Doyenné Tower will give you pigeon views of the city and a trip to the Nicéphore Niépce Museum, a museum dedicated to the inventor of photography, who lived in the city, will give you a deeper understanding of how we take pictures today. The town also boasts several restaurants with Michelin distinctions, including the three-Michelin starred  Maison Lameloise , the two-Michelin starred  L’Amaryllis , and  eight restaurants with single Michelin stars .  This would be a fun late afternoon and evening expedition, with dinner as the coup de grâce. 

• How to get there: Train, bus, car
• Distance from Lyon: Just under 80 miles
• Time to get there: An hour and a quarter-ish for all 3 options

5. Pont-en-Royans

Pont-en-Royans is a charming city with colorful medieval architecture located south of Lyon, and perched right at the confluence of the Bourne and Vernaison rivers. The houses, built right into the river cliffs, appear to overhang the rivers, their bright colors mirrored in the rushing waters. In the town center, there is an interesting museum, the Museé de l’Eau , which is dedicated to the history of bottled water and water sourcing, with a bar that allows you to taste over 900 bottled waters from all over the world. The museum website says that in the museum you will “Learn about the cycle of this fundamental element, its role in our body and its distribution on our planet; wander through a tropical or a glacial environment simulation; dive through the deep sea in our 3-D cinema. At the entrance of the Vercors Natural Parc, the Musée de l’eau is located in Pont-en-Royans, one of the most beautiful and curious villages of the Dauphiné.” One of the biggest draws is in the next town over: The incredible stalactite caves, the Choranche caves, which are truly stunning–nature’s first chandeliers hanging above emerald green lakes.

• How to get there: Train or car
• Distance from Lyon: 83 miles
• Time to get there: An hour and a half by train (slightly less if driving)

6. The Hautecombe Abbey

Situated about an hour and twenty minutes from Lyon, this is one of the most stunning places you may ever visit. It’s an enormous and regal monastery that was built in the 12th century by monks descended from the Benedictine order, and it sits right on the edge of the Lac de Bourget , the largest natural lake of glacial origin in France, located in the Savoie region. Used for centuries as a final resting place for local royalty, the Hautecombe Abbey was designated a French Historical Monument in 1975. Restored in 2007, one can take a tour through the large Troubadour style church and admire the frescoes, statues and intricate architecture. Afterward, extend your day and take a drive around the shimmering lake to Aix-les-Bains, a popular spa town and destination for thermal baths during the Belle Époque. It remains a destination for mineral bath therapy, spas, fresh water swimming, boating, outdoor eating and lake activities.

• Distance from Lyon: 66 miles

Castles near Lyon

There are plenty of day trips from Lyon that will bring you to some of the most beautiful castles in the region. Below are two great options.

7. Château de Septème

A great option for a day trip from Lyon is the Château de Septème. An important medieval castle, it lies just to the southeast of Vienne, making it a good possibility if you want to try a two-for-one on your day trip.

There are extensive gardens and an immersion program that takes you back into the year 1480 in case you might want to channel your inner knight. A lovely tea room, shady trees and a fun gift boutique make this a perfect respite from the city.  

• How to get there: Car, train, or bus
• Distance from Lyon: 28 miles
• Time to get there: 35 minutes by car, 2 hours by bus or train

8. Domaine de Lacroix-Laval

Just to the west of Lyon is the Domaine de Lacroix-Laval, a remarkable public park with orchards, gardens, meadows, lush forests, a French garden with topiary, a castle, and more. Think of this as the Versailles of Lyon. Domaine de Lacroix-Laval is a great trip for a family to see a castle, walk around the stunning grounds, get some fresh air, or take in an outdoor concert.

• How to get there: Car, bus, or train
• Distance from Lyon: 9 miles
• Time to get there: 30 minutes

The Great Outdoors near Lyon

There are several wonderful lakes surrounded by natural landscapes that are perfect for Lyon day trips, where you can head on a hot day, or when you need to get out of the city center and enjoy a dose of clean, country air and a walk in nature. None of these is farther than an hour from Lyon, and all boast outdoor activities and places to swim. 

9. Lac D’Aiguebelette

For the nature-lover who wants a bit of solitude in a day trip, the best bet is Lac D’Aiguebelette. It’s an easy hour’s drive from Lyon to where the turquoise-colored lake, called “beautiful little waters,” is edged by seven beaches, and surrounded by the Chartreuse and Alpine mountains and hiking trails. There are grassy lawns to park yourself for a picnic, and a children’s swimming areas with lifeguards. Also, no motor boats are allowed on the lake in an effort to preserve the natural tranquility of the waters. 

• Distance from Lyon: 54 miles
• Time to get there: 55 minutes by car, an hour by train, and up to 2 hours by bus

10. Plan d’Eau du Bourdelan

One of the easiest Lyon day trips for nature lovers is the Plan d’eau de Bourdelan, because it is only 30 minutes away. Built in a gravel pit, this lake now has a sandy lifeguarded beach, a beach volleyball court, a large lawn, snacks and refreshments. Though more like a park where you can go swimming, it’s a great option to cool down on a hot day, or just get out of the city with kids.

• Time to get there: 25 minutes by car, one hour 45 by train or bus

11. Lac des Sapins

The Lac des Sapins is just under an hour from the city of Lyon, and is Europe’s largest bathing spot. A man-made lake, it sits in the Monts du Beaujolais region, and boasts swimming, fishing, horseback riding, paddle boats, and hiking.

• Distance from Lyon: 40 miles
• Time to get there: One hour and 10 minutes by car

12. Grand Parc Miribel Jonage

The Miribel-Jonage island in the middle of the Rhône River was created in the 19th century, when canals were dug to help control yearly flooding from the Rhône. Today, an incredible 5000 acres of the small island are dedicated to the Grand Parc Miribel Jonage. Not only a beautiful recreational area for biking, swimming, walking, running, boating, hiking, and more, it also has protected areas for flora and fauna. A huge bonus is that you can rent bikes in Lyon and get there that way, if you are up for a little ride. There are places to eat and picnic, and a lifeguard on duty. This is a very French option when looking for day trips from Lyon–this is a place where the Lyonnais go to hang on hot days, or when they just need to run free.

• How to get there: Bike, car, subway, taxi, or bus
• Distance from Lyon: 8 miles
• Time to get there: 15 minutes by car, around 40 minutes by bus, and about an hour by bike

Wine Tourism near Lyon

Don’t forget wine tours when planning your Lyon day trips. Just under an hour away from Lyon, the famous wine region of Beaujolais awaits, filled with parks, wine tours, amazing food, and plenty of opportunities for wine tasting. If wine is your thing, you probably already know that the wines in this region are made from the dark purple or black Gamay grape, and that the Beaujolais Nouveau wines that are produced every year make this one of the most well known wine regions in the world. (Though many scoff at Beaujolais Nouveau , the first wine of the season, it has enjoyed an unexpected popularity in recent years, and the Beaujolais region offers many other wines of varying ages and qualities.)

13. Beaujolais

Most people suggest no more than 2 wine tours when doing day trips from Lyon, which means you can do one, have a sobering meal of local specialties in the middle, do another, and then take the train back to the city, where it won’t matter if you are groggy from a little too much Beaujolais. (For this reason, this is one of the Lyon day trips you might want to stick to the train for.) Lyon Wine Tastings offers a great primer to the  wines of the region  to study up, and here is a  “how to make your own wine route”  column from the same blogger, who, incidentally, will offer visitors a guided tour of Beaujolais, in case you want someone to ferry you around and take care of the details. For more wine trail day trips from Lyon, consider a touring company, which will organize it all for you. 

For those of you who might like to design your own drive/day, consider a wine tour at the 1000 year-old organic wine estate, the Château des Bachelards in Fleurie. You can sample wines, pair them with small plates, or have a bottle with a picnic, which the estate will prepare for you and bring to you out on the lawn. 

Next up, for a taste of the iconic Gamay Beaujolais, head over to the Château des Jacques . (If you aren’t driving, you can take the train to the station of Romanèche-Thorins and make the easy 7 minute walk.) There you can taste and visit the cellars and have a dessert “chocolate and wine” tasting . Appointments are needed at this old and stately winery.

• How to get there: Train or car (no bus option)
• Time to get there: 40 minutes. 

Prehistoric Caves near Lyon

France boasts some of the oldest and best preserved (and recreated) caves in the world, where the entire family can learn about early human life deep under the earth. The most famous of these is the Lascaux caves in the Dordogne river basin, one of the most popular tourist attractions in France (but 5 hours from Lyon). However, not far from Lyon, there are two caves that are worth visiting as a day trip.

14. Grottes du Cerdon

The first is only an hour by car (longer by bus and train) outside of Lyon, where you can journey into the prehistoric caves of Cerdon, a long carved cave used by prehistoric peoples as a shelter and passage through mountainous terrain. Above the caves is a wonderful amusement park called the Grottes du Cerdon Parc de Loisirs Préhistorique , which is terrific for kids, and is set overlooking a stunning valley and the vineyards of Cerdon. The activities include pottery workshops for children, spear throwing, fire starting classes, painting, archaeological excavations, and more. 

• How to get there: train, bus, car, taxi
• Distance from Lyon: 44 miles
• Time to get there:An hour to two hours, depending on your mode of transport

15. Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave

A little farther out is Chauvet. This trip takes a good two hours from Lyon by car. This is one of the farthest day trips from Lyon that we’ve included, but we think it’s worth the trip. Chauvet has some of the best preserved cave art in the world. It is located in a limestone cliff overlooking the stunning Gorges de l’Ardèche, or the European Grand Canal, a canyon and series of gorges in the river surrounded by breathtakingly beautiful cliffs, which are home to the rare Bonelli’s eagle. The caves have paintings of lions, deer, hyenas—and in the soft clay floor, bear footprints and bear “nests” remain. Like Lascaux, over concerns of preservation, the actual cave was sealed off to the public in 1994. But an exact replica has been built and the entire experience has been beautifully designed to give the visitor an unforgettable experience of cave life and art. This is a trip you will never forget. 

• Distance from Lyon: 125 miles
• Time to get there: 2 hours by car, 2.5 by train and 4 by bus

Day Trips From Lyon – Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in lyon france.

We would recommend 5-7 days in Lyon, plus more if you’re planning on taking day trips from Lyon.

Can you do a day trip from Lyon to Geneva?

While many guides suggest crossing the Swiss border to visit Lake Geneva, the Geneva water fountain, and Europe’s United Nations headquarters, the trip is quite far and is better as an overnight than a day trip.

What cities are between Lyon and Nice?

If you wish to travel from Lyon through southeast France, you can pass through the towns of Valence, Grenoble, Avignon, Aix-en-Provence, and Cannes on the way to Nice.

Caitlin Shetterly isan Editor at Large of Frenchly. She is also the author of 4 books:  Fault Lines,   Made for You and Me ,  Modified,  and the novel ,  Pete and Alice in Maine , which was published in 2023 by  Harper.  She is a native daughter and she lives with her two sons and husband in an old house on the coast of Maine. 

Also Read: The Best Things to Do in Lyon, France: A Local’s 2023 Guide

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The 12 most picturesque villages to visit around Lyon

The Lyon region is full of charming, picturesque villages where local culture and traditions reign supreme.

Set off on an expedition just a few kilometers by car from Lyon, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and elsewhere (max 1h30 drive), and break your daily routine without breaking your piggy bank. Lyon Secret  presents its  top 12 most charming villages around Lyon  and  travel ideas  for your  extended weekends .

This fortified medieval village, some 30 km from Lyon, is a veritable nugget: stroll along its steep, cobbled streets, and dream of bygone days as you stroll through its 24 (!) listed buildings.

👁‍🗨 Attractions: medieval city walls, St Mary Magdalene church, Place du Tilleul 🚘 How to get there: by car via the A42 (35 min), by TER Meximieux-Pérouges station ➕ Discover: the galette au sucre de Pérouges, a local ancestral dessert dating back to 1912

Renamed Val d’Oingt in 2017 due to its merger with neighboring communes, this small Beaujolais village is one of the jewels in the crown of the so-called “Pays des Pierres Dorées”, where winemakers and craftsmen together cultivate terroir and creativity.

👁‍🗨 Attractions: Oingt tower, mechanical music museum, village church 🚘 How to get there: by car via the A6 (35 min), by TER Bois d’Oingt-Légny station (+ 25 min walk) ➕ Discover: some 15 artists and art galleries dot the village lanes

With its 16th-century medieval architecture and colorful houses suspended on the valley floor, the breathtaking village of Pont-en-Royans is sure to add poetry and enchantment to your photographs. Its charm seems disconnected from time.

👁‍🗨 See the remains of the fortified castle, the Romanesque church, the clock tower and the hanging houses 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A43 (1h30 min) ➕ Discover: the Halle Gattégno art center, located in the suspended houses

Situated halfway between the Lac du Bourget, Lac Léman and Lac d’Annecy (that’s how much there is to visit in the area!), the commune of Lovagny is remarkable for its splendid 13th-15th century fortified castle, Château de Montrottier.

👁‍🗨 Must-See: Montrottier castle, Annonciation-de-Marie church 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A43 (1h30 min) ➕ Discover: nearby, the Gorges du Fier can be visited by suspended footbridge

Want to lose yourself in the labyrinthine world of wine? In the midst of the magnificent Beaujolais vineyards , the village of Beaujeu (formerly the historic capital of Beaujolais) offers magnificent views over the green hills of this magnificent – and photogenic – region.

👁‍🗨 Attractions: St-Nicolas Church (Monument Historique), timber-framed house, remains of Comtal castle 🚘 Getting there: by car via A6 (50 min) ➕ Discover: taste the region’s wines and visit the Maison du Terroir, place de l’Hôtel de Ville

In the Balcons du Dauphiné region of Isère, the sublime medieval town of Crémieu seems to have emerged from another era – yet we’re only 12 km from St-Exupéry airport! From its hilltop castle, the panorama is sublime. One of the most beautiful villages near Lyon!

👁‍🗨 See the Château Delphinal, the Augustinian Convent, the covered market halls and the stone houses 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A43 (45 min) ➕ Discover: a weekly market is held under Crémieu’s magnificent covered market, every Wednesday morning

At the gateway to the Vercors mountains, Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, offers a thousand wonders just 1h30 from Lyon: its imposing Gothic abbey, half-timbered houses, medieval market hall, old shops…

👁‍🗨 Must-See: Saint-Antoine Abbey, Notre-Dame de la Jayère church 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A43 (1h30) ➕ Discover: its majestic Gothic-style abbey is a jewel in the Dauphiné!

Also classified as one of France’s most beautiful villages, Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez benefits from extensive conservation work carried out by the Association de Sauvegarde de la Chartreuse et du Parc. It is a remarkable village in the Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat.

👁‍🗨 See the Chartreuse, a former 17th-century monastery with kitchen, large cloister and hermitage 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A7 (50 min) ➕ Discover: the Jurieu chapel, high above the village, is also a must-see

If you’re interested in the history of Lyon’s weavers, you’ll want to visit L’Arbresle, in the Monts du Lyonnais region, a former silk town. Take a look at the old “canuts” houses, the church and the old castle.

👁‍🗨 Highlights: Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, old weavers’ houses 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A6 (35 min) ➕ Discover: you’re on the border of Beaujolais and Coteaux Lyonnais, so why not try a good wine?

Lavoûte-sur-Loire is famous for its Château de Lavoûte-Polignac, whose classical Renaissance style dates back to the 10th-19th centuries, although its Romanesque church and numerous bathing spots on the banks of the Loire are also of interest.

👁‍🗨 Must-See: Château de Lavoûte-Polignac, Saint-Maurice Romanesque church, Loire river banks 🚘 Getting there: by car via the N88 (1h30 min) ➕ Discover: Château de Lavoûte can be a good starting point for an excursion to the Loire castles

11. Taluyers

If you’re a fan of the medieval era, this is the village for you! Just 20 km from Lyon, Taluyers proudly stands at the top of the list of must-see destinations for heritage travel enthusiasts (according to AirBnb). Who said that villages with 2000 inhabitants weren’t trendy?

👁‍🗨 Must-sees: the Gier aqueduct, the prieural manor house, the Nativity church 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A7 and A450 (37 min) ➕ Discover: the hiking trails and their spectacular views over the vineyards!

12. Bonus : Vufflens Castle

In Switzerland, the Château de Vufflens is an architectural gem steeped in history. Built in the Middle Ages, this impressive edifice with its 60-meter-high keep is a listed historic monument. If you can’t visit the castle from the inside, you can admire it while strolling through the vineyards between Vufflens-le-Château and Denens .

👁‍🗨 Must-See: the vineyards and, above all, the view of the château from the vineyards 🚘 Getting there: by car via the A2, A40 and A1 (2h15) ➕ Discover: from the vineyards, where you’ll admire the castle, you’ll also have a breathtaking view of the lake and Mont Blanc!

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20 EPIC Day Trips from Lyon | For an unforgettable holiday

I didn’t expect much from my trip to Lyon, but I have to say that I fell in love with this city. I loved its historical city center, which was in total contrast with the more modern buildings located a few bus stations away from the center.

My only regret is that I didn’t have the chance to spend more time in Lyon, but I’ll come back someday. Meanwhile, I’ve compiled a list of the best day trips from Lyon. Enjoy!

Best day trips from Lyon

1. château de val.

Château de Val is a great option if you’re looking for places to visit near Lyon. It’s one of the best preserved historical sites in the region and is built upon a rock that’s over 40m (131 ft) high.

However, due to the valley being flooded its setting now looks very different and it can be found perched on the lakeside. Château de Val dates back to the 15th century, and you can explore its interior including gothic-style rooms and art exhibitions. It’s even possible to head up a staircase to the roof!

Getting to Château de Val – I recommend getting to this beautiful french castle by car. It’s a 3-hour drive from Lyon.

2. Pont-en-Royans

Pont-en-Royans is located in Southeast France and is situated along the Bourne River. This is one of the lesser-known tourist attractions near Lyon as there isn’t too much to do here. 

However, it’s easily one of the most scenic destinations in the area as you’ll get to see charming medieval houses. Not only is the architecture unique, but these houses are suspended on top of a clifftop that lines the river! 

Aside from admiring this unique view, you can also head to the Water Museum where you’ll get to learn about the water cycle and plastic pollution.

Getting to Pont-en-Royans – You can choose to take the train from Lyon to St Hilaire St Nazaire and then take a taxi for 11 km, or you can rent a car for the day to get to Pont-en-Royans.

This charming town is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe ! It’s situated along Lake Annecy and offers the perfect nature escape. Surrounded by alpine peaks, turquoise waters, and lush forests – it’s easily one of the most beautiful cities in France.

During your visit to Annecy, you’ll want to spend some time relaxing by ‘Europe’s cleanest lake’. However, there are plenty of other attractions to visit, including the city’s old town, which is home to over 20 historical monuments.

Annecy is one of the best places to visit near Lyon!

Getting to Annecy – There are plenty of trains and buses to choose from if you plan a day trip from Lyon to Annecy. The journey will take about 2 hours. Tip – usually, buses are cheaper.

If you’re looking for day trips from Lyon by train then head to Geneva. It’s only a two-hour journey and it’s stunning. It’s also the country’s second most populated city and is one of Switzerland’s most scenic places with dramatic views of the Alps, the Jura Mountains, and Lake Geneva.

As with any capital city, there are tons of attractions waiting for you including St. Pierre Cathedral. This historic building offers the best view of the city as you can climb up its towers! Also, don’t miss a boat tour on Lake Geneva ! You can admire the Geneva Water Fountain from up close!

Getting to Geneva – There are 12 daily trains to choose from if you want to get to Geneva. The ride takes about 2 hours. There are also buses available, but they’re much slower.

5. Chambéry

Surrounded by scenic mountain ranges and offering stunning views of the French Alps – Chambéry is one the best cities to visit from Lyon. Although it’s not one of the most popular destinations in France, this city has plenty to offer. 

If you’re heading to Chambéry on a Saturday you’re in for a treat. This is when the public market is held so you’ll be able to find a variety of fresh produce including cheeses. During the summer months, the iconic Tour de France also runs through the city.

Getting to Chambéry – I recommend taking the train if you want to go on a day trip from Lyon to Chambéry. It’s a one and half hours train ride and tickets cost as little as 10 euros one-way, if booked in advance.

6. Clermont-Ferrand

Clermont-Ferrand is situated in Central France and is one of the best places to visit from Lyon. It’s one of the oldest cities in the country and is thought to have been around since the 2nd Century AD.

The city is surrounded by a chain of around 80 volcanoes that stretch for 45km (28 miles). The area is named Chaîne des Puys and is just a 20-minute journey out of the city, making it a must-visit. 

There are plenty of other attractions to see in Clermont-Ferrand too including Basilique Notre-Dame du Port, L’Aventure Michelin, and Notre-Dame-de-l’Assomption Cathedral.

Getting to Clermont-Ferrand – a train ride from Lyon to Clermont-Ferrand takes a little over 2 hours and prices start at 15 euros. There are also buses between these 2 destinations, but they’re a slower option.

7. La Clusaz

La Clusaz has to be one of the most beautiful places near Lyon – especially during the winter months. It’s a mountain village that’s considered to be one of the best holiday destinations in the Alps – especially for keen skiers! There are plenty of ski lifts and opportunities for snowboarding too. 

With stunning alpine peaks, lush meadows, and beautiful lakes, this place has a lot to offer. Even if you’re not heading there during the winter, you can still get involved with plenty of other activities in the area including horse riding, rafting, and climbing during summer.

Getting to La Clusaz – There are no direct buses from Lyon to La Clusaz (you’ll have to change buses in Annecy). The same goes with trains. Therefore, I recommend renting a car.

8. Grenoble

If you’re looking for things to do around Lyon, then don’t miss out on a visit to Grenoble. Often referred to as the ‘Capital of the Alps’, Grenoble is famous for its breathtaking mountain backdrop, riverside museums, and tourist attractions. 

One of the best things to do in Grenoble is taking the cable car up to the magnificent Bastille where you’ll get stunning views of the surrounding mountains. You can even go canoeing along the Isère River, explore the Grenoble Museum , or walk high within the treetops at L’Odyssée Verte.

There’s also a historic quarter full of authentic cafes!

Getting to Grenoble – The best option is to take the train from Lyon. There are trains every 30 minutes to one hour and the ride takes about one hour and a half.

9. Abbey of Hautecombe

Heading to the Abbey of Hautecombe is one of the best Lyon day trips! With over 900 years of history, this beautiful place has a lot to offer. The Abbey is situated on the edge of Le Bourget Lake and is Savoie’s most visited attraction.

You can’t explore the whole building as it’s still in use by the religious community that lives here. However, you can take an audio-guided tour of the church which I definitely recommend! This is where you’ll get to see a variety of intricate statues and paintings whilst learning about the Royal Abbey’s history. 

Getting to Abbey of Hautecombe – The best way is to reach the abbey by car. The ride will take about one hour and a half from Lyon.

10. Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful castles in Europe . It’s one of the most popular tourist attractions near Lyon and offers striking scenery, as the castle is nestled within a lush wooded area and surrounded by forested peaks. 

Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard has been occupied by the same family for nearly 1000 years, but don’t worry – you can still visit! There are guided tours available which last for around 45 minutes and will show you a variety of rooms including the chapel, library, kitchen, and one of the bedrooms.

Getting to Château de Menthon-Saint-Bernard – The best way to visit this beautiful castle is by car.

11. Avignon

Avignon is located in Southeast France and is set on the Rhone River. The city is most famous for events that occurred in the 14th century which is when the popes fled from Rome to Avignon.

For this reason, Le Palais des Papes (or Palace of the Popes) was built. Today, it’s one of the city’s most popular attractions and is one of the largest gothic buildings in the world.

Other popular things to do in Avignon include catching a ferry to the island of Barthelasse and heading to Le Pont Saint-Benezet which is a historic bridge that was built during the middle ages. Avignon is also known for its delicious wines. If you have enough time, make sure to book a tour and discover the vineyards!

Getting to Avignon – There are multiple daily high-speed trains from Lyon to Avignon and the ride takes about one hour and twenty minutes.

Vienne is located just 34 km (21 miles) from Lyon where the Gere and Rhone rivers meet. With stunning architecture, a charming small-town feel, and plenty of things to do, Vienne is one of the most beautiful towns in Europe .

The town’s most iconic attraction is Vienne Cathedral which dates back to the 11th century and was built in dedication to Saint Maurice. However, there are plenty of other places to visit too including the Temple of Augustus and Livia, the ancient Roman theatre, and the Museum of Saint-Romain-en-Gal-Vienne.

So, if you’re looking for day trips from Lyon – don’t miss out on this place!

Getting to Vienne – Traveling by train is the best option, as it only takes about 20 minutes to reach Vienne from Lyon. You can also choose a guided tour that includes wine tasting.

13.Château de la Roche (Saint Priest la Roche)

If you’re looking for beautiful places near Lyon, then make sure you head to Château de la Roche .

Translating to ‘Castle of the Rock’, this historical place sits out on the water overlooking the Loire. It’s also located on a small island now since the Villerest Dam was built in 1982. 

Château de la Roche was built during the 1200s and was often used as a lookout point due to its strategic location or as a summer residence, depending on who owned the castle at the time. 

Getting to Château de la Roche – The castle is located just one hour away from Lyon by car.

Dijon is another charming city in France and was designated a World Heritage Site in 2015. It’s the capital of Burgundy and has plenty of history as the city dates back to the middle ages! 

As the name might suggest, Dijon is famous for its mustard so don’t forget to try it during your visit. It’s also one of the best wine regions in France so leave some time to go on a vineyard tour . You can also spend some time at the Museum of Fine Arts or explore the indoor market hall! 

Getting to Dijon – The best way to get to Dijon is by train. The trip will take around 2 hours.

15. Chalon-sur-Saône

Chalon-sur-Saône is situated along the Saône River and is one of the best places to visit from Lyon! With a historic center, stunning architecture, and a beautiful location – it’s got so much to offer. 

There are also plenty of things to do in Chalon-sur-Saône like strolling around the old town and walking up Tour du Doyenné Tower. From here, you’ll have stunning views of the city!

During your trip, make sure you head to the Nicéphore Niépce Museum too, which is dedicated to the inventor of photography who lived in the city.

Getting to Chalon-sur-Saône – A train ride from Lyon takes about one hour and 20 minutes.

Yvoire was built in the 14th century and is one of the most charming medieval villages in France. Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this village offers spectacular views of the surrounding area and over 700 years of history. 

It’s one of the best day trips from Lyon and there’s plenty to see including the Garden of Five Senses . As the name suggests, this garden aims to envelop all the senses and is quite the experience! You’ll also want to explore the center of Yvoire with its 14th-century castle, fortified gates, and ramparts. 

Getting to Yvoire – There is no direct public transport from Lyon to Yvoire, so the best way to reach this incredible city is by car.

17. Aix-les-Bains

Visiting Aix-les-Bains is one of the best things to do around Lyon! Just a 1.5-hour drive away, Aix-les-Bains is a beautiful thermal spa town that’s known as the ‘Riviera of the Alps’.

The town is situated on Lac du Bourget which is the largest natural lake in France. There’s even a 10-hectare park right by the lakeside that offers stunning views of the area! If that’s not enough to convince you then you can also hike up Mont Revard which is the town’s backdrop, or spend some time in one of the many spa resorts!

Getting to Aix-les-Bains – There are a few daily direct trains from Lyon to Aix-les-Bains and the train ride takes about 1 hour and 10 minutes.

18. Grottes du Cerdon

Grottes du Cerdon is one of the best natural attractions in France and is where you’ll find a variety of awesome caves to explore. Guided tours are available or you can explore them by yourself. 

These caves were once inhabited by prehistoric men around 10,000-12,000 years ago which is AMAZING to think about! This site is also a prehistoric leisure park where you can get involved with archaeological excavations, create natural ocher paintings, and produce your own neolithic pottery.

There’s so much to do here, and it’s a great day out for all the family!

Getting to Grottes du Cerdon – The best way to visit this natural wonder is by car.

19. Pérouges

If you’re looking for Lyon day trips, then don’t miss out on Pérouges! It’s another beautiful medieval village that’s situated within the French Alps, and it almost looks like something out of a fairytale.

Offering scenic views of the Dombes Plateau, charming cobbled streets, and winding alleyways – you’ll want to spend a lot of time here. Pérouges is one of the best preserved medieval sites in the country, and you’ll understand why once you wander through the gates of En Haut! During your time here make sure you check out the scenic Place du Tilleul square too.

Getting to Pérouges – There are many daily trains from Lyon to Pérouges to choose from. The trip takes around 40 minutes.

20. Château de Meillant

Meillant Castle or Château de Meillant as it’s often known is one of the best day trips from Lyon! With spectacular architecture, a unique gothic style, and beautiful surroundings, it’s not hard to see why this place is so popular.

Not only can you explore the castle and its grounds, but themed evenings and events also occur here. You can even take part in a ‘Murder at the Castle’ game! Guided tours are also available, and the castle is pet-friendly so the whole family can come along for the trip.

Getting to Château de Meillant – It’s a 3-hours drive from Lyon to Château de Meillant, but the trip is well worth it!

Where to stay in Lyon

Lyon is an incredible city, with lots of tourist attractions to choose from. It deserves at least a 2-day stay. If you’re planning to spend a few nights in Lyon, I’ve got you covered.

Here are the best accommodation options, for every budget:

• Budget – Meininger Hotel – good location, clean and spacious rooms, good value-for-money
• Mid-Range – Lyon Marriott Hotel – modern rooms, good amenities, friendly staff, access to gym, good restaurant
• Luxury – Villa Maya – luxurious and modern rooms, excellent amenities and services, incredible pool, excellent location, fabulous place

Final thoughts

I hope that you enjoyed these destinations, they’re the best day trips from Lyon! No matter which one you choose, I’m sure you’ll have a great time discovering these french hidden gems.

May the travel bug bite you!

Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.

She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here .

To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!

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5 of the best day trips from Lyon

Sep 8, 2023 • 5 min read

Go beyond France's third-largest city with these amazing day trips © Julie Meneghin / Getty Images

With its cinematic topography, magnificent cuisine and 2000 years of history, Lyon is impressive enough by itself to keep visitors interested for several days at a time.

France’s third-largest city can get busy in the summer, especially in the medieval tourist-friendly Old Town. However, Lyon’s there is a plethora of splendid day trips fanning out in every direction that might help you get away from those crowds.

From the languid vineyards of Beaujolais in the north to Grenoble 's widescreen alpine vistas to the south, the variety of activities is remarkable too, and they’re all reachable in two hours or less. 

Go beyond Lyon with these top day trips.

1. Soak up epic views in Grenoble

Travel time: 1 hour and 30 minutes 

Surrounded by misty alpine hills, Grenoble is the last port of call before the Alps truly rise. So take advantage of this stunning location by riding in an iconic bubble-shaped cable car over the Isère River and up to the imposing Fort de la Bastille viewpoint, where the snowcapped alpine vistas are sigh-inducing. Back on the ground, the angular Musée de Grenoble houses everything from Egyptian antiquities to masterpieces by the likes of Renoir and Monet. Its collection of 20th-century modern art is sublime too. 

When evening falls, the charming Old Town around Place Grenette spills with rustic bistros and canopied brasseries, and it's imperative to sample the pungent herbal liqueur Chartreuse. The historic Café de la Table Ronde is a great spot for this, and Le Rousseau restaurant is a wonderful purveyor of the region’s local produce. If you’re willing to splurge, Michelin-starred  Fantin Latour takes Grenoblois cuisine to new heights.

How to get to Grenoble from Lyon: Grenoble is around 100km (62 miles) southeast of Lyon and taking the train is the most efficient way of reaching the city. TER trains leave from Lyon Part-Dieu station every hour and usually arrive at Gare de Grenoble station just under 90 minutes later. 

2. Sip your way through the Beaujolais wine region

Travel time: 35 minutes

Villefranche-Sur-Saône is the quaint gateway town leading to one of France’s most famous wine regions, the historic province of Beaujolais. Its vineyards lace an undulating landscape that covers around 18,000 hectares (44,000 acres) and you can either drive, cycle or take a guided tour around the various domains.

From the gaudy wine museum at Hameau Dubœuf to ornate tastings beneath pointed-hat towers at Château de Corcelles , this is a place to slow down and appreciate the terroir. There are no big sights to tick off here, just exceptional wine that should be enjoyed with good company. Start at the Villefranche-Sur-Saône tourism office and make sure to avoid November, as that month sees the annual and always popular release of Beaujolais Nouveau. 

How to get to Villefranche-sur-Saône from Lyon: Villefranche-Sur-Saône is only around 30km (19 miles) north of Lyon and direct TER trains take around 35 minutes. It also takes around 35 minutes by car via the A6, and this is the best option if you want to independently visit the various vineyards situated in relatively rural areas. 

3. Step back in time at Annecy

Travel time: 2 hours

Turquoise canals snake their way through this small city towards romantic Lake Annecy and attract crowds of tourists in the summer. But then Annecy is nicknamed the "Pearl of the French Alps" for good reason and its warren of narrow passageways and chocolate box 17th-century townhouses are wonderfully quaint. Take time to see the lake too. Largely flat and surrounded by delightful scenery, Lake Annecy can be explored with bikes from Roul’ ma Poule for around €23 per day.

Though obviously touristy, Annecy has become a serious food town with a rather absurd seven Michelin-star restaurants to its name. Award-winning patisserie Philippe Rigollot is an excellent spot for a sweet bite during an afternoon wander, while the homely Le Bilboquet celebrates the region’s local produce, and especially the creamy Savoie cheese Reblochon.

How to get to Annecy from Lyon: Direct TER trains from Lyon Part Dieu take around two hours to reach Annecy. Driving is quicker via the A43 and takes around 1 hour 35 minutes, though expect toll charges along the way.

4. Explore art and architecture in Avignon

Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Artistic Avignon spills out from the banks of the river Rhône, while its peach-roofed Mediterranean cityscape is dominated by the imposing stone Palais des Papes . A Unesco World Heritage Site, it’s one of the largest medieval Gothic buildings in Europe and its serpentine corridors saw six papal conclaves in the 14th century. The four quirky arches of the half-bridge Pont Saint-Bénézet are photo-friendly, while the Petit Palais Museum houses a fine collection of medieval art. 

Hundreds of music, dance and theater performances take place during the Festival d’Avignon in July, so make merry with plenty of local Côtes du Rhône wine. Find fresh Provençal cuisine in the Les Halles indoor market , while 46 is a fine neighborhood restaurant for experiencing warm summer evenings. Don't leave without sampling Les Papalines d'Avignon, a pink chocolate-coated ball with a soft core of Origan du Comtat liqueur.

How to get to Avignon from Lyon: The TGV INOUI trains leaving from Lyon Part Dieu usually take between 1 hour and 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Avignon. Driving can take between 3 and 4 hours and shouldn’t be a consideration.

5. See Swiss sights in Geneva

Switzerland ’s westernmost tip is just under two hours away and a cross-border day trip adds a new twist to the handsome lakeside escapes east of Lyon. Shooting up from the still blue expanse of Lake Geneva (lac Léman to locals), the 140m-tall Jet d'Eau water fountain is French-speaking Geneva ’s most dramatic attraction.

To learn more about the city head to local history museum Maison Tavel , built in the 12th-century. It’s situated in the pretty Old Town, whose winding lanes lead to Place du Bourg-de-Four, the city’s oldest square. Its steep shuttered townhouses look untouched for centuries and convivial cafes like La Clémence are perfect for watching the world go by. Rustic Restaurant de l’Hôtel de Ville has hosted international glitterati over the years and serves traditional Swiss fare like gooey fondue, while finely decorated chocolates from Philippe Pascoët shouldn’t be missed.

How to get to Geneva from Lyon: TER trains leave from Lyon Part Dieu and take 2 hours to reach Geneva Cornavin station. Driving via the A40 and A42 takes a similar amount of time. 

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The 20 Best Day Trips from Lyon, France

Located in the southeast of France in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, Lyon is a captivating city that is often overshadowed by some of the better-known areas of the country.

Those who do decide to add Lyon to their itineraries will not be disappointed, as this city is often considered the foodie capital of France. The city is also home to some seriously impressive architecture and history, and the surrounding area is full of charming villages, medieval towns, and breathtaking natural areas. Make Lyon your home base and explore all that this stunning region has to offer.

Scroll down to see our guide to the best day trips from Lyon that’ll help you plan the perfect trip to this part of France.

Table of Contents

The lovely city of Annecy is one of the most popular day trips from Lyon, and for good reason. It’s not too far away – about 1.5 hours by car – and it’s main draw is the incredible sightseeing and food tasting this town provides. No food lover can come to Annecy without tasting some of the local delicacies including raclette, rissoles, or polenta.

There are perfect photo-ops around every corner, from the colorful houses with blooming flower boxes to the mountainous backdrop that peeks out from behind the city. The canals are also particularly photogenic, as are the Jardins de l’Europe situated on the waterfront of Lake Annecy .

The lake is considered to be the purest in Europe, and on warm days you can cool off on the beach or partake in a variety of water activities.

No matter what time of year you visit, you won’t want to miss the town’s two medieval castles. The Palais de l’Isle was used as both a castle and prison in its day, and now houses a local history museum. Even if you don’t enter the building, you should not miss this stunning edifice located along the main canal. The Château d’Annecy is a bit larger and further from the center, but equally impressive – and home to a great art museum.

2. Pèrouges

Step back in time into one of France’s most beautiful villages, Pèrouges. This enchanting town is impeccably preserved with medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and historical undertones that’ll leave you feeling like you stepped into a storybook.

Fill your day by wandering the cobblestoned streets and admiring the half-timbered houses, or head to one of the two museums to learn more about the town’s history.

Stop at the town’s gastronomy restaurants, and , and enjoy a meal at the Hostellerie de Pèrouge s if you’re really looking to play into the medieval fantasy of the town. Waiters dress in period costumes and serve up delicious meals in the old-fashioned dining room of the hotel.

The small town sits upon a hill overlooking the Ain River , and the surrounding fields add to the pleasant charm. There are several trails outside of town, and you could spend the whole afternoon hiking.

Not to be confused with the Austrian city of Vienna, this French town makes for a great day trip from Lyon. Located just 30 minutes south along the Rhône River , you’ll have plenty of time to explore all that this ancient city has to offer.

The town is packed with Roman ruins, the most noteworthy being the Temple d’Auguste et de Livie , a well-preserved structure dating all the way back to the 1st century B.C. The city’s Thèâtre Antique is equally as impressive, if only slightly younger, and could seat up to 13,000 spectators.

Other noteworthy structures that shouldn’t be missed include the Cloître de rune-le-Bas and the Cathèdrale Saint-Maurice . There are also numerous museums in this historic city for those looking to learn a little more about its past.

4. Beaujolais Wine Region

Wine lovers will find the best day trip within the Beaujolais Wine Region, which starts just outside of Lyon. You’ll drive past some incredible scenery as you make your way through this region, with plenty of picturesque vineyards, mountains, and greenery around every turn.

The small villages along the route are, of course, the highlight. Do some wine tasting, explore cellars, and even visit family-run wineries that’ll show you the process and explain the history of making the light-bodied reds that Beaujolais is famous for.

5. Grenoble

Situated at the bottom of the Alps, the city of Grenoble is another must-see city when you’re considering day trips from Lyon. Although known for being a great base for winter sports due to its proximity to the mountains, this city has a lot to offer no matter what time of year you’re visiting.

Besides admiring the beautiful backdrop, you can spend the day meandering through the city center, visiting museums, or people watching on a bench in the Place Victor Hugo .

One of the main draws of Grenoble is La Bastille , the city’s hilltop fortress. More active travelers can make the steep, one-hour climb to the top – while those looking for a more relaxing experience can take a ride in the iconic cable cars. No matter how you get there, you’ll be rewarded with incredible views across the city and surrounding alps.

Although the city is famous for its mustard, Dijon is worth a visit even if you aren’t a fan of the condiment. The town is both beautiful and historic, with a fascinating culture to boot.

You could spend the whole day strolling around the old town as you take in views of half-timbered houses, check out the impressive Church of Notre Dame , or climb the Tour Philippe le Bon for sweeping views over the whole city. The Musée des Beaux-Arts is also worth a stop, as it is located inside the former Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy .

Dijon is in the Burgundy region, so both mustard and wine tastings are compulsory for foodies who stop by the town. For a more filling experience, head to the Les Halles Market , designed by the same architect who designed the Eiffel Tower.

7. Ambronay

Those looking for a quiet day trip from Lyon will find a welcome reprieve in the small town of Ambronay, located about an hour away to the northeast.

This sacred city was built around the Abbey of Ambronay over the course of several centuries, and the architecture is a sight to behold. The Abbey and its ornate Gothic style church is the main point of interest in this small village.

If you’re visiting during the months of September and October, check out the Festival d’Ambronay , which takes place inside of the church and features concerts of classical music from celebrated composers.

Ambronay is also home to a Michelin-star restaurant, the Auberge de l’Abbaye , which is famous for its fresh ingredients sourced from the local market.

8. Domaine de Lacroix-Laval

Another fun day trip not too far from Lyon can be found in Domaine del Lacroix-Laval. This countryside estate is surrounded by verdant parkland and is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city.

The former castle has been open to the public since the 1980s, and is a popular place to enjoy a picnic, go for a nature walk, or simply relax on the well-manicured grass. There are also fitness trails, an eco garden, playgrounds, and even pony rides.

9. Bourg-en-Bresse

History lovers will not want to miss a day trip to Bourg-en-Bresse while they are in Lyon.

Voted as the favorite monument of the French, the Monastère Royal de Brou is one of the top attractions in this city. The Gothic-style monastery dates back to the 16th century and is now used as an art museum.

The city’s Old Town is also an impressive sight to see, thanks to the Bourge-en-Bresse Cathedral and the half-timbered farmhouses – one of which, dates back to the 15th century.

The region was once famous for the high quality and tasty chickens it raised, and Bresse chicken is on the menu of a few of the finer restaurants in town if you’d like to taste one for yourself.

10. Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez

One of the most beautiful villages in France is located less than an hour away from Lyon in the verdant hills of the Pilat Regional Natural Park . Sainte-Croix-en-Jarez is simply stunning, and makes for a great day trip.

The charming village’s original construction has been nearly perfectly preserved since the middle ages. The town sits inside the walls of a former Carthusian monastery, and visitors can explore the village’s church, hermitage rooms, and cloister, if you decide to book a tour.

After you finish exploring this ancient walled city, you can spend the rest of the day hiking along scenic trails that stretch across the surrounding area.

Known for its pink sparkling wine, one-of-a-kind copper factory, and outlying caves, the commune of Cerdon makes for a great day trip from Lyon.

The village itself is steeped along the hills of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and is surrounded by vineyards and miles of hiking trails. This historical town dates back to the 13th century, and you’ll be able to see some of the original architecture if you take the time to wander the streets.

The most popular thing to do in this area, however, is exploring the caves. Over time, the caves have served as shelter, a refuge for lepers, and in more recent times, a storage space for aging cheese. You can take a guided tour or explore them yourselves, but either way, you will not be disappointed by these incredible mounds.

12. La Clusaz

If you’re visiting Lyon during the winter, don’t miss your chance to visit the French Alps. La Clusaz makes for a great day trip or a pleasant weekend getaway, as it’s just a couple of hours away from the city.

Skiers of all skill levels will find runs suited to their experience, and backcountry skiers will also have plenty of terrain to carve up. If you’re not a fan of skiing, the city also has ten bars and restaurants and hundreds of shops to keep you busy.

13. Château de la Roche

Looking like it came straight out of a fairytale, Château de la Roche is one of the most beautiful castles in France and is only about an hour’s drive from Lyon.

The castle sits on an island in a lake formed by the Villerest Dam in the Loire River, adding to its charm and storybook appeal. Although built in the 13th century, the castle underwent some much-needed restorations in the early 1900s, resulting in the Gothic-like style that we see today.

This is a great day trip for families, as the Château de la Roche often hosts fun activities like costume parties, treasure hunts, and escape games.

14. Aix-Les-Bains

Those looking for a little R&R during their time in Lyon should consider a day trip to the lovely town of Aix-Les-Bains. This lakeside resort town is only about an hour and a half away and offers an array of beautiful architecture and verdant scenery.

Sandwiched between the Bauges Massif Regional Nature Park and the stunning Bourget Lake, you’ll have plenty of incredible views during trip. It’s also an international hot spot thanks to the nearby thermal pools and sulfur springs.

Those hoping to relax can book a day at the Chevalley Thermal Baths , and those looking for a more active experience can head to the lake for a variety of hiking trails and water sports.

15. Abbey of Hautecombe

While you’re visiting Aix-Les-Bains, take a boat trip out to the stunning monument of Abbey of Hautecombe, located on the other side of Bourget Lake. It’s definitely worth the detour before heading back to Lyon.

The historic Cistercian Abbey dates back to the 12th century and is home to the Maison de Savoie’s medieval tombs. There’s a lot to see, including a church, cloister, chapel, lighthouse, and the King’s apartments.

16. Château Grillet

Another charming day trip awaits in the small town of Vèrin , about an hour south of Lyon. Located in the hillside of the Northern Rhône region, the main draw to this little village is the Château Grillet. It was one of the first vineyards in the region to produce its own wine, all the way back in 1830.

This vineyard has a long history dating back to the times of the Romans, and you can even see ruins from this period just a short distance away from the estate. Nowadays this small vineyard produces some of the rarest wine in the country – and it’ll cost you a pretty penny to taste some.

17. Geneva, Switzerland

Why not head across the border and see some of Switzerland for the day? It’s less than a two-hour trip from Lyon and is easily reachable with public transportation.

This international city is a global hub. Geneva is surrounded by the alps, and the picturesque Lake Geneva adds to the astounding beauty of this city.

There is a lot to see here, but you shouldn’t miss the St. Pierre Cathedral . After you admire its beauty, you can climb to the top and be rewarded with sweeping views over the city and surrounding landscape.

Other popular activities in Geneva include strolling through Old Town , shopping, and of course, enjoying a tasty meal with a glass of wine. Geneva is notably expensive, so going here for the day might just be the best way to experience it!

18. Morvan Regional Natural Park

Immerse yourself in nature and spend the day at the Morvan Regional Natural Park. Located 2.5 hours away from Lyon, it’s a bit of a trek, but those that make the journey will be rewarded with some peace and quiet that’s hard to find in the bustling city center.

Once there, spend the day hiking, visiting waterfalls, or even visiting the little museums that dot the area. The natural park stretches over a large area, so be sure to plan your visit well so you can get the most out of it.

19. Chalon-sur-Saône

One of the lesser-known day trips from Lyon is the town of Chalon-sur-Saône, located on the banks of the Saône River .

After a walk along the river, head into town to the Place Saint-Vincent and admire the medieval architecture of the half-timbered houses and the beautiful Chalon Cathedral.

Another point of interest is the Musée Nicéphore-Niépce , named after one of the town’s most famous residents who is credited as being the inventor of photography.

20. Chazelles-sur-Lyon

An interesting day trip awaits in you Chazelles-sur-Lyon, the former center of hat making in France.

The main reason for visiting this small town is the Musée du Chapeau ,or “Hat Museum”. While it may sound a bit dull, the museum takes you through the history of hat making and fashion in an interesting and engaging way.

You can even order a custom hat for a special occasion or as a unique souvenir!

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Peaks around Lyon

Castles around Lyon

Are you keen on exploring more awesome places nearby? Browse our guides:

• Marcy-L'Étoile
• Vaulx-En-Velin
• Fontaines-Sur-Saône
• Saint-Priest
• Pierre-Bénite
• Collonges-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Sathonay-Village
• Saint-Cyr-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Tassin-La-Demi-Lune
• Grand Parc De Miribel-Jonage
• Albigny-Sur-Saône
• Neuville-Sur-Saône
• Saint-Romain-Au-Mont-D'Or
• La Tour-De-Salvagny
• Champagne-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Lac des Eaux Bleues
• Charbonnières-Les-Bains
• Sathonay-Camp
• Couzon-Au-Mont-D'Or
• La Mulatière
• Saint-Genis-Les-Ollières
• Villeurbanne
• Caluire-Et-Cuire
• Cailloux-Sur-Fontaines
• Rochetaillée-Sur-Saône
• Saint-Didier-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Fontaines-Saint-Martin
• Francheville
• Sainte-Foy-Lès-Lyon
• Rillieux-La-Pape
• Décines-Charpieu
• Poleymieux-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Saint-Germain-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Saint-Genis-Laval
• Curis-Au-Mont-D'Or
• Fleurieu-Sur-Saône

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

• Haute-Savoie
• Massif Central
• Saint-Jean-De-Maurienne
• Clermont-Ferrand
• Puy-de-Dôme
• Albertville
• Largentière
• Saint-Flour
• Tournon-Sur-Rhône
• Métropole de Lyon
• Saint-Étienne
• Saint-Julien-En-Genevois
• Haute-Loire
• Thonon-Les-Bains
• Pays Du Velay
• La Tour-Du-Pin
• Villefranche-Sur-Saône
• Bourg-En-Bresse

Beautiful towns and villages near Lyon: a road trip to discover them all

The towns and villages near Lyon are a journey into the past with their medieval esthetics. Find out which are the must-sees!

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Traveling is not just about getting to a destination, but about enjoying the journey itself. In this region of France, this concept comes to life with this road trip, which will take you through the most beautiful towns and villages near Lyon . Known for its exquisite cuisine and rich history, it serves as an excellent starting point for this adventure. Let's get started!

Must-see towns and villages near Lyon

If you have chosen France as your next travel destination, we can assure you that you will not be disappointed. This country is like going back in time , with cities full of narrow streets, stone houses and surrounded by lush nature. 

Because of its size, what better way to get around than i n a rental car . With a car, you will have total freedom of movement whenever you want and you won't have to worry about unforeseen events because you will have an all-inclusive insurance policy. That's how easy it is to travel with OK Mobility!

Today we guide you through an accessible road trip after visiting Lyon but if you have enough time, why not head towards the coast to visit Nice as well. We also have offices there if you want to make it the final destination of your trip before returning home!

To get you started with your preparations, here are our suggestions for towns and villages near Lyon .

Pérouges: a medieval village

A mere 30 kilometers northeast of Lyon, Pérouges is a medieval treasure. Its cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses transport you to a bygone era. The smell of freshly baked bread floats in the air as you stroll through its alleys. The main square, with its ancient church and outdoor cafes , is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before further exploring the treasures of this town.

Oingt: the village of roses 

Located in the Beaujolais wine region, Oingt is known as "The village of roses" . Its cobblestone streets are lined with rose bushes in bloom, and this has become the main visual spectacle of the village. Exploring this village is like entering a secret garden, where every corner reveals a new variety of rose, whose perfume will delight your senses! But besides flowers , it is also famous for its local wineries, where you can taste some of the most delicious wines of the region.

Crémieu: history and gastronomy

Crémieu is another village near Lyon that is worth a visit. Also medieval and located to the east , it is made up of cobblestone alleys and colorful houses. Its main attraction is its gastronomy , which combines the traditional flavors of the region with a modern touch. Local cheeses, artisan cured meats and desserts make this place a food lover's paradise. And if you want to take some souvenirs home from your visit, at the Crémieu weekly market you will have the opportunity to taste and buy a plethora of fresh and local products.

Vienne: between history and modernity

Situated on the banks of the majestic Rhône River, Vienne is a town that perfectly combines rich history with modernity. Roman remains , such as the impressive ancient theater, bear witness to its past, but today they are combined with more modern architecture . However, Vienne is also known for its cultural scene and lively nightlife . You can enjoy both in the cafes and bars along the river. And if you are lucky, you may be able to attend a music or theater festival, which are held throughout the year. 

Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye: a haven of peace

Nestled in the Vercors mountains Saint-Antoine-l'Abbaye is a treat for all the senses. This village is considered one of the most beautiful in the country , and it looks like something out of a fairy tale. Its cobblestone streets, stone houses and impressive abbey are simply enchanting. And it is also an ideal place if you are looking for a relaxing day during your trip.

Tournon-sur-Rhône: natural and cultural beauty

Located on the banks of the Rhône River, Tournon-sur-Rhône combines the generosity of nature with its cultural richness . From the hills surrounding the village, you can enjoy panoramic views of the vineyards in the area. And at the Tournon castle , located on the top of a hill, you will find a piece of architecture of great value. As in other locations in France, local varieties of wine are also produced here . So you can toast to a perfect getaway in the villages near Lyon.

Don't wait any longer to start your trip and book your rental car in Lyon with OK Mobility !

Lyon Travel Hub

Article written by Elisa This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

Introducing Lyon , France

All about Lyon travel: how to travel to Lyon, where to stay, the best things to do in the city, and the best places to visit near Lyon on day trips.

Where is Lyon, France? What is Lyon famous for? Lyon is located in Eastern France and, more precisely, in the Rhône-Alpes. Lyon is the capital city of the  Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and one of the most  beautiful French cities to visit .

Set between the rivers Saône and Rhône, the Gauls’ ancient capital is today one of the most attractive European cities from a cultural and gastronomic point of view.

Lyon is an excellent city for a cultural weekend and also for a gastronomic weekend. With more time available, there are lovely places to visit around Lyon on day trips.

Lyon is one of the host cities of the  Rugby World Cup 2023  and the Summer Olympics 2024 , so it’s the perfect excuse to discover or re-discover the city.

Is Lyon in Provence? Nope, Lyon never belonged to the historical region of Provence , but you won’t be far from it. Lyon is 300 km north of Marseille , the capital of Provence, and 470 northwest of Nice , another must-city in the region.

Lyon France in a Nutshell

Population:  513,275 (2015)

Department:  Rhône

Region:  Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, South-East France

Average temperatures (max /min):  January – 6,4 C /0,3 C; April – 16,3 C / 6,3 C; July – 27,7 C / 16,6 C; October – 17,7 C / 9,3 C.

Main attractions:  Vieux Lyon, Notre Dame de Fourbière, Musée des Confluences, Parc de la Tête d’Or.

Lyon Main Train Stations:  Gare Lyon Part-Dieu and Gare Lyon Perrache.  Find the latest deals on train tickets

Lyon Airport:  Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS).  Find the latest deals on flight tickets

Check out how to get to Lyon from Paris, France, and abroad

What to Do in Lyon, France

Lyon is a history and food lovers paradise. Admire her famous museums and galleries, Vieux Lyon’s hidden traboules, or simply wander the streets, and you’ll be in awe of the city’s historic beauty.

Don’t miss the Traboules, Lyon’s hidden gems unique to this beautiful city. The Traboules of Lyon are best explored on an Old Lyon guided tour . In winter, Lyon becomes more festive than ever during the Fête des Lumières – Lyon’s Festival of Lights around the 8 of December.

More Lyon Day Trips and Tours

Lyon City Pass for 1 to 4 days

Lyon Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

Lyon E-bike Guided Tour

Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise

Lyon Discovery Tour by Segway

Lyon, France’s Gastronomic Capital

Everybody in France knows it: Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital! Food in Lyon is taken to another level, and for locals, eating well is not a pleasure but a way of life. Lyon is the city with more restaurants per head in France and Europe, so if you are a foodie, Lyon is the place to go.

When visiting the city, a meal in a bouchon Lyonnais (local eateries in Lyon serving traditional food) is a must. A Lyon food tour with a local guide is a great culinary introduction to the city and an excellent way to learn about Lyon’s local specialties .

If you are a wine passionate, you will love Lyon. As the Beaujolais and Rhone Valley vineyards are located close to Lyon, you must spend some time in a winery to meet local winemakers.

If you don’t have a car, take this Beaujolais wine tour with tastings or explore the prestigious Côte Rotie vineyards with this Rhône Valley wine tour with tastings . With a car, you have more options to choose from. Pick your favorite one from this list of wineries open to the public for wine tastings (with or without a tour) and wine shopping.

Lyon Food & Wine Tours and Articles

Wineries in the Beaujolais

Wineries in Côte Rotie (Rhône Valley)

Wineries in the Condrieu Wine Area (Rhône Valley)

Wineries in the Crozes-Hermitage Wine Area (Rhône Valley)

TIP: Read about the best wine regions in France (article with a wine map!)

Lyon & the Summer Olympics 2024

Lyon will be one of the host cities of the Paris Summer Olympics 2024 . More precisely, Lyon will host some of the football matches at the OL Stadium.

Here are the dates of the football matches in Lyon – OL Stadium for the Summer Olympics 2024 . For all the Summer Olympics dates and competitions, check out the Paris 2024 schedule .

• Wednesday 24 July 2024, 7 pm (men)
• Thursday 25 July 2024, 9 pm (women)
• Saturday 27 July 2024, 3 pm (men)
• Sunday 28 July 2024, 5 pm (women)
• Tuesday 30 July 2024, 5 pm (men)
• Wednesday 31 July 2024, 9 pm (women)
• Friday 2 August 2024, 7 pm (men)
• Saturday 3 August 2024, 5 pm (women)
• Monday 5 August 2024, 9 pm (men)
• Tuesday 6 August 2024, 6 pm (women)
• Friday 9 August 2024, 3 pm (women, third position)

The teams that will play these matches are not known yet; keep clicking for the latest updates!

Where to Stay in Lyon

The third-largest city by population and second-largest urban area in France, Lyon is a historical, industrial, and cultural city with national and international influence. Staying in the districts of Lyon, spread over nine districts, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is to discover more than 2,000 years of history.

A Great Stop on Your French Road Trip

The beautiful city of Lyon is the starting point or one of the stops of some of our favorite French road trips . If this is your first time in France by car, check out our quick guide to driving in France . If you don’t have a car in France, click here for the best car rentals in Lyon and check out our best tips for renting a car in France .

• Road trip from Lyon to Annecy (the long way around)
• Road trip from Paris to Nice

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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

Visit Lyon (Auvergne Rhône-Alpes, France)

Lyon is the capital of the Rhone-Alpes region, and an important French city - it is the third largest city in France. It is an important cultural and historical center with a unique geography and it was natural that a city started flourishing between the Rhone and the Saône Rivers. The city is also located between two hills: Fourvière and Croix-Rousse.

The life of the town started as early as 43 BC, as a Roman colony on the Fourvière hill, from where the city has seen centuries of turbulence that followed. Lyon has always been a center of culture and civilization, and was one of the first European cities to benefit from Gutenberg’s revolutionary invention, printing.

Explore Lyon

France This Way review: Lyon contains a wide range of archtectural heritage and cultural sights as well as being a thriving modern city, and offers you a complete and satisfying experience of a city break.

The Croix-Rousse district is one of the most unique features of the city and is one of the reasons why the city was once known as the “silk capital of the world”, as the Croix-Rousse hill was home to the silk workers of the city up until the 19th century.

The 15th century Lyon Cathedralof romanesque-gothic style and the Croix-Rousse district of the city have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the treasury within the cathedral is a listed French National Monument .

The district of the city selected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site also includes the 1st and 4th arrondisements (sub-divisions) of the city: these parts include the centre of the city and the former commune of La Croix-Rousse respectively.

The 1st arrondisement features structures like Lyon City Hall and the Fontaine Bartholdi in Place des Terreux, the Opera de Lyon, the Palace Saint- Pierre and the Museum of the Fine Arts, the archaeological site of the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls of Lugdunum (the Ancient Roman name for Lyon), the unique Church of Bon-Pasteur built on the orders of Napoleon III, and the 17th century Church of Saint-Polycarpe.

The architectural highlights continue on the other side of the Saône river.

Among the structures in this Fourvière hill district are the Romanesque-Byzantine Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, probably the most spectacular and dominating landmark of the city, the Church of Saint Just, Le Chevet de la Basilica, the Ancient Roman Theater of Fourvière and the Tour Métallique de Fourvière (the Metallic Tower of Fourvière) which is one of the most famous landmarks of Lyon, are in this region.

The Lyon Botanical Gardens and the Golden Head Park are a good way to escape from the bustle of the city and enjoy a bit of peace.

Lyon Museums

Among the museums of the city is the Museé Lumière , which is an important source of historical knowledge on the invention of cinema, which was carried out by the very own sons of Lyon, the Lumière Brothers.

But probably the most important of all museums is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon (Lyon Museum of Fine Arts): this museum has one of the largest collections of art and valuable artifacts after the Louvre itself, and a trip to Lyon without witnessing the majestic wonders of art in this museum would surely be incomplete.

Among other things you will see some remarkable classic works of artists like Picasso, Matisse, Tintoretto, Rembrandt and Bourdelle as well as priceless Ancient Egyptian artifacts and numerous precious works of art from different cultures around the world.

The African Museum of Lyon is another place worth visiting and is dedicated to Western African culture.

Food and wine

For those who love to explore the cuisines and delicacies of the places they visit, Lyon is surely the perfect place to be when it comes to enjoying French cuisine, which is why one of the titles of Lyon is the “culinary capital of France”, among many: Lyon is famous for its gastronomy, and offers some of the best of French culinary delicacies.

Furthermore, Lyon is located amongst the best wine producing regions in France, the Cotes du Rhônes and Beaujolais, two of the centers of Rhône and Burgundy wine regions respectively. This naturally makes Lyon a frequent host of wine tasting events. Be it the rejuvenating Beaujolais red wine or the local delicacies like salade lyonnaise, andouillete and marrons glace, you will find plenty to stimulate your taste buds among Lyon's extensive choice of restaurants.

Lyon is a rich and proud center of French culture, and is home to a number of festivals and events: the town regularly features cultural events like operas and concerts in the city opera. Lyon also has a very old tradition of trompe l'œil art, which is the art of creating an optical illusion of a three dimensional scene, which can really take you by surprise.

People celebrate the Festival of Lights on December 8 every year. The spectacle of the entire city bathing in light is simply remarkable, and the citizens actively play their part to lighting every corner of the city with candles.

Attractions nearby

We have separate articles for two of the most popular districts in the heart of Lyon: the Presqu'ile de Lyon is at the heart of the city and contains many notable monuments as well as being a centre for shopping and restaurants; and Lyon old town is also an interesting part of the city.

You can find more travel ideas in the Rhone guide and the Rhone-Alpes guide .

See also Find Lyon hotels

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Hotels in Lyon

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Map of lyon and places nearby, visit near lyon with france this way reviews.

Lyon Old Town

In Vieux Lyon there are numerous impressive townhouses of the 16th century, a cathedral, and picturesque paved streets to explore

Lyon Presqu'ile

The Presqu'ile region of Lyon is characterised by 19th century architecture and upmarket shops

Eveux, in the Rhone, is visited for the La Tourette Monastery designed by Le Corbusier

The quiet town of Trevoux in Ain has several historical monuments paying testament to its past importance

The quiet town of Anse retains some Roman remains that hint at its importance 2000 years ago

Bagnols village with a castle is one of the pretty villages to explore in the Beaujolais region

... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Rhone

Tourist classifications for Lyon

Lyon has received the following tourist classifications: historical protected town centre' (secteur sauvegardé); ;

Address: Lyon, Rhone-Alpes, 69000, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 45.7597, longitude 4.84222

Plan your visit to Lyon, Rhone

Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby.

• Eglise Saint-Jean-Baptiste (Lyon): religious monument
• Parc de Gerland: remarkable garden
• Historic Lyon : heritage site
• Abbaye Saint Martin d'Ainey (Lyon): religious monument
• Jardin zoologique de la ville de Lyon: zoo or wildlife park (2 km)
• Parc de la Tête d'Or: remarkable garden (3 km)
• Laboratoire d’écologie des hydrosystèmes naturels et anthropisés: site of natural beauty (3 km)
• Aquarium de Lyon: aquarium (4 km)
• Ecully: ville fleurie 4* (5 km)
• Grand parc de Miribel-Jonage: site of natural beauty (9 km)
• Chaponnay: ville fleurie 4* (16 km)
• Parc animalier de Courzieu: zoo or wildlife park (19 km)

Market days in Lyon, France

Regular market(s) are held in Lyon each every day except Monday. (Markets are held in the morning unless stated.)

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The Top 20 Things to Do in Lyon, France

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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)

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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

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Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

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)

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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

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

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 

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

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

Musée des arts de la marionnette - gadagne.

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 

Halles Paul Bocuse

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

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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

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Hôtel de Ville de Lyon

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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Place Bellecour

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)

Museum of fine arts of lyon.

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

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Parc de la Tête d'Or

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 

Musée Cinéma et Miniature

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

La Croix-Rousse

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

La maison des canuts.

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

Centre d'histoire de la résistance et de la déportation.

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

Musée des tissus et des arts décoratifs.

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 

Musée Lumière

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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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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33 Irresistible Things To Do In Lyon  (By A Local)

Updated 5 July 2023 by  Leyla Alyanak  — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Curious about things to do in Lyon, France? Here's everything you need to know, whether you're a foodie, love attractions, or want to delve deep into history.

Lyon is often bypassed as holiday-makers push on quickly towards Provence . That is such a mistake!

Please stop if you possibly can, because there are so many things to do in Lyon you could spend a week here and barely scratch the surface.

I'm lucky – I live an hour away by train, in the countryside that is part of Lyon's Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. So when I want to bathe in the energy of the city, I can be there for breakfast, spend the day, and return once the sun sets.

As a local, I'll guide you through Lyon's rich history, mouthwatering cuisine, and captivating museums. Visiting Lyon for the first time? Spending the weekend in Lyon, or just a day?

Lyon is a city built on history, from its Roman ruins and medieval architecture  to its classical neighborhoods and modern creations. You can be transported more than two millennia in a question of minutes.

NOTE: Pages on this site may contain affiliate links, which bring in a small commission at no cost to you.

33 irresistible things to do in Lyon

Things to do in Lyon if you’re a foodie

• 1.  Sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine at charming bouchons
• 2.  Indulge in a delicate quenelle
• 3.  Savor an exquisite traditional Salade Lyonnaise
• 4.  Head for the pralines!
• 5.  Explore Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse 
• 6.  Awaken your inner chef with a French cooking class
• 7.  Take a walking food tour of the city
• 8.  Taste the wine

Things the Lyonnais like to do

• 9.  Admire the horizon from the top of Fourviere
• 10. Eat at yourself silly at the Lyon Street Food Festival
• 11. Swing to the sounds of the Nuits de Fourvière
• 12. Illuminate your evening at the Fête des Lumières
• 13. Bathe in the lively atmosphere of the Lyon Bière Festival 
• 14. Unwind on Les Peniches along the rivers
• 15. Indulge in retail therapy at Westfield - La Part-Dieu Mall

If you like to roam and explore

• 16. Relive the Roman Empire in old Lugdunum
• 17. Lose yourself in the medieval charm of Vieux Lyon 
• 18. Feel the heart of Lyon in the dynamic Presqu’île 
• 19. Delight in the trendy Croix-Rousse neighborhood
• 20. Escape to one of France's vastest parks

If you like going off the beaten path

21. Gaze in wonder at the astronomical clock

• 22. Discover the Musée Cinéma et Miniatures
• 23. Criss-cross Lyon’s enigmatic traboules
• 24. Step back into WWII at the Deportation and History center
• 25. Delve into the Musée des Confluences

26. Unearth the secrets of Lyon's Gallo-Roman Museum

• 27. Seek out Lyon's captivating murals 
• 28. Gaze in awe at the majestic Fourvière Basilica
• 29. Shake your head at the metallic tower of Fourvière

Or if you just want to see the sights!

• 30. Ride the funicular to Fourvière Hill
• 31. Embark on a fascinating Lyon walking tour
• 32. See Lyon on two wheels
• 33. Hop on and hop off

Getting to Lyon

Getting around lyon, where to stay in lyon.

If you've never visited Lyon, the following guide will show you around.

And if you're already addicted to the city, I just might be able to point you towards one or two things you haven't discovered yet. (You could get oriented in a fun way with this unusual pedicab tour !)

Because this city has so much to offer, I've divided it up into themes. Otherwise, you would have a never-ending and disorganized list of things to do.

So here we go, Lyon for your every mood!

Things to do in Lyon if you're a foodie

What is Lyon famous for?

Food, of course!

That's why so many people call Lyon the capital of gastronomy .

Curnonsky − France's most famous 20th-century gastronomy writer − said so, and the famed “prince of gastronomes” should know.

Even some Parisians say so, and who’s to argue with them?

In addition to highly authentic cuisine honed over several centuries, Lyon has its own unique homegrown eateries.

From the first “mothers”, women whose welcoming establishments (known as “bouchons”) fed the city’s silk workers, to the late chef Paul Bocuse, revolutionary proponent of Nouvelle Cuisine, voted chef of the century, and dubbed the Pope of French Cuisine, chefs have brought their art to Lyon and continue to do so.

1. Sample authentic Lyonnaise cuisine in a bouchon

A bouchon, literally, means a cork. 

Not in Lyon though... Here, a bouchon is a traditional eatery, serving typical Lyonnaise food.

These small establishments date back to the 19th century, run by (mostly) women to feed the city’s silk workers.

No visit to Lyon would be complete without at least one bouchon meal.

The hearty, traditional cuisine of Lyon is particularly rich, usually involves meat (usually pork), and is bound to include some sort of offal, possibly tripe. And no, you don't have to try it if you don't like it.

An authentic bouchon will carry the label “Les Bouchons Lyonnais” (see the logo below), which guarantees the traditional recipes, the specificity of the products and cuisine, and the general ambience of the place. 

Here's the official list  of the bouchons Lyonnais.

That said, some establishments call themselves bouchons even if they're not members of the association, and the food can also be good. The association provides a guarantee, while otherwise, it's trial and error.

As a vegetarian, well, it'll be harder.

There is at least one vegan food tour in Lyon, in the silk-weaving district, and Lyon's restaurants are increasingly offering vegetarian options, but the list of dishes is short.

2. Indulge in a delicate quenelle

To sample cuisine Lyonnaise , start with a “quenelle de brochet”. You’ll find it on most menus, and it’s a likable dish, not as offputting as the many types of offal Lyon is famous for.

A quenelle is basically a shape rather than a dish, rather oblong with rounded ends. It is usually made of pike (brochet) and comes with a crayfish sauce, although there are chicken versions. It’s relatively light and flavorful, and a perfect introduction to local cuisine.

3. Savor an exquisite traditional Salade Lyonnaise

This is a likeable dish and easily found in bouchons and in regular restaurants – and typically local.

Have it as a starter or for lunch.

It is made of lettuce (frisée, if possible), bacon chunks, fried croutons and a poached egg, all slathered with vinaigrette. 

If you take your dressing on the side, be aware that this is not customary in France and might be difficult to convey. 

Try showing them this: “Vinaigrette sur le côté, s’il vous plaît.”

CULINARY BOOKS FOR THE LYON FOODIE

📖  Dirt: Adventures in Lyon as a Chef in Training   A fun read, a family memoir with plenty of heartwarming Lyon food experiences

📖  Simca's Cuisine: One Hundred Classic French Recipes For Every Occasion An absolute classic with authentic French food recipes for every occasion 

📖  Mastering the Art of French Cooking (2 Volume Set) The cornerstone of every kitchen that styles itself as French

4. Head for the pralines!

A fitting end to your bouchon meal would be something with pralines, much loved in Lyon.

Try a praline tart, made of crushed pralines, delicious but a little hard on the teeth depending on your age.

This is a relatively new dessert, invented a few decades ago to round off a bouchon meal. The pralines already existed – the only thing missing was the pie shell.

5. Explore Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

The Halles Paul Bocuse is the summit of foodiness in Lyon, an indoor market with stalls and shops by all the top suppliers and artisans in the city.

The moment you enter this exclusive, delightful, amazing Lyon food market, you won't want to leave.

The decor is banal at best, dark-ish at worst, but everything you sample will be of exquisite perfection (with a price to match), from splendid escargots to seafood to all the makings for your French picnic .

I thoroughly enjoyed taking a private tour of Les Halles , which pointed me in the right direction for my first visit. After that, I returned on my own… again and again.

To maximize your time here, here's a list of  all the shops and eateries at Les Halles de Lyon, and here is the floor plan  so you can find your way around.

6. Awaken your inner chef with a French cooking class

Surrounded by so much food, why not learn how to make your own?

You could spend the afternoon with a pastry chef  or learn to pair wines with Lyonnaise specialties .

Or learn to make croissants or tarte tatin !

If you're going to dip your toes into French cooking , Lyon is a great place to start.

7. Take a walking food tour of the city

You can taste all of Lyon's foods on your own, but if you want to sample as much as possible and don't have much time, take a food tour in Old Lyon and try some of the city’s specialties.

8. Sample the wine

It can’t have escaped you that Lyon is surrounded by prime wine country – Beaujolais, Chablis, Côtes du Rhône and then some.

Why not spend a few hours tasting some of these world-renowned wines ?

Here are some suggestions for city wine escapes, from a few hours to a full day:

BEST WINE TOURS AROUND LYON

🍷 Half-Day Beaujolais Wine-Tasting Tour

🍷 Golden Stones Beaujolais Wine Tour

🍷 Northern Rhône Valley Full-Day Wine-Tasting Tour

If you’re keen on wines,  this oenological workshop  compares the best of the wines you’ll be tasting in Lyon’s restaurants, so you'll know what you're tasting before you arrive.

If you want to do what the Lyonnais do

9. admire the horizon from the top of fourviere.

Summer evenings are crowded behind the Fourvière Basilica… this is when groups of local friends exchange the heat of the city below for a cool breeze and an expansive view.

They might bring a picnic, or grab something from the  coffee shop (it closes a bit early for summer, at 8pm).

10. Eat at yourself silly at the Lyon Street Food Festival

People who live in Lyon do love a good festival… and this one is becoming a favorite.

Each June, long lines of foodies await the opening of the gates of what has become an eating extravaganza of note, with the participation of some of the world's most starred chefs preparing... street food (but not only).

Here's my account of the festival , since I go every year. If your visit to Lyon coincides with this festival, you'll be in for a treat.

11. Swing to the sounds of the Nuits de Fourvière

Around the same time as the Street Food Festival, the city turns into a musical event with the Nuits de Fourvière, named after the hill on which it takes place.

This is quite a magical event: concerts are staged against a backdrop of Antiquity, right inside the Roman amphitheater that was used for performances as long as 2000 years ago.

Big names in French music can be expected to perform, and tickets sell out quickly.

12. Illuminate your winter evenings at the Fête des Lumières

Visiting Lyon in winter and wondering what to see in Lyon? If you're here early in the month, you're in for a treat: the annual winter light festival.

I do love a good light show , and this one is spectacular, with different artists showing off their stunning light creations each year.

13. Bathe in the lively atmosphere of the Lyon Bière Festival

Lyon may be surrounded by wine but you may not know it’s a brewer of note, a tradition developed during the 18th century by immigrants from Germany.

Consumption rose and fell in the following years but interest in brewing is on the rise and each April, you can sample local craft brews (and imported ones) at the Lyon beer festival .

14. Unwind on les Péniches along the riverside

Lyon has not one, but two rivers flowing through it, the Saône and the Rhône, so it’s not surprising that there is plenty of riverside action.

A favorite of locals is a summer evening outing to the houseboats, or “péniches”, moored along the water – for example along the Quais Victor Augagneur (probably the most popular), des Etroits, Perrache, Rimbaud…

15. Indulge in retail therapy at Westfield − La Part-Dieu Mall

While French shopping habits still tend towards small neighborhood shops, malls are growing in importance, but none as much as this central Lyon behemoth, whose recent expansion has made it the largest downtown mall in Europe.

On weekends, it’s elbow room only but its multitude of shops, restaurants and entertainment activities mean there’s always something to do.

You can’t miss it – it’s right across the street from the Part-Dieu train station.

16. Relive the Roman Empire in old Lugdunum

I have a weakness for Roman ruins and the ones in Lyon are particularly spectacular

Lugdunum, as Lyon was once called , was important to the Roman Empire during the first century BCE and the capital of what was then the province of Gaul (which eventually grew into France).

The massive amphitheater is spectacular, along with the smaller odeon beside it. It's quite a feeling to clamber onto stones which, millennia ago, seated august Romans waiting for their entertainment to begin.

To get there, take the Funicular from the Old town towards St Just and get off at Minimes. When you exit, turn right, walk a little and the ruins are on your left.

17. Lose yourself in the medieval charm of Vieux Lyon

During the 19th century, the neighbourhood was a dirty den of thieves, so insalubrious it was almost destroyed until local associations lobbied successfully for its preservation – and eventual inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Old Lyon stretches inward from the west bank of the Saône to the lower reaches of Fourvière Hill. 

With cobblestones galore, the area is stuffed with eateries and shops (and excellent ice cream sellers), particularly welcome on a hot summer day. One of the area’s main attractions are the local “ traboules ”, or not-so-secret tunnels that lead from one street to the next. 

In the evening, find a breezy terrace and enjoy some of Lyon’s culinary specialties. Even better if you can get a seat in an authentic bouchon! And for something really different, why not an escape game that takes place in this centuries-old quarter?

18. Feel the heart of Lyon in the dynamic Presqu’île 

One of the (many) nice things about Lyon is that it is divided up into easily distinguishable neighborhoods, with the Presqu'île (which means peninsula) leading the way for shopping (this is where the major shops are located) and classical architecture, especially at night when many of the 18th-19th century buildings, such as the City Hall and the Courthouse, are illuminated. 

This is also where you'll find the world-famous Opéra de Lyon, an unusual building: to enlarge and renovate the old classical structure, a semi-circular dome was built on top of it, providing a fusion between classical and modern architecture. It took me time to appreciate it but now I love it.

This is also the site of the Place Bellecour, one of Europe's largest (and the site of the Lyon tourist office).

19. Delight in the trendy Croix-Rousse neighborhood

You've probably heard it often enough: Lyon is the Capital of Silk. But what does that mean, exactly?

While today Lyon's prosperity is driven by newer industries, it was once highly dependent on silk. François I (Francis I) gave Lyon the silk monopoly, and Louis XIV made French silk indispensable by decreeing the cloth at his court must be made in France. 

Silk temporarily fell on hard times during the French Revolution, only to be rescued by Napoleon . It went from strength to strength until the arrival of synthetic cloth in the 1880s drove the industry away. 

But all is not said and done. 

Young designers are forging ahead with new uses for silk and putting their hand to the restoration of historical textiles, while houses of haute couture still order their silk from Lyon. Up on Croix-Rousse Hill , which the silk trade called home, silk still thrives.

To follow in the footsteps of Lyon’s silk workers, take this silk tour   through former workshops and historic silk passageways and learn about the trade that once put Lyon at the heart of European commerce.

20.  Escape to one of France's vastest parks 

A contemporary of New York’s Central Park, the Tête d’Or (Golden Head) is one of France’s largest urban parks (the Lyon tourist office says it is actually the largest).

There’s something for everyone here: corners where you can relax and play games, a zoo with 64 animal species, a botanical garden, and a rose garden. You’ll see plenty of families having a picnic, students taking a nap on the grass, or couples getting married!

Here's a comprehensive list of Lyon's museums . Many of these are included in the Lyon City Card (along with free public transportation).

If you like what’s off-the-beaten-path

Lyon is full of the unusual, places that make you look twice with stories and legends  that prompt you to shake your head in surprise and wonder.

If you’re melting in the summer and happen to be visiting the Old Town, step into the 12th-century Cathédrale Saint-Jean, whose largely sober interior is set off by a whimsical astronomical clock which used to strike the hour several times a day (it was vandalized in 2013 and as of this writing has not yet been repaired).

When you enter the church, head towards the altar on the left side. The clock is on your left just a bit before the altar.

22. Discover the Musée Cinéma et Miniatures

The fascinating Movies and Miniatures Museum is miniaturist Dan Ohlman’s passion project – and is in fact two museums in one. 

The cinema section has more than 500 costumes and props from the world’s major film studios. Mary Poppins’ umbrella, anyone? How about the mask from “Mask”?

What really caught my eye, though, is the second museum and its exhibition of more than 120 hand-made miniatures. If you’ve ever eaten at Maxim’s in Paris, you’ll find it reproduced here, on a tiny scale, along with plenty of interiors from the famous to the merely familiar.

It is absolutely one of the most fun Lyon things to do, especially with kids but equally intriguing for adults.

23. Criss-cross Lyon’s enigmatic traboules

One of the most popular things to do in Lyon Old Town (and also in Croix-Rousse) is to explore the traboules , or secret passageways. 

A few are actual passageways, others are inside patios, but all lead from one place to another, often from one street to the next.

They were probably built to make it easier to carry water uphill from the riverside. Later, they would be used by silk traders to carry bolts of cloth from the workshops down to waiting ships below, avoiding rain in the process. 

More recently, Resistance fighters used them to hide from the Gestapo.

These days, few – fewer than 50 – of the original 500 remain open to the public, but a  private walking tour  will take you to some of the iconic ones.

The Lyonnais themselves use these all the time to get from one street to another. Most are surrounded by dwellings, so avoid making noise. This way, residents won't complain and the traboules will stay open!

24. Step back into WWII at the Deportation and History Center

For World War II history buffs, the Deportation and Resistance History Center retraces the role of Lyon during the Second World War. It is located right inside the former Gestapo headquarters. The juxtaposition of the stories of Holocaust survivors and the stairs walked by Gestapo officials may leave you somewhat uneasy.

If this era fascinates you, take advantage of a day walking tour that highlights Lyon as the capital of the Résistance .

25. Explore the Musée des Confluences

The Musée des Confluences is an architectural oddity amid Lyon’s mostly classical and medieval architecture. A bit like a futuristic ship, this large-scale anthropological museum sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers (take this lovely one-hour cruise to see things from the water).

It almost defies description. In the museum's own words, it "tells the story of mankind and the history of life." Just go. 

For even greater insight into Lugdunum's inhabitants, immerse yourself in the Gallo-Roman Museum , within the grounds of the ruins.

The museum is built right into the hill above the amphitheater so it looks perfectly natural.

Of particular note are some near-perfect mosaics that once adorned the floors and walls of the wealthy citizenry.

27. Discover Lyon's captivating murals

For many visitors, possibly the best things to see in Lyon are its 150 outdoor murals, extraordinary works of art that mostly unfurl above eye level. 

You'll probably stumble upon a few without looking for them, like the Fresque des Lyonnais, and look for others without finding them. If you want to see as many as possible, get an expert guide to take you around.

Some depict famous Lyonnais, others show scenes from daily life, and yet others look like they've come straight from a science fiction movie.

Have a look at some of the best murals here .

28. Gaze in awe at the majestic Fourvière Basilica 

After having roamed around it a few times, it might just be time to enter the crown jewel itself.

Its blinding white façade is a relatively new addition (1872) to the Lyon skyline. Its four towers stand for the cardinal virtues of Justice, Temperance, Fortitude and Prudence.

The building is an architectural oddity, as though its designer couldn't decide among Byzantine, Gothic and Romanesque styles. The result is eclectic but charming, with plenty to look at. Perhaps charming isn't the right word, but neither is serene. Go see it: it just works!

The basilica is made up of two superimposed churches. The first, or Upper Church, is spacious and intensively decorated, with plenty of mosaics, columns, stained glass windows and marble, a true feast for the eyes.

A monumental staircase leads below to the lower church, erroneously referred to as the crypt (if it has windows, it isn't a crypt).

For a view even more striking than the one behind the basilica, take its Rooftop Tour but beware of the 300+ steps you'll have to climb to get there. If you're up to it, it's worth it. The tour is in French, but the view is universal. (They can organize tours in English if you have a larger group).

29. Metallic tower of Fourvière

Are your eyes deceiving you, or is this a miniature Eiffel Tower ?

No, you’re not dreaming.

It was built to house a restaurant during the 1894 Lyon World Fair but has been converted into a telecommunications tower. It sits right next to the Fourvière Basilica, so you can’t miss it.

Who knows, maybe Eiffel had a hand in its building…

Or for some Lyon sightseeing...

30. ride the funicular to fourvière hill.

One of the best spots for sightseeing in Lyon is to see the city from above, and as we’re already said, the best viewpoint is on Fourvière Hill , behind the basilica. 

Just hop on the funicular, the steep little railway that climbs up from Old Lyon, until you reach the top stop, Fourvière. 

From the edge of grounds, you'll get a sweeping view not only of Old Lyon but of the entire city.

The funicular is part of the public transportation system and its price is covered by the various Lyon transportation tickets .

31. Embark on a fascinating Lyon walking tour 

I may have said it before, but Lyon is a city for walking. Wandering around on your own is a delight, but if your time is limited or you’re afraid you might miss something, take one of the city’s excellent walking tours.

32. See Lyon on two wheels

While walking is one way to see the city, you may prefer something that moves slight more quickly!

How about cycling?

This grand tour   lasts three hours and will take you all through the city.

But if you’re feeling slightly less energetic, a guided electric bike tour is perfect for your visit. You’ll still have to work at it, but a lot less!

33. Hop on and hop off

You’re undoubtedly familiar with the hop-on hop-off buses in many cities, and they’re popular for a reason.

By taking you around to the major sights, they allow you to get your bearings and to choose what to see and in which order.

Like other world-class cities, Lyon too has its hop-on hop-off buses .

➽   Don't forget to get your Lyon City Card  for all public transportation and entrance to museums in Lyon!

Lyon lies at the heart of the region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, one of France's largest regions ( there are 18 in all ), and in these days of high-speed trains is  under two hours from Paris , accessible on a day trip. The city does, however, deserve a lot more than a day.

And so do its environs! If you spend a few days in Lyon, make sure you take a day trip or two to some of the nearby cities or countryside.

Getting around Lyon is a breeze (as long as you're not driving!)

The city has an extensive and well-organized public transport system , the TCL, or Transports Communs Lyonnais. Here's their route finder , which I use often. I suggest you download the TCL app, available for both IOS and Android phones.

You can buy transport tickets from the ticket machines located at major stops and in the metro, perfect if you don't plan to visit any museums. Here are the  different ticket options .

But if you plan to see the sights, consider getting a  Lyon City Card , which includes transport along with many of the city's museums. 

Cycling in Lyon is also an option and you can rent a bike from Velo'v . Yes, there are drivers on the streets, but you can avoid a lot of them by using the smaller streets which, in Lyon, are thankfully plentiful.

HOW TO YOU PRONOUNCE LYON? AND SPELL IT?

Pronouncing this city can be tricky: it's lee-ON, although you pronounce the O but stop just short of the N.

Spelling it also uncovers a range of different interpretations.

• It's often seen as Lyons France – English speakers often add an "s" to the end (the same with Marseilles, which doesn't have an "s" in French). Lyons is not incorrect – but that's not how it's spelled in France.
• Other spellings also occasionally surface: Leon France, or Leone France.

Now you know: L-Y-O-N. Hope this helped!

Ready for your Lyon trip?

Here are some suggestions to make your visit even more enjoyable!

TOP LYON CITY TOURS  ➽   Vieux Lyon 4-hour Food Tasting Tour  - for inveterate foodies and gastronomes ➽   Discover Lyon Walking Tour - to explore the essence of the city

LYON DAY TRIPS ➽   Golden Stones Beaujolais - heart of the Golden Stone villages for wine lovers ➽   Northern Côtes du Rhône - meeting the winemakers ➽ Beaujolais and Pérouges - wine tasting and a medieval village visit

WHERE TO STAY IN LYON ➽   Villa Florentine  - stunning 5-star luxury overlooking the entire city ➽ Mi-Hotel Tour Rose - perfect apartments in historic Vieux Lyon ➽ Fourvière Hotel - elegant simplicity in a former cloister ➽ Hotel du Théatre - budget option in the heart of the classical district

Renting a car in Lyon? Compare prices here . Traveling here by train? Book your ticket here . To see the city, don't forget to book your Lyon City Card .

Lyon has a wealth of accommodation options in every budget. Using the map below will make it easy to find the right room or holiday apartment for your stay.

FAQ: Things to do in Lyon

What to do in lyon france on a rainy day.

Visit one of the city's fabulous museums, like the Confluence or one of the specialty museums, for example the Gallo-Roman Museum.

What are the best things to do in Lyon France on a Sunday?

Visit the Fourvière Basilica, explore the tiny alleys of the Old Town or visit the Parc de la Tête d'Or.

When is the best time to visit Lyon France?

This might surprise you but summer is NOT the best season to visit − it can be hot and stormy although on the other hand, hotel prices are lower. Winter can be cold and snowy BUT − Lyon in December is fun! That's when we have the fabulous  Fête des Lumières , the brilliant lights festival where buildings are clothed in light shows, and  Christmas markets .

These are the best seasons to visit Lyon:

• spring, with April and May delightful
• autumn, with a pleasant October and November, not too hot or cold, and not too much rain

That said, I've visited Lyon in every season and it's a fabulous city, so even in the "not best" seasons, it is absolutely worth the visit.

What are some free things to do in Lyon France?

There are plenty of things that are free in Lyon. The traboules and murals, of course, and the riversides (especially on market days). The Parc de la Tête d'Or and its gardens and zoo, and the ruins of old Lugdunum. The Fourvière Basilica is free, but you'll have to pay a few euros to take the funicular (or be brave and walk up).

What are some things to do in Lyon in winter?

If you plan to be in Lyon in December , you may be able to enjoy one of the most fabulous light shows in France, the  Fête des Lumières , which takes place in the first half of the month.

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

Bonjour! I’m Leyla! I was born in Paris and now live in the bucolic mountain foothills of Eastern France between Lyon and Annecy. 

I'm rediscovering my own back yard after years of living abroad in Canada, Spain and Switzerland as a journalist and a diplomat － and I'm loving every minute.

Passionate about history and culture, I’ve created Offbeat France to seek out my country’s mysteries and legends, less-traveled destinations, along with plenty of food stops and many castles － I am French, after all!

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33 Incredible Things to Do in Lyon (Local’s Guide 2024)

• By Jen Ciesielski
• Updated: 24 January 2024
• 7 September 2023

Searching for the best things to do in Lyon?

I’ve been living and traveling in France for more than a decade. Not only that but I’ve been to Lyon several times.

From its ancient Roman amphitheater to its secret passageways or traboules, there isn’t a place I haven’t been to. And today I want to share with you my top recommendations on what to do while you’re here.

In this post, I’ll cover popular sites like the Fourvière Basilica, Vieux Lyon, and La Croix Rousse. I’ve even added some unusual spots to get you off the typical tourist path.

Whether you’re looking for cultural activities or outdoor adventures, this guide will help you discover all that Lyon has to offer!

Please note : This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking on a link (at no extra cost to you). Privacy Policy .

33 Best Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon is a city of incredible beauty, culture, and history. From its cobbled streets to its breathtaking architecture, it’s no wonder why it has become such a popular destination.

Below I’ll cover Lyon’s top 33 attractions that I recommend you do while you’re here.

So, let’s get started.

1. Explore Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

As the oldest district in Lyon, a stroll through Vieux Lyon is like taking a step back in time. Here you’ll find stunning architecture, charming alleys, and old-world ambiance.

In fact, the colorful Renaissance mansions that line the narrow streets are one of the reasons why this area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

I walked up and down every street several times. I kept finding a new building or shop I wanted to visit. The most picturesque part was near the corner of Place du Petit Collège and Pt Rue Tramassac.

And there’s no wrong time to visit Vieux Lyon. In the morning, I had the place to myself and felt very safe .

Even if the afternoons were crowded, the hustle and bustle gave life to the area.

Nearest Station : Vieux Lyon – Cathédrale Saint-Jean (Line D)

Book your Guided Walking Tour of Lyon here ➔

2. Take a Cruise Around Lyon

This is one of the most unique experiences in Lyon!

You’ll board a luxurious river boat and cruise along the banks of the Saône and Rhône rivers. As you indulge in a delicious gourmet lunch, your guide will detail the city’s fascinating history. You’ll pass historical sites, monuments, and architectural masterpieces.

And, if you’re spending a few days in Lyon , it’s a great way to take a break from walking around and just enjoy the city.

The tour lasts two and a half hours and there are several meal options available. Seats fill up quickly, so it’s best to book in advance.

Book your Lyon Cruise here ➔

3. Check Out Musée des Beaux Arts

Located in the heart of the city, the Musée des Beaux Arts is not only one of the largest museums in France, but it’s also one of the most renowned.

And it’s one of the many reasons why people visit this incredible place !

From ancient Egyptian artifacts to modern sculptures, there are centuries worth of art on display. They even have paintings by Van Gogh and Renoir! And the exhibits are in chronological order so it’s easy to follow.

Whether you’re an art aficionado or simply want to learn something new, the Musée des Beaux Arts is a must-do in Lyon.

Address : 20 Place des Terreaux

• Nearest Station : Hôtel de Ville L. Pradel (Lines A and C)

4. Visit the Parc de la Tête d’Or

There’s no denying that the streets of Lyon can be, at times, chaotic. So, why not take a break and head to Parc de la Tête d’Or?

This unique urban oasis offers a variety of activities.

I woke up early and walked up and down the length of the park a few times. There were so many gardens and hidden areas to explore. But, if I had to choose, my two favorites were the International Rose Garden and the Madagascar Greenhouse.

I love photographing flowers and insects. So wandering through gardens that are full of such variety is heaven on earth, at least for me.

But that’s not all there is to do here. You can also picnic in the grassed areas or even rent a bike.

Nearest Station : Masséna (Line A)

Book your Bike Tour of Parc de la Tête d’Or here ➔

5. Wander Around Place Bellecour

If you’re visiting Lyon, then a stop by Place Bellecour is an absolute must.

It’s most known for its massive bronze statue of King Louis XIV that sits in the center of the square. But that’s not all. It’s also the largest pedestrian square in Europe, which means there are tons of things to do here.

In summer, it’s a great place to relax and watch the city unfold. There are also pétanque competitions throughout the year, the most famous of which is on the weekend of Pentecost.

Nearest Station : Bellecour (Lines A and D)

6. Eat at a Bouchon

A visit to Lyon wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the city’s culinary heritage. After all, it is the Gastronomic Capital of France! Bouchons are bistro-like restaurants that have been around for centuries. Here you’ll find hearty food, abundant wine, and an inviting atmosphere. Some of the most common dishes include salade Lyonnaise , pot-au-feu , pâté, and sausages.

To date, only 20 restaurants are officially labeled as ‘Bouchon’. And, since they must adhere to a set list of traditions, their qualifications are evaluated on a regular basis.

Here is a list of the best bouchons in Lyon:

• Bouchon Les Lyonnais – 19 Rue de la Bombarde
• Daniel & Denise Croix-Rousse – 8 Rue Cuire
• Les Fines Gueules – 16 Rue Lainerie
• La Meunière – 11 Rue Neuve
• Le Bouchon des Cordeliers – 15 Rue Claudia

7. Marvel at the Fourvière Basilica

Among the city’s most iconic attractions is the Fourvière Basilica, even though it’s barely one hundred years old.

Its mosaic-lined ceiling and its pristine white exterior are the most notable features. In fact, its outer walls are so bright you can see the church from anywhere in Lyon.

Then, if you visit in the afternoon, as the sun hits the rose windows, the altar outshines all else. It’s easily one of the most impressive churches in the country .

To reach this masterpiece, you can take one of the Funiculars. But I walked. It was a difficult hike to the top but I found the experience to be that much more rewarding.

Plus, the small alleyways along the way are one of the best things to see in Lyon.

Address : 8 Place de Fourvière

Nearest Station : Fourvière (Funiculars F2)

Book your Guided Tour of the Fourvière Basilica here ➔

8. Journey through Lyon’s Traboules

Who doesn’t love exploring hidden passageways?

Well, Lyon is full of secret alleys called traboules.

They connect streets, buildings, courtyards, and even entire neighborhoods!

While they have always been a part of the city, their most significant use came during World War II.

Locals used the traboules to move from one neighborhood to another completely undetected. This allowed them to build resistance groups and outsmart their opposition. Today, you can tour the remaining traboules, but you’ll need to use your treasure-hunting skills or a good map to find them. Most are tucked away behind unassuming doors or staircases, so they are easy to miss.

To help get you started, here are the most famous traboules in Lyon:

• Cour des Voraces – 9 Place Colbert
• The Longest Traboule – 54 Rue Saint-Jean and 27 Rue du Bœuf
• La Tour Rose – 22 Rue du Bœuf

It took me more than an hour to find the entrance to each one of these. The numbers on the buildings were not clearly visible. And, for the Longest Trabouble, I had to open a door that looked like someone’s apartment, which was scary.

Book your Guided Tour of Lyon’s Traboules here ➔

9. Go on a Wine Tasting Tour

Of course, no trip to Lyon is complete without sampling some French wine.

You could stop in any restaurant, but going on a wine-tasting tour is an experience like no other.

You’ll embark on a journey through the renowned Rhône Valley and explore its world-famous Côtes du Rhône wines.

Local winemakers will show you their production process and afterward, you’ll get to try some of the best wines in the region. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to say the least.

Book your Wine Tasting Rhône Valley Day Tour here ➔

10. Hang Out in Place des Terreaux

Located on Presqu’Île, Place des Terreaux is one of the liveliest squares in Lyon. It’s surrounded on all four sides and in the middle sits the infamous Fontaine Bartholdi (Bartholdi Fountain).

Some of the most notable buildings are the Hôtel de Ville de Lyon (Lyon’s City Hall) and the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.

Stop by one of the cafés for an espresso, marvel at the magnificent fountain, or admire the beautiful architecture. Either way, it’s a great place to hang out and enjoy a sunny afternoon, even if you’re only visiting for the day .

11. Explore Lyon’s Roman Ruins

Lyon, originally known as Lugdunum, was founded in 43 BCE under the Roman Empire.

During its early years, Lugdunum saw rapid growth and prosperity. Forums, theaters, and aqueducts were built at an impressive rate.

And, today, many of these structures are still intact.

While there are lots of excavation sites in Lyon, the most impressive are on Fourvière Hill.

Here you’ll find the Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière, Odeon of Lyon, and Thermes Antiques de Lyon. And, best of all, admission to each of these sites is completely free.

Useful Tip : Next to the Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière you’ll find the Lugdunum – Musée & Théâtres Romains. It’s perfect for anyone looking to learn more about the history of Lyon.

Nearest Station : Minimes Théâtres Romains (Funiculars F1)

Book your Tour of Lyon’s Romain Ruins here ➔

12. Head to Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon is a stunning Gothic-style church located in the heart of Vieux Lyon. Some of the most iconic features include the gigantic nave that stretches to 32.5 meters (16 feet) and the 27-pedaled organ.

It’s also home to Lyon’s astronomical clock. This 14th-century masterpiece not only tells the time but also the location of the sun, moon, and earth. I’d say it even rivals the astronomical clock in Strasbourg’s Notre Dame Cathedral . Address : Place Saint-Jean

13. Tour Fourvière Hill

Fourvière Hill is most known for its basilica and Roman ruins, but there’s so much more to see here. Some of my favorites were the Tour Métallique de Fourvière, the Parc des Hauteurs, and Église de Saint-Just.

Then, if you have some extra time, I recommend bringing a packed lunch to enjoy at Jardin des Curiosités. That’s what I did.

I relaxed on one of the benches and took in some of the best views of the city while I ate a sandwich that I bought from one of the bakeries in town.

Nearest Stations : Minimes Théâtres Romains (Funiculars F1) and Fourvière (Funiculars F2)

14. Go on a Silk Tour

Since the 15th century, Lyon has played a vital role in the silk industry.

It even became one of the most important cities along the Silk Roads. And, at one point, Lyon had so many looms that it became known as the Capital of Silk.

In 1801, Joseph Marie Jacquard modernized the process with his invention of the mechanical loom.

Silk weavers were now able to produce at an unprecedented rate. Unfortunately, their salaries did not reflect the amount of work they were doing. So, they revolted.

It took three uprisings, known as the Canut Revolts, before their working conditions improved.

Today, you can learn about the history of this fascinating trade on one of Lyon’s Silk Tours.

You’ll meet local artisans who will take you through the production process. They’ll even put on a live weaving demonstration so you can see firsthand how it’s done.

Then, you’ll tour the traboules in La Croix-Rousse.

These are the very same passageways that were used by the silk workers during the Canut Revolts!

Needless to say, it’s a captivating tour that will no doubt leave you in awe.

Book your Silk Tour here ➔

15. Walk Along the Saône River

Lyon is a city full of history, culture, and beauty.

One of the best ways to explore its many charms is by taking a stroll along the banks of the Saône River.

A tranquil footpath runs next to the river where you’ll have magnificent views of Vieux Lyon and Presqu’Île. My favorite spots were the Passerelle St Georges de Lyon bridge and Pont de la Feuillée. These are, undoubtedly, the two most instagrammable spots in Lyon .

16. Visit the Musée des Arts de la Marionnette

One of the most unique things to do in Lyon is to visit the Musée des Arts de la Marionnette (Marionette Museum). It houses an impressive collection of 300 marionettes from around the world. And during your visit, you’ll go on a journey through the history of puppets and puppeteers.

I found the museum to be very interactive and engaging. They even had exhibits where you could play with the different puppets. It’s meant for kids, but, since I’m a kid at heart, I didn’t hesitate.

Opening Times : Sunday to Wednesday: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm

Address : 1 Place du Petit Collège

17. Experience Fêtes des Lumières

One of the most exciting events in Lyon is the Festival of Lights, also known as Fêtes des Lumières.

Every year on the 8th of December, locals pay tribute to the Virgin Mary for sparing them from the Bubonic plague in 1643.

The entire city comes alive with a magical choreography of lights and colors. As per tradition, residents place candles along their windows to light up the streets. There are performances, light shows at Place des Terreaux and Fourvière Basilica, and much more.

Useful Tip : Celebrations carry on for four days, but if you want to see it at its peak be there on the 8th of December.

18. Climb Montée du Gourguillon

Unlock a world full of vibrant buildings and stunning doors along Montée du Gourguillon.

This gently inclining street is full of winding alleyways and unique houses. It’s a place where you can catch a glimpse of local life in Lyon and marvel at some of the most picturesque windows in the city. In short, it’s a street photographer’s dream.

This is, actually, the street I used to go up to Fourvière Hill. And it turned out to be far more beautiful than I anticipated.

19. Wonder at Lyon’s Frescoes

If you want to appreciate Lyon’s rich cultural heritage, then a visit to its frescoes is an absolute must. These vibrant murals were commissioned by CitéCréation and make up what is known as Lyon’s Open-Air Gallery. Each one details a different story and highlights a part of the city’s past.

But the most impressive feature is their size. These murals are so gigantic they look lifelike, giving what the French call a trompe-l’oeil or “trick of the eye.”

There are 30 frescoes spread across the city, but the three listed below were my favorites:

Mur des Canuts

• Address : 36 Boulevard des Canuts
• Nearest Station : Hénon (Line C)

Interesting Fact : This is the largest mural in Europe.

Fresque des Lyonnais

• Address : 2 Rue de la Martinière

Bibliothèque de la Cité

• Address : 6 Rue de la Platière

When I walked past the Bibliothèque de la Cité mural, I thought it was an actual library at first. That’s how real these paintings are.

20. Peruse around Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse

For a unique culinary experience head to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse. This vibrant market hall is the perfect place to explore local delicacies and discover some of the city’s best-kept secrets.

Named after one of France’s most renowned chefs, this foodie haven serves some of the most tantalizing food in town. And it’s been doing so since 1859!

Opening Times :

• Tuesday to Saturday: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
• Sunday 7:00 am – 1:00 pm

Address : 102 Cr Lafayette F

Nearest Station : Gare Part-Dieu V. Merle (Line B)

Book your Food Tour of Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse here ➔

21. Visit the Cinema and Miniature Museum

One of my favorite museums in Lyon was the Cinema and Miniature Museum (Musée Cinéma et Miniature).

Believe it or not, the first motion-picture camera, projector, and film were invented right here in Lyon.

So, a trip to the Musée Cinéma et Miniature is a must!

With hundreds of props, costumes, and miniaturized scenes, you’ll learn how explosions are done, how aliens are made, and much more.

I have to admit that I’m a wimp when it comes to horror movies, so the sections on how aliens were scary. They put up signs to warn you ahead of time, but that didn’t help. Once I got over the initial fear, I was able to enjoy the exhibits. And I had fun learning about how they designed the costumes and makeup.

Opening Hours :

• Monday to Friday – 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
• Saturday to Sunday and public/school holidays – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm

Address : 60 Rue Saint-Jean

22. Discover La Croix-Rousse

La Croix-Rousse is one of the most charming neighborhoods in the city. With its artisan shops, historic buildings, and vibrant culture you’ll find plenty of things to do here.

Take a stroll along Montée de la Grande-Côte and admire the colorful buildings, relax in Jardin du Gros Caillou, or visit the Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules.

Nearest Station : Croix-Rousse (Line C)

23. Take Part in Les Nuits de Fourvière

Every summer, since 1946, the city of Lyon has hosted Les Nuits de Fourvière (Nights of Fourvière). This one-of-a-kind festival is dedicated to the arts (theater, music, and dance). It’s a chance for locals to showcase their talents and put on a show.

And, best of all, it takes place in the Théâtre Antique de Fourvière, the most fitting of locations.

There are tons of events, so if you want to see something specific, I recommend checking the schedule ahead of time.

Useful Tip : Most years the Nights of Fourvière start at the end of May and go until the end of July.

24. Explore Confluence

There’s no denying that Lyon is rich in history and culture, but it also has a modern side.

Confluence has perfectly captured this contemporary spirit. And it’s emerged as one of the most stylish areas in the city. Here you’ll find world-class dining options, swanky bars, and exciting startups.

There are also several quirky buildings, a fantastic museum (Musée des Confluences), and green spaces where you can relax.

Needless to say, it’s a diverse neighborhood with a variety of things to do.

Nearest Station : Hôtel Région Montrochet (Trams T1 and T2)

25. Catch a Show at Opéra National de Lyon

Located in the heart of the city, this stunning opera house has been hosting spectacular shows since it opened in 1831. From classical ballets to modern musical performances, there’s something here for everyone. Their goal is to make opera more accessible, so you’ll find tickets as low as €10!

Address : 1 Place de la Comédie

Nearest Station : Croix Paquet (Line C)

26. Shop in Place de la République

One of the best places for shopping in Lyon is Place de la République. Here you’ll find everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to big retail stores.

The atmosphere is lively, and the streets are buzzing with enthusiastic merchants. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs or just want to explore local fashion trends, this is the place to be!

27. Party at Nuits Sonores

Every May, Lyon comes alive with the Nuits Sonores. This eclectic music festival is mainly electronic music, so don’t expect to sing along with your favorite bands.

It’s a festival where you can relax and listen to music or dance the night away with some of the best DJs in the world.

I’m a huge electronic music fan. And I’m not talking about David Guetta. I’m talking DJs like Laurent Garnier, Jeff Mills, and Ricardo Villalobos.

So, if you’re the same or willing to try something new, this is what you’ll find at Nuit Sonores. It’s an incredible experience and I never miss an opportunity to go.

28. Shop at a Market

Shopping at local markets is something I do in every French city I visit. And it’s one of the many things I love about France .

It’s a fun excursion that allows you to get up close and personal with the local culture. Not only that but the produce is perfect and the food is delicious. They’re also some of the most affordable places to find gifts for friends and family back home.

There are quite a few markets in Lyon, but my favorite was the Marché Saint Antoine along Quai des Célestines. It gets crowded toward the afternoon, so be sure to get there early.

29. Glide Through Lyon on a Segway Tour

Not only is Lyon the third largest city in France, but it’s also really hilly.

For me, the constant up and down was exhausting. My feet were, actually, on fire after the first day!

So, the best way to avoid sore feet and see everything is to go on a Segway Tour. It’s also one of the coolest activities in Lyon.

You’ll glide effortlessly through the city streets while taking in all the amazing sites. It’s both fun and adventurous. Plus, you’ll cover so much ground in two hours, that you’re sure not to miss a thing.

Book Your Segway Tour Here ➔

30. Climb Escalier Mermet

This stunning 80-step staircase connects Presqu’Île with the upper section of La Croix-Rousse. And it’s one of the most unique places to visit in Lyon.

It was designed by WENC, an artist who paints creative patterns that are organic in nature.

Besides the striking beauty of the stairs themselves, the environment is very calm. It’s rarely overcrowded, so you could end up having the place to yourself.

31. Observe Lyon From Above

If you love sweeping city views, then Lyon won’t disappoint. There are so many vantage points throughout the city it’s hard to choose which ones to visit.

I, actually, went to every viewpoint that was listed on Google Maps and I found a few others that were not mentioned anywhere else.

Some of my favorites were Belvédères des Jardins du Gros Caillou, Point de Vue along Rue des Fantasques, and the view from Jardin des Curiosités.

Useful Tip : Try to go at either sunrise or sunset. The sky fills with hues of orange as the sun’s rays light the colorful buildings. It’s absolutely phenomenal.

32. Visit the Quais du Polar Festival

The Quais du Polar Festival is one of the most unusual things to do in Lyon. Held every year since 2005, this international crime fiction event brings together renowned authors, fans, and publishers.

I would classify myself as a crime fiction nerd.

My all-time favorite author is Michael Connelly . I’ve read every one of his books. So when there’s a festival dedicated to this genre, like Quais du Polar Festival, I’m the first one to arrive.

It’s definitely one of the more unique things to do here.

33. Take a Day Trip to Dijon

Tucked away in the heart of Burgundy lies one of France’s most underrated cities, Dijon.

Yes, it’s small but it packs a punch. And, best of all, it’s less than two hours away by train from Lyon!

There are so many reasons to visit Dijon it’s hard for me to choose only one. I loved everything about it. The Palais des Ducs de Bourgogne is breathtaking, the museums are free, and the food is divine. It’s also easy to see the highlights in a day with a self-guided tour called Parcours de la Chouette.

So, if you’re looking for things to do near Lyon, taking a day trip to Dijon should be at the top of your list.

Book and Purchase your Train Tickets here ➔

Map of Lyon’s Attractions

Below is a map of all the attractions that are on this list. Click the map to open Google Maps.

Where to Stay in Lyon

As the third largest city in France, there’s no shortage of places to stay in Lyon. The most easily accessible and convenient districts to stay in are Vieux Lyon and Presqu’Île. 

Below I’ve compiled a list of the best hotels in both neighborhoods:

• Villa Florentine – Located in the center of Vieux Lyon, this amazing hotel offers some of the most spectacular views. They also have a 24-hour reception and air conditioning for those hot summer nights.
• InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel – Located in Presqu’Île, this hotel is all about amenities. They have everything from currency exchange to concierge services.
• Hotel Le Royal Lyon – MGallery – Another wonderful hotel in Presqu’Île. The beds are comfy and the staff is helpful. There’s even a restaurant where you can take cooking classes!

Where to Eat in Lyon

Lyon is a foodie’s heaven. You’ll find everything from international cuisine to traditional dishes. Below is a list of some of my favorite places to eat.

• Yummy Pancakes – The best brunch in town. If you love pancakes, this place is for you!
• Agastache Restaurant – Amazing food at a reasonable price. The dishes are elegant but the setting is laid back.
• La Mère Brazier – Elegant cuisine in a 1920s setting. It’s often touted as one of the best restaurants in Lyon.

Public Transportation in Lyon

Lyon is a tourist-friendly city, so it’s very easy to get around.

Buses, metros, trams, and funiculars are the main forms of public transport. You could also walk, but if you’re short on time, you’ll need to use one of these options.

In my opinion, the metro is the most convenient.

Tickets cost €1.90 for a single ride or there are different bundles, like the 24-hour pass for €6.50.

Useful Tips : 

• All public transport is free with the Lyon City Card .
• Funiculars are also useful, but they can only be used to reach Fourvière Hill.
• Tickets are valid for all forms of public transport (i.e., a metro ticket and a bus ticket are the same.).

Lyon City Card

The Lyon City Card offers exclusive discounts, free access to public transport, and dozens of other benefits that will make your stay even more enjoyable. Plus, they have different options, depending on how long you’re staying. It’s a great way to save money while you’re here!

Get your Lyon City Card here ➔

FAQs About What to Do in Lyon

Is lyon a foodie city.

Yes, Lyon is a foodie city! It even holds the title of the Gastronomical Capital of France. From Michelin-starred restaurants to quaint bistros, you’ll have your choice of places to eat here.

Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?

Yes, Lyon is generally cheaper than Paris. Prices for food and attractions are usually lower in Lyon but accommodation can sometimes be just as expensive as in Paris. So, if you want to save money try to visit during the low season.

Do I need to speak French in Lyon?

No, you don’t need to speak French in Lyon. Although French is the main language, plenty of locals speak English. Not only that but popular attractions always have some form of English signage available. But you should still try to learn some words in French like “Bonjour” or “ Merci .”

Is Lyon colder than Paris?

No, Lyon is generally not colder than Paris. Lyon has a temperate climate and is typically warmer in the winter months than Paris.

What is the best time of year to go to Lyon, France?

The best time of year to visit Lyon is from April to June and September to November. During this period, temperatures are mild, and tourists are few and far between. Summer (July and August) tends to be the most popular time of year. Prices are high and the streets are crowded, but the weather is perfect.

What is Lyon famous for?

Lyon is famous for its authentic cuisine, fascinating historical sites, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife. It’s a great place for anyone looking for an exciting getaway.

Conclusion: Top Things to Do in Lyon

Lyon is an amazing city filled with so many things to do and see. From exploring world-class museums to uncovering hidden passageways, there’s something for everyone!

So, if you’re looking for the perfect place to spend your next vacation, don’t look any further. Lyon is the place to be! And, with its mild climate, now is the perfect time to plan your trip. It’s a great addition to any kind of itinerary, especially if you want to visit eastern France .

Read More Articles About France

I hope you enjoyed my post on what to do in Lyon and found it useful. Here are some other articles that I think you might enjoy.

• One Day in Dijon – The Perfect Itinerary
• 22 Amazing Day Trips from Colmar (A Local’s Guide)
• How to Say Hello in French: 39 Easy Ways (with Audio)

Jen Ciesielski

Jen Ciesielski is the creator of Dabbling in Jet Lag. She has lived abroad for over ten years, traveled to more than 50 countries, and speaks French and English fluently. Her areas of expertise include moving abroad, learning languages, and travel planning. Originally from the United States, she now lives in France, where she has been for more than six years. She has also traveled extensively around the country. She shares her experiences as an expat living in France and helps thousands of people plan their trips every month.

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18 Top Tourist Attractions in Lyon, France

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 6, 2024

The third-largest city in France, Lyon is loads of fun to explore with impressive cultural landmarks and charming historic neighbourhoods wherever you go. Known for everything from its cinema and silk to its fabulous food and secret traboule tunnels, it lies at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers in the southeast of the country.

Founded 2,000 years ago by the Romans, the city flourished during the Renaissance as an important centre for the silk trade. Thanks to all the untold riches pouring in, countless merchants and bankers built lavish homes and palaces across its hills and what is now known as ‘Vieux Lyon’; the historical heart of the city.

Many of the top attractions in Lyon are illuminated at night, earning Lyon the nickname of Capital of Lights. Lyon also has plenty of top-class museums and traditional bouchon restaurants to check out. These shine a light on the role the city played in the history of cinema, the French resistance and just why it is considered France’s gastronomic capital.

Map of Lyon

Over the course of a week visiting Lyon, we had a great time exploring all its hidden corners and enticing arrondissements. Here’s our list of the best things to do in Lyon, so you too can make the most of your days spent ambling around the enchanting city.

18. Lyon Cathedral

Situated in the heart of the Vieux Lyon district, the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste de Lyon was built over a span of 300 years, and remnants of each period of the church’s construction are evident throughout the structure.

Stained glass windows and the crosses on either side of the alter date back to the 1200s. The 14th-century astronomical clock was a triumph of technology for its time. The impressive cathedral organ was rebuilt in the 1800s and updated with three keyboards and 30 stops.

Featuring remains of the 4th-century buildings that occupied the site before the cathedral’s construction, the archeological garden next door is worth a visit as well.

17. Croix-Rousse Neighborhood

Long known as ‘the hill that works’ due to all its silk weaving workshops, the popular Croix-Rousse Neighborhood sprawls across a plateau in Lyon’s fourth arrondissement. One of our favorite parts of the city, it has a lovely small-town feel with cute little cafes and local boulangeries bordering its maze of leafy squares.

Here you’ll find the massive Mur des Canuts mural and the superb museum of the same name; both of which highlight the hill’s unique history and architecture. To gain a greater insight into the area’s rebellious past and actually find some of its hundred or so hidden traboule passageways, we decided to take a guided tour. Well worth the money, it included a silk-making demonstration and stops at Croix-Rousse’s symbol the Gros Caillou and the beautiful Belvedere viewpoint.

To get back to the center, you can stroll to the bottom of the historic neighborhood’s slopes (known as ‘Les Pentes’). Its narrow streets also contain loads of trendy bars, interesting art galleries and the ancient Amphiteatre des Trois Gaules which was constructed by the Romans in 19AD.

16. Musee Lumiere

As a huge fan of early cinema, we were very excited to visit the Musee Lumiere which is now located in the family’s former villa and factory. Across its two floors, you’ll learn about the brothers’ incredible contributions to both film-making and photography and see some of their many inventions.

Founded in 1982, the museum covers the lives of Auguste and Louis Lumiere and how they created countless devices to capture moving images and colored pictures. Alongside all its antique cameras and magic lanterns, you can watch some of the first movies ever made. If you don’t speak French, it is a good idea to get an audio guide that explains the exhibits and the huge technological discoveries they made.

Just as impressive is the elegant Art Nouveau mansion itself which was built by their father in 1899 in the Monplaisir part of town. Right next door, you can also watch iconic films and arthouse pieces in the Institut Lumiere’s brutalist-style cinema.

15. Fresque des Lyonnais

Along with the Mur des Canuts, the Fresque des Lyonnais is one of the city’s biggest and best-loved public art pieces. Overlooking the tranquil Saone River, the enormous trompe-l’oeil painting depicts thirty famous people from throughout Lyon’s more than 2,000 years of history.

Painted in the mid-nineties by the CiteCreation cooperative of artists, the colourful work covers two windowless sides of a large building located not far from Place des Terreaux. Looking out from the mural’s balconies, windows and shop entrances are important figures such as Emperor Claudius, Le Petit Prince and, of course, the Lumiere brothers.

Very life-like, its saints, artists and entrepreneurs all make for some fantastic photos – just watch out when stepping back to take a picture as the road beside the building gets quite busy.

14. Musée des Confluences

One of the most unique and imaginative buildings we’ve seen in a long time, the spaceship-like Musée des Confluences lies right at the southern tip of Presqu’ile. Inside is just as thought-provoking as its four main exhibits cover the origins and meaning of life, different species and societies and various visions of the future.

Set at the spot where the Rhone and Saone rivers meet, the museum was unveiled in 2014 as part of a larger urban renewal plan for the former industrial area. Almost impossible to describe, it has been said to resemble ‘a floating crystal cloud of stainless steel and glass’ – just go and see it for yourself, you really won’t regret it!

Its extensive collections are also sure to have something that will interest everyone as millennia-old meteorites and Egyptian mummies are displayed alongside dinosaur skeletons, samurai armour and even classic cars.

13. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

If after all the sightseeing and traipsing about you’re after a much-needed snack and break, then Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is one of the best places to head. An absolute must for foodies, its sixty or so stands are all immaculately presented with everything from local cheeses and meats to freshly-baked pastries and elaborate seafood platters on sale.

First opened in 1971, the chic and stylish indoor market is named after the famous French chef Paul Bocuse who was based in Lyon and helped popularize the nouvelle cuisine movement. Here you can sample some sumptuous regional specialties or pick up some boxes of chocolate and bottles of fine wine to take home with you.

While we found it a bit expensive, the fresh food is definitely delicious and hey, when you’re in the culinary capital of the country, you just have to try some of the dishes France is famous for.

12. Musee des Tissus et des Arts Decoratif

As Lyon was long an important centre for the silk trade, it is well worth checking out the Musee des Tissus et des Arts Decoratif when in town. Located in its second arrondissement, it contains textiles, tapestries and other expertly made artworks from all around the world.

Impressively established back in 1864, its vast collection of over two and a half million objects now occupies two historic old houses that themselves date to the 1730s. As you wander around its dimly lit galleries, you’ll see silks from Marie Antoinette’s chambers, haute couture creations by Christian Lacroix and fine fabrics woven in China, Japan and Iran among other places.

In the other part of the museum are some fantastic furniture and period pieces that highlight how the wealthy used to live in Lyon in centuries gone by. While the displays were quite dated when we went, renovations are undergoing to refresh the collection and present the works in a more modern light.

11. Musee Miniature et Cinema

Asides from its silk and gastronomy, the city is also known for the huge role it played in the history of cinema. At the Musee Miniature et Cinema in Vieux Lyon, you can see cool film props, costumes and carefully recreated sets with excellent exhibits, and also look at special effects and miniature art.

Sprawling across three floors of the sixteenth-century Maison des Advocats, the private gallery was opened in 2005 by artist Dan Ohlmann. While some rooms focus on stop motion, animatronics and prosthetics, other levels contain full-size models from movies like Alien and Robocop.

Possibly the most fascinating part however are its 120 hyper-realistic dioramas that depict everyday life in shops, restaurants and homes either in Lyon or further afield. Painstakingly painted down to the last detail, you’ll find yourself examining these tiny scenes for much longer than you’d expect.

10. Mur des Canuts

Located on the Boulevard des Canuts in the Croix Rousse district, this expansive mural depicts the heritage of the neighborhood that was once home to the city’s many silk weavers, or canuts. Painted in the trompe-l’oeil style, the scenes illustrated in the mammoth fresco blend in seamlessly with their surroundings, challenging viewers to examine the line between art and reality.

First painted in 1987, the largest mural in Europe has been revised several times to reflect changes made to the nearby structures and has become a popular tourist attractions in Lyon.

9. Resistance and Deportation History Centre

Simply one of Lyon’s must things to do for those interested in the past, the Resistance and Deportation History Centre can be found in the seventh arrondissement, not all too far from the train station. Home to lots of impactful exhibits and heart-wrenching oral testimonies, it shines a light on Lyon’s resistance movement and the tragic deportation of Jews during the Nazi occupation.

Founded in 1992, the moving museum is located on the site of a former military health school that was later used by the Gestapo as its headquarters. It was here that chief Klaus Barbie, infamously known as ‘the Butcher of Lyon’, tortured both Jews and members of the French Resistance.

Its well-done displays show what life was like in Lyon under German occupation with authentic old documents and artifacts featuring alongside replicas of people’s homes and streets. Texts and video clips also share the true stories of those who resisted, fought and died during the Second World War.

8. Traboules

Built from wealth generated from the production of silk, Lyon is famous for its “traboules,” the unique covered passageways constructed to protect the delicate fabric from inclement weather as it was transported from one spot to another.

The Vieux Lyon district has one of the longest traboules in the city, stretching from the Rue St-Jean to the Rue du Boeuf, though there are many others in the city. Hidden behind nondescript doors, the corridors proved useful during World War II by providing a way for locals to escape raids by the Gestapo.

Today, most traboules are on private property, serving as entrances to local apartments. However, visitors can access several traboules in Vieux Lyon during daylight hours by pressing a service button near the door.

7. Place Bellecour

A primary attraction of the Presqu’île district located between the Saône and the Rhône rivers, the Place Bellecour is the largest pedestrian square in Europe. The square’s massive size has made it the ideal site for local festivals, outdoor concerts and special events, and the recent addition of a large Ferris wheel adds to its appeal.

Several statues are worthy of attention as well, including an 19th-century sculpture of King Louis XIV seated on horseback, but it’s the plaza’s proximity to Lyon’s luxury shopping district that generates the most foot traffic. Four major streets lined with shops begin at the Place Bellecour.

6. Roman Theatre of Fourviere

The oldest Roman theatre in the whole of France, Lyon’s ancient amphitheatre was built between 17 and 15 BC on the side of Fourviere hill. In its heyday, 10,000 cheering spectators would cram onto its steep stone seats to watch dramatic games, theatre pieces and dance performances.

Remarkably well-preserved, the impressive old theatre was lost to time until being rediscovered and restored in the late nineteenth century. Nowadays, guests can marvel at its magnificent architecture and amble about the crumbling ruins of the cavea that used to continue even further up the hillside.

From the top of the theatre, you can enjoy fabulous views over the city and the stage area below. Before heading off, make sure to stop by the outstanding archaeological museum next to it for more info on Lyon’s Roman past. The fun Nuits de Fourviere cultural festival also takes place here each summer.

5. Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Constructed from stones gathered from the tumbled walls that once stood on the site of Place des Terreaux, the massive Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon was once home to the convent of Saint-Pierre.

When the nuns were expelled from the city during the French Revolution, the Municipal Council established the building as a place to conserve the city’s cultural treasures.

Officially opened in 1803 and completely renovated during the 1990s, the museum today rivals the Louvre in volume and diversity, with collections that range from ancient Egyptian antiquities to 20th-century paintings by the likes of Matisse, Picasso, Braque and Miró.

4. Place des Terreaux

With beginnings that date back to the 13th century, the Place des Terreaux located in the Presqu’île district has long played an important role in Lyon’s history. Originally built as part of a walled fortification, the site was turned into a city plaza in the 1600s.

The site of many beheadings by guillotine during the French Revolution, the central square is today bordered by the Lyon City Hall to the east and the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon on the south. On the north side of the square is a fountain designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi, creator of the Statue of Liberty.

3. Parc de la Tete d’Or

The largest urban park in France, the Parc de la Tete d’Or is a popular destination for families, joggers and cyclists.

Many of the park’s attractions are aimed towards children, including a carousel, a small zoo, a miniature train and a puppet theater, and there’s a variety of sports facilities on the grounds as well. A lake offers opportunities for boating, waterside picnics and scenic strolls along the shoreline.

For visitors, the highlight of the park is the Jardin Botanique de Lyon, which features picturesque 19th-century greenhouses filled with a wide range of tropical plants, including century-old camellias, carnivorous plants and water lilies from the Amazon.

2. Fourviere Basilica

Dominating Lyon’s “Hill of Prayer,” the Fourvière, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built in the late 19th century from a design by architect Pierre Bossan.

he architecture of the church is unique in that it has both Byzantine and Romanesque styles. In addition to four corner towers rising over the structure, the basilica features a bell tower with a golden statue of the Virgin Mary.

The upper sanctuary of the church is ornamented with mosaics and stained glass. Visitors can take a funicular to the site from the metro station in Vieux Lyon or can climb the steep ascent to the summit of Fourviere Hill on foot.

1. Vieux Lyon

The heart and soul of life in town, Vieux Lyon is almost certainly one of the most beautiful historic quarters in Europe. Getting lost amidst its little cobbled lanes and hidden traboules is a magical way to spend the day before dining at one of the area’s traditional bouchon restaurants in the evening.

Mostly built between the fifteenth and seventeenth centuries, its hundreds of charming old buildings are packed tightly together in between both Fourviere hill and the Saone River. The wealthy Italian, German and Flemish merchants who settled here due to the silk trade commissioned elegant Gothic and Renaissance-style houses, many of which now contain little family-run bars, cafes and bakeries.

Aside from strolling along the bustling (but touristy) Rue St-Jean, one of the district’s standout sites is the soaring Lyon Cathedral and its fourteenth-century astronomical clock. Other than enjoying its lovely ambience and architecture, you can also take the funicular up to Fourviere for fine views of all its pretty terracotta roofs below.

Best Time to Visit Lyon

Averaging 26 to 27°C (79 to 80°F), July and August are by far the most popular times to visit Lyon. Although they are the busiest and most expensive months, big events like the Nuits de Fourviere, Fête de la Musique and Lyon Street Food Festival take place during this period.

With slightly cooler temperatures of 17 to 23°C (62 to 73°F), September and October are also great times to visit. The autumn colors only add to the city’s beauty though the increased rainfall can put a bit of a damper on things. As this is also the harvest period, you can explore its nearby vineyards and sample some great wines.

Another massively popular time to visit is in December. Although much colder, its lovely Festival of Lights and cozy Christmas markets create a truly magical atmosphere. Some ski resorts also lie within driving distance if you want to hit the slopes.

January to March is quiet until things pick up again in April and May. Way cheaper and more relaxed than the summer, they see temperatures of 15 to 19°C (59 to 66°F) and have some events like the Nuits Sonores music festival to partake in.

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Reader interactions.

April 14, 2019 at 2:01 am

Very compact summary. Thank you!

January 27, 2016 at 5:45 pm

very informative. Thanks

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