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    Lyon

    France

    Lyon

    CityCulture

    Lyon, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, is France's third-largest city and is considered the capital of French gastronomy.

    by Felix Gillen

    1. Home
    3. Destinations
    5. France
    7. Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
    9. Lyon
    Lyon, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône, is France's third-largest city and is considered the capital of French gastronomy. Here you'll find Roman heritage on Fourvière Hill, Renaissance architecture in Vieux Lyon, and the former silk weavers' district of Croix-Rousse. The Traboules, passageways through buildings and courtyards, connect alleys. From the Basilica Notre-Dame de Fourvière, you look out over the city; right next to it are the Roman theaters. You can try Lyonnaise cuisine in one of the traditional "Bouchons". Ideal for city tours and market visits are April to June, as well as September and October.

    Sights in Lyon

    Discover the most important sights and attractions

    Notre-Dame de Fourvière

    1Notre-Dame de Fourvière

    The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands on Fourvière Hill overlooking Lyon and is a landmark of the city. Built between 1872 and 1884, it dates back to an 1870 vow: the Lyonnais promised the Virgin Mary a church if the city was spared during the Franco-Prussian War. Its architecture combines Byzantine and Romanesque elements. Inside, you'll find mosaics, paintings, and stained-glass windows depicting biblical scenes and episodes from French history. The basilica consists of two superimposed churches: the richly adorned Upper Church and the simpler crypt. From the esplanade, you can gaze out over Lyon, the Saône and Rhône rivers, and, on a clear day, as far as the Alps.Our Tip: Early morning or late afternoon sees fewer crowds and softer light. The funicular from Vieux Lyon takes you up.
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    Basilique Saint-Martin-d’Ainay

    2Basilique Saint-Martin-d’Ainay

    The Basilique Saint-Martin-d’Ainay in Lyon is an outstanding example of Romanesque architecture and one of the city's oldest churches. Its origins date back to the 9th century, when it was built as the abbey church of a Benedictine monastery. Here you'll find a rare blend of different eras reflected in its stone walls. Particularly noteworthy are the four ancient columns in the choir, which may have originated from a Roman temple, as well as the intricately crafted capitals. The simple yet impressive architecture invites quiet contemplation. Take your time to explore the crypt, which offers a fascinating insight into the site's early history. Our Tip: Visit the basilica in the morning to experience the special lighting and enjoy the tranquility before the larger crowds arrive. This is the ideal time for an undisturbed viewing of the details.
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    Musée Cinéma et Miniature

    3Musée Cinéma et Miniature

    The Musée Cinéma et Miniature in Lyon, situated in a historic building within the UNESCO World Heritage site of Vieux Lyon, offers a unique blend of cinematic art and miniature worlds. The collection by miniature artist Dan Ohlmann features hundreds of hyperrealistic scenes, recreating everyday moments or famous film sets in miniature with incredible precision. These exhibits showcase exceptional craftsmanship.In the cinema section, you'll gain deep insight into the magic of film. Here, you can marvel at an extensive collection of original props, costumes, masks, and models from renowned Hollywood and European productions. From iconic Alien heads to detailed Batman costumes, the art of practical special effects from the pre-digital era comes alive, honoring the creativity of unseen artists.Our Tip: Ideally, visit the museum on a weekday morning to explore the intricate details of the miniatures in peace and avoid crowds. The miniature rooms also offer excellent subjects for impressive close-up shots.
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    4Silk Saint Georges

    The Soierie Saint-Georges is a silk weaving workshop with a shop on Rue Mourguet in Vieux Lyon. The workshop weaves and restores silk and gold brocade fabrics, including for châteaux and fashion houses, using 19th-century Jacquard looms. During demonstrations, you'll see how a fabric is created from design to finished weave, and gain insight into the craft of the Canuts, the Lyon silk weavers.The shop offers scarves, ties, shawls, and fabrics of its own production. Our tip: Inquire beforehand about the times of the weaving demonstrations.
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    Parc de la Tête d'Or

    5Parc de la Tête d'Or

    The Parc de la Tête d'Or in Lyon is one of France's largest inner-city green spaces and an important recreational oasis. Opened in 1857, it was designed in the style of English gardens, distinguished by its expansive lawns, ancient trees, and large lake. Here you'll find a free zoo with over 400 animals, an impressive botanical garden featuring greenhouses and rose gardens, as well as numerous sports and leisure opportunities. The park is a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and families. The large lake invites visitors to go boating and offers picturesque views, especially in the morning. Our Tip: Visit the park on weekday mornings to enjoy the greatest tranquility and observe the animal feedings at the zoo. For a relaxed atmosphere and beautiful photos, a stroll along the lake or through the rose garden is recommended, especially in early summer when the roses are in full bloom. The extensive paths also offer plenty of space to avoid crowds, even on weekends.
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    City walks in Lyon

    Curated walking tours through the city's highlights, handpicked by experienced travel journalists.

    Lyon's Historic Treasures: A Walk Through Vieux Lyon and the Presqu'île

    Discover Lyon on this 2-hour walk that leads you through the charming lanes of Vieux Lyon and explores the impressive Presqu'île. From Renaissance architecture and hidden traboules to grand squares, experience the essence of the city of gastronomy and history. Ideal for a first overview of Lyon's most important sights.

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    Stops (7)

    Dining & Drinks

    L Bar food & drink

    Bar in 19 Rue du Garet.
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    La mère Brazier

    Regionale Gourmetküche und Degustationsmenüs in einem eleganten Restaurant mit Einrichtung im Stil der 1920er-Jahre.
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    Le Mercière

    Restaurant in Restaurant Le Mercière.
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    Le Café Des Fédérations

    Restaurant in 10 Rue Major Martin 8-9.
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    Daniel et Denise Créqui - Bouchon Lyonnais

    Restaurant in 156 Rue de Créqui.
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    1

    Le Bouchon des Filles

    Erlebe authentische Lyoner Küche in entspannter Atmosphäre in einem traditionellen Bouchon, bekannt für seine herzhaften Spezialitäten.
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    2

    L’Auberge du Pont de Collonges

    Erlebe in Lyon die französische Haute Cuisine auf höchstem Niveau im ikonischen Restaurant von Paul Bocuse, ein unvergessliches kulinarisches Erlebnis.
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    Food and Drink

    Lyon is considered by many to be France's culinary capital. Its foundation lies in the Bouchons, simple taverns serving hearty offal and pork cuisine.

    Bouchons lyonnais

    The traditional restaurants serve quenelle, andouillette, bacon and egg salad, and sausage varieties. Authentic Bouchons display their own certificate, which hangs on the door.

    Quenelle de brochet

    An airy pike dumpling, usually baked in crayfish sauce. It's found in almost every traditional restaurant.

    Saucisson brioché and Rosette

    Sausage in brioche dough as a starter and the air-dried Rosette de Lyon are part of the regular repertoire.

    Halle's Bocuse

    The market hall features cheese affineurs, butchers, and oyster stalls. Many counters serve directly on-site.

    Wines of the Rhône and Beaujolais

    North, Beaujolais starts with light Gamay wines; south, the northern Rhône with Côte-Rôtie and Hermitage from Syrah.

    Lyon's cultural heritage

    Lyon boasts over 2000 years of history. The city was founded in 43 BC as the Roman colony Lugdunum and became the capital of the province Gallia Lugdunensis. On Fourvière Hill, the large Roman theatre and the Odeon are preserved.During the Renaissance, Lyon experienced a golden age thanks to trade, fairs, the silk industry, and printing. Vieux Lyon, with its narrow streets, colorful Renaissance houses, and the Traboules – passages through buildings and courtyards – bears witness to this era and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. In the 19th century, the silk weavers, known as the Canuts, used the Traboules of Croix-Rousse to transport their fabrics securely.Architecturally, the range spans from Roman ruins and Saint-Jean Cathedral to modern buildings in the Confluence district. Lyon is considered the capital of French gastronomy, famous for its Bouchons offering regional cuisine. Each year around December 8th, the Fête des Lumières shapes the cityscape: It dates back to 1852, when Lyon residents placed candles in their windows for the inauguration of the statue of Mary on Fourvière, and today it is a light art festival featuring large-scale projections.

    Nightlife

    Lyon offers a diverse nightlife, ranging from relaxed bars to energetic clubs. Especially in the districts of Croix-Rousse and Vieux Lyon, you'll find a wide selection of venues; the Hot Club Lyon is, for instance, a well-established name for jazz enthusiasts. For live music off the mainstream, Le Périscope is an excellent choice.
    1

    La Clef de Voûte

    Bar in 1 Pl. Chardonnet.
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    2

    Scene Attitude

    124 Cr Émile-Zola, 69100 Villeurbanne, Frankreich
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    3

    L Bar food & drink

    Bar in 19 Rue du Garet.
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    4

    Hot Club Lyon

    Bar in 26 Rue Lanterne.
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    5

    Casa Morreale Da Antonio e Marco

    Bar in 45 Rue Franklin.
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    6

    Le Périscope

    Bar in 13 Rue Delandine.
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    7

    TechNoir

    Bar in 118 Mnt de la Grande-Côte.
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    8

    Ninkasi Sans Souci

    Bar in 26 Cr Albert Thomas.
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    9

    Yzumi

    Bar in 71 Rue Ney.
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    Out and about locally

    Lyon has a well-developed public transport network with four metro lines, trams, buses, and two funiculars that run from Vieux Lyon to Fourvière Hill and Saint-Just. You don't need your own car in the city. With the Vélo'v bike-sharing system, you can easily ride along the banks of the Rhône and Saône.

    Accommodations in Lyon

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    Campgrounds in Lyon

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    Nearby

    Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

    Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

    The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in eastern and central France stretches from the peaks of the Alps through the volcanic landscapes of the Auvergne to the major city of Lyon. It is a destination for mountain sports, hiking, culture, and good food and boasts several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Lyon's Old Town and the Chaîne des Puys.
    Cluny

    Cluny

    Cluny, nestled in the heart of Burgundy, is intrinsically linked to its once mighty Benedictine abbey. The Abbaye de Cluny was the centre of monastic reform in the Middle Ages and the largest church in Christendom before St. Peter's Basilica in Rome was built. Although largely destroyed after the French Revolution, its impressive ruins, the Musée d'Art et d'Archéologie, and the partially reconstructed monastery grounds bear witness to its former grandeur. You can wander through the preserved sections of the abbey, grasp the dimensions of the former church, and trace the history of this significant site. Beyond the abbey, a stroll through the charming small town with its medieval houses and the Haras National, the national stud farm, is worthwhile. A morning visit allows you to explore the site in peace before the main crowds arrive.
    Lac du Bourget

    Lac du Bourget

    The Lac du Bourget in Savoy is France's largest natural lake. It spans about 18 kilometers between the Jura and Alpine foothills. On its east bank is the spa town of Aix-les-Bains, known as the "Riviera des Alpes"; on the west bank, the Abbey of Hautecombe. Swimming, sailing, cycling, and hiking feature prominently.
    Grenoble

    Grenoble

    Grenoble, nestled in the alpine panorama of the French Alps, is a dynamic city that blends science and nature. Ascend to the Bastille, a historic fortress high above the city, comfortably by cable car – the 'Bulles' – and enjoy expansive views of the Isère Valley and the surrounding mountain ranges. The charming Old Town (Vieux Grenoble), with its narrow streets, historic squares like Place Saint-André, and numerous cafés, invites you to linger. The renowned Musée de Grenoble houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art and is a cultural anchor of the city. As the 'Capital of the Alps', Grenoble has a long tradition as a center for research and technology, reflected in its lively atmosphere and universities. For an authentic experience, visit one of the local markets, such as Place aux Herbes, to discover regional products. The months of May to October are ideal for hikes in the surrounding area, while the winter months provide access to nearby ski resorts.
    Annecy

    Annecy

    Annecy, often called the 'Venice of the Alps', captivates with its medieval Old Town and the clear Lac d'Annecy. The Vieille Ville is characterized by winding alleys, pastel-colored houses, and the canals of the Thiou River. The striking Palais de l'Isle, a former prison, is picturesquely situated in the middle of a canal and bears witness to the city's rich history. Perched above the rooftops is the Château d'Annecy, once a residence of Savoyard princes, which today houses a museum. Lac d'Annecy offers numerous leisure activities such as boat trips or swimming. To experience the atmosphere without large crowds, a visit in spring or autumn is recommended. Explore the local markets to sample regional cheeses and other specialties.

    Sources & method

    • Photos: Wikimedia Commons, Pexels. Each photo carries its credit.
    • Place data such as addresses and ratings comes from Google Maps.
    • The content is based on web research from public, traceable sources. How the content is made · The role of AI