Lyon is full of places that are more touristy than others. If you are going on vacation to the second most visited city after Paris, you will fall on the charm of its alleys and its atmosphere. Eat in a Lyon cork, stroll through the old town or discover its new modern quarters… there is plenty to do in Lyon! Discover 20 must-see sites to visit during your stay.
Browse the traboules of Vieux Lyon
A real peculiarity of Lyon, the traboules are passages through courtyards of buildings to get from one street to another. The traboules of the Saint-Jean district date from the Renaissance, they therefore have great historical value. The traboules were built following the model of the Roman patio, with its galleries and the well in the courtyard. Do not hesitate to take a tour in Old Lyon through the traboules… an unmissable visit to do in Lyon!
The Traboules of Lyon
Discover the artisan district of Croix-Rousse
La Croix-Rousse is a hill, which once brought together the workshops of the Canuts, the weavers of Lyon. You can visit there the Maison des Canuts museum to discover the work of these fabric artisans. But also admire the Mur des Canuts fresco. The district also has many traboules. These paths allowed workers and artisans to transport sheets and other pieces of textile (mainly silk) through the city, remaining sheltered in the event of precipitation.
View from Croix-Rousse
Take a walk in the Parc de la Tete d'Or
The Parc de la Tete d'Or is the largest urban park in France. Indeed, this park contains four rose gardens, large greenhouses, a botanical garden, a zoological garden and a velodrome. It is also possible to take a tourist train, to the delight of the children. Unless you prefer to rent a pedal boat for a nice ride on the park's lake? In short, many possible activities to do in this very welcoming park.
Tête d'Or park
WHEN TO GO TO VISIT LYON?
We have analyzed the weather history over the past few years in order to provide you with a summary table of the climate in Lyon for each month of the year. You will thus know when is the best period to schedule your citytrip.
Stroll on the banks of the Rhône
The banks of the Rhône, 5 km long, are designed to be accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. You can walk there from the Tête d'Or park to the Gerland park. Don't hesitate to stop off on your route to have a drink in one of the many barges. And in recent years, the banks of the Saône have also been developed! You choose …
The banks of Lyon
Air out at Gerland park
Need to go out and let off steam? Direction the park of Gerland! Composed of a giant playground, bucolic walks, shared gardens and a skate park, it is a favorite place to go and get some fresh air. The park is also equipped with a “fog-system”: a system producing artificial fog, super pleasant in summer! If you don't know what to do in Lyon with your children, don't hesitate to take them to this park.
Stroll in Gerland Park
Be moved at the Center for the History of the Resistance and Deportation
Located in the former military health school, where Klaus Barbie set up the headquarters of the Gestapo, this museum has a permanent exhibition. It consists of a progressive path making the visitor spend the darkest hours of the occupation, in the lighter colors promised by the resistance and the Liberation. To visit also, from numerous exhibitions on the Occupation in Lyon and its region.
A reconstruction inside the museum
Tracing the history of cinema at the Institut Lumière
The Lumière Institute is a museum of cinema and photography, but also a library, a projection room, a bookstore and a café. It is located in the mansion where the Lumière brothers invented the cinematograph and shot the first film in the history of cinema. A historic place therefore, with a pretty house in a park that has become public. But it is also a cinema which passes from the great classics and cycles of authors. In summer, the Lumière Institute also offers outdoor screenings on the square.
The Light Institute
Learn at the confluence museum
If there is only one museum to do in Lyon, this is it! Its building, a sort of futuristic space saucer, houses a collection that is unique in Europe. The Musée des Confluences deals with the history of the Earth, Humanity, archeology, ethnology and geography… Something to satisfy the curious and all those who thirst for knowledge! Suitable for all ages, knowledge is transmitted in a fun way using the most recent research. You will undoubtedly have an unforgettable time there!
The Confluences Museum
Rest on the Place des Terreaux
Place des Terreaux is emblematic in Lyon, with the superb Bartholdi fountain and the Buren fittings. The square is at the foot of the slopes of Croix-Rousse, bordered by the Town Hall and the Museum of Fine Arts. You will find there many cafes to rest and have a well-deserved drink after a good walk!
The Bartholdi fountain
Admire works at the Museum of Fine Arts
Objects, sculptures, paintings: all the major fields of art history are present at the Musée des Beaux-Arts. The museum is on the Place des Terreaux, in a former 17th century royal abbey. The collections feature works ranging from ancient Egypt to modern times. Temporary exhibitions in a space adjacent to the museum are organized, so you can visit both in stride, but plan more than an afternoon!
The Fine Arts Museum (right)
Feast at the halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Renowned as the Capital of Gastronomy, Lyon will delight gourmets! In its covered market, the Halles Paul Bocuse brings together nearly 50 traders: scales, cheese makers, bakers, market gardeners, pork butchers, caterers, wine merchants, etc. Without forgetting to Many restaurants which make the places international fame. To buy local products or feast in the most prestigious establishments, this visit is a must to do in Lyon!
The Bocuse halls
Stroll around Place Bellecour
Place Bellecour is the largest square in Lyon and one of the largest pedestrian squares in Europe. It is located on the peninsula, between the Rhône and the Saône, between the rue de la République, towards the Hôtel de Ville, and the rue Victor Hugo, towards Perrache. You can walk there and admire the imposing statue in its center and why not take a ride on the Ferris wheel (in winter) to admire the panoramic view!
Place Bellecour
Enjoying nature on Île Barbe
A true green oasis in the heart of the city, a visit to Île Barbe will be a very pleasant rural stopover in Lyon. Its name comes from the Latin “Insula Barbara”: the wild island. Surrounded by legends and mystery, Île Barbe is perfect for a picnic or a game of pétanque with friends. If you go with your family, there is also A playground on site.
Barbe Island
Dive into the past at the Gallo-Roman museum of Fourvière
The Gallo-Roman Civilization Museum is located near the Roman theaters, on the Fourvière hill. This place was once in the heart of the Roman city of Lugdunum. To better understand the history of this place, do not hesitate to book a guided tour. The museum also presents many workshops open to all, such as the restoration of mosaics or storytelling tours, focused on mythology.
The Roman theater at the Gallo-Roman museum
Ponder at the Saint-Jean Cathedral
The Saint-Jean Cathedral is one of the major religious monuments of Lyon, in the heart of the old town. It was built between 1180 and 1480, in a style that mixes Romanesque and Gothic. You can also find an astronomical clock, dating from the 14th century.
Saint-Jean cathedral
Get to know the behind-the-scenes look at the Miniature and Cinema Museum
What to do in Lyon on a rainy day? Here is an original outing: located in the heart of the old town, this unusual museum brings together the two passions of Dan Ohlmann, the colorful artist who is at the origin of this place. You will discover behind the scenes and all the small trades essential for the magic to operate. Special effects, miniatures of incredible finesse, costumes, modeling… the cinema will have no more secrets for you!
A Gremlins in the museum
Marvel at the Basilica of Fourvière
The Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica dominates the hill of the same name. Its imposing architecture is in the Neo-Byzantine style. Started in 1872, the work lasted twelve years to bring this wonderful basilica to life. But the interior was not fully completed until 1964! You can enjoy a thematic visit, the gardens or the Museum of Religious Art.
Fourvière Basilica
Visit the Museum of Fabrics and Decorative Arts
The Museum of Fabrics and Decorative Arts presents 2 years of fabric history, as well as a large collection of decorative items. You will find collections of fabrics, rugs, tapestries and costumes, but also pieces of engraving and goldsmith's work. In short, a nice visit to do in Lyon during your stay!
Have fun at Walibi Park
Do you want to have fun while on vacation? It exists a large amusement park to do in Lyon from April to November. Indeed, located just over half an hour's drive away, the Walibi Park welcomes young and old alike on attractions, each more spectacular than the next. A family visit to relax and have fun! Don't miss either Aqualibi, the aquatic area open in summer.
An attraction in Walibi Park @Walibi / Facebook
Travel through 2 years of history in the old town of Lyon!
Have you planned a trip to Lyon soon? Take advantage of your preparations to learn more about the city's rich history as well as its special culture!
