13 Unmissable Experiences in Lyon, the Heart of France

The city rests along the rivers Rhône and Saône. Cobblestone streets, culinary scene, and Renaissance architecture are just a glimpse into its rich history, and culture. This article will be your passport, a guide to 15 unmissable things to do in Lyon. Take on a journey and traverse hidden traboules, taste exquisite cuisine at traditional bouchons and relish the city’s artistic and cultural offerings.

Explore Old Lyon

This part of the city is sometimes called Vieux Lyon. It is part of the UNESCO World Heritage. During the Middle Ages, it was a commercial and cultural hub. Its history dates back to Roman times. Back then it was known as Lugdunum. In the 16^th century, it became a silk-weaving and trading center. The architecture is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles, there are many narrow cobblestone streets, wooden galleries, and intricate facades.

Important stops of interest for tourists include Sain-Jean Cathedral with its astronomical clock, traboules (hidden passageways), Musée Gadagne, Rue du Boeuf, Place du Change, and Lyon History Museum.

Basillica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The basilica was built in the 19^th century to express gratitude for the Virgin Mary`s protection against the Prussian invasion, the 1870 war, and many other events. Sometimes it is also called “prayer of stone”. It is built in Byzantine and Romanesque styles with ornate mosaics, stained glass windows, and sculptures.

You can also access the panoramic terrace and see Lyon in all its beauty and glory. Another part is the Museum of Sacred Art located within and showcasing religious art and artifacts.

Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse

Famous indoor food market in Lyon. It is named after Paul Bocuse, a French chef. Founded in 1971 to celebrate culinary heritage and to showcase regional products. The market comes with a Paul Bocuse`s Stand that offers the best traditional Lyonnais dishes.

You can expect to see many gourmet stalls and shops with products like cheeses, chocolates, pastries, charcuterie, etc. The majority of them provide food samples and souvenirs too.

Parc de la Tête d’Or

A green oasis in the heart of the city. Its name translates as the “Park of the Golden Head” and it was designed by Denis Bühler as a place for relaxation or leisure. It is connected to a legend about a treasure buried in the area.

While in the park you can visit Lake Grand Lac and rent a boat. Then you can continue in the botanical garden (collection of roses and orchids) and zoo, cross the river Serpentine, or visit one of the Greenhouses and observe unusual plants and cacti.

The park also features the Roseraie du Parc de la Tête d’Or – one of the biggest rose gardens in Europe with 30,000 rose bushes inside.

Musée des Confluences

Science and Anthropology Museum that opened in 2014. The museum itself is a piece of art – it looks like a floating crystal cloud or glass spaceship. Its main goal is to study the intersection of science, culture, and art.

You will have the chance to see many permanent exhibitions like evolution, ecosystems, and the origins of the universe. Temporary exhibitions may deal with more provoking topics. Besides them, you can be part of cultural events, workshops, or lectures. Those who want an immersive show about the cosmos, or the universe, can visit the planetarium.

Opera House

The history of the Opera House goes back to the 18^th century. In 1826 the original construction was destroyed by fire. Later the buildings were reconstructed and designed by Antoine-Marie Chenavard. Since 1831 it has undergone many renovations just to maintain its status quo as the center of art and culture in Lyon.

If you are not interested or do not have enough time to attend a performance, ballet, opera, or concert, you can just gaze and adore the house from the outside. The exterior has a neoclassical facade with many statues and columns. In case you go inside you will see an impressive staircase, chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. You can also book a guided tour and see the behind-the-scenes artists during the preparation and crafting of their performances.

Presquile

This place is a district in central Lyon that is located between rivers Rhône and Saône. You can stroll down its streets and stop at Place Bellecour which is the largest pedestrian square that often hosts many events and festivals. You can continue and visit Lyon City Hall, Bartholdi Fountain, Opera House, or the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon.

Institut Lumiére

As the name suggests this institute is a museum mapping the history of cinema focusing on pioneering Lumière brothers. The brothers started to experiment with photography and motion pictures in Lyon and in 1895 they held their first public screening at the Grand Café in Paris.

The visits cover a guided tour of their home – you will visit the rooms where they conducted their experiment including original artifacts.

The museum also features an exhibition of early film equipment like cameras, or projectors as well as screenings mostly of early Lumière films.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

One of the oldest museums in France. Established in 1801 during the French Revolution originally located in the town hall. Currently, it is a former reconstructed Benedictive convent.

Visitors can access some of its permanent collections that cover European paintings, sculptures, decorative art, and antiquities. Names like Delacroix, Monet, Rembrandt, or Picasso are to be found inside.

Ancient, and decorative arts like furniture, ceramic, and textiles are present too. In case you love sculptures you can visit the garden Jardin du Palais Saint-Pierre.

The museum is open daily except Tuesday from 10 am until 6 pm.

Climb to the top of Montée de la Grande Côte

This is an old road with many traditional traboules. The name translates as “Ascent of the Big Hil”. It has a very steep ascent and offers great views of the city. Originally it led to the Roman amphitheater.

As you walk down, or up the street you can indulge in shopping – there are many local shops, galleries, and boutiques where you can source locally crafted goods, or buy souvenirs. When you hit the top you will be welcomed with silk industry history and lively street art.

Lyon Biennial

In case you visit the city at the right time you will have the chance to visit Biennale de Lyon. It is an international contemporary art exhibition with a rich history that goes back to 1991. What is important is that it spreads across the city by using various venues like warehouses not only traditional museums, or art galleries.

Each year comes with a different theme and visitors can also become active participants either while interacting with artwork, or during workshops, lessons, and events.

Explore Croix-Rousse

This is the former epicenter of the town`s silk industry. It is the home to silk weavers, so-called “canuts”. During the 19^th century, it was connected to social struggles and worker uprisings. Nowadays it offers bohemian and artistic culture or vibe in general.

Notable spots include La Maison des Canuts museum, Place de la Croix-Rousse (central square) with the state of “working woman of Lyon,” massive mural urban art Mur des Canuts (depicts the life of silk weavers), and Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse.

Take a Food Tour and visit famous food markets

The list of things to do in Lyon ends with food tours – a great activity for everyone who is a food enthusiast. Besides the already mentioned Les Halles de Lyon-Paul Bocuse indoor market, there are a few more to explore.

Marché Saint-Antoine-Célestins is an open-air market with fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

Quai Saint-Antoine Market is located along the banks of the Saône River, this market is famous for its seafood.

Croix-Rousse Market features local specialties like goat cheese, fresh bread, and organic produce. It’s also a great place to sample Lyonnais sausages and charcuterie.

Maison de la Danse Market is near the Maison de la Danse and features a range of food stalls where you can savor freshly prepared dishes from different cuisines.

Where to stay

Budget-Friendly

Hotel Campanile Lyon Centre – Gare Part Dieu offers comfortable rooms and is conveniently located near Lyon’s main train station, Gare Part Dieu, making it a great choice for travelers on a budget.

Ibis Lyon Centre Perrache is in the city center and near Lyon’s Perrache train station, providing affordable accommodations with modern amenities.

Mid-Range

Mercure Lyon Centre Beaux-Arts is located in the heart of Lyon’s Presqu’île district. The stylish mid-range hotel offers comfortable rooms and easy access to the city’s attractions, including the Place Bellecour and the Old Town.

Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette is a boutique hotel that combines modern design with a central location. It’s within walking distance of attractions like the Parc de la Tête d’Or and Lyon Opera House.

Luxurious

Sofitel Lyon Bellecour is a luxury hotel with a prime location on the banks of the Rhône River and offers stunning views of the city. It’s known for its elegance and world-class service.

Cour des Loges is a 5-star hotel in the heart of Lyon’s Old Town. It features a historic and charming atmosphere, top-notch dining, and a beautiful courtyard.

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