Things to do in Lyon: the must-sees and our tips

In short: Lyon is best explored on foot, between two rivers and two hills. Go up to Fourvière for the view, get lost in the traboules of Old Lyon, stroll around the Presqu’île and climb the slopes of Croix-Rousse. And save room for a meal in a bouchon: food is one of the main reasons to visit.

Old Lyon and the traboules

At the foot of Fourvière, Old Lyon (Vieux-Lyon) is one of the largest Renaissance districts in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets hide traboules, passageways running through buildings from one street to another via the inner courtyards. Don’t miss Saint-Jean Cathedral.

Fourvière: the basilica and the Roman theatres

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooks the city: its terrace offers the best view of Lyon. Walk up or take the funicular from Old Lyon. Close by, the Roman theatres and the Lugdunum museum tell the story of ancient Lyon.

The Presqu’île

Between the Rhône and the Saône, the Presqu’île is the heart of the city: the vast Place Bellecour, the Place des Terreaux and the town hall, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, the shopping streets and the riverbanks. The ideal area for a first visit.

Croix-Rousse

The hill of the canuts, the silk workers, still feels like a village: its slopes, stairways and traboules, the Mur des Canuts (a huge trompe-l’œil mural) and the market on the Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse.

Confluence and the Musée des Confluences

South of the Presqu’île, the Confluence district mixes contemporary architecture and riverbanks. The Musée des Confluences, dedicated to science and societies, is one of the most visited museums in the region.

The Parc de la Tête d’Or

One of France’s great city parks: a lake, a rose garden, large greenhouses and a zoo. Ideal with children or for a green break.

Eating in Lyon

• Lyon bouchons: small traditional restaurants (quenelles, saucisson, cervelle de canut…).
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, a temple of local produce.
• Pink praline, in a tart or a brioche.

The Festival of Lights

Around 8 December, the city lights up for several evenings: façades, squares and monuments become works of light. It is the biggest event of the year: book your accommodation very early.

Day trips from Lyon

• The Beaujolais and its wine villages.
• Pérouges, a medieval hilltop town.
• Vienne and its Roman remains, to the south.
• Annecy and the Alps, for a longer day.

Getting around

• On foot, most sights are within reach; the metro, trams and funiculars do the rest.
• From the airport, Saint-Exupéry, the Rhônexpress express tram runs to Part-Dieu station (times and fares on its official website).

For the rest of your trip: Travel in France.

Where to stay in Lyon

The Presqu’île for a first visit, Old Lyon for charm, Croix-Rousse for local life, Part-Dieu if you arrive by train. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Lyon.