About Lyon
Lyon is one of France's most historically and architecturally significant cities. An important city during the Roman Empire, it was founded in the 1st century B.C. In the Middle Ages, Lyon was a major centre of silk production, and its silk industry helped to make the city wealthy. Today, Lyon is a popular tourist destination with beautiful hills surrounding it.
The cuisine of Lyon is unique and meets the delicate expectations of French cuisine. Salade Lyonnaise, Rosette de Lyon, Quenelle Lyonnaise, Cervelle de Canut, and Tablier de Sapeur are a few of the most relished dishes in the city.
Places to visit in Lyon
Lyon is a perfect city to go to for spontaneous exploration. Some of the places mentioned below can help tourists prepare an itinerary to make their trip to Lyon the best one ever.
- Theatres Romains de Fourvière: The Grand Théâtre was likely built in the 1st century B.C. It was used for performances of plays, music, and poetry. The Odéon was built in A.D. 2nd century and was used for smaller performances such as recitals and concerts. The theatres were abandoned in A.D. 5th century and fell into disrepair. They were rediscovered in the 19th century and have been partially restored. Today, they are a popular tourist destination and are used for various events such as concerts, festivals, and theatre productions.
- La Place Bellecour: La Place Bellecour is the liberal centre of Lyon. It is one of the largest pedestrian urban squares in the city. A few of the best snack shops are available in this area and are home to various special events. It’s a great place to do some local shopping.
- Musee du Cinema et de la Miniature: The Musée du Cinéma et de la Miniature in Lyon is a French museum dedicated to cinema and miniatures. It is located in the La Guillotière district of the 7th arrondissement of Lyon. The museum was founded in 1985 by a group of artists and cinema enthusiasts. It presents the history of cinema including the techniques used to create special effects. It’s a must-visit for movie enthusiasts.
- Fourvière Hill: Fourvière Hill is a 250-metre-high hill in the city of Lyon, France. It is the highest point in the city and offers panoramic views of Lyon and its surroundings. The hill is an important archaeological site as it houses the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Lugdunum, which was the capital of the Three Gauls. It also houses the Notre Dame de Fourvière Basilica, which is an important religious monument. Many gardens, museums, restaurants, and cafes are on the hill.
- Vieux Lyon: Vieux Lyon is a historic district of Lyon, France. It is located on the left bank of the River Saône and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998. The district is built on the slopes of Fourvière Hill and is known for its narrow streets and half-timbered houses. Vieux Lyon is also an essential gastronomic centre and is the birthplace of Lyonnaise cuisine. You will find the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral and Saint-Paul Church on your trip here. It is a perfect place to understand the history and significance of this city.
- Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière: The Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière is a Roman Catholic basilica on the hill of Fourvière in Lyon, France. It is one of the most important religious monuments in the city and is a popular tourist destination. The basilica was built in the 19th century in a neo-Byzantine style. It is 89 metres (292 feet) tall and has a dome that is 26 metres (85 feet) in diameter. The basilica is decorated with mosaics, stained glass windows, and sculptures. The basilica is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and offers stunning views of the city of Lyon.
- Parc de la Tête d’Or: Parc de la Tête d'Or is a large public park in Lyon, France. It is the largest park in the city and one of France's largest urban parks. The park is located in the 6th arrondissement of Lyon, on the slopes of the Croix-Rousse hill. It was designed by the landscape architect Denis Bühler.
Important things to remember for a trip to Lyon
- You can use Uber for transportation. They are readily available in this city.
- Lyon has a wide variety of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Book your accommodation in advance, especially if you're travelling during peak season.
- Lyon is a relatively easy city to get around. You can walk, cycle, or take public transportation to most places. If you're planning on walking, be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
- French is the official language of Lyon, so it's helpful to learn a few basic phrases before you go. This will make your trip more enjoyable and help you communicate with locals.
Lyon Airport (LYS)
Lyon has one primary airport: Lyon Saint-Exupéry International Airport (LYS) is located 20 km southeast of Lyon City Centre. It has two terminals. Regular train shuttles and trams are available, connecting it to the city centre.
IndiGo’s flights to Lyon, launched in codeshare partnership with Turkish Airlines, arrive and depart from this airport.
Lyon visa requirements
A Schengen visa is required to visit Lyon as it is part of the European Union. To apply for a Schengen visa/Lyon visa, the following documents are required:
- Your passport.
- Your recent passport-size photographs.
- A return ticket. It should show the date of departure.
- A copy of hotel bookings.
- Travel/medical insurance.
- Testimony for financial support.
- A detailed Itinerary. It should show the duration of your stay in the city.