What to do
in Lyon?
Visit the world capital of gastronomy
With its 2,000 years of History, Lyon is truly worth a look. The former capital of Roman Gaul, Lugdunum, is located in the Rhône-Alpes region, in the South-east of France. You can stroll around the streets of France's third largest city and enjoy its Mediterranean climate. If you are visiting in December, you will be able to see
the Festival of Lights, a key event during which the city puts all its buildings, squares and other alleys in a real fairy-tale scenery; a tradition that gives the city its title of City of Lights. Built as a temple of gastronomy thanks to the great chef Paul Bocuse, the capital of the Gauls has 18 Michelin-starred restaurants.
Start your day in the footsteps of the Roman Empire
Visit the Grand Théâtre de Lyon, built by Auguste in 15 BC, which is the oldest theatre in France. Close your eyes and imagine the quality of the materials used, blue granite, pink and white marbles, red and green porphyry from Egypt and Greece. Every summer, the ancient theatres return to their former glory by hosting Les Nuits de Fourvière, a festival where opera meets circus, dance and theatre performances.
If you wish to continue this tour based on antiquity, head for the Amphitheatre des Trois Gaules, in the 1st arrondissement of Lyon. A place of torment for the first Christian martyrs in the 2nd century AD, it initially welcomed the representatives of the nations of Gaul who renewed their allegiance to Rome every year.
Théâtres Romains - 6 rue de l’Antiquaille, Lyon
Amphithéâtre des Trois Gaules - Rue Lucien Sportisse, Lyon
See the famous Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica in Old Lyon
Whether you want to admire the building or enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city, you will be seduced by this great basilica.
Located on a hill chosen by the Romans to found the city of Lyon, the basilica was inaugurated in 1896 and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. In this regard, many mosaics and stained glass windows retrace the life of Our Lady.
Basilique de Fourvière
Place de Fourvière, Lyon
Foodie walk at the Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
Wherever you are in Lyon, you can not miss the scents of Lyon’s gastronomic traditions! Cheeses, quenelles, poultry, cheese specialities: you will find the best of local specialities at the Halles Paul Bocuse.
Mix with the onlookers to go around the stalls filled, taste the regional products prepared by the Meilleurs Ouvriers de France and sit at the table at any time to enjoy these delights!
Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
102 cours Lafayette, Lyon
A stop to the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts
The Lyon Museum of Fine Arts is an opportunity to discover one of the most important collections of works of art in France and Europe in a charming setting.
Located in a 17th-century abbey, the Museum houses some marvels: paintings by Veronese, Poussin, Rembrandt, Rubens and the most contemporary Francis Bacon; coins; works from Egyptian antiquity, etc.
If the sun is out, you can have a drink on the Museum’s terrace and enjoy the quietness of the garden.
Musée des Beaux-Arts
20 place des Terreaux, Lyon
Strolling on the Lyon peninsula
You can discover the Lyon Peninsula on foot and with your eyes wide open! Architecture, history, shopping, food trade: join the warm atmosphere of Place Bellecour - Europe's largest pedestrian square - rue Mercière, Grand Hôtel-Dieu, Fontaine Place des Jacobins, etc.
Once on Place Bellecour, take rue Edouard Herriot to Place des Terreaux in order to admire the Hôtel de Ville and the Lyon Opera.
As lively during the day as in the evening, you’ll see many cultural spaces, such as the Théâtre des Célestins.
Have dinner in the Old Lyon district
At the foot of the Fourvière Hill, discover the Old Lyon district by entering the narrow streets bordered by 15th and 16th century buildings - at a time when the city welcomed major merchants from all over Europe.
However, the charm of the buildings does not reveal anything of the richness behind the doors with traboules, a kind of hidden passage that connects two streets. If you want to have a typical Lyon dinner, search for the label of Bouchons Lyonnais where you will be sure to taste local specialities in a friendly atmosphere.
Quartier du Vieux Lyon, Lyon
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