France’s second-most vital town after Paris is quite undiscovered. Although Lyon would not continually make it onto traveler itineraries, many cultural treasures wait for these who take the time to discover the city.
With a records relationship lower back to historic Roman times, Lyon has earned a location on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The metropolis boasts France’s oldest historic ruins, medieval quarters, and good-looking Renaissance houses.
The atmospheric neighborhoods of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) observed alongside the Rhône and Saône Rivers replicate the city’s prosperous heritage. The Quartier Saint-Jean and Colline de la Croix-Rousse districts have an captivating character, whilst the Presqu’île exemplifies 19th-century elegance. These fascinating ancient quarters are the pleasant locations to go to in Lyon for a style of the city’s old-world charm.
The happiest of all site visitors are the ones who ride right here to pattern the well-known cuisine. The celebrated Michelin-starred Auberge du Pont de Collonges, 10 kilometers from Lyon, was once helmed through legendary French chef Paul Bocuse for many years and is nevertheless a pinnacle vacation spot for gourmands. Authentic Lyonnais gastronomy can additionally be loved all over Lyon at bouchons, small at ease bistros that serve typical nearby specialties.
Explore the town with our listing of pinnacle sights and matters to do in Lyon.
- Musée des Beaux Arts
Sculpture at the Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon
Sculpture at the Musée des Beaux Arts in Lyon
The remarkable cultural heritage of Lyon is evidenced in this Musée des Beaux-Arts, viewed the subsequent satisfactory nice arts museum in France after the Louvre. At the Place des Terreaux close to the Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall), the museum occupies the 17th-century Abbaye Royale des Dames de Saint-Pierre (Royal Abbey of the Sisters of Saint-Pierre).
This museum has one of Europe’s biggest collections of artwork, with an specifically extraordinary assortment of art work and sculptures from the 14th via the twentieth centuries. The antiquities, historical coins, and image arts collections are additionally noteworthy.
The excellent of the series is exceptional. There are many famend works via European masters such as Delacroix, Fragonard, Géricault, Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, and Véronèse.
The museum shows an incredible series of Impressionist artwork and present day art. Highlights encompass works with the aid of Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso.
The museum’s restaurant and tea salon, Les Terrasses Saint-Pierre, presents a informal eating alternative for lunch, snacks, coffee, and tea. During summertime, visitors may additionally dine al fresco on the terrace in the gardens.
Address: Palais Saint-Pierre, 20 Place des Terreaux, Lyon
- Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges (Old Town)
Rooftops in Vieux Lyon (Old town)
Rooftops in Vieux Lyon (Old town)
Lyon’s atmospheric Quartier Saint-Jean is the vicinity to find out the old-world atmosphere of Vieux Lyon. This medieval quarter north of the cathedral is stuffed with slender cobblestone lanes and quiet little courtyards.
Begin exploring round Rue du Boeuf and the Place Neuve Saint-Jean, a picturesque rectangular crammed with standard restaurants. Then wander round the pedestrian streets of Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois-Maries. There are many inviting shops, crêperies, bouchons, informal restaurants, and cafés alongside the way.
Continue till attaining the Hôtel de Gadagne at the Place du Petit Collège. This 16th-century mansion homes two amazing museums: The Musée d’Histoire de Lyon (History Museum) illustrates the records of the city-from antiquity via the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the twentieth century. The Musée des Arts de La Marionnette (Puppet Museum) shows marionettes from all over the world.
A brief stroll away from the Gadagne museums is Théâtre Le Guignol de Lyon (2 Rue Louis Carrand), the place the Compagnie M.A. marionette employer performs. Attending a common puppet exhibit is one of the most unique matters to do in Lyon. Performances are in French.
Another region to watch a marionette overall performance is in the Quartier Saint-Georges, at the Théâtre La Maison de Guignol puppet theater (Place de la Trinité, two Montée du Gourguillon). Performances are in French; take a look at the agenda in advance.
La Maison de Guignol theater is a speedy stroll from the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, and a few steps away is the Café du Soleil (2 Rue Saint-Georges), a superb location to revel in an real Lyonnais meal.
Also simply steps away from the cathedral is La Maison du Chamarier (37 Rue Saint-Jean). This categorized Historical Monument, constructed between the thirteenth century and the early sixteenth century, indicates the evolution from Flamboyant Gothic to Renaissance architecture.
A la Marquise (37 rue Saint Jean at Rue Bombarde), a historical pâtisserie keep with a sophisticated salon de thé (tea room), occupies the floor flooring of La Maison du Chamarier. This esteemed boutique prepares traditional French pastries and Lyonnaise specialties, such as tarte à la praline (praline tart) and bugnes (beignets). The pâtisserie boutique is open Wednesday via Sunday from 9am till 7:30pm; the tea room serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea.
- Musée de la Civilisation Gallo-Romaine
Roman Amphitheater
Roman Amphitheater
Lyon stands on the website online of the historic Roman town known as Lugdunum, established in forty three BC, which was once the capital of Gaul. The Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization (Museum of Archaeology) shows Gallo-Roman-era objects along with vases, gravestones, mosaics, statues, coins, and ceramics.
The antiquities introduced in the museum’s reveals are from onsite digs (from the town of Lugdunum) as properly as close by Roman archaeological websites of Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne.
The series is famend for its breadth and variety. Highlights encompass a huge Hercules sculpture, ornamental marble work from historical baths, and a remarkable 100-square-meter flooring mosaic depicting pictures associated to the God of Oceans.
The museum is positioned subsequent to an archaeology web page that boasts the oldest historical ruins in France, along with two Roman theaters. The Grand Théâtre courting again to 15 BC was once the place tragedies and comedies have been performed. The Odéon was once the theater for musical performances. There are additionally the foundations of a temple that used to be committed to the Goddess Cybele.
Address: Museum, 17 Rue Cléberg, Lyon; Archaeological Site, 6 Rue de l’Antiquaille, Lyon
- Gourmet Restaurants, Culinary Boutiques, and Cooking Classes
Tarte Aux Pralines at the Lyon patisserie, A La Marquise
Tarte Aux Pralines at the Lyon patisserie, A La Marquise
Lyon is broadly regarded the capital of French gastronomy. While touring Lyon, one need to in reality indulge in the well-known regional cuisine. The neighborhood cooking points hearty dishes such as steak, lamb stew, roast poultry with morels, and poached eggs in crimson wine sauce. The most special culinary distinctiveness is some thing regarded as “quenelles,” a kind of dumpling (made with floor fish) in a wealthy cream sauce.
The first-class locations to go to in Lyon for real delicacies are the “Bouchons Lyonnais,” pleasant family-run bistros that provide easy but scrumptious meals. Generally bouchons serve traditional regional specialties.
The town has quite a few famend eating places created with the aid of Paul Bocuse in addition to the Michelin two-starred Restaurant Paul Bocuse backyard Lyon. In the Presqu’île district, the Brasserie Le Nord serves Lyonnais specialties in a warm, convivial setting. The Brasserie Le Sud close to the Place Bellecour specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. On the Quai du Commerce, the Brasserie L’Ouest gives traditional French ingredients and worldwide dishes in a informal eating room.
For an stylish eating experience, the Grand Café des Négociants (1 Place Francisque Régaud) is an incredible desire in the Presqu’île district. This ancient brasserie (dating to 1864) provides usual Lyonnaise cuisine. Waiters in old fashioned uniforms serve foods to company seated at white-linen-covered tables in an opulent Second Empire eating room. The restaurant’s identify “café des négociants” (“coffee save of traders”) refers to its authentic reason as a vicinity the place silk retailers and diamond carriers met. The Place Francisque Régaud is nevertheless domestic to many luxurious retail boutiques.
Tourists will additionally have exciting purchasing for gourmand meals merchandise in Lyon. Chocoholics must make a beeline for Palomas boutique (2 Rue du Colonel Chambonnet), an acclaimed chocolatier in Lyon considering that 1917, and Boutique Voisin (28 Rue de la République and different areas throughput Lyon), a prestigious chocolate store established in 1897.
A tremendously endorsed nutrients save is Giraudet (2 Rue du Colonel Chambonnet), which sells high-end culinary items; the keep additionally gives cooking classes. The boutique A L’Olivier (33 Cours Franklin Roosevelt) is a purveyor of the best olive oils made in France.
Also be positive to go to Les Halles de Lyon – Paul Bocuse (102 Cours Lafayette). This included market has greater than 50 exceptional stores and eating places that provide regional products, together with charcuterie, domestically made cheese, clean bread, quenelles, truffles, fruits, vegetables, pâtisserie, and chocolate bonbons.
- Colline de la Croix-Rousse
Colline de la Croix-Rousse
Colline de la Croix-Rousse
Built on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse hillside, this ancient nearby was once an vital core of weaving in the early 19th-century. Because of the excessive gradient of the streets, there are many charming curves and staircases.
The most special element of the nearby is its series of traboules, blanketed passageways that run via courtyards, structures (including personal houses), and pedestrian staircases. In the nineteenth century, these distinctive alleyways have been used by means of silk people to transport their fabrics. Tourists will have exciting wandering round the regional to find out the architectural curiosities of the winding streets and hidden traboules.
There are passageways beginning at 9 Place Colbert and persevering with to 14 Bis Montée Saint Sébastien; from 20 Rue Imbert Colomès to fifty five Rue des Tables Claudiennes; and from 30 Rue Burdeau to 19 Rue René Leynaud (Passage Thiaffait). The traboules are open to the public, however traffic have to be quiet, out of recognize to the residents.
Another traveler enchantment in this region is the Maison des Canuts (House of Silk Workers) at 10/12 Rue d’Ivry. This small museum is devoted to the artwork of growing silk. During a visit, travelers can find out the invention of the Jacquard loom and watch hand-weaving demonstrations on standard looms.
- Presqu’île District
Place Bellecour at sundown in the Presqu’ile District
Place Bellecour at sundown in the Presqu’ile district
Lyon’s Presqu’île district is a piece of land, kind of like an island, inside the river. This regional is distinctive by means of its lovely structure and huge city squares.
The Place des Terreaux is really worth journeying simply to see the fountain through F.A. Bartholdi. This grandiose work of artwork depicts the triumphal chariot of the Garonne River. Notice the 4 marvelously sculpted horses that appear very hardworking, they characterize the 4 exclusive rivers that waft into the ocean.
Lyon’s Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) is discovered on the east facet of the square. Originally constructed between 1646 and 1672, the Hôtel de Ville was once rebuilt (after a fire) through Jules Hardouin-Mansart in his signature Baroque style.
Another huge edifice in this location is the Palais de la Bourse et du Commerce, on Rue de la République. Although the constructing has a Renaissance architectural style, it was once built in the nineteenth century. Continuing south of the Palais de la Bourse, vacationers will come throughout the Eglise Saint-Bonaventure, a former Franciscan church constructed in the 14th-15th centuries.
Lyon’s best rectangular in the Presqu’île district is Place Bellecour, between the Rhône and Saône Rivers. The square’s centerpiece is an equestrian statue of Louis XIV created by way of the Lyon-native sculptor F. Lemot. Elegant 19th-century constructions line the east and west facets of the square. From the north aspect of the square, there is a view of the Fourvière hill.
A few steps away from the Place Bellecour is the Hôtel-Dieu de Lyon, a outstanding 17th-century constructing that as soon as served as a hospital. Another beautiful square, the Place Carnot, is located via way of Rue Victor-Hugo. This rectangular elements an big monument to the Republic created in 1890.
- Musée des Tissus et des Arts Décoratifs
Housed in an 18th-century mansion are two top notch museums: the Fabric Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts. The Musée des Tissus (Fabric Museum) is a special museum that approves site visitors to find out the charming records of Lyon’s silk trade, courting returned to the Renaissance period.
The series consists of uncommon fragments of apparel from the thirteenth and 14th centuries, super tapestries from the 18th century, as properly as greater modern-day 19th- and 20th-century pieces. Also on show is a fantastic silk gown of the Empress Josephine. Among the most treasured gadgets in the series is a pleated tunic from Egypt’s fifth Dynasty era, relationship to round 2,500 BC.
The Musée des Arts Decoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts) provides a wealthy series of ornamental portions of paintings painted on faïence, paper, wood, and different materials; small spiritual sculptures; Japanese figurines; Italian majolica pieces; antique dinnerware; vintage furniture; and clocks.
The objects are displayed in real-life settings to furnish cultural context. Some of the museum’s rooms characteristic lavish decor. Visitors experience as if they are taking a peek into a rich family’s domestic of a bygone era.
Address: 34 Rue de la Charité, Lyon
- Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation
During the Second World War, Lyon was once regarded as the “Capital of the Resistance” due to the fact of the energy of its combat towards the Nazi regime. The Resistance and Deportation History Centre is housed in the constructing that used to be used by means of the Head of the Gestapo in Lyon. This constructing is now committed to the remembrance of the victims who had been held in the building’s cellars.
The Centre d’Histoire de la Résistance et de la Déportation is open to the public (Tuesday thru Sunday) as a museum. The History Center tells the story of the deportees, the hidden young people of deportees, members of the resistance, and others who lived via the Second World War. A everlasting exhibition outlines the essential activities of WWII and focuses on the years of occupied France.
The core additionally monitors a documentary movie about the trial of Klaus Barbie, the SS officer who used to be the head of the Gestapo in Lyon. The movie elements eyewitness money owed and extracts from the court docket trial of Barbie.
An audio information helps site visitors make feel of the historic information, which is introduced in videos, photos, and written documents.
The core pursuits to honor the residents in the resistance and pay homage to the recollections of the victims of deportation. It is continuously updating its content material and constantly seeks out WWII eyewitnesses to share their stories.
Address: Espace Berthelot, 14 Avenue Berthelot, Lyon
- Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere
Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere
In a majestic vicinity on the Colline de Fourvière (the hill that overlooks Vieux Lyon), the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière rises to a top of a hundred thirty meters above the Saône River. The Basilica is available by using funiculars jogging up the hill.
This lovely church was once constructed after the Franco-Prussian War (between 1872 and 1884) when the human beings of Lyon had vowed to create a Marian sanctuary if their town used to be spared. The Basilica is a combo of Gothic and Byzantine styles with a richly adorned interior.
Spend time in the sanctuary to admire the luxurious mosaics and paintings. After journeying the interior, climb the northeast tower to take in the sensational views of Lyon’s cityscape and surrounding areas.
For awe-inspiring panoramas, head to the Esplanade de Fourvière, on the left facet of the Basilica, which affords a sweeping outlook onto the metropolis of Lyon. The views lengthen to the Croix-Rousse and the Terreaux districts, the Quartier Saint-Jean in addition down the hill, and the Place Bellecour on the right.
Address: Place de Fourvière, Lyon
- Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste
Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste
Cathédrale Saint-Jean Baptiste
Built in the 12th-century, the superb Cathedral of Saint-John is famend for its 13th- to 14th-century stained-glass windows. The massive rose window courting from 1392 approves in a kaleidoscope of colourful light.
The cathedral is basically Romanesque with a Late Gothic facade. One of the most fascinating points is the astronomical clock created by using Nicolas Lippius in 1598.
The cathedral additionally has a awesome bell (cast in 1622) named “Anne-Marie de la Primatiale” that is one of the biggest ever made and is solely rung on Catholic feast days.
For a proper view of the cathedral from a distance, go to the embankment close to the Pont Bonaparte. This point of view lets in you to see the hovering twin towers from a distance.
The cathedral is open to the public for prayer and meditation each and every day. Opening hours on weekdays are from 8:15am till 7:45pm and on weekends from 8am till 7pm.
Mass is celebrated Monday thru Saturday at 9am, and moreover on Fridays at 7pm. On Sundays, Mass is held at 8:30am and 10:30am.
Address: Place Saint-Jean, Lyon
- Basilique – Abbaye Saint-Martin d’Ainay
Basilique – Abbaye Saint-Martin d’Ainay
Basilique – Abbaye Saint-Martin d’Ainay
The oldest church in Lyon, the Basilique
– Abbaye Saint-Martin d’Ainay used to be constructed in the eleventh century on the web site of a 4th-century Roman temple (which was once later changed by way of a 9th-century Carolingian church). The basilica at first belonged to a Benedictine abbey based in the sixth century.
A splendid instance of Romanesque architecture, the church incorporates 4 classical columns, a 12th-century mosaic pavement in the choir, and 19th-century gilded art work via the Lyon artist Hippolyte Flandrin.
Address: Place d’Ainay or eleven Rue Bourgelat, Lyon
- Cultural Performances
Cultural Performances
Tourists may additionally go to the Opéra de Lyon on guided excursions Wednesdays and Saturdays at 1pm and Thursdays at 5:30pm. Guided excursions are in French, and excursions closing for ninety minutes. Tickets for excursions have to be reserved in develop and may additionally be bought online, via phone, or at the Opéra de Lyon ticket office. Groups may additionally arrange visits Monday via Saturday (at 1pm or 3pm) by using contacting the theater beforehand of time.
The Théâtre des Célestins (4 Rue Charles Dullin) is a magnificent Neoclassical theater built in 1881. The top notch Italian-style auditorium is one of the most stunning in Europe. Guests wonder at the breathtaking ceiling portray and gilded décor whilst lounging in plush crimson velvet seats.
The Célestins Theater affords dramatic performances (in French), ranging from classical repertory to cutting-edge plays. Outside of performances, the theater is solely open to the public for guided excursions on unique days.
- Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or
Parc de la Tête d’Or
The Parc de la Tête d’Or was once named for a golden statue of Christ that, in accordance to legend, was once buried right here via Crusaders. Nestled on the left financial institution of the Rhône River, this luxuriant park is a haven of tranquility in the coronary heart of the city.
The park has a zoo, an eight-hectare botanical garden, and a rose backyard with heirloom varieties. There is additionally a lake (L’Embarcadère) the place households can hire boats to sail round and admire the scenery.
Highlights of the park for youngsters are Le Grand Carrousel, a pleasant merry-go-round created in 1895; the pony rides; the “Petit Lac” (“Little Lake”), with its mini paddleboats designed for little ones; and an old style choo choo teach referred to as “La Dauphinoise” that children adore.
Address: Place du Général Leclerc, Lyon
- Musée de l’Imprimerie et de la Communication Graphique
Musée de l’Imprimerie (Museum of the Printing Press)
Musée de l’Imprimerie et de la Communication Graphique | Matt Neale / photograph modified
The printing press was once a modern science that modified the world, and Lyon was once an essential core of bookmaking throughout the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries. The Museum of Printing and Graphic Communication presents an insightful overview of the history. Exhibits provide an explanation for picture printing techniques, as nicely as the cultural impact of printed books.
Address: thirteen Rue de la Poulaillerie 69002 Lyon
- Mural of Famous People from Lyon
Mural of Famous People from Lyon
Mural of Famous People from Lyon | Tony Bowden / picture modified
At the Quai Saint Vincent, this 800-square-meter mural elements 31 well-known humans from Lyon, with 25 historic figures and six present day figures. The mural was once created by using the Cité de la Création enterprise in 1994-1995. Look for Paul Bocuse in the front of “Le Pot Beaujolais” restaurant.
Address: forty nine Quai Saint Vincent and two Rue de la Martinière
- Aquarium de Lyon
Jellyfish at the Aquarium of Lyon
Jellyfish at the Aquarium of Lyon
Opened in 2002 and renovated in 2010, the Aquarium of Lyon is committed to teaching the public about marine ecosystems and environmental troubles associated to the ocean. Aquarium tanks symbolize a number ocean zones, such as tropical and temperate waters.
Through its well-knownshows on coral reefs and special marine species, the Aquarium of Lyon ambitions to expand public cognizance about the significance of defending biodiversity.
The Aquarium of Lyon is open Wednesday thru Sunday from 10:30am till 6:30pm.
Address: 7 Rue Stéphane Déchant, La Mulatière
- Musée des Confluences
Musée des Confluences
Musée des Confluences
An desirable trendy constructing affords the showcase area for this complete and latest museum. The museum shows collections of herbal science, herbal history, archaeology, and anthropology. The herbal science branch consists of minerals, shells, zoology, and entomology sections. The archaeology branch covers paleontology and Egyptology.
Highlights of the museum’s collections encompass the pre-Columbian archaeological objects from Peru, the artifacts from Eastern Siberia, the Chinese non secular puppets, an assortment of African headdresses, and the sub-Saharan ceramics.
The museum is open Tuesday via Sunday from 10:30am till 6:30pm. On the first Thursday of each and every month, the museum stays open till 10pm.
Address: 86 Quai Perrache, Lyon