Things to do in Lyon

All about Lyon

When to visit

December’s Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) is so popular that roughly a third of Lyon’s annual visitors flock to the city for the event. The festival is quite the show, with art installations lighting up the town hall, cathedrals, and basilicas in Old Lyon and downtown over several nights. Other times of year, Lyon is much quieter and more affordable, with temperatures at their most comfortable in the spring and fall. Avoid August if you can, as business owners often shut up shop and head on their summer holidays.

Getting around

New cycling infrastructure in Lyon means that there are more than 310 miles (500 kilometers) of bike lanes in the city itself, and Vélo’v (pay-per-use) cycle stations are on virtually every corner. The metro and tram systems are extensive, and when tackling the steep climb up to Fourvière Basilica, don’t be afraid to take the historic funicular, a line that is well over 100 years old.

Traveler tips

The trompe l’oeil (giant murals that act as optical illusions) may hog the limelight, but don’t forget to look down. Incognito street artist Ememem is Lyon’s answer to Banksy, and they fill in potholes using colorful mosaics. Their tiled patterns have become so popular that Ememem’s designs (which they call “flacking”) have now popped up all over Europe, but Lyon still has more than any other city.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lyon famous for?

Silk-making traditions and UNESCO neighborhoods aside, Lyon is best known as the French gastronomic capital. Home of the lauded chef Paul Bocuse, the city is acclaimed for its rustic and rich cuisine, its cozy bouchon Lyonnais eateries, and impressive food markets like the historic Les Halles de Lyon.

What is there to do in Lyon for one day?

Browse Les Halles de Lyon early to see the food market with fewer people. Sit-down bistro fare or food-to-go are your lunch options; picnic-perfect Tête d’Or Park is a stroll away. After lingering at the in-park zoo, cross town to Vieux Lyon, where traboules and bouchon Lyonnais eateries await.

How long should you spend in Lyon?

An easy hop by train from Paris or plane from London, Lyon is ideal for a long weekend getaway. Spend two full days to see the city’s markets and museums and your nights reveling in the city’s abundant evening food and drink options.

What should I not miss in Lyon?

One of Lyon’s main attractions is the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, which offers history and views in one fell swoop. Built around 17 BC, the site is one of the oldest Roman theaters in France with seating for some 10,000 people. Impressive history aside, the views alone wow.

What does Lyon mean in English?

There are two explanations behind the meaning of Lyon. Some believe the name derived from the French word for lion—meaning courageous warrior—while others suggest that the city’s original Roman name Lugdunum, the Latin form of a word for hill fortress, evolved to become Lyon.

Is Lyon worth visiting?

Yes. Less touristy than Paris, the city offers both authentic French culture and cuisine and is worth making a part of your European trip. Lyon is also a good jumping-off point for wine and scenery lovers, as the Beaujolais wine region and Lake Annecy are within easy reach.

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