Map Of France Showing Lyon

Introduction

Located in the heart of France, Lyon is a city that captures the essence of French culture, history, and gastronomy. With its stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Lyon is a must-visit destination for travelers who want to experience the best of France. Whether you’re looking for top attractions, hidden gems, outdoor adventures, or delicious food, Lyon has something to offer everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll cover all the must-see sights and sounds of Lyon, as well as some off-the-beaten-path experiences that you won’t find in any other guidebook.

Top Attractions

Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere

The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourviere is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lyon, with its stunning architecture and panoramic views of the city. Located on Fourviere Hill, this beautiful basilica is a must-visit attraction for travelers who want to experience the best of Lyon’s history and culture.

Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon, or Old Lyon, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its Renaissance architecture, narrow streets, and charming cafes. This historic neighborhood is a must-visit for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Lyon’s rich history and culture.

Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

The Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon is one of the best art museums in France, with an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. Art lovers will appreciate the museum’s diverse collection, which includes works by famous artists such as Rembrandt, Monet, and Picasso.

Hidden Gems

Parc de la Tete d’Or

The Parc de la Tete d’Or is a hidden gem in Lyon, with its beautiful gardens, lake, and zoo. This park is a great place to take a relaxing stroll, have a picnic, or even rent a boat and explore the lake.

Croix-Rousse

Croix-Rousse is a charming neighborhood in Lyon that is known for its silk-weaving history and beautiful architecture. This area is a great place to explore on foot, with its winding streets and hidden courtyards.

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse

Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse is a food market that is known for its gourmet products, fresh produce, and delicious food stalls. This market is a must-visit for foodies who want to sample some of the best local cuisine in Lyon.

Food Scene

Lyon is known as the gastronomic capital of France, with a rich culinary tradition that dates back centuries. From traditional Lyonnaise dishes to modern French cuisine, Lyon offers a diverse range of dining options for travelers.

Bouchon Lyonnais

Bouchon Lyonnais is a traditional Lyonnaise restaurant that serves hearty, home-cooked meals in a cozy, rustic atmosphere. This type of restaurant is unique to Lyon and is a must-try for travelers who want to experience the authentic flavors of Lyon.

Paul Bocuse

Paul Bocuse is a legendary French chef who has several restaurants in Lyon, including the three-Michelin-starred L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges. For travelers who want to experience the best of French cuisine, a meal at one of Bocuse’s restaurants is a must.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Traveling to Lyon doesn’t have to break the bank. Here are some budget-friendly tips for travelers:

Visit during the off-season

Traveling to Lyon during the off-season (November to March) can save you money on flights and accommodations, as well as give you a chance to experience the city without the crowds.

Eat like a local

Visiting local markets and eating at traditional Lyonnaise restaurants can save you money on dining expenses, while also giving you a chance to experience the authentic flavors of Lyon.

Outdoor Adventures

Cycling

Lyon is a bike-friendly city, with over 200 kilometers of bike paths and lanes. Renting a bike and exploring Lyon’s streets and parks is a great way to see the city and get some exercise.

Hiking

The hills surrounding Lyon offer plenty of hiking trails, with scenic views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The Monts d’Or and the Monts du Lyonnais are popular hiking destinations for travelers who want to explore Lyon’s natural beauty.

Historical Landmarks

Roman Theater of Fourviere

The Roman Theater of Fourviere is a well-preserved ancient theater that dates back to the Roman Empire. This historic landmark is a must-visit for travelers who want to experience Lyon’s rich history and culture.

Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

The Cathedrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is a stunning Gothic cathedral that is located in Vieux Lyon. This historic landmark is known for its beautiful stained-glass windows and impressive architecture.

Family-Friendly Activities

Mini World Lyon

Mini World Lyon is a miniature park that features scaled-down replicas of famous landmarks and buildings from around the world. This park is a great place to take kids and adults alike, with its impressive attention to detail and interactive exhibits.

Parc de la Tete d’Or

The Parc de la Tete d’Or is a great place for families to spend a day outdoors, with its playgrounds, lake, and zoo. Kids will love seeing the animals and exploring the park’s many walking paths.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Traboules

Traboules are hidden passageways that connect buildings in Vieux Lyon. Exploring these secret passages is a unique way to experience Lyon’s history and architecture, and to discover some hidden gems along the way.

Murals of Lyon

Lyon is known for its impressive murals, with over 150 of them scattered throughout the city. Taking a walking tour of Lyon’s murals is a great way to see the city and discover some hidden works of art.

Natural Wonders

Mont Blanc

Mont Blanc is the highest mountain in the Alps and is located just a few hours’ drive from Lyon. Travelers who want to experience Lyon’s natural beauty can take a day trip to Mont Blanc and enjoy the stunning views from the mountain.

Gorges de l’Ardeche

The Gorges de l’Ardeche is a beautiful natural wonder that is located just a few hours’ drive from Lyon. This stunning canyon is a great place for hiking, kayaking, and swimming, and offers travelers a chance to experience the natural beauty of France.

Vibrant Nightlife

Lyon has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues to choose from. Here are some of the best places to experience Lyon’s nightlife:

Le Sucre

Le Sucre is a trendy club that is located on the rooftop of a sugar factory. This club offers stunning views of the city and a diverse range of music events, from techno to hip-hop.

Le Transbordeur

Le Transbordeur is a music venue that hosts live concerts and DJ sets from a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and electronic music. This venue is a must-visit for music lovers who want to experience Lyon’s vibrant music scene.

Local Markets

Marche Saint-Antoine

Marche Saint-Antoine is a food market that is located in Vieux Lyon. This market is known for its fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and other gourmet products, and is a great place to sample some of Lyon’s local cuisine.

Marche de la Croix-Rousse

Marche de la Croix-Rousse is a weekly market that is held on the plateau of Croix-Rousse. This market offers a variety of products, from fresh produce to handmade crafts, and is a great place to experience Lyon’s local culture.

Beaches and Mountains

Les Calanques

Les Calanques is a beautiful coastal area that is located just a few hours’ drive from Lyon. This area is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear water, and scenic hiking trails.

Alpe d’Huez

Alpe d’Huez is a famous ski resort that is located just a few hours’ drive from Lyon. This resort offers a variety of ski runs for all skill levels, as well as stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Cultural