Where to stay in Lyon: the best areas for your trip

In short: for a first visit, stay on the Presqu’île (Bellecour, Les Terreaux, Cordeliers). For charm, Old Lyon (Vieux-Lyon); for local life, Croix-Rousse. With kids, the 6th arrondissement near the Parc de la Tête d’Or. Arriving by train or on a budget: Part-Dieu or La Guillotière. The metro and trams link all these areas in minutes.

Understanding Lyon in two minutes

Lyon is built around two rivers. Between the Rhône and the Saône, the Presqu’île forms the city centre, from Place des Terreaux in the north to the modern Confluence district in the south. West of the Saône, Old Lyon stretches along the foot of Fourvière hill, served by a funicular. To the north, Croix-Rousse hill overlooks the city. East of the Rhône lie Part-Dieu (main station, business district) and the residential areas of Les Brotteaux and La Guillotière.

Four metro lines, trams and funiculars cover almost everything: a place near a station is all you need to get around without a car.

The right area for your trip

First visit: the Presqu’île

Between Bellecour and Les Terreaux, the Presqu’île packs in shops, restaurants, theatres and museums. Old Lyon, the riverbanks and the opera house are all within walking distance. It is the most convenient area, with a very wide range of hotels.

For charm: Old Lyon

Renaissance lanes, traboules (hidden passageways) and traditional bouchons: Old Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the most picturesque area. Accommodation is often in old buildings, sometimes without a lift, and the streets are cobbled: keep that in mind if you travel with large suitcases. The funicular goes straight up to Fourvière.

Local life: Croix-Rousse

The former district of the canuts, the silk workers, has kept a village feel: a market along the boulevard, cafés, small shops. The slopes are steep but metro line C climbs them. Ideal for a longer stay or to live like a local.

With kids or for peace and quiet: Les Brotteaux and the 6th

Around the Parc de la Tête d’Or (free zoo, lake, rose garden), the 6th arrondissement is elegant, calm and very pleasant with children. The centre is a few metro stops away.

Modern: Confluence

South of the Presqu’île, Confluence combines contemporary architecture, the Musée des Confluences and a large shopping centre by the water. Practical and new, but quieter at night than the historic centre.

On a budget and arriving by train: Part-Dieu and La Guillotière

Part-Dieu is ideal for train departures or business trips, and the Rhônexpress links it to Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport. Less charm, but very practical. Just south, La Guillotière is cosmopolitan and lively, with accommodation that is often more affordable, a few minutes’ walk from the Rhône and the Presqu’île.

Our booking tips

1. Book very early for the Festival of Lights, around 8 December: it is the busiest time of the year.
2. Check the nearest metro or tram stop, especially on the hills (Fourvière, Croix-Rousse).
3. Think about parking if you come by car: it is scarce and often paid in the centre; some hotels offer parking, so check.
4. Choose free cancellation when it is offered.
5. Allow for the tourist tax, charged per person per night; the amount is shown when you book.

Once you’re there

To plan your days, see our guide Things to do in Lyon. The areas, practical information and useful services are on our Lyon page.