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Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon has been luring people ever since the Romans named it Lugdunum in 43 BC. Commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse for the past 500 years, Lyon is France's third-largest city, and offers today's urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences.
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Attractions
Must-see attractions.
Musée des Confluences
This eye-catching building, designed by the Viennese firm Coop Himmelb(l)au, is the crowning glory of Lyon's newest neighbourhood, the Confluence, at…
Musée des Beaux-Arts
This stunning and eminently manageable museum showcases France's finest collection of sculptures and paintings outside of Paris, from antiquity onwards…
Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Crowning the hill, with stunning city panoramas from its terrace, this superb example of late-19th-century French ecclesiastical architecture is lined…
Lyon Confluence
Lyon's race toward the future is personified in this reborn industrial district near the southern tip of Presqu'île. Once a landscape of empty warehouses…
Cathédrale St-Jean-Baptiste
Lyon's partly Romanesque cathedral was built between the late 11th and early 16th centuries. The portals of its Flamboyant Gothic facade, completed in…
Musées Gadagne
Housed in a 16th-century mansion built for two rich Florentine bankers, this twin-themed exhibition space incorporates an excellent local history museum,…
Place des Terreaux
The centrepiece of the Presqu'île's beautiful central square is a 19th-century fountain made of 21 tonnes of lead and sculpted by Frédéric-Auguste…
Opéra de Lyon
Lyon's neoclassical 1831-built opera house was modernised in 1993 by renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, who added the striking semi-cylindrical glass…
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Explore lyon with these 15 free things to do.
Parc de la Tête d'Or
If you're museumed out, head to this lovely space north of the centre, which provides a green haven for nature lovers and families. Spanning 117 hectares,…
Théâtre Romain
Lyon's Roman theatre, built around 15 BC and enlarged in AD 120, sat an audience of 10,000. Romans held poetry readings and musical recitals in the…
Fresque des Lyonnais
Well-known Lyonnais peer out from this beautifully executed seven-storey mural, including loom inventor Joseph-Marie Jacquard (1752–1834), Renaissance…
Place Bellecour
One of Europe’s largest public squares, gravel-strewn place Bellecour was laid out in the 17th century. In the centre is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV.
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Your Trip to Lyon: The Complete Guide
Lyon Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip
Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France, is the country's third-largest city after Paris and Marseille. With a history stretching to the Gallo-Roman period, Lyon is now an important hub for art, culture, gastronomy, winemaking, and commerce. Keep reading to learn how to plan your trip to Lyon, with info on getting there, where to stay, what to eat, and the best things to do.
Planning Your Trip
- Best Time to Visit: Lyon is generally most pleasant from mid-spring to fall, when warmer weather makes activities such as wine tasting, strolls, cycling, and day trips ideal. However, you should also consider visiting in early December, when holiday lights, Christmas markets, and other festivities awaken the city from its winter lull.
- Language: French is the official language in Lyon.
- Currency: The Euro has been France's official currency since 2002.
- Getting Around: Central Lyon and the main areas of interest for tourists are fairly compact and easy to navigate by foot; make sure you're equipped with either a good navigation app on your phone or a print map. If you decide to take public transportation, the city has an inexpensive Metro, bus, and tram network. Tickets can be purchased in stations or onboard buses, but be aware that single tickets purchased on buses cost significantly more than ones purchased in advance. There are also two funicular lines bringing you up the city's two steep hills; you can use regular metro/tram tickets or travel passes on these lines. Meanwhile, if you wish to take a day trip to nearby vineyards or surrounding towns, local trains run regularly and efficiently from central Lyon.
- Travel Tip: You won't feel you're in a huge city if you find a hotel somewhere close to the major tourist attractions—and you'll save money on transportation, too.
Things to Do
Built up on a hilly site around the Rhône and Saône rivers , Lyon offers plenty to see and do, whether it's your first visit or third. Especially on a first trip, you'll want to explore the winding streets of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon); the St-Jean Cathedral at its western edge is a stunning example of medieval Gothic architecture, while warm Italian-style buildings in ochre and warm pink mostly date to the Renaissance period. Be sure to walk along the banks and poetic bridges of the two rivers, and perhaps enjoy a picnic somewhere along the way. Finally, have lunch or dinner at one of Lyon's iconic bouchons : traditional, mostly family-owned eateries famous for their simple but delicious local fare.
Here are more of the top things to see and do during your stay:
- To the west of Old Lyon is Fourvière hill, dominated by Notre-Dame de Fourvière; you can enjoy stunning panoramic views over the city from the lookout point outside the basilica. The ruins of two Roman arenas, along with Lyon's fascinating Gallo-Roman archaeological museum ( Musée Lugdunum ), are located here as well. Fourvière is reached by a funicular that departs from the base of the hill in Vieux Lyon.
- By the 18th century, Lyon was renowned throughout Europe for its silk production. Tour the silk weavers' district on the high slopes of the area known as La Croix Rousse; wander through the old passageways, or traboules, that permitted silk workers to transport goods to the city center below. The Croix-Rousse neighborhood itself is also worth exploring, and is full of interesting street art, quirky boutiques, cafés, and restaurants.
- Lyon is an important historic site for film and cinema. Visit the Lumière Institute and the Museum of Miniatures and Cinema to learn more about the city's key role in the development of moving pictures.
Explore more local sights and attractions in our full guide to the top things to see and do in Lyon , and our photographic tour of the city's highlights .
What to Eat and Drink
Lyon is widely considered the gastronomic capital of France, and boasts more than 1,000 restaurants. You won't have trouble finding a good meal in Lyon. The city is awash with traditional, inexpensive tables—including the previously mentioned bouchons, with their intimate dining rooms and authentic vibe. Local specialties include a soft, herbed "silkweaver's" cheese called cervelles de canuts; tripes; quenelles de brochet (pike fish in a rich, creamy sauce); and Lyonnais-style salad. If you want to learn how to cook with the region's traditional ingredients, consider signing up for a single-day class with Plum Teaching Kitchen Lyon .
While you're in town, check out the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a covered market and food hall named after the renowned and late French chef. Wander through 48 bustling market stalls to taste and/or buy some excellent cheeses, produce, wines, pastries, and typical Lyonnais treats. Some of the city's better restaurants, both informal and formal, are situated in and around the market.
Located in the heart of the Rhône winemaking region, Lyon is also an excellent place to taste superb French wines, whether by visiting a local wine bar, or by taking a day trip to a regional winery or tasting cellar. Learn more about wine tours in and around Lyon on the city's Tourist Office and Convention Bureau website .
For more on where to eat in the city, explore our guide to the best restaurants in Lyon.
Where to Stay
As the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region and one of France's largest cities, Lyon counts plenty of hotels—from familiar global chains to quirky boutique accommodations and B&B-style lodgings. Many in the three- and two-star categories offer excellent value for money and above-average amenities. If you're traveling during peak season (mid-spring through early fall), make sure to book well ahead to secure the best rates.
If you don't mind preparing some of your meals, staying in a furnished vacation rental equipped with a kitchen can be an excellent way to save money on eating out. And with the number of high-quality markets and bakeries available in Lyon, you might find yourself in the mood to experiment with the fresh ingredients you get your hands on anyway.
In terms of where to stay within the city, expect hotels in Vieux Lyon and the Presque-île area to charge more per night. Areas a bit outside of the city center—such as Perrache (near the train station) or in Croix-Rousse—are often less expensive. Before booking any accommodations, consider factors such as access to the city center by public transport.
Getting There
Lyon Saint Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is located 15 miles from the city center and features excellent links with France's high-speed rail (TGV) network. There is also a shuttle bus connection, called the Navette Lyon, that links the airport to the city center.
Air France, Austrian Air, Aer Lingus, British Airways, Easyjet, Ryanair, KLM, Emirates, and Lufthansa are among the national and low-cost carriers to offer both domestic and international flights to and from LYS. Several airlines, including Air France, offer direct service from Paris and other major cities around France; if you're flying from North America, you will generally need to connect through Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG).
If you're taking the train from another city in France or elsewhere in Europe, you'll arrive at one of Lyon's main rail stations: Part-Dieu or Perrache. There's a third rail station at LYS, which can be useful for continuing onward to cities and towns near Lyon, if you decide to explore the region further. TGV trains arrive and depart several times daily to and from Paris, and serve the Part-Dieu station. There are also direct Eurostar trains from London to Lyon ; it takes around 4 hours and 45 minutes in total, and brings you from one city center to the next.
See more about getting to and from Lyon by train by visiting France's National Rail network, SNCF (in English) .
Money-Saving Tips
- The Lyon City Card gives you free access to all bus, metro, tramway, and funicular lines in the city; free and discounted admission to many museums and shows; and some shopping discounts. The Lyon Card is available as a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour pass; there are separate rates for adults and children.
- Consider visiting Lyon in low season (roughly late October to early April). In addition to enjoying more of the city to yourself and benefiting from shorter lines at popular attractions, flights and hotel rooms are often less expensive at this time.
- Lyon has a number of annual festivals and events that are free, including the Fête de la Musique (June 21), which allows you to enjoy free music performances throughout the city.
- You can travel around cheaply on two wheels by using Lyon's city bike scheme . The first 30 minutes are free, and the hourly and daily rates after that are budget-friendly.
- In the spring and summer, Lyon's many riverbanks and parks can be perfect for enjoying a picnic. Stock up on inexpensive but delicious pastries, bread, fruit, and French cheeses from one of Lyon's neighborhood bakeries or farmers' markets.
- If you want to take advantage of Lyon's world-famous cuisine while watching your bank account, opt for eating out during lunch. Pre-set lunch menus are generally much more affordable than dinner à la carte.
European Commission. " France and the Euro ." Web. Consulted December 11, 2020.
Encyclopædia Britannica. " Lyon, France ". July 6, 2018.
Only Lyon Tourisme. " Courtyards and Traboules of Croix-Rousse ." Updated August 8, 2019.
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Lyon Cultural Heritage Food and Wine Cities
Welcome to Lyon, a city of rich history, founded as a Roman city, and now known as France's gastronomic capital. This vibrant city offers a blend of old town charm, famous landmarks, and a lively sporting scene, led by Olympique Lyonin. It's worth visiting for the culture, the weather, and the matches. Whether you're flying in from London or taking the train from Gare de Part Dieu, your Lyon adventure awaits.
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FUNDAMENTALS
As well as being a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon is also a city of lights, a living history book and a constant succession of music, theatre and film festivals. Lyon and its region are engaged in endless culinary and wine adventures, and also offer an enormous playground for those who like their sporty adventures. Come with us!
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LYON - France's second city
Lyon - where to stay, what to see and do.
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Our Lyon City Experts are waiting for you. Comprehensive information on Lyon's heritage, cultural and sporting activities, leisure and outings for tourists as well as leisure and business information for tourism professionals. Booking centre for hotel reservations and show tickets.
Préparez votre séjour tourisme à Lyon : week-end, vacances en famille, congrès et séminaire. Réservation en ligne de votre hôtel, restaurant, loisirs, week-end. Visiter Lyon - Office du tourisme de Lyon
This city, which dates back to the year 43 BC, naturally boasts a heritage that its inhabitants are proud of, and which they showcase by keeping it alive. Les Nuits de Fourvière music festival in the city's ancient theatres, and the restaurants, bookshops, art galleries, flea markets and antique fairs in Vieux-Lyon, represent but a few examples.
Visit the Tourist Office on Place Bellecour (the building with flags), which opens every day from 9 am to 6 pm (closes on 25 December and 1 January). Audiotours can also be downloaded on your smartphone. Further information. Lyon's UNESCO site: key facts. 427 ha, or 10% of the city of Lyon, were listed as UNESCO World Heritage on 5 December 1998.
ONLYLYON Tourisme et Congrès Place Bellecour - BP 2254 69214 Lyon cedex 02 - France: Tel. +33(0)4 72 77 69 69 [email protected] ©
ONLY LYON Tourist Office and Convention Bureau - the Greater Lyon tourist office - is a non-profit organisation governed by the Non-Profit Organisations Law of 1901 (Loi de 1901). ... through the development of business and leisure tourist activities in France and around the world. The organisation informs and advises visitors, from ...
Immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Lyon. The main museums and their temporary exhibitions are included in the Lyon City Card . And the city's museums (and others besides!) also host numerous debates, conferences and artistic and cultural events. And if you enjoy strolling about in an artistic environment, why not explore the art ...
Lyon Saint-Exupéry airport (40 mins from the city centre). Motorways: A6, A7, A46, A42, A43 (460 km from Paris) Contact. Lyon Tourist Office Place Bellecour BP 2254 69214 Lyon Cedex 02 Tel +33 472 77 69 69 Hotel booking : 0033 472 77 72 50 Fax: 0033 478 42 04 32 [email protected]
ONLYLYON Tourism and Conventions is the 'Office de Tourisme et des Congrès' (Tourism and Conventions Bureau) of Greater Lyon. Its mission is to promote Lyon as a destination by developing tourism and leisure activities in France and internationally, in line with Greater Lyon's Plan for the Development of Responsible Tourism. Founded in ...
Welcome to Lyon, a city of rich history, founded as a Roman city, and now known as France's gastronomic capital. This vibrant city offers a blend of old town charm, famous landmarks, and a lively sporting scene, led by Olympique Lyonin. It's worth visiting for the culture, the weather, and the matches.
Lyon. Commanding a strategic spot at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône Rivers, Lyon has been luring people ever since the Romans named it Lugdunum in 43 BC. Commercial, industrial and banking powerhouse for the past 500 years, Lyon is France's third-largest city, and offers today's urban explorers a wealth of enticing experiences.
Lyon Travel Guide: Planning Your Trip. Lyon, the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeast France, is the country's third-largest city after Paris and Marseille. With a history stretching to the Gallo-Roman period, Lyon is now an important hub for art, culture, gastronomy, winemaking, and commerce. Keep reading to learn how to plan your ...
Office de Tourisme de la métropole de Lyon, Lyon, France. 4,967 likes · 492 talking about this · 800 were here. Page officielle de l'Office de Tourisme...
All about the Tourist Information Office in Lyon, Rhone-Alps, France, by Tom Brosnahan & Jane Fisher : Tourist Information, Lyon, France: Home Maps. Paris Where to Go Best Itineraries Guided Tours Transportation ... Lyon Tourist Office Place Bellecour 69214 Lyon, France +33 (0)4 72 77 69 69.
9 targets for culture enthusiasts in Lyon. Welcome to Lyon, a city of rich history, founded as a Roman city, and now known as France's gastronomic capital. This vibrant city offers a blend of old town charm, famous landmarks, and a lively sporting scene, led by Olympique Lyonin. It's worth visiting for the culture, the weather, and the matches.
House with 3 bedrooms in Lyon. 126 € to 301 € per double room. Located within 300 metres of the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon and 1.3 km of Musée Miniature et Cinéma in the centre of Lyon, LOGE DE L'OPERA provides accommodation with free WiFi and seating area. There is a private entrance at the bed and breakfast….
Open now. 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM. Write a review. About. Lyon Tourist Office accompanies you while you discover Lyon. We provide personalised advice, we sell the Lyon City Card, guided tours of various themes, tourism leisure activities such as the Lyon City Bus and Lyon City Tram, and help you organise your stay in Lyon.
Located between the vineyards of Beaujolais and Burgundy to the north, and Côtes du Rhône to the south, Lyon is also a city where there are plenty of local wines to be sampled. Founded by the Romans in 43 BC, Lyon was one of the most important cities of the Roman empire, and capital of Gaul, an area comprising most of modern France and Belgium.
To achieve its sustainable tourism goals, the Lyon Metropolitan Tourist Office has adopted an approach that makes residents part of its tourism development strategy. In 2022, it produced a questionnaire for residents to gather their opinions on tourism and organised in 2023 the first Tourism & Residents Forum. ... 69214 LYON CEDEX 02 France E ...
Find all the information and contacts selected by our Promotions team, including a presentation of the destination, tours, cultural attractions, tastings, Lyonnais and immersive experiences, and services, for original, environmentally responsible and high-quality itineraries. Our Promotions team is on hand to provide free assistance and advice ...
Tourist office. Restaurants open in August 2016. 27/07/2016. ONLYLYON Tourism has compiled a list of Restaurants open during the month of August. ... Newsletter. Get our tips, ideas for things to do, event news and inspirations by email to enjoy the Lyon metropolitan area to the fullest ... Lyon City Card. Discover. The Store. A thousand and ...
Lyon is the second biggest tourist destination in France, with 6 million visitors per year (66% business and 34% leisure tourism). ... The tourism industry in Lyon Metropole Jobs. 41,000 jobs in the tourism industry (2022) ... ONLYLYON Tourist Office: 77% French customers and 23% foreign customers (2021) Overseas visitors' Top 5 1. Spain
Bien accueillir le monde lors des Jeux Olympiques 2024. Events. Publication date : 25/04/2024 Atout France, l'Agence de développement touristique de la France, a mis en place un dispositif Bienvenue en France, conseils gagnants pour accueillir le monde ! pour vous permettre de mieux connaitre et mieux accueillir les clientèles internationales qui viendront en France pour les Jeux ...