Lyon, a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. As France’s third-largest city and the gastronomic capital of the world, Lyon offers a unique blend of traditional charm and modern vibrancy. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will provide you with insider tips and recommendations to help you experience the best of Lyon like a local.
Getting to Lyon
By Air
Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is the main international airport serving Lyon. It’s well-connected to major cities across Europe and beyond. From the airport, you can reach the city center by Rhônexpress tram in about 30 minutes.
By Train
Lyon has two main train stations: Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache. The city is well-connected to the high-speed TGV network, making it easy to reach from Paris, Marseille, and other major cities.
By Car
Lyon is easily accessible by car, with several major highways converging in the city. However, parking can be challenging in the city center, so consider using public transportation once you arrive.
Getting Around Lyon
Public Transportation
Lyon has an efficient public transportation system operated by TCL, which includes buses, trams, and metro lines. The city is divided into different zones, but most tourist attractions are within the central zones. You can purchase tickets at vending machines in metro stations or via the TCL mobile app.
Biking
Lyon is a bike-friendly city with an extensive network of bike lanes and the Vélo’v bike-sharing program. You can rent bikes for short trips or explore the city at your own pace. Vélo’v stations are conveniently located throughout the city.
Walking
Many of Lyon’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, especially in the Presqu’île and Vieux Lyon areas. Walking is a great way to explore the city’s charming streets and discover hidden gems.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Vieux Lyon is one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and hidden traboules (covered passageways). Highlights include the Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste), the Musée Gadagne, and the picturesque Place du Change.
Presqu’île
Presqu’île is the heart of Lyon, situated between the Rhône and Saône rivers. It’s known for its elegant architecture, bustling shopping streets, and vibrant nightlife. Key attractions include Place Bellecour, Place des Terreaux, and the Opéra Nouvel.
Croix-Rousse
Croix-Rousse is a bohemian neighborhood known for its silk-weaving history. The area is characterized by its steep hills, narrow streets, and lively markets. Don’t miss the daily market on Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse and the Mur des Canuts, a stunning mural depicting the history of the neighborhood.
Confluence
Confluence is a modern, revitalized district located at the southern tip of the Presqu’île. It’s known for its contemporary architecture, shopping centers, and the Musée des Confluences, a striking museum dedicated to natural history and anthropology.
Fourvière
Perched on a hill overlooking the city, Fourvière is home to the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering panoramic views of Lyon. The district also features the ancient Roman theaters of Lyon, which host cultural events and performances throughout the year.
Must-See Attractions
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
This iconic basilica is a must-visit for its stunning architecture and breathtaking views of the city. You can reach it by funicular from Vieux Lyon or enjoy a scenic walk up the hill.
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or is one of the largest urban parks in France, offering beautiful gardens, a lake, a zoo, and plenty of recreational activities. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or a boat ride on the lake.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Housed in a former Benedictine convent, the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of the finest art museums in France. Its extensive collection includes works by artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.
Traboules
Traboules are hidden passageways that connect buildings and courtyards throughout Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse. Originally used by silk weavers to transport goods, these secret passages are now a unique feature of Lyon’s architectural heritage.
Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Named after the legendary chef Paul Bocuse, Les Halles de Lyon is a food market that showcases the best of Lyon’s culinary traditions. From fresh produce to gourmet delicacies, this market is a paradise for food lovers.
Lyon’s Murals
Lyon is famous for its large-scale murals, which depict scenes from the city’s history and everyday life. Notable examples include the Mur des Canuts in Croix-Rousse and the Fresque des Lyonnais in the Presqu’île.
Culinary Delights
Bouchons Lyonnais
Bouchons are traditional Lyonnais restaurants that serve hearty, rustic cuisine. Signature dishes include quenelles (fish dumplings), andouillette (tripe sausage), and tarte aux pralines (praline tart). Some of the best bouchons in Lyon include:
- Le Café des Fédérations: Located in the Presqu’île, this classic bouchon offers an authentic dining experience with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Daniel et Denise: With multiple locations in Lyon, this renowned bouchon is known for its exceptional quality and traditional dishes.
- Le Bouchon des Filles: A charming bouchon in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, offering delicious homemade dishes in a cozy setting.
Michelin-Starred Restaurants
Lyon is home to several Michelin-starred restaurants that showcase the city’s culinary excellence. Some top choices include:
- Paul Bocuse Restaurant: Located just outside Lyon, this legendary restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience with a focus on classic French cuisine.
- Le Neuvième Art: A two-Michelin-star restaurant in the 6th arrondissement, known for its innovative dishes and elegant presentation.
- La Mère Brazier: Founded by Eugénie Brazier, the first woman to earn three Michelin stars, this historic restaurant continues to impress with its refined cuisine.
Food Markets
Lyon’s food markets are a paradise for food lovers, offering fresh produce, artisanal products, and gourmet delights. Some must-visit markets include:
- Marché Saint-Antoine: Located along the banks of the Saône River, this bustling market is a great place to sample local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Marché de la Croix-Rousse: A lively market in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood, offering a wide variety of fresh produce, meats, and baked goods.
- Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: As mentioned earlier, this indoor food market is a must-visit for its gourmet offerings and vibrant atmosphere.
Wine Tasting
Lyon is surrounded by some of France’s most famous wine regions, including Beaujolais and the Rhône Valley. Wine lovers can enjoy tastings and tours at local wineries or sample wines at wine bars and restaurants in the city. Some top wine bars to check out include:
- Antic Wine: Located in Vieux Lyon, this cozy wine bar offers an extensive selection of wines by the glass or bottle, along with expert recommendations from the knowledgeable staff.
- La Cave d’à Côté: A charming wine bar in the 1st arrondissement, known for its relaxed atmosphere and carefully curated wine list.
- La Vigne en Verre: Situated in the Presqu’île, this intimate wine bar offers a great selection of wines, along with delicious charcuterie and cheese platters.
Local Festivals and Events
Lyon hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating everything from food and wine to music and cinema. Some notable events include:
Fête des Lumières
Held every December, the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights) is one of Lyon’s most famous events. The city is transformed into a dazzling display of light installations, projections, and performances, attracting millions of visitors from around the world.
Nuits Sonores
Nuits Sonores is an annual electronic music festival that takes place in various venues across Lyon. The festival features performances by top DJs and electronic music artists, along with workshops, exhibitions, and other events.
Biennale de la Danse
The Biennale de la Danse is a prestigious dance festival held every two years in Lyon. The event showcases contemporary dance performances by leading choreographers and dance companies from around the world.
Les Nuits de Fourvière
Les Nuits de Fourvière is a summer festival that takes place in the ancient Roman theaters of Fourvière. The festival features a diverse program of music, theater, dance, and film, set against the stunning backdrop of the historic venue.
Lyon Street Food Festival
The Lyon Street Food Festival is a celebration of global street food culture, featuring food trucks, pop-up restaurants, and culinary workshops. The festival takes place in the Confluence district and offers a delicious array of dishes from around the world.
Shopping in Lyon
Lyon offers a fantastic shopping experience, with everything from high-end boutiques to local markets. Some top shopping destinations include:
Rue de la République
Rue de la République is one of Lyon’s main shopping streets, located in the heart of the Presqu’île. The street is lined with a mix of international brands, department stores, and cafes, making it a great place for a shopping spree.
Croix-Rousse Market
The daily market in the Croix-Rousse neighborhood is a great place to shop for fresh produce, artisanal products,
and unique gifts. The market has a lively atmosphere and offers a wide variety of goods, from organic fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.
Village des Créateurs
Located in the Passage Thiaffait in the 1st arrondissement, the Village des Créateurs is a hub for local designers and artists. The area features a range of boutiques and ateliers showcasing fashion, jewelry, and home decor created by up-and-coming designers.
La Part-Dieu Shopping Center
La Part-Dieu is one of the largest shopping centers in Europe, offering a vast selection of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. The center is conveniently located near the Part-Dieu train station, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
Les Puces du Canal
Les Puces du Canal is Lyon’s largest flea market, held every Sunday in Villeurbanne, just outside the city center. The market features a wide variety of antiques, vintage items, and collectibles, making it a treasure trove for bargain hunters and antique enthusiasts.
Day Trips from Lyon
Lyon’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Here are some recommended day trips:
Beaujolais Wine Region
The Beaujolais wine region is located just north of Lyon and is known for its picturesque vineyards and charming villages. You can take a guided wine tour to visit local wineries, sample Beaujolais wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
Pérouges
Pérouges is a beautifully preserved medieval village located about 30 kilometers from Lyon. The village features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s a perfect destination for a leisurely day trip.
Annecy
Annecy, often referred to as the “Venice of the Alps,” is a picturesque town located about two hours from Lyon by train. The town is known for its beautiful canals, charming old town, and the stunning Lake Annecy. It’s a great place to enjoy outdoor activities such as boating, swimming, and hiking.
Bourg-en-Bresse
Bourg-en-Bresse is a historic town located about an hour from Lyon by train. The town is famous for its beautiful monastery, the Royal Monastery of Brou, which features stunning Gothic architecture and art. Bourg-en-Bresse is also known for its delicious Bresse chicken, which you can sample at local restaurants.
Vienne
Vienne is a historic town located about 30 kilometers south of Lyon. The town features well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Temple of Augustus and Livia and the Roman theater. Vienne is also known for its annual Jazz à Vienne festival, which attracts top jazz musicians from around the world.
Practical Tips
Language
While French is the official language of Lyon, many people in the tourism industry speak English. It’s always appreciated if you make an effort to speak a few basic French phrases, such as “Bonjour” (Hello), “Merci” (Thank you), and “S’il vous plaît” (Please).
Currency
The currency in Lyon is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases and tips.
Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory in France, but it’s customary to leave a small tip (5-10%) if you’re happy with the service. In restaurants, a service charge is usually included in the bill, but you can leave some extra change if you wish.
Safety
Lyon is generally a safe city, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Tourist Information
The Lyon Tourist Office is located at Place Bellecour and offers maps, brochures, and helpful information about the city’s attractions and events. The staff can also assist with booking tours and tickets.
Lyon is a city that captivates visitors with its rich history, vibrant culture, and exceptional cuisine. Whether you’re exploring its charming neighborhoods, savoring its culinary delights, or immersing yourself in its festivals and events, Lyon offers a truly unforgettable experience.