Lyon, the third largest city in France, is a cosmopolitan hub that’s bursting at the seams with a wealth of exciting attractions. The city has a rich history, and its many museums and galleries showcase this rich history in compelling ways. There is so much to see and do here that it might be overwhelming to decide where to begin. So come along with FactsVerse as we explore the best things to do in Lyon, France.
Explore the largest Renaissance-era neighbourhood in Europe.
As one of Europe’s largest and most beautiful historic districts, Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) is a must-see for any traveller. Because of Lyon’s flourishing silk industry between the 15th and 17th centuries, wealthy merchant families from all across Italy, Germany, and France settled there. These immigrant families erected exquisite buildings in Gothic and Renaissance styles, many of which may still be observed today all over the Saint-Paules, Saint-Georges, and Saint-Jean districts.
In addition to the elegant homes, Vieux Lyon also features a wide variety of historical sites. There are so many that it’s easy to get caught up in getting from one to another that you forget to take in the neighbourhood’s unique character and ambience. Indulge in a leisurely stroll around the quaint neighbourhood and make pit stops at any of the shops or bakeries that catch your eye along the way.
Discover the charm of La Place Bellecour.
Located on an isthmus between the Saône and the Rhône rivers, La Place Bellecour is the beating heart of Lyon. It ranks third in size among pedestrian squares in France and is one of the biggest in all of Europe. In this area, one can find a wide variety of fun activities to engage in. From La Place Bellecour, visitors can explore the stores, ride the Ferris wheel, stop by the tourist information centre, snap pictures of the Louis XIV statue, access the metro, and catch a glimpse of the Fourvière Basilica, which overlooks the city. Because of its beauty and significance in setting the tone for the rest of your time in Lyon, we highly suggest you begin your explorations here.
Ride the funicular up Fourvière Hill!
Obtain a breathtaking view of the city by riding the century-old funicular up to Fourvière Hill. The tiny Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière and the ancient Gallo-Roman amphitheatre are both worth seeing while you’re in town. Riding the historic funicular in Vieux Lyon is the quickest way to get to Fourvière. Alternatively, you can obtain even better views of the city from the top of Fourvière Hill by ascending the steep stairs that lead there from Montée des Chateaux. A helpful hint is to ride the funicular to the top of the hill, then walk down into the Vieux Lyon neighbourhood. Taking the stairs instead of the subway will not only save you money, but it will also allow you to see more of the neighbourhood and its quaint side streets on the way down.
Admire countless works of art at Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Lyon is home to many excellent art galleries, one of which is the Musee des Beaux-Arts de Lyon. Located in a former monastery from the 1600s, this museum has the second-largest collection of fine art in all of France, after only the Louvre. Inside, you’ll find seventy galleries brimming with masterpieces. Ancient Egyptian treasures and intricate sculptures from the 1300s to the 1900s are on display here. Approximately 600 artefacts of Egyptian origin are stored here. There are also a variety of treasures to be amazed at, including statuettes, busts, reliefs, and sarcophagi. Even if you know nothing at all about art, you should still make time to visit this museum because it is one of the best places to see in Lyon.
Treat your taste buds to quenelle.
One of the nicest things to do in Lyon during lunchtime is to place a quenelle order. Quenelle, a delicate and exquisite fish dumpling entrée, is one of Lyon’s most recognized and popular meals.
The dish’s star ingredient is a pike dumpling that is both fluffy and soft, thanks to being cooked in a luxurious langoustine sauce. When a meal on the menu indicates that it will take between 15 and 20 minutes to prepare, you can be sure that it will be worth the wait. However, one of the best places to enjoy quenelles is at Café du Soleil. The quenelles at Café du Soleil are regarded as one of the finest. This restaurant, located in the heart of Saint-Georges in Vieux-Leyon, boasts a comfortable ambience and serves a wide variety of tasty cuisine. You can get them as a side dish, a topping for a salad with eggplant caviar, or a main dish served over rice and topped with a unique sauce. If you don’t like fish, the restaurant also serves chicken in a mushroom sauce. Do not miss out on the chance to dine in style at this fabulous establishment.
Go see the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière.
One of the most rewarding activities you may do in Lyon is a trip to the La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. The interior and exterior of this basilica are equally breathtaking in their beauty. Many consider Fourvière to be the most beautiful and inspiring of all the churches, minor basilicas, and cathedrals in the world. The walls are covered in hundreds of mosaics of varying colours that depict stunning scenes from the Bible. When the light changes throughout the day, the mosaics take on new shades of colour and come to life. Don’t miss out on having a complete view of the city from Fourvière’s observation terrace outside! You’ll be able to point out Old Lyon, the St. Jean Cathedral, La Place Bellecour, and more from this vantage point high above the city. Lyon’s size is clearly visible from this vantage point. It’s a massive city, yet it doesn’t feel as overpowering as others can be because of its layout and its subdivision into neighbourhoods.
Check out the Gallo-Roman Amphitéatre & Museum
Modern Lyon has a rich history that spans from the Stone Age (12,000 B.C.) to the founding of Roman Lugdunum by the Gauls in 43 B.C.
And on the slopes of Fourvière Hill, one can explore the remnants, such as the Gallo-Roman Grand Amphitheater and Odeon, which are both designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
It won’t cost you a dime to wander the ruins outside, and it will only set you back €4-7 to check out the nearby museum, which features one of the finest archaeological collections in all of France.
Be on the lookout for the magnificent Les Nuits de Fourvière festival, which takes place in Lyon for two months, starting in June and ending in August.
There is more to Fourvière Hill than only the basilica and Gallo-Roman museum and remains. Expert historians and culture vultures will like walking around this area to discover other historical gems, such as the Aqueduct du Gier, one of the longest remaining ancient Roman aqueducts that supplied water to Lugdunum and the remains of a classical Roman bath, known as Thermes Antiques.
Seek out Lyon’s street art.
Street artists in Lyon are among the most talented in France, making the city one of the most interesting destinations in the country to view street art. It is not unusual to round a corner as you wander the city and find yourself staring at a huge mural painted on the side of a building.
There are about a hundred paintings hidden across town for you to find. You’ll see them more frequently in low-income and public housing. Additionally, looking for them is a fantastic way to find new, interesting places you might not have found otherwise.
États-Unis is one of the best places to go if you want to view some great examples of local street art. There is an outdoor museum there, with twenty-five original murals from the ’80s.
The original work of street art in Lyon is called “Le Mur des Canuts.” Located in the heart of La Croix-Rousse, this optical illusion captivates with its hyperrealistic visuals and extraordinary attention to detail.
Sneak through the city’s hidden passages
Discovering the hidden traboules of Lyon is one of the city’s most exciting activities. These are underground tunnels that lead to the Saône River and are hidden from view. Around forty of these Renaissance-era masterpieces are currently accessible to visitors.
Originally, they served as a safe haven for Lyon’s silk workers by providing a convenient route to and from the river for transporting finished textiles from the city’s many factories. The once-unknown tunnels are now a fascinating tourist destination.
You can’t go wrong by beginning your explorations around Quai Fulchiron Rolland and Rue des Trois Maries. The walkways intertwine with buildings, crossing courtyards and spanning stairwells. Keep an eye out for public property, as some of them run through it.
And if you do happen to get lost, the green and yellow directional arrows painted on the walls will get you back on track in no time.
Explore Les Pentes de la Croix Rousse
Les Pentes, a neighbourhood in the foothills of Croix Rousse, has several charming boutiques, eateries, and wine bars tucked away in its narrow streets and lanes. Both the ancient Roman ruins (Amphitheatre Des Trois Gaules) and the Cours du Vorace, a vast, secret courtyard with a spectacular six-floor stairway and a popular meeting place for the canuts revolutionists, are fantastic places to visit in the area.
Because of its lack of familiarity, many visitors to the city bypass this district. You can avoid the metro and take a picturesque and charming route down from Croix Rousse to Hôtel de Ville. The region is stunning, and it only takes around 20 minutes to get there on foot.
There you have it. It’s now time to hear from you. Which of the above activities would you love to try out during your visit to Lyon, France?