Lyon is the capital of French gastronomy. But it’s worth traveling here not only for this reason, but also for the wonderful historic buildings and museums.
France’s third-largest city is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, 460 km southeast of Paris, 314 km north of Marseille, and 150 km west of Geneva. Lyon not only offers culinary delights with its famous bouchon restaurants, but also houses one of Europe’s most significant fine arts museums, as well as numerous theaters and cultural institutions.
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Lyon attractions
Old Town (Vieux Lyon)
Located on the right bank of the Saône River, it’s one of Europe’s largest Renaissance districts. UNESCO declared this special area a World Heritage Site in 1998.
The district, founded in the 5th century, now mainly boasts 15th-16th century buildings, dominated by Italian merchants’ and bankers’ palaces. Walking through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Saint-Jean, Saint-Paul, and Saint-Georges neighborhoods, one can experience a medieval atmosphere.
The district’s greatest treasures are the traboules – these secret passages connect parallel streets through building courtyards and stairwells. Originally used by silk weavers, these hidden routes can now be discovered by tourists, with about 40 traboules open to the public.
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The basilica rising on top of Fourvière Hill is Lyon’s symbol and the white guardian angel watching over the city. Built between 1872 and 1896 in neo-Byzantine-neo-Romanesque style, the church is a masterpiece of French architecture.
The basilica’s construction was thanks to a vow made during the Franco-Prussian War. The citizens of Lyon asked for the Virgin Mary’s intercession, promising that if the city was saved from the Prussian army, they would build a church in her honor. The church walls are decorated with magnificent mosaics and paintings depicting Lyon’s history and religious heritage.
From the basilica’s towers and terraces, there’s an unparalleled panorama of the city and the distant peaks of the Alps. The sanctuary contains the famous Virgin Mary statue, who is the city’s patron saint. The museum belonging to the church displays valuable liturgical objects and the basilica’s construction history.
Saint John the Baptist Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste)
An outstanding monument of early French Gothic architecture, built between 1180 and 1480. The main church of the Lyon archdiocese stands in the heart of Vieux Lyon, with its imposing facade facing the Saône River.
The cathedral’s most special treasure is the astronomical clock made in the 14th century, which not only shows time but also indicates the lunar calendar, holidays, and zodiac signs. The clock’s figures come to life daily at 12, 14, 15, and 16 o’clock.
Inside the church, 13th-14th century stained glass windows depict biblical stories, while the nave harmoniously blends Romanesque and Gothic elements. Its historical significance is enhanced by the fact that Pope Innocent VI was crowned here in 1245, and French King Henry IV and Maria de’ Medici held their wedding here in 1600.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Lyon’s largest public park with its 117-hectare area is the city’s green lung and locals’ favorite recreation spot. Opened in 1857, the park’s name „Golden Head” supposedly comes from a legend about a buried Christ head statue.
The park’s central element is the 16-hectare lake, where you can go boating, and in winter it becomes an ice skating rink. The park contains one of France’s oldest zoos, home to more than 400 animal species, including elephants, giraffes, and big cats. The zoo complex also includes an African savanna and tropical greenhouse.
The botanical garden’s specialty is the Victorian-style greenhouse filled with exotic plants. The park also offers sports opportunities: running tracks, tennis courts, and a sailing club await visitors. The rose garden is particularly beautiful in spring and summer.
Place Bellecour
Europe’s largest pedestrian square with dimensions of 312 x 200 meters. The square gained its current form in the 17th century when it was designed in honor of King Louis XIV.
In the center of the square stands the equestrian statue of Louis XIV, which was placed there in 1825, replacing the original statue torn down during the French Revolution. The square houses Lyon’s tourist information center and the world’s largest terrain model, which presents the region’s attractions.
The square is surrounded by imposing red buildings that now house luxury shops, restaurants, and offices. In winter, the square features a huge ice skating rink and Christmas market, while in summer it hosts outdoor concerts and cultural events. Place Bellecour is the center of Lyon’s social life and the starting point for all major city events.
Palais de la Bourse de Lyon
The Lyon stock exchange palace is a gem of 19th-century classicist architecture, completed in 1860 based on the plans of Charles Garnier, the famous designer of the Palais Garnier. The building stands in the central location of Place de la Bourse, dominating the surroundings with its imposing facade.
The palace originally functioned as the center of Lyon’s silk trade, as Lyon was the capital of Europe’s silk production. The building’s neoclassical style reflects the wealth and taste of the 19th-century bourgeoisie. The facade decoration with allegorical figures symbolizes trade and industry.
Today the building hosts cultural events and serves as headquarters for the Lyon Chamber of Commerce. The palace’s interior halls, especially the great hall with its stucco decorations and painted ceiling, stand out. The surrounding square has become a social center surrounded by elegant cafes and shops.
Traboules
Lyon’s unique architectural heritage: these hidden passages connect parallel streets through private building courtyards and stairwells. The word comes from the Latin „trans ambulare” (to pass through).
These secret routes were originally used by silk weavers to transport valuable silk textiles from workshops to the Saône riverbank in a protected environment. In the 19th century, they were vital for silk weaving workers, allowing them to avoid weather conditions.
During World War II, they gained strategic importance: resistance movement members could escape and communicate via these routes while evading the Germans. Today, about 500 traboules exist in the city, of which 40 are public and accessible to tourists. The most beautiful traboules are found in the Vieux Lyon area.
Croix-Rousse District
The district called Lyon’s „working hill” which in the 19th century was home to silk-weaving workers, the canuts. The district’s special architectural character comes from the high-ceiling apartments specifically designed to accommodate silk-weaving machines.
Walking among the district’s cobblestones and steep stairs, one can feel the atmosphere of 19th-century working life. The famous „Mur des Canuts” (silk weavers’ wall) is one of the world’s largest murals, depicting the district’s history and daily life on 1,200 square meters.
Today, Croix-Rousse is the center of artists and creative industries. Galleries, studios, and alternative cultural spaces have replaced the old workshops. The district is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars and restaurants. From Gros Caillou street, there’s an unparalleled view of the city and distant mountain ranges.
Mur des Canuts
The artistic work called the silk weavers’ wall is one of the world’s largest murals, telling the story of Lyon and the Croix-Rousse district on 1,200 square meters.
The mural was created using trompe-l’oeil technique, meaning it so realistically depicts building facades, windows, and balconies that from a distance it appears to be a real structure. The work’s central theme is the life and work of silk-weaving workers, but it also contains modern elements showing Lyon’s contemporary image.
The wall is located along Boulevard des Canuts and is continuously renewed: over the years it has been repainted several times to complement it with contemporary elements. The surrounding area also features numerous smaller murals, which together have made the Croix-Rousse district one of Europe’s street art centers.
Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
The covered market representing Lyon’s gastronomic heart was named after famous chef Paul Bocuse, who was the creator of Lyon’s culinary reputation. The modern market hall opened in 1971 houses 60 vendors offering specialties from the Rhône Valley and all of France.
The market is a sanctuary of French gastronomy, where the finest cheeses, meat products, wines, and pastries can be found. This is where the country’s best chefs and Lyon bouchon restaurant owners shop. Walking among the stalls, we can taste famous Lyon sausages, Bresse chicken, or the region’s excellent wines.
The market hall is not only excellent for shopping but also for dining. Many small restaurants operate alongside the stalls, where freshly prepared dishes can be consumed. The atmosphere is completed by the cheerful mix of locals and tourists, as well as expert vendors’ advice.
Three Gauls Amphitheater (Théâtre Romain de Fourvière)
The Fourvière Roman theater is the most imposing monument of Lyon’s Roman-era heritage, built in the 1st century. The 10,000-seat amphitheater was the cultural center of the Roman city of Lugdunum, where gladiator games and theatrical performances took place.
The theater uncovered through archaeological excavations is still a functioning cultural venue today. Every summer, the Les Nuits de Fourvière festival is held here, hosting opera, dance, and theatrical performances. The Roman-era structure’s acoustics are still excellent today, so we can enjoy modern performances in an ancient setting.
Next to the theater is the smaller odeon, which had about 3,000 seats and mainly served musical performances. In the archaeological park area, remains of Roman houses, baths, and temples can also be seen. The museum of the UNESCO World Heritage site displays valuable Roman-era finds, including mosaics, sculptures, and everyday objects.
Best museums in Lyon
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
The fine arts museum boasts the second richest art collection after Paris. The institution located in a 17th-century Benedictine abbey building opened its doors in 1801.
The unique collection spans from antiquity to modern times: Egyptian mummies and sarcophagi, Greek and Roman sculptures, as well as masterpieces of European painting await visitors. The museum’s pride is the collection of French Impressionists, including works by Monet, Renoir, and Degas.
The museum’s specialty is 19th-century French painting, especially works by artists from Lyon. In the sculpture department, alongside works by Rodin and Bourdelle, contemporary creations also find their place. The building’s charming inner courtyards feature a sculpture garden where visitors can rest. The museum regularly organizes thematic exhibitions and cultural programs.
All information can be found here!
Musée des Confluences
Lyon’s most modern museum is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The building designed by Austrian architectural firm Coop Himmelb(l)au with its crystal and cloud-like forms is a masterpiece of contemporary museum architecture.
The museum presents human history, natural sciences, and societies with an interdisciplinary approach. The permanent exhibition is organized around four main themes: the origin of life, the evolution of human species, societies, and death culture.
The collection is extremely varied: from dinosaur skeletons through ethnographic objects to contemporary art, it encompasses everything. The museum’s interactive installations and multimedia presentations are particularly popular among young visitors. From the building’s roof, there’s a breathtaking panorama of Lyon city and the surrounding landscape.
All information can be found here!
Musée Cinéma et Miniature
A special collection located in Vieux Lyon, in a 16th-century building. Founded by miniature artist Dan Ohlmann, this unique institution covers two main areas.
The miniature collection presents meticulously crafted, lifelike scenes from different eras and environments. The dioramas created by the artist include Victorian salons, modern kitchens, pharmacies, and numerous other everyday scenes, which are 1:12 scale and perfect in every detail.
The other half of the museum focuses on film-making history. Original costumes, masks, and props from Hollywood films are displayed, including items from the Jurassic Park, Alien, and Star Wars film series. Visitors can also learn about special effects techniques through interactive demonstrations. The museum is a perfect choice for family visitors.
All information can be found here!
Lyon weather: when is the best time to travel?
Lyon’s continental climate results in four distinct seasons, each with its own charm and advantages.
Spring (March-May):
Temperature gradually rises from 10°C to 20°C. This period is ideal for walks and sightseeing, when parks bloom and terraces reopen. Rain is frequent in April-May, so it’s worth bringing a raincoat.
Summer (June-August):
The warmest season with temperatures around 25-30°C. Sometimes the thermometer can rise above 35°C. This is the festival season, when Les Nuits de Fourvière and other cultural events take place. Days are long, with daylight lasting until 9 PM.
Autumn (September-November):
Temperature gradually decreases from 20°C to 10°C. September still has pleasant warmth, while October-November are cooler and rainier. Autumn colors look beautiful in parks and the Rhône Valley vineyards.
Winter (December-February):
The coldest months with temperatures between 2-8°C. Snowfall can occur but is not frequent. Winter months are quieter, but Christmas markets and indoor attractions make it worth visiting then too.
Best time to travel:
The ideal travel period for Lyon is from May to September, when the weather is most pleasant and most attractions operate with full opening hours. Particularly recommended are late May and June, as well as September, when temperatures are still pleasant but we can avoid the summer peak season crowds. July-August is recommended for cultural festival lovers, while autumn months are ideal for gastronomy enthusiasts, when the region’s wine harvest and tasting new wines is also an experience.