Vacations and Guided Tours to Lyon in Rhone Alps, France

Discover Lyon's Wonders

Indulge on your next vacation to Europe and travel to Lyon where you will uncover why this metropolis is known as the gastronomic capital of France. Tour this city that was a center of culture and trading during the Renaissance period.

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Description

There is water everywhere, flowing under 28 bridges. Lyon is divided into different areas by two rivers, the Saône and Rhône, and two hills, La Croix-Rousse and Fourvière. In the west, by the Fourvière hill, is the bustling, historic city centre with its Renaissance pomp. It bears witness to the riches that the city’s profitable silk industry earned, following François the First’s tax reductions in 1536. In 43 BC, the Romans founded the capital city of the Gallic provinces on a peninsula, at the foot of La Croix-Rousse and in the area around the Town Hall and the Opera, France’s most prominent architects and artists were given a free hand in the 1990s. The result was Post-Modern glamour: a Rococo opera with a glass dome, a grand square with columns and 69 water jets. From the Town Hall and the Opera, the main shopping, restaurant and café streets, the rue de la République and rue Président Herriot, extend in a north-south direction. The Congress Centre with the 3,000 seat amphitheater built by Renzo Piano, the Contemporary Art Museum and Interpol sandwiched between the Rhône River and the Park de la Tête d’Or, are part of the business centre on the left bank of the river. The underground railway system is extensive - you seldom have to walk for more than 15 minutes.

Useful information

Population:

Metropolitan area: 1,748,000 (2022)

Currency:

1 Euro = 100 cents

Emergency Info:

112

Opening Hours:

In general, shops are open from 10am to 7pm.

Do & See

Aquarium Grand Lyon

Aquarium Grand Lyon is a great attraction for families with children. The aquarium has 40 tanks with 5,000 fishes and other sea creatures and is divided into 5 sectors: temperate freshwater, tropical freshwater, sea water, shark pit and 5 senses (where you can stroke some fish and other animals).

Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere

The Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière was built between 1872 and 1884 and has a great position on a hilltop with great views over the city. Today it is a popular attraction for both locals and tourists. The church is decorated with many beautiful details in mosaics, murals and stained glass.

Boat Trips

Explore Lyon from the river Rhône and admire its heritage while the guide tells you the secrets of the city. In the evening you can have a very romantic dinner cruise. From April to October you can take a boat trip on the Rhône. Different companies operate in the evenings.

Institut Lumière

The Institut Lumière is located in Monplasir, the historic district of Lyon. This is where the Lumière brothers invented the Cinématographe and also where they made history by making the first film in 1895. The four-level Lumière Museum allows you to discover the extraordinary inventions of the Lumière brothers, and within the Hangar Prime-Film there are daily movie screenings.

Le Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation

Lyon housed the core of the Resistance movement, which fought against the occupying German troops during WWII. Many French Jews were deported from here. Everything is explained at the Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportationand, and there are also pictures from the trial of the Butcher of Lyon, Klaus Barbie.

Musée d’Art Contemporain

This fantastic museum is situated on the border of the Park de la Tête d’Or, adjacent to the newly built Congress Center by Renzo Piano. It regularly beats Paris by gaining sole rights to any Andy Warhol exhibition. Next to the Museum, Renzo Piano’s 3,000 seat amphitheater is worth a visit by itself. One of the most audacious architectural juxtapositions: business, arts and leisure activities, all succeed in mingling together in the same living area.

Musée des Beaux Arts

The Musée des Beaux Arts is one of France’s most elegant art museums with everything from ancient statues to contemporary art. It has acquired a painting by Poussin, "The Flee to Egypt", increasing the collection of 17th- and 18th-century paintings to be one of the most prestigious in France.

Musée des Tissus

French fashion was born and flourished from Lyon’s textile industry. The Musée des Tissus provides a unique collection presenting more than 2,000 years of the history of textile around the world, and more specifically, in the Lyon area, highlighting the influence it had on French fashion.

Dining

Brasserie “L’Est”

This is another of Monsieur Bocuse’s restaurants, located in an old train station. The chef prepares the best dishes inspired from all around the world. On the menu you will find goose liver in Port, Serrano ham, Crispy Pizza and roasted salmon escalope from Norway.

Brasserie “L’Ouest”

Brasserie “L’Ouest” is the youngest and most modern restaurant of the Bocuse brasseries, having opened its doors in 2003. The menu provides meat, fish and pasta dishes inspired from French, Italian, Spanish and Asian cooking. With Philippe Starck design on the chairs, candelabras and plasma screens it gives a modern feeling.

Brasserie “Le Nord”

Brasserie “Le Nord” is Monsieur Bocuse’s turn of the century bistro with all of Northern France’s classics dishes on the menu, including onion soup, calf brains, chicken fricassee and other interesting specialities. It also has an outdoor terrace where you can enjoy your food.

Brasserie “Le Sud”

This is one of the four restaurants owned by the famous chef Paul Bocus. The menu offers specialties from Mediterranean cuisine, like salad nicoise, osso buco, fish soup, tartars and spit-roasts. The interior decor is inspired in Morocco and the French provinces.

Brasserie Georges

Brasserie Georges is located opposite the Perrache station. It is a classic brasserie, founded in 1836, with a long history of serving up fabulous French cuisine. It is definitely not to be missed - for its fabulous Art Deco style, if nothing else.

Chez les Gones

Chez les Gones is a classic bouchon, a tiny traditional Lyon restaurant. There is a terrace on the top floor which makes a nice seating area if the weather permits. Discover authentic local cuisine at this restaurant where the staff creates food with passion.

Franklin's Steakhouse

Are you craving meat? Then head over to this American steakhouse. Indulge in New York steak, baby back ribs or a juicy hamburger, and for dessert you can choose some American staples, such as Apple Pie or Key Lime Pie. The friendly service makes the atmosphere pleasant and warm.

La Scala Siciliana

La Scala Siciliana can be described as a warm Italian restaurant with a family-friendly atmosphere. On the menu you will find dishes made from old family recipes, such as "escalope valdostana" (veal escalope Milanese) or "polpette the Sicilian" (meatball). Other authentic Italian dishes you can enjoy are pizza and pasta.

Cafes

Café 203

This bustling café is open all day, and is a popular place among the younger crowd. It's easy to spot since there is always a beautiful Peugeot 203 parked right in front of the terrace. This trendy and relaxed cafe also holds weekly art exhibitions.

Café Pignol

Café Pignol is one of Lyon’s most famous tea houses, as beloved for its great coffee and tea varieties as it is for its homemade jams and out-of-this-world pastries. They also offer a lunch menu, in case you're in the mood for something more substantial.

Le Grand Café des Négociants

Heavy curtains, exquisite plasterwork, and mirrors everywhere for Lyon's silk merchants who wanted to be able to keep an eye on each other, Le Grand Café des Négociants looks much like it did many years ago. It is a monument in Lyon, much like the Café de Flore is for Parisians.

Bars & Nightlife

Buldo

A guinguette is a 19th-century French name for a dance on the pier. The waiters have to run across the road with their orders. Here you can enjoy a drink on a sunbed and admire the lovely view across Barbe Island and listen to swaying music. You can also order grilled frog’s legs if you want a nibble with your drink.

Cour des Loges

Cour des Loges is a wonderful luxury hotel in a newly re-styled Renaissance palace, complete with a cosy bar and atrium where you can have a tasty cocktail, prime whisky or aged cognac. In 2012 the restaurant earned its first star in the Michelin Guide.

Hangar du Premier Film

Hangar du Premier Film is the best place in Lyon to catch some arthouse cinema. They screen all kinds of films, from cinema classics to the newest avant-garde films from all around the world. During the summer months, the movies are screened outdoors.

La Cave d'à Côté

La Cave d'à Côté is a lovely cafe and bar that boasts one of the most unique settings in the city. It is hidden away in a tiny alley, and the interior has an old rustic feel to it, with smokey leather sofas and a library from which to choose a book and linger for hours.

La Marquise

La Marquise is a popular bar that regularly hosts live music and DJs, featuring a selection of tunes encompassing jazz, hip-hop and electronic music. Just as much of a draw is its wonderfully unique and unexpected location: on a barge right on the Rhone.

Le Pharaon

For the brave, visit Le Pharaon. This is a casino which is located not far from Interpol and the Modern Museum. It is decorated in a lovely Egyptian style. Here you can play traditional games like blackjack, English Roulette, poker and much more. There is also a restaurant inside if you are feeling hungry or thirsty.

Le Sucre

Located on top of what was once a 1930s sugar factory, this innovative and edgy nightclub not only gets people dancing with their DJs and live shows, but it also hosts interesting arts events on the rooftop terrace, and thus attracts a diverse crowd.

Modern Art Café

Located in the creative and artsy area of Croix Rousse, this cafe and bar holds all kinds of art and multimedia events and expositions, and has a constant rotation of art hanging on the walls. The weekend brunches at Modern Art Café are also definitely worth trying.

Shopping

Bernachon

If you are a chocolate lover then you have to visit this world-famous “maître chocolatier” – master chocolate maker. Everything on offer is made from scratch, from the delicate truffles and ornate bars to the savoury options that are also available, such as quiche.

Book Market

Every weekend booksellers set up their stalls along the Saône River and display their huge collections of unique and hard-to-find books. Most are in French, but diligent searching can yield a truly once-in-a-lifetime find in any language. Truly a must for bibliophiles.

Charcuterie Sibilia

This butcher is located in Lyon's food hall (in a concrete quarter erected in the 1970s). Colette and her daughter probably offer the best cured meats and provisions in France. She dispatches them to customers throughout the world. This means that she is used to vacuum packing sausages, quenelles and other delicacies.

Crafts Market

Every Sunday morning local artists, artisans and craftsmen set up their stalls among the pleasant trees and buildings of Quai Romain Rolland and showcase their works. Visitors can find paintings, sculptures, photographs and crafts of all sorts to take home as unique souvenirs.

Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette the premiere department store in France, with locations found all over the country. Here you can find just about anything you might be looking for, from clothes, shoes and accessories to home decor and design, as well as miscellaneous items of all sorts.

In Cuisine

In Cuisine is a quaint bookstore that specializes in all things related to food and dining, with books specialising in gastronomy and wine. They also host wine tastings and cooking courses, and offer lunch options for casual visitors who want to offer their palate something new and unique.

La Bourse

Book lovers will not want to pass up a visit to La Bourse, one of the city's best places to find new and old books, comic books from all over the world, magazines and other such items. They even have old video games, LPs and films. This is where you can buy or trade for that old Piaf vinyl record, Serge Gainsbourg CD or Enki Bilal comic album you have been looking for.

Vavro et Co

Blaise Vavro is one of Lyon’s most interesting wine retailers. It belongs to a younger generation that really tries to discover wines smaller and more unknown vineyards at reasonable prices. Wine lovers will doubtlessly make unique finds and discover flavours they've never tasted before.

Tourist Information

Best Time to Visit

Spring and early summer are favourite times to visit Lyon. The months of April, May and June bring the most pleasant weather, as well as the blooming of the foliage in the city's parks and rose gardens. Moreover, a visit during these months means beating the summer crowds.

Passport/Visa

France can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of other EU/Schengen countries, as well as citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country.

Airport

Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport is located 25 km from downtown. You can take the express tram, which is the fastest link between the centre of Lyon and the Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. The journey takes less than 30 minutes. A taxi to and from the airport also takes approximately 30 minutes. Alternatively, bus line 47 takes you to and from the airport to the city centre. Taking the TGV from Perrache or Part-Dieu, you can travel to or from Paris-Charles de Gaulle in just two hours.

Public Transport

TCL has an extensive bus, tram and underground railway system in Lyon. Day passes or two-hour passes, which allow for travel on all vehicles, are frequently the most practical choice for visitors.

Taxi

There are dozens of taxi companies in Lyon. Here are a few alternatives: Allo Taxi +33 4 78 28 23 23 www.allotaxi.fr Taxi-radio +33 4 72 10 86 86 www.taxilyon.com

Electricity

220 Volt, 50 AC

Pharmacy

Pharmacie Blanchet

Post

La Poste is generally open from 8am to 7pm. You can find one office at the following address:

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to visit Lyon?

The best time to visit Lyon is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. These seasons are ideal for exploring Lyon's outdoor attractions and enjoying its vibrant cultural scene.

What are the must-see attractions in Lyon?

Lyon is known for its historic architecture and cultural landmarks. Don't miss the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the traboules in Vieux Lyon, and the Musée des Confluences. The Presqu'île district offers vibrant shopping and dining experiences.

How can I get around Lyon?

Lyon has an efficient public transportation system including buses, trams, and a metro network. The TCL network covers most of the city and is convenient for getting around. Biking is also popular, with many rental options available.

What local dishes should I try in Lyon?

Lyon is famous for its gastronomy. Try traditional dishes like quenelles, saucisson, and coq au vin. Dining at a bouchon, a type of Lyonnaise restaurant, is a must for an authentic culinary experience.

How many days should I spend in Lyon?

A 3 to 4-day trip is ideal to explore Lyon's main attractions, enjoy its culinary scene, and take a leisurely stroll through its neighborhoods. This duration allows for a relaxed pace and the chance to experience the city's culture and history.

Where should I stay in Lyon?

For first-time visitors, staying in the Presqu'île area is recommended due to its central location and proximity to major attractions. The Vieux Lyon area offers charming accommodations with a historic atmosphere, while the Croix-Rousse district is great for those seeking a more bohemian vibe.

Are there any worthwhile day trips from Lyon?

Yes, there are several great day trips from Lyon. Consider visiting the Beaujolais wine region for wine tasting or exploring the medieval town of Pérouges. The nearby city of Annecy, known for its picturesque lake and old town, is also a popular choice.

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