Top 7 Things To Do in Lyon, France

Back in December 2019, my friend Hanna and I visited Lyon, France, for its famous Festival of Lights. (I’m excited to say that I’m planning to attend again later this year!)

Besides that, Lyon is a beautiful city with plenty else going on — even if you aren’t there for the festival! So check out the best things you should do during your visit.

1. Start at Place Bellecour

Hanna and I started (and ended) our days in Lyon at Place Bellecour, so I’m biased. But it makes a good home base in the city due to its location and transportation network. This public plaza is the biggest in Lyon and the 3rd-largest in all of France. Place Bellecour is home to a large equestrian statue of King Louis XIV as well as a ferris wheel which is open during the winter.

From here, it’s also easy to access several popular shopping streets: Rue de la République (main shopping street), Rue Victor-Hugo (one of the largest pedestrian streets in Europe), Rue du Plat (designer shops), and the Rue du Président Édouard Herriot (luxury shops).

2. Wander Through Vieux Lyon

This was my favorite part of Lyon! Which kind of isn’t surprising because I often find myself drawn to a city’s old quarters. So “Vieux” means old, and this is Old Lyon. It’s on the west side of the River Saône and easy to access from the city center via multiple bridges.

Vieux Lyon is full of history from the middle ages, and this part of the city has so much charm. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, patisseries, and unique little shops to visit as you wander through the winding cobblestone streets. Don’t miss the Église Saint-Georges, which is one of the most outward symbols of Vieux Lyon, or Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, which has a large place out front — great for photos!

3. Ride a Funicular to Fourvière Hill

While you’re in Vieux Lyon, don’t miss the opportunity to visit Fourvière Hill. It’s the hill with the castle-like basilica perched atop that you’ve been seeing from every angle of Lyon. You can either walk up the hill — which is pretty, but tiring and more time-consuming. Or, you can head to metro station Vieux Lyon and take the funicular toward Fourvière. You might have to wait a little bit, as there aren’t many cars operating, but you’ll ascend quickly and it’s a fun experience.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière awaits!

4. Visit La Croix Rousse

Our main motivation for visiting La Croix Rousse was its Christmas market. It wasn’t as big as the one at Place Carnot, but it was a cute neighborhood nonetheless. Also, be aware that La Croix Rousse is also up a hill — and there’s no funicular, unfortunately. But when you make it to the top, it’s worth it!

We not only found the Christmas market, but a huge food market as well! Every day except Monday, Le Marché de la Croix Rousse sets up along Boulevard de la Croix Rousse, totaling a length of 1 kilometer. With a focus on local producers, the market is a nod to the area’s history as the working-class neighborhood of Lyon.

La Croix Rousse is known for having some of the most picturesque streets in the city. Don’t miss Montée de la Grande Cote — a narrow, sloping pedestrian street lined with trendy boutiques.

5. Eat at a Bouchon

You might already know some French words relating to restaurants — patisserie, boulangerie, etc. But Hanna’s friend told her we needed to also try out a “bouchon,” which is specific to Lyon. A bouchon is generally a small, family-operated restaurant that serves typical Lyonnaise cuisine. And what does Lyonnaise cuisine consist of? Hearty foods such as browned pork fat, beef tripe, or poultry pâté are typical. You can read the day’s menu on a chalkboard outside the restaurant.

6. Take a Walk Through Parc Tête d’Or

Even though it was cold and cloudy, we couldn’t resist a walk through Parc Tête d’Or. This park is like the Central Park or Retiro Park of Lyon, because there aren’t many other big parks in the city. Besides a lake that is popular with boaters in the summer, Parc Tête d’Or is also home to the city zoo and many sports facilities. It was pretty enough in the winter, but I wouldn’t mind visiting again during nicer weather.

7. Explore the Famous Murals

Lyon is known as one of Europe’s most famous mural cities. Even if you aren’t looking for them, if you wander around enough, you’re likely to find one — there are around 100 different murals around Lyon. The mural trend started in the 1970s with a group of French art students who traveled to Mexico to study wall painting, where Mexican muralist Diego Rivera had launched the style 50 years earlier. Eventually, the mayor of Lyon commissioned this group and others to paint murals to brighten the city up.

Plan Your Lyon Trip

Best Hotels in Lyon: Book Lyon France Hotels

Top Things To Do in Lyon: Vieux Lyon Food Tasting Walking Tour // City Highlights Walking Tour // Guided Food Tour With Tastings // Beaujolais Day Trip Wine Tasting Tour

 

Before this trip, I hadn’t been to France in a really long time. But I can’t imagine a better city to visit than Lyon! Whether or not the Festival of Lights is taking place — which I obviously recommend – it’s still a great place to visit on your next trip to France or Europe.

Have you ever visited Lyon? Let me know in the comments!

-Cathy

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Originally Published on January 6, 2020.