If you were to ask for an authentic French experience, then all directions would point to Lyon. With the help of Lyon tourism, you can step into the largest Renaissance quarters at Vieux Lyon, where century-old houses still thrive. In fact, about 10% of the city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sites include the districts of Vieux-Lyon, the slopes of Croix-Rousse Hill, Fourvière Hill, and the Presqu'île. It would be like starting a marathon but not finishing it, and stopping in the middle, if you did not visit these places while in Lyon. The city’s atmospheric neighbourhoods, awe-inspiring attractions, the confluence of the Rivers Rhône and Saône, and lip-smacking Lyonnais cuisine are something you cannot miss. So, pack your bags and scroll down this Lyon travel guide and explore this wonderful city
How to reach Lyon?
- By air: Lyon has two airports: Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport and Lyon-Bron Business Airport. Lyon-Bron Business Airport is also a smaller airport located within the city and it is the third busiest airport in the country. Lyon Saint-Exupery Airport, at a distance of 25 km. The airport has good connectivity to the city with their Tram Express, which will drop you at La Part-Dieu train station within 30 minutes. There are taxis at Terminals 1 and 2 of the airports to drop you at your desired location in Lyon. Together with Turkish Airlines, we at IndiGo can connect you from India to Lyon with multiple flights to Lyon options as well as to several other European cities from Istanbul.
- By train: The Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) trains are well-connected to destinations across France. Two major train stations are located in the heart of the city, Lyon Part-Dieu and Lyon Perrache. The TGV takes you to cities like Marseille, Montpellier, Paris, Lille, Rennes, and others.
- By road: You can easily travel across the country with several buses and rental car options. Highways such as the A6 and A7 connect to countries such as Switzerland and Italy. There are also several night buses available.
- Getting around/local transport in Lyon: Even though Lyon is one of the biggest cities in France, it is relatively easy to get around. The Lyon metro system, which consists of four lines connecting to major neighbourhoods, is the best option. The best part is that tickets for the metro can also be used on trams and buses. The tramway connects major cities and suburban areas.
Based on the easy railway access in Lyon, using buses can be optional; however, some bus routes conveniently pass a few places that are quite far from the nearest metro station. To get around the city, hassle-free, consider buying the Lyon City Card. It offers unlimited trips on all public transportation.
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The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
The Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière overlooks Lyon, showcasing stunning architecture, intricate mosaics, and breathtaking views of the city.
Exploration time: 1-2 hours
Ancient Theatre of Fourvière
Exploration time: 2-3 hours
The Lyon History Museum
Exploration time: 2-4 hours
Aquarium de Lyon
Exploration time: 2-4 hours
Traboules
Exploration time: 2-4 hoursPlaces to eat
Lyon's culinary scene offers gastronomic delights, from traditional bouchons to Michelin-starred restaurants, promising a memorable dining experience for every palate.
Things To Do
There are many things to do in Lyon most of which include the following:
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Lyon is during the spring from April to June and autumn from September to November when the weather is mild, and there are fewer tourists.
Most commonly spoken languages
The most commonly spoken languages in Lyon are French, followed by English and Spanish, reflecting the city's international population and tourism.
Roam around Lyon's shopping area, from charming boutiques in Croix-Rousse to chic stores in Presqu'île, offering fashion, food, and more.
- Les Halles de Lyon — Paul Bocuse: This is Lyon’s famous indoor food market. It is reputed internationally also since the market has the finest gourmet food. Let's take it this way, all your food at the restaurants comes from here. There are several bars and restaurants in the market, making it an ideal place to sample Lyon’s delights.
- Marché Saint-Antoine: For a more French feel, go shopping in the open air at Marché Saint-Antoine, which is located on the banks of the River Saône. This market is the city’s major food market and is open throughout the week, except on Mondays. It is also a popular spot with cafes and bars.
- Marché alimentaire Victor Augagneur: While strolling alongside the River Rhône, you will come across the Marché des Quais du Rhône Victor Augagneur. This riverside market stretches from Pont de la Guillotière to Pont Wilson. You get an assortment of fresh fruit, cheese, and wine.
- The La Croix Rousse Market: This is a popular market in Lyon. Come here and get a variety of food options as well as fruits, clothes and home products. You can find both store-bought and organic food here. The La Croix Rousse Market is open every Tuesday
Explore Lyon's vibrant festivals, celebrating music, art, culture, and culinary delights, promising unforgettable experiences for locals and visitors alike.
More reasons to visit
Discover Lyon's captivating charm with its UNESCO sites, scenic rivers, vibrant neighbourhoods, and world-renowned gastronomy, promising unforgettable experiences for travellers.
- Festival of Lights in Lyon: One of the reasons to visit Lyon during the winter season is to witness the Fête des Lumières, or festival of lights. Every December, it begins on the 8th and lasts for four days. In fact, the city has been titled the "Capital of Lights." The festival is rooted in Lyon's history, and dates back to 1852, when residents would place candles in coloured glasses and place them on their window sills. It was to celebrate the installation of Virgin Mary’s statue on Fourvière Hill. Since then, people have lit candles and lights to honour this tradition.
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