Architecture, culture, gastronomy, Lyon has it all ! Every corner of the city is worth a glance. Wonderful museums, roman sites and gorgeous churches! The city, also known as the french capital of Gastronomy, offers a delicious local cuisine in its typical restaurants called “Bouchons Lyonnais”. If you’re planning a trip in Lyon, here are our top 10 things to do in this amazing city !
Vieux Lyon
head to the vieux Lyon on your first day, in order to get a first glance at the city. The old town houses a beautiful architecture in Gothic and renaissance styles. The paved streets lead to gorgeous churches, cathedrals and museums. It’s a great place to stop for lunch and diner in the famous “Bouchons Lyonnais”.
Fourvière Basilica
Overlooking the city, Fourvière is one of the most visited places of Lyon. Whether you prefer climbing to the top or using the funicular, you’ll be granted a beautiful view. The basilica is a pilgrimage site surrounded by roman sites you can also visit. Enjoy!
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
The Ancient Theatre of Fourvière is an old Roman theater. During summer, it hosts a music festival called: the nights of Fourvière. The theater was built, overlooking the city in the 1st century and enlarged during the 2nd century, adding additional tiers at the top of the hill.
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
Located in a former 17th-century abbey, the Lyon fine arts museum is home to one of the largest collections of European artworks (Rubens, Géricault, Rembrandt, Delacroix or Gauguin). It’s also the largest Fine Arts museum in France after the Louvre. You will need at least half a day for a full visit. Check the museum website here.
Presqu’île
The place to be in Lyon: It’s a great place for shopping, discovering cafes,bar and nightclubs. Don’t miss the beautiful the Lyon Opera, Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour !
Croix Rousse and Fresque des Canuts
Croix Rousse is a former district of canuts (workers specialized in silk work). The buildings were built specifically with very high ceilings and huge windows in order to house the weaving machines. The Fresque des Canuts is a wall painting representing an optical illusion of the atmosphere and way of life of the very typical Croix-Rousse district in Lyon. It’s the largest painted wall in Europe and worth a visit.
Fresque des Lyonnais
Created by the “Cité de la Création” in 1995, the fresque des Lyonnais is a wall painting representing 2000 years of history starring 31 historical and contemporary figures. It represents figures from Emperor Claude, Antoine de St-Exupéry, Abbé Pierre to Paul Bocuse.
Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse
This is the landmark of gastronomy in Lyon! Fine grocery stores, cheese makers and caterers. Located in the third district of Lyon, this covered market is the ideal place to indulge yourself with good Charcuterie, taste Lyon dumplings or delicious praline tart, the typical dessert of the city. Check their website here!
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Located on the banks of the Rhône, the Tête d’Or Park covers an area of 105 hectares.One of the many entrances, the Porte des Enfants du Rhône, welcomes you with a view of its 16-hectare lake. It’s a great place for a picnic, friends gathering or just reading a book on the grass.
Eat in a Bouchon Lyonnais
It’s mandatory to have at least one meal in a local bouchon when visiting Lyon (if you’re not a vegetarian). It’s not only the best way to taste local specialties, but also a great immersion in the culture.
