Lyon
France · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes · 170 m
Description
Lyon is one of France’s most important cities and a historic center of culture, heritage, and gastronomy. Situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, the city is known for the Renaissance old town of Vieux Lyon with its hidden traboules, the Roman theaters on Fourvière Hill, and the striking Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Lyon combines its UNESCO-listed historic cityscape with elegant neighborhoods, the silk-weaving heritage of Croix-Rousse, and a vibrant cultural scene. Traditional bouchons and celebrated Lyonnaise cuisine have also earned the city its reputation as the gastronomic capital of France.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 2 to 4 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Vieux Lyon and the Traboules
- Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
- Lyon's UNESCO Historic Site
- Fourvière Roman Theatres
- Presqu'île and Place Bellecour
- Croix-Rousse and its Traboules
- Parc de la Tête d'Or
- Musée des Confluences
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
- Lyon Bouchons and Lyonnaise Cuisine
- Fête des Lumières (December)
- Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral
- Fourvière Hill and Esplanade Viewpoint
- Musée Cinéma et Miniature
- Lugdunum Museum
- Gallo-Roman Odeon of Fourvière
- Place des Terreaux and Bartholdi Fountain
- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
- Hôtel de Ville de Lyon
- Opéra de Lyon
- Mur des Canuts
- Fresque des Lyonnais
- Maison des Canuts
- Cour des Voraces
- Confluence District
- Saône Riverbanks
- Rhône Riverbanks
- Saône River Cruise
- Musée de l'Imprimerie et de la Communication Graphique
- Institut Lumière
- Saint-Nizier Church
- Saint-Georges Church
- Jardin des Curiosités
- Île Barbe
- Lyonnaise Specialties (Quenelles, Saucisson Brioché and Praline Tart)
Getting there
- Airports:
- LYS
- Train stations:
- Lyon-Saint-Paul, Vieux Lyon - Cathédrale Saint-Jean, Lyon Perrache