Lyon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Ever thought about the secrets hiding in Lyon, the charming French city? It's a mix of ancient Roman history and top-notch food. Lyon, the third-largest city in France, grabs you with its rich past and tasty dishes. It's a perfect spot for anyone wanting history, culture, and good food in one place.

Located at the joining of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is packed with things to do. You can stroll through Vieux Lyon's old streets, admire the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, or eat at Lyon's famous restaurants. There's something for every traveler in this lively city. Get set to see Lyon at its best and make memories that last a lifetime.

So, what's Lyon's secret? What special things can you find in this lovely city in France? Follow our guide to know the top things to see and do in Lyon. You're about to discover a place full of charm and wonder.

Key Takeaways

• Explore the ancient Roman ruins and theaters in Lyon, including the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière.
• Marvel at the stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a 19th-century cathedral with exquisite mosaics and stained glass.
• Wander the historic streets of Vieux Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved renaissance architecture and secret passageways.
• Indulge in Lyon's renowned gastronomy, from traditional bouchons to the city's vibrant food markets and culinary experiences.
• Admire the panoramic views of Lyon from the top of Fourvière Hill.

Explore the Ancient Roman Ruins and Theaters

The Théâtres Romains de Fourvière sit on the Fourvière hill. They give us a look into Lyon's Roman past. This site includes three structures: a big theater, a small one, and a temple. These Roman ruins and Roman theaters let people dive into Lyon's history.

People love visiting the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière for Lyon sightseeing and events. During summer, it hosts the Nuits de Fourvière. This arts festival uses the ruins as stages for music, shows, and dance. It's suggested to see it after the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Both are on the way down the Fourvière hill.

The views from this site are breathtaking. But, some say there isn't enough info in English. To understand the sites better, a guide or some research is a good idea. Despite this, the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière show Lyon's long history well. These signs of the past are worth seeing.

Marvel at the Stunning Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière sits at the top of Fourvière hill. It's a highlight in Lyon. Often called "the praying hill," this 19th-century cathedral shows off a neo-Byzantine style. Architect Pierre Bossan designed it. Everyone loves the beautiful mosaics, colorful stained glass, and golden sculptures inside. The surrounding gardens, also by Bossan, make the place even more peaceful.

Many visitors praise the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière's beauty. They suggest riding the funicular up the hill or taking a taxi. Afterward, walk down to enjoy the view and avoid tired legs. The famous Lyon landmark on Fourvière hill is a must-see. It gives visitors a chance to explore the city's religious sites and architectural heritage.

Wander the Historic Streets of Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon is also known as Old Lyon. It's in the 5th arrondissement, the city's renaissance district. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It shows off old buildings and a long history.

As you walk through its narrow streets, you find cool spots. Like Place du Change, once a busy spot for trading, and Rue St-Jean. This street is great for strolling and leads you to traboules, unique hidden passages of the city.

Traboules (Secret Passageways)

The secret passageways and staircases are as old as the 4th century. They were first built to quickly connect homes to the river. Later, these paths helped the silk business and the French resistance in World War II.

In the 1960s, French Minister of Culture Andre Malraux saved Vieux Lyon from being destroyed. Thanks to this, the area saw new life. Now, you can experience its historic charm by walking through these old traboules.

Lyon, France: Best Things to Do - Top Picks

Essential Lyon Experiences

Lyon has more to offer than just beautiful buildings. Take a walk in the lively Presqu'île area. Also, enjoy the view next to the Rhône and Saône rivers. Don't miss the city's amazing wall art. Look for the mural of famous chef Paul Bocuse.

Try Lyon's famous food. Join a tour of traditional bouchons. Taste treats like the tarte aux pralines. And don't forget to visit Les Halles de Lyon market. Throughout the year, Lyon hosts many events. Catch the Fête des Lumières festival. Or see a show at the Théâtres Romains de Fourvière. Lyon is full of exciting things to do, catering to every taste.

Admire the Panoramic Views from Fourvière Hill

For awe-inspiring views of Lyon, go up to the top of Fourvière Hill. You'll find the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière there. The terraces and open space near the basilica offer amazing looks at the city. You'll see Vieux Lyon's ancient buildings and the grand Saint-Jean Cathedral.

Look further, and you'll see the Rhône and Saône rivers. They wind around the city with the Presqu'île district in the middle. Parts of Lyon that are more modern spread out into the distance.

This hilltop viewpoint is a favorite for those wanting great photos of Lyon's cityscape. But, for some, the high edges might be a bit scary. Still, it's a top spot for anyone who loves Lyon sightseeing or taking pictures.

Visit the Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste sits quietly by the Saône River. It combines Roman and Gothic styles beautifully. Inside, it showcases a rich stained-glass window and a captivating 16th-century astronomical clock.

Astronomical Clock and Treasury

The astronomical clock is a true wonder. It doesn't only show the time but also tracks the sun, moon, and stars. Besides this clock, there is a treasury with religious items and art.

Every year, the cathedral is lit up in Lyon's Fête des Lumières. It's a spectacular part of the city's light festival.

Experience the Fête des Lumières

One of Lyon's most beloved events is the Fête des Lumières, or Lyon Festival of Lights. It happens every December, over four nights. The main night is December 8th. This celebration started as a way to thank the Virgin Mary after a plague ended in 1643. Now, it's a beautiful show of light installations, projections, and performances.

The city comes alive during the Fête des Lumières. Buildings, streets, and famous places in Lyon light up. People from all over the world come to see it because the festival is free. So, you can take your time and enjoy the magic.

You might find yourself amazed by the detailed light shows. Or maybe watching one of the shows has caught your eye. Simply walking through the lit-up Lyon cultural and winter events is special. The Fête des Lumières is a must-see event, highlighting Lyon's bright festivals and holiday cheer.

Indulge in Lyon's Culinary Delights

Lyon, known as the gastronomic capital of France, truly deserves the title. It boasts a rich Lyon cuisine full of tradition. Visitors can enjoy the heartwarming atmosphere of Lyon bouchons while savoring local favorites.

Make sure to try their iconic tarte aux pralines. This tart showcases Lyon's famed pralines roses in a delightful way. Exploring Lyon’s food is a delight for any food lover.

Lyon Food Tours and Bouchons

Start your exploration of Lyon's food culture with a guided tour. You'll visit the charming Lyon bouchons known for their Lyonnais dishes. These meals are made with love in cozy environments.

During the tour, you'll be introduced to local favorites and learn about their preparation. It's a deep dive into Lyon cuisine, showing why it's loved worldwide.

Conclusion

Lyon, France is a captivating place mixing history, amazing buildings, and tasty food. You can see ancient Roman ruins and the beautiful Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Strolling through Vieux Lyon’s historic streets or trying Lyon's famous food are also great.

From Fourvière Hill's amazing views to the Fête des Lumières festival, Lyon is full of wonders. You can also explore the city's traboules. This makes Lyon's journey unforgettable.

Lyon is known for its rich culture, lively arts, and great food and wine. The city's guide, top sights, cultural events, and food all make Lyon special. Start planning your visit to Lyon and uncover its enchanting parts.

Looking for history, beautiful buildings, or good food? Lyon has it all. Dive into its rich history, enjoy the views, and savor its cuisine for an amazing trip.