Lyon
The city of Lyon is known for gastronomy, culture and also serves at times as a gateway to Alpine mountains that can be onward travelled to easily.
Lyon in a nutshell
People used to visit here just for the food, but since the TGV High Speed Train linked it with Paris and Marseille, Lyon has become a hotspot where people come to see avant-garde art exhibitions, socialise in trendy cafes and gawp at daring modern buildings.
The city is divided into different sections and there are 2 rivers – the Rhone and the Saone – that flow under 28 bridges. Lyon is also home to 2 hills, Fourviere and La Croix-Rousse. The historic part of Lyon is located close to Fourviere Hill, offering numerous Renaissance buildings to explore. At the foot of La-Croix Rousse Hill, the Romans founded a city in 43BC.
Then in the late 20th century, some of the country’s premier architects and artists were given free rein to design an area near the Town Hall and the Opera, and the result is a charming Rococo opera house with a glass dome and an extremely grand square.
Lyon is famous as being home to one of the oldest Renaissance districts, its cobbled Old Town, Vieux Lyon, which has been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It’s also a great place to shop, offers easy access to the spectacular Rhone Valley and its world-renowned wines – and let’s not forget the food.
People still flock to dine at Lyon’s superb restaurants including 20 that boast Michelin stars. But there are more people visiting now, and they stay longer, to enjoy all that Lyon has come to offer.
Best time to visit: Visit in April, May or June, when the weather is sublime, flowers are blooming and the summer crowds have yet to arrive.
Best Area for Sightseeing: Vieux Lyon Lyon’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is a treasure trove of historic attractions with a charming atmosphere. Take time to walk through its passageways, called ‘traboules’, between yards and buildings while you explore.
Shopping in Lyon: The city is very pedestrian-friendly, with many areas completely blocked to vehicles, including rue de la République and rue Président Edouard Herriot. Every Sunday morning, the Crafts Market comes alive in Quai Roman Rolland, a great spot to shop for all sorts of arts, crafts, antiques and souvenirs. There’s also an excellent weekend Book Market held along the Saône River.
Food & Restaurants in Lyon: Lyon’s tiny traditional eateries are a joy to visit – and then there are the gourmet restaurants, including Paul Bocuse’s eaterie next to the Saône as well as numerous exciting innovative eateries to enjoy. A new foodie district, La Confluence, has taken root, with a number of funky food spots to try. Don’t miss out.
Nightlife: Lyon’s famous Nuits Sonores music festival in May starts up the warm weather festivities, that include operas and concerts in a Roman ampitheater during the Nuits de Fourviere season. But that’s not all. You can enjoy an opera performance at the magnificent Opera de Lyon or find more animated pursuits in a variety of bars and clubs. Another great form of entertainment is Hangar du Premier Film, where you can watch arthouse movies, both classics and modern, from all over the world. In the summer, films are screened under the stars.
Things to do in Lyon:
- Visit the superb Musée d’Art Contemporain, home to exhibitions from some of the world’s best contemporary artists including Andy Warhol.
- Lyon is famous for its textile industry, instrumental in creating fabulous French fashion. Learn all about this fascinating industry at the Musée des Tissus.
- See the magnificent Bartholdi Fountain at the Place des Terreaux.
- Explore the Insitut Lumière in Lyon’s historic Monplasir district, where the Cinématographe was invented by the Lumière brothers, who made their first movie in 1895.
- Discover the magnificent Basilique Notre Dame on the top of Fourviere Hill with stunning city views.
- Learn all about the Resistance Movement, founded in Lyon to fight against the Germans during WWII at Le Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation.
- Take a boat trip the River Rhône.
Best way to get around: Lyon’s underground, bus and tram systems are all excellent ways to explore the city.
Best Area for Families: Brotteaux & Cite Internationale Both these tranquil residential neighborhoods are ideal for families and close to Parc de la Tete d’Or, Lyon’s city park with numerous kid-friendly attractions including a lake to enjoy rowing on, a little train that explores the park, a zoo, puppet theater and more. You’ll also find stunning food markets and flea markets. Also, the city center is easily accessible from both districts.