What to do in Lyon?

To visit Lyon is to discover a city with a very rich history and culture with beautiful old quarters and numerous museums.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône, it is the ideal destination for doing some sightseeing for a romantic or family weekend!

In order to help you prepare for your stay, I have prepared the ultimate guide to things to do and see in Lyon.

Find the 21 must-see places of interest to discover in and around the city, my suggested itineraries for visiting Lyon in 1, 2 or 3 days as well as my selection of the best accommodation.

And as a bonus, I even give you some suggestions for activities to do in Lyon when it rains!

So what to do in Lyon?

Table of Contents

Visit Lyon: the essentials

1. Old Lyon

We begin this Top 20 places to visit absolutely in Lyon with the Vieux Lyon district.

Dating partly from the Medieval era and partly from the Renaissance period, Old Lyon (also called the Saint-Jean district) is one of the city’s historic districts.

Classified as a UNESCO heritage site, this district surprises with its small cobbled streets, its large Cathedral and its atypical museums.

It is also in this district that you will find the famous “bouchons” of Lyon (I tell you about them a little further down).

To visit in the Vieux Lyon district:

1) The Gadagne Museum: this museum complex is located in a magnificent Renaissance building, classified as a historical monument.

You will find a museum dedicated to the history of Lyon from the ancient period to today, as well as the museum of puppetry arts. The famous Guignol is indeed from the city!

After your visit to the museums, do not hesitate to go through the hanging gardens of Gadagne to rest. Information on timetables and fares can be found on the official website.

2) The Miniature and Cinema Museum: if you are passionate about cinema, you will love this museum.

You will discover more than a hundred very realistic miniature scenes as well as all the special effects techniques used before computer image processing.

Opening hours and access information can be found on the official website.

3) The Cathedral or Primatiale Saint-Jean: it has one of the largest collections of religious objects and relics dating, for the oldest, from the Byzantine period.

It is an essential building in Lyon, particularly for its 14th century astronomical clock, one of the oldest in Europe.

For more information, it’s here.

4) The old courthouse and the 24 columns adorning its facade.

PS:

To visit Lyon and in particular the Gadagne museum, I advise you to buy the Lyon City Card directly here.

It entitles you to free public transport + free entry to 22 museums in Lyon! A boat cruise and a guided tour are also included.

things to do in Lyon — Saint-Jean Cathedral, Old Lyon district

2. The traboules of Lyon

The traboules of Lyon alone deserve a small paragraph as they are a specificity of the city. It is in the district of Vieux Lyon that we can identify the maximum number of traboules, but there are also a few in the district of Croix Rousse.

The traboules lyonnaises are passages reserved for pedestrians which pass under dwellings and buildings to be able to cross from one street to another. There are hundreds and their architecture is really unique and surprising, it’s a very good idea for an unusual visit to Lyon.

You can discover the traboules on your own by taking the risk that certain passages are closed or opt for a guided tour in Lyon to be sure not to miss the most famous ones.

I advise you to book this visit with a local guide. The itinerary and duration are customizable, you can also visit many other places in the city.

A real tourist attraction in Lyon, the most famous and photographed are the Cour des Voraces (located on Place Colbert) and the Tour Rose (16 rue du Boeuf) in Old Lyon.

And if you want to go through the longest traboule in Lyon, it’s at 54 rue Saint-Jean that it happens!

When you go through the traboules, remember that there are people who live above, so be calm and respectful.

PS:
A tip not to miss the entrance to the traboules during your visit to Lyon: the wall of the house is marked with a plaque with a lion’s head on a yellow background!

3. The hill of Fourvière and the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière

From Saint-Jean, large stairs lead up the hill of Fourvière, one of the most touristic places to see in Lyon.

As the climb can be quite long and tiring, you can also choose to reach it by funicular. La Ficelle (the funicular’s nickname) departs from the Vieux-Lyon metro station.

At the top of the esplanade, you will enjoy a panorama of the whole city with the Alps and Mont-Blanc in the background. This is the best place to go in Lyon to admire the view!

Overlooking the hill you will find the Basilique de Fourvière, Lyon’s most visited monument and emblem of the city’s religious history. Quite austere on the outside, its interior is richly decorated.

Next to the Basilica is a communication tower called the “little Eiffel Tower” because of its surprising resemblance to its cousin in Paris.

In the same area, you can also go see the ruins of the Ancient Theater of ancient Lugdunum and visit the Gallo-Roman museum.

All information is on the official website of the museum.

PS:

If you want to discover the city from even higher, I recommend a great activity to do in Lyon: a helicopter flight.

You will have the opportunity to fly over all the tourist sites of Lyon, the Rhône and the Saône for 30 minutes:

4. Place Bellecour

In the list of places to see in Lyon, head to Place Bellecour.

Place Bellecour is a privileged meeting place for the people of Lyon.

Whether it is to visit Lyon, go shopping, go to the movies or simply go bar hopping, everything starts from Bellecour. It constitutes the kilometric point 0 of Lyon, which means that the distances are calculated from there.

Recognized as the largest pedestrian square in Europe, this vast esplanade of red earth offers a breathtaking view of Fourvière and gives access to many streets ideal for shopping.

In the center of the square, you can also see the statue of Louis XIV on his horse (built in 1713 in honor of the Sun King) and further on the statue of the Little Prince and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry.

If you have decided to visit Lyon in winter, you can take a ride on the Bellecour Ferris wheel to discover the whole city lit up. At Christmas, you will also find an ice rink here.

PS:
Take advantage of your passage through Place Bellecour to go to the tourist office to pick up a map of the city.

5. The Lyon Peninsula

Another district not to be missed in Lyon during your stay: that of the Presqu’île.

This district is the central point of the city, so you must pass through it during your visit to Lyon.

You will find there many historical monuments as well as the most famous squares (including the Place Bellecour that I mentioned just above).

Places to see on the Presqu’île de Lyon:

Rue de la République: this is the city’s main shopping street. You will find both inexpensive brands and designer and luxury boutiques.
Place des Terreaux with its 360-tonne Bartholdi fountain
Place des Jacobins, one of the most beautiful in Lyon
The Victor Hugo pedestrian street and its many shops
Place des Célestins where the theater of the same name is located
The Stock Exchange Palace, listed as a historical monument
Lyon Opera
Lyon City Hall.

PS:

Departing from the peninsula district, you can also choose a slightly more original activity: a Segway tour.

This private tour of approximately 1h30 is accompanied by a local guide and allows you to discover the city center and Old Lyon.

6. The Red Cross

To continue to visit Lyon on foot and its districts, I now take you to discover that of the Croix Rousse.

Easily accessible by metro or by multiple steps for the more sporty, the district occupies a plateau on the heights of the city. It is often called a “village” in the city because it is quite atypical and has a strong working-class identity due to its past.

La Croix Rousse is indeed the old district of the canuts, the workers specialized in the work of silk and whose revolt irrevocably marked the history of Lyon.

The buildings were built specifically to house the huge weaving machines with very high ceilings and huge windows. Today there are only a few copies left in national museums.

If you are interested in this period of the history of Lyon, I invite you to visit the Maison des Canuts, a former silk weaver’s workshop and also to see the Fresque des Canuts, on the boulevard des Canuts. This trompe l’oeil of 1200 square meters transcribes the life and the atmosphere of the district.

In the same way, you can also go and contemplate the Painted Wall of the Famous Lyonnais, at the bottom of the Croix Rousse.

Finish your tour of the Croix Rousse by the Gros Caillou to enjoy the view of the whole city. The Montée de la Grand Côte also offers superb panoramas.

The history of the neighborhood is so interesting that I recommend opting for an audio-guided tour. All you have to do is download it to your phone and you can walk around with explanations from a guide for all the main places.

The concept is really brilliant and the visit of very good quality.

To book by clicking directly here!

7. The Parc de la Tete d’Or

I suggest you continue your trip to Lyon with another tourist site that is very popular with visitors and locals alike to enjoy the greenery: the Parc de la Tête d’Or.

Located in the sixth arrondissement of Lyon, the Parc de la Tête d’Or is the largest park in the city.

It is the ideal place to go for a walk in Lyon and to do outdoor activities.

You can choose to visit the free zoological park, the rose garden, the botanical garden or even enjoy a train ride or pedalo on the lake.

The more athletic can also jog there in peace or cycle around it.

You will easily find something to eat throughout the park.

If you have chosen to go to Lyon with your family, there is no doubt that your children will appreciate this place. The place is calm and relaxing.

Learn about other activities on the official website.

PS:

To explore the Parc de la Tête d’Or and other places of interest in Lyon, you can also choose an electric bike tour. If you can’t walk much, this is a great choice!

The route is very quiet and really well done so as not to tire you. On the program: discovery of the old town, the golden head but also the Place Bellecour for example.

8. The Confluence district and its museum

Completely renovated, the Confluences district is the contemporary district of Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône.

A former industrial district with many factories, it has been rehabilitated to become an eco-district with multiple shops, offices and homes.

In Confluence, the visit not to be missed is that of the museum. Although recent, it very quickly became a must in Lyon.

The Musée des Confluences with its futuristic architecture and located on the banks of the Rhône, offers permanent exhibitions on the origins of life, including an archaeological section, another on representations of death and a final one on societies and civilizations. man-made.

The staging is original and very interesting thanks to clear explanations.

To organize your visit to the Musée des Confluences, you can consult the official website.

And to avoid queuing at the entrance, I advise you to book your skip-the-line ticket by clicking here.

9. The best activities to do in Lyon with friends

If you have decided to visit Lyon with friends or family, here is my selection of super nice activities to try absolutely.

Do not hesitate to click directly on the links in orange to access the rates and make your reservation:

An escape game : a great classic for an outing with friends. In Lyon, I particularly recommend the special Harry Potter escape game, which takes place outdoors and allows you to walk around town while solving puzzles.
A virtual reality experience : fight in the arena of gladiators, decimate the zombies or protect your castle from a dragon attack.
The Quiz Room: it’s a new activity in Lyon! In a TV set setting and in teams of 2 or 3, answer questions based on sport, music, society. But nothing will go as planned because between traps and rule changes, all shots are allowed…
A quad excursion for an unusual visit to Lyon
A somewhat special food tour since you will have the opportunity to taste only non-healthy dishes (burgers, charcuterie, cheese, chocolate dessert, etc.) for 3 hours!
A Ninja Warrior course directly inspired by the famous TV show
Archery tag: an activity combining archery and paintball – Minimum group of 4 people
Bubble football: a classic football game where you will be equipped with a giant bubble.

10. Lunch in a Bouchon Lyonnais

Visiting Lyon without having at least one meal in a Lyonnais Bouchon is inconceivable!

A veritable institution, there is even a “Bouchons Lyonnais” label to certify the authenticity of the typical bistro.

Eating in a cork in Lyon is the best way to discover and experience gastronomy and regional specialties.

On the menu, opt for kidneys, brioche sausage, dumplings or even canut brains and sapper apron!

Among the impressive list of Lyonnais Bouchons, I recommend:

All are very famous so I can only advise you to book in advance!

11. Lyon Festival of Lights

What to do in Lyon in winter?

If you visit Lyon around December 8, you absolutely must not miss the Festival of Lights.

This festival has taken place every year since 1852, it is an unmissable event attracting millions of visitors each year. Originally, the festival was created to celebrate the Virgin Mary who would have saved the people of Lyon from the plague epidemic.

Today, whether you are a believer or not, the Festival of Lights is really worth the detour to contemplate all the illuminations and luminous works of art projected on the facades of the monuments.

Access is also free!

To prepare for your next Fête des Lumières during your stay in Lyon, visit the official website.

12. Stroll along the quays of the Rhône and the Saône

As you know, Lyon is at the confluence of the Rhône and the Saône. Which promises beautiful walks in perspective along the quays!

The banks have been well laid out for pedestrians, making it a privileged place to walk in the city. They also offer beautiful views and allow you to watch the many barges of the Rhône pass by.

It is also from the banks of the Saône that you can find the most beautiful panoramas on the hill of Fourvière.

You can walk there both on foot and by bike.

13. Take a cruise in Lyon

The presence of these 2 rivers also makes it possible to do another great activity: a boat cruise to discover Lyon from another angle.

Several types are offered depending on the duration and the choice of boat: barge, tourist boat or even boat rental without a license.

To have a good time on the Saône, I particularly recommend this one-hour cruise with a guide.

For only €14 per person, the boat will take you past Old Lyon and the Confluence district.

And if you are looking for what to do in Lyon as a couple, I definitely recommend that you opt for a cruise with a meal included. If I recommend it to you, it’s because unlike others, the meal offered is really good and of high quality.

You will have the choice between 2 options (click on the links in orange for information):

2h30 lunch cruise
2h30 dinner cruise.

PS:

If you have taken the Lyon City Pass, a cruise is already included.

14. The Museum of Fine Arts

During your weekend in Lyon, I advise you to include a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts in your program.

Located on the Place des Terreaux, in the Presqu’île, the museum welcomes you in the former abbey of the Ladies of Saint-Pierre. Classified as a historical monument, in its 70 rooms, the museum presents an important collection of European paintings and sculptures ranging from the 14th century to the middle of the 20th century.

There is also a large part devoted to Antiquity and more particularly on the theme of Egypt.

It is the most important behind the Louvre Museum, in Paris and it is considered one of the most beautiful museums in France.

All practical information is on the official website.

Admission to the museum is free with the Lyon City Card.

15. Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Les Halles is the landmark of gastronomy in Lyon with delicatessen shops , chocolate pastry chefs, cheese makers and caterers. In all there are about sixty traders.

They are located in the third arrondissement of Lyon, next to the Part-Dieu train station and are open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on weekdays (closed on Mondays) and from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays.

Huge covered market, it is the ideal place to indulge yourself with good charcuterie, taste Lyonnaise dumplings or delicious praline tart, the typical dessert of the city.

On the other hand, it is not the small farmers’ market in the area, the prices are quite high there but you will be sure to buy quality products.

To access it and find out about the stores present in Les Halles, I invite you to consult the official website.

PS:
For those interested in Lyon’s culinary specialties, I recommend taking a food tour.

Accompanied by a local guide, this outing includes 6 tasting stops at craftsmen and allows you to taste more than fifteen different specialties. Foodies will be delighted!

16. The Part-Dieu district

The Part Dieu district is primarily a business district, known to tourists for being home to a large shopping mall.

Before becoming a center of activity, the grand Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon was a hospital whose medical practices were innovative and recognized throughout France.

Famous for its architecture, its dome and its gardens, the grand Hôtel-Dieu is today both a shopping centre, one of the hotspots of French gastronomy and a 5-star hotel.

But it is also where the tallest buildings in Lyon are located , such as the InCity tower, the Oxygen tower, and the Crayon.

It is in the latter that you will find a restaurant allowing you to admire a 360° view of the entire city, on the 32nd floor of the building.

17. Go shopping in Lyon

You don’t know where to go in Lyon to do some shopping?

Here are the best places to shop:

La Part-Dieu: this shopping center is one of the largest in Europe. La Part-Dieu has nearly 250 shops and 40 restaurants. There is also a large cinema and many services. The mall is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Confluence: newer than Part-Dieu, the Confluence shopping center is very spacious and pleasant for visitors. About 100 shops, 27 restaurants and a cinema await you from Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 8 pm.
Rue de la République de la Presqu’île and its countless brand name shops such as H&M, Zara, etc.
The Carré d’Or Lyonnais still in the Presqu’île but in a luxury version with Hermès, Vuitton etc…
La Croix Rousse for its vintage shops and thrift stores.

What to do around Lyon?

Now that you know what to see in Lyon, I advise you to visit the surroundings. Here are some of the places to see near Lyon.

18. The medieval village of Pérouges

Pérouges is 40 minutes from Lyon by car.

Often ranked in the top of the most beautiful villages in France, the village of Pérouges is typical of a city of the Middle Ages. The cobbled streets and small alleys ensure a total change of scenery for visitors. It looks like a movie set.

If you visit Pérouges in summer, you can enjoy the medieval festival organized in June. On the program: medieval costumes, parades, shows and market to spend an unforgettable day.

It is the nicest village to see around Lyon!

19. The large Miribel-Jonage Park

The large Parc de Miribel Jonage, with its 2,200 hectares, is spread over around fifteen municipalities in the metropolis of Lyon and offers a wide choice of activities to do alone or with the family.

In summer, the beaches of the lake welcome many bathers and tourists. Several aquatic activities are possible for half a day such as pedalo, paddle and canoe.

The park is also ideal for teaching children to ride a bike, rollerblade or scooter.

You will find the complete list of activities to do in the park, on the official website.

It is the ideal place for a family outing around Lyon!

20. The Walibi Rhône Alpes amusement park

If you are spending a week in Lyon and need a break from your visits, the ideal is to spend a day in Walibi.

Both an amusement park and a water park, Walibi promises an unforgettable day full of thrills. Around thirty attractions await families, couples and friends every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The park is about an hour’s drive from the center of Lyon. However, if you don’t have a car, shuttles take you to Walibi from Place Bellecour every Saturday during the summer.

For other periods, OUIBUS shuttles depart from Lyon Saint-Exupéry and Bourgoin-Jallieu airports and arrive directly at the amusement park.

One of the most popular tourist attractions around Lyon!

21. Anse

Anse is a typical Gallo-Roman town located 30 km north of Lyon.

A whole part of the town is made up of houses dating from the 15th century with mosaic floors and buildings with ancient architecture.

The ideal is to plan a morning in Anse and have lunch in one of the typical restaurants of the city.

22. The Beaujolais Vineyard

Whether you are a wine lover or just curious, going on the wine route around Lyon for a day is a great experience.

Lyon is located between the vineyards of Beaujolais to the north and the Rhône Valley to the south.

You will find the list of areas to visit around Lyon by clicking here.

And what’s great is that some tours are free!

You will discover all the manufacturing secrets of the great wines of Beaujolais and will have the opportunity to take part in a wine tasting on site.

Day trips are also organized from Lyon .

Aboard a minibus with a guide, you will discover the villages and vineyards of Beaujolais. Visit of the cellars and tasting are also on the program.

You can book your day in the Beaujolais vineyards directly by clicking here!

What to do in Lyon when it rains?

It’s not easy to know what to do in Lyon when it starts to rain and the walking program is turned upside down.

To remedy this, I have prepared a list of activities to do when it rains in Lyon.

And don’t forget that most of the activities to do with friends or family that I have already recommended in point 9 of this article can also be done in case of bad weather!

Visit the city’s museums. There are more than twenty in Lyon so needless to say that it can keep you busy! And the good thing is that if you buy the Lyon City Card, they are all free!
Shopping in the Part-Dieu and Confluence shopping centers
An introduction to wine tasting where you can taste 5 well-known wines from the region
An airliner, fighter jet or helicopter flight simulator, with a professional pilot instructor
An artistic workshop (click here) : in Lyon you will have the choice between a mosaic, painting, modelling, candle-making, perfume or make-up workshop.
Go to the cinema: there is one in the 2 main shopping centers of the city, so you can mix shopping with a session
Visit the 6 greenhouses of the Tête d’Or park
A floating experience in sensory isolation for an exceptional moment of relaxation
Bowling: Bowling Lyon 8 is located rue Marius Berliet.
Go kart: Kart’In, Genas Karting and Only Kart all offer you indoor circuits so you don’t get wet
Indoor skiing: the Only Kart complex has recently offered an indoor ski slope, unique in France!
Climbing in the largest room in France at Climb Up Lyon, rue Lortet.

Visit Lyon on foot

If you want to discover the city on foot, here is a one-day itinerary that will allow you to see the maximum of tourist places not to be missed in Lyon.

This program will take you through the 4 main districts of Lyon.

You can start the day by exploring the Presqu’île district, starting with the famous Place Bellecour, which will allow you to get the city map from the Lyon Tourist Office.

Go through Place des Célestins, Place des Jacobins, Rue de la République then reach Place des Terreaux where you will find the town hall and not far from there, the Opera.

Continue your walking tour of Lyon by going to the Croix Rousse district, a 25-minute walk from the town hall.

First go to the fresco of the Canuts, take a tour through the Maison des Canuts and climb to the Gros Caillou to enjoy the panorama.

It will surely be time then to take a short lunch break in one of the famous Lyonnais Bouchons.

Finish your tour of the Croix Rousse by going to see the Fresque des Lyonnais, at the bottom of the district, about a 15-minute walk from the Gros Caillou.

Reach the opposite bank of the Saône by crossing the Saint-Vincent footbridge.

You will then arrive north of Vieux Lyon, follow the quays of Bondy and turn off at Place du Change to arrive on the main street of Vieux Lyon, rue Saint-Jean.

I advise you to take a walk in the famous traboules and then pass by the Saint-Jean Cathedral.

At the end of the afternoon, go up to admire the sunset on the hill of Fourvière.

If you are tired, I allow you to cheat a little and finish by going up the funicular from the Vieux Lyon metro. But Fourvière is also accessible on foot via Montée Saint Barthélémy.

And to end the day in style, I advise you to take the dinner cruise.

How many days to visit Lyon?

The ideal way to visit Lyon is to spend three days there.

This allows you to spend two days visiting and to take a break between the two days to enjoy, for example the Tête d’Or park or to go for a day trip around Lyon .

To visit Lyon while saving money, the best way is to get the Lyon City Card. Valid for 1, 2, 3 or 4 days, it allows you to benefit from free access to all the city’s museums as well as public transport.

A boat cruise, a visit to the roofs of the Basilique de Fourvière or a guided tour of the Maison des Canuts are also on the program.

You can also benefit from reduced rates for Segway or tourist bus rides. A show at the Guignol theater is also included.

The Lyon City card can be purchased on this website.

1 Day in Lyon

If you only have one day to visit Lyon, I recommend that you take the walk that I have detailed in the section “Visiting Lyon on foot”.

It allows you to discover the 4 main districts (Presqu’île, Croix-Rousse, Vieux Lyon and Fourvière) in a single day.

If you don’t necessarily want to walk all day, you can also remove certain areas and visit one or two museums.

Or why not take the opportunity to do some shopping?

Last option to visit Lyon without walking : opt for a hop-on hop-off bus tour that will allow you to discover the main sites and monuments of the city in 14 stops.

You can book your tickets for the bus directly by clicking here.

2 Days in Lyon

In 2 days in Lyon, you have time to deepen your discovery of the city.

Take the walking tour itinerary from the first day and add:

A nature and greenery tour in the Tête d’Or park
A shopping break in one of the largest shopping centers in France: Part Dieu
Lunch break at Halles Paul Bocuse
A boat cruise on the banks of the Rhône or the Saône
Visit one or more museums according to your areas of interest: Gadagne Museums for history, Cinema and Miniature Museum for cinema, Fine Arts Museum for painting or the Confluences Museum for natural history.

PS:
I’ll explain all this program in detail in my other article: 2 days Lyon itinerary.

3 Days in Lyon

To be done in addition to the previous 2 days.

If you want to stay in the city, you can visit the museums of Lyon that you didn’t have time to do the previous days and do a little more shopping.

If you prefer to visit the surroundings of Lyon for a day, there are several options:

For a family outing and if the weather is nice, I highly recommend the Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage or a day at Parc Walibi. What a great time to spend with children around Lyon!
For wine lovers , the trip to Beaujolais is undoubtedly the winner!
And if you are more interested in the beautiful villages of France, go visit Pérouges or Anse, or even both in the day if you have a car. They are only 40 minutes apart. To reach Pérouges or returning to Lyon, you will also pass through the Grand Parc de Miribel.

And one last option: Why not spend the day in Annecy, the pearl of the Alps, located about 1h30 away?

In that case, you can read my complete guide: The 17 things to do and see in Annecy.

PS:
To have all the details to organize your 72 hours in Lyon, do not hesitate to read my article: 3 days Lyon itinerary.

Where to stay in Lyon

HO36 Opéra: Located just 100 meters from Place des Terreaux, in the Presqu’île. Youth hostel with dormitory bed from €30 per night, breakfast at €8. Most: the geographical location, the pleasant interior patio. The best place to stay cheap in Lyon!
Greet Hotel Lyon Confluence: Located in the Presqu’île district, 20 minutes from Place Bellecour. Double room from €90 per night, breakfast at €10. Most: the space and the comfort of the rooms, the friendliness of the staff. Excellent value for money in Lyon!
Bayard Bellecour : Located just opposite Place Bellecour. Warm and comfortable double room from €120, breakfast at €19. The pluses: the excellent homemade breakfast, the charm of the rooms, the perfect location for visiting Lyon on foot.
Hotel Le Roosevelt: Located between the Parc de la Tête d’Or and La Part-Dieu. Modern, spacious double room with comfortable bedding from €150, breakfast included. Most: calm, location, very friendly staff.
InterContinental Lyon – Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel: Located on the Presqu’île, this splendid luxury hotel offers elegant rooms from €350, breakfast included. Most: the view of the river, the setting, the excellent location.
Villa Maia: Located on the hill of Fourvières. This 5-star hotel in Lyon has luxurious and super comfortable rooms with panoramic views of the city from €450 per night, breakfast included. The pluses: the sumptuous setting, the exceptional view, the heated indoor swimming pool. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Lyon!

Where to eat in Lyon

In addition to the Bouchons Lyonnais previously mentioned and the Halles Paul Bocuse, here are some good restaurants where to eat in Lyon.

The Paul Bocuse restaurant: Located in Collonges-au-Mont-d-Or, the restaurant offers the most famous dishes of the famous chef who died in 2018. This restaurant is rated 3 stars in the Michelin guide and allows you to taste the most popular dishes. known to the general public such as the VGE Truffle Soup which had been prepared for former President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing. It is necessary to reserve at least a week in advance to have a table in this restaurant.
La Mère Brazier: In the first arrondissement of Lyon, the restaurant of Mère Brazier is ranked two stars in the Michelin guide. The chef, elected Meilleur Ouvrier de France, offers modern and creative cuisine with dishes that you will not find anywhere else.
The Museum: Located on rue des Forces. This Lyonnais plug naturally offers the culinary specialties of Lyon such as quenelles and the brains of the Canuts. The quantity and quality are at the rendezvous for a great price / performance ratio. Very warm welcome and great service.

Lyon tourist map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a tourist map of Lyon listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 21 things to do in Lyon. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

FAQ: Questions about Lyon

What to do in Lyon with the family?

If you have chosen to visit Lyon with children, I recommend:

A walk in the Tête d’Or park with a visit to the zoo (free)
To attend a puppet show with the famous Guignol
To visit the Miniature Museum and Cinema
To take the little train of the Croix Rousse
To take them to Mini World Lyon, the largest animated miniature park in France. To avoid the queue, tickets are on sale online by clicking here!
To discover the Lyon aquarium ( tickets on sale directly here! )
The Fort de Vancia tree climbing park, 10 minutes from Lyon
A driving course in a BMW Z4 – Yes, you saw correctly, your child will be able to take himself for a racing driver for a few laps of the circuit. From 9 years old.

Where to park in Lyon?

The cheapest and most practical solution for parking in Lyon is to opt for a relay car park (P+R car park).

Located outside the city, they are right next to a metro station and therefore allow you to take advantage of public transport to easily reach the city center.

These car parks in Lyon are free on condition that you present your valid transport ticket for the day at the exit (if you have lost or thrown it away, you will have to pay €10 to leave the car park).

Here are the most practical relay car parks where to park in Lyon:

Arriving from the North or the West: Gorge de Loup park and ride – 10 minutes by metro to Place Bellecour
Arriving from the South or East: Laurent Bonnevay relay car park – 15 minutes by metro to reach the Presqu’île de Lyon.

Where to buy the Lyon City Card?

Directly online by clicking here!

And you? What are you planning to visit during your stay in Lyon?