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Lyon, France

Lyon

France · 45.76°, 4.84°

Gastronomic capital of France, historic Old Town, stunning confluence of Rhône and Saône rivers.

I · What there is to see12 documented places

Les traboules du Vieux-Lyon et de la Croix-Rousse

Des passages couverts qui traversent les immeubles de cour en cour : quatre cents recensés, une quarantaine ouverts. Les canuts y descendaient les pièces de soie à l’abri de la pluie.

Le musée des Confluences

Un « nuage de cristal » posé à la pointe où le Rhône rejoint la Saône, ouvert en 2014 : un musée qui mêle sciences naturelles et anthropologie plutôt que de les séparer.

Les théâtres romains de Fourvière

Le grand théâtre de 15 avant notre ère et l’odéon voisin, creusés dans la colline de la Lugdunum d’Auguste ; les Nuits de Fourvière y jouent chaque été.

Le parc de la Tête d’Or

Cent dix-sept hectares ouverts en 1857, plus vastes que Hyde Park : un lac, une roseraie de trente mille rosiers et des serres du XIXᵉ siècle.

Le musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Dans une abbaye bénédictine du XVIIᵉ siècle sur la place des Terreaux : la deuxième collection de France après le Louvre, du Fayoum à Picasso.

Les halles Paul-Bocuse

Cinquante-six commerçants sous une halle des Brotteaux : la quenelle de Giraudet, le saint-marcellin de la Mère Richard, les huîtres de Merle.

Le mur des Canuts

Douze cents mètres carrés de trompe-l’œil sur la Croix-Rousse, repeint trois fois depuis 1987 pour faire vieillir ses personnages avec le quartier.

L’Institut Lumière

La villa des frères Lumière et le hangar où fut tourné, en 1895, le premier film de l’histoire : la sortie des usines.

La presqu’île et la place Bellecour

La plus grande place piétonne d’Europe, entre Rhône et Saône, au cœur du quartier commerçant.

Les bouchons lyonnais

Ces petits restaurants nés des « mères lyonnaises » : tablier de sapeur, quenelle, cervelle de canut. Une vingtaine sont labellisés authentiques.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Stunning 19th-century basilica atop Fourvière hill. Byzantine mosaics, panoramic city views, symbol of Lyon.

Vieux Lyon (Old Town)

UNESCO World Heritage site with Renaissance architecture, traboules (secret passages), and authentic bouchons.

II · Where to sleep, where to eat16 verified addresses
Where to sleep
  • Villa Florentine

    5-star hotel in former convent on Fourvière hill. Michelin restaurant, spa, panoramic terrace.

  • Cour des Loges

    Luxury boutique in four Renaissance buildings in Vieux Lyon. Interior courtyard, Michelin dining, spa with pool. Architectural gem.

  • InterContinental Lyon - Hôtel Dieu

    18th-century former hospital transformed into luxury hotel. Grand Hôtel-Dieu landmark. Dome restaurant, spa, riverside location.

  • Okko Hotels Lyon Pont Lafayette

    Modern design hotel with all-inclusive concept. Free drinks/snacks, riverside location, excellent value. Popular with business travelers.

  • Mama Shelter Lyon

    Hip design hotel by Philippe Starck. Rooftop bar, trendy restaurant, vibrant atmosphere. Perrache district.

  • Hôtel Le Roosevelt

    Classic hotel near Perrache station. Comfortable rooms, good breakfast, central location. Reliable mid-range choice.

  • Away Hostel & Coffee Shop

    Best hostel in Lyon! Stylish design, great coffee shop, social atmosphere, near Bellecour. Clean dorms and privates.

  • Slo Living Hostel

    Eco-friendly hostel in Croix-Rousse. Sustainable concept, rooftop terrace, community kitchen. Budget travelers love it.

Where to eat
  • L'Auberge du Pont de Collonges - Paul Bocuse

    Legendary 3-Michelin-star restaurant of Paul Bocuse. Temple of French gastronomy since 1965.

  • Le Neuvième Art

    2-Michelin-star restaurant by chef Christophe Roure. Creative modern cuisine with seasonal produce. Excellent wine list.

  • Têtedoie

    1-Michelin-star with breathtaking panoramic views over Lyon. Modern French cuisine on Fourvière hill. Stunning terrace.

  • Daniel et Denise

    Authentic Lyonnais bouchon by MOF chef Joseph Viola. Traditional quenelles, andouillette, tête de veau. The real deal!

  • Les Lyonnais

    Classic bouchon in Vieux Lyon. Checkered tablecloths, traditional Lyonnais specialties. Warm atmosphere, local crowd.

  • Café Comptoir Abel

    Oldest bouchon in Lyon (since 1928). Traditional decor, generous portions, authentic atmosphere. Popular with locals.

  • Le Poêlon d'Or

    Budget-friendly bouchon near Part-Dieu. Authentic Lyonnais dishes at great prices. No-frills, generous portions.

  • Le Kitchen Café

    Trendy brunch spot in Croix-Rousse. Organic ingredients, creative dishes, excellent coffee. Popular weekend brunch.

These addresses are surveyed one by one. The automatically generated lists — a “Grand Hotel” and a “Table de” in every city — have been removed: they did not exist.

III · What the site knows about it
Working from here

85 out of 100 on the Nomad Score. 9 working hours shared with Western Europe.

The eight criteria in detail
When to go

April-June and September-October

The country

France

The Cercle’s Carnet

169 addresses in this city, 20 of them cafés.

IV · In pictures
Lyon — 1
Lyon — 2
Lyon — 3
V · Book on the spot6 tours

Lyon Highlights & Secrets Walking Guided Tour (small group) including Funicular

Plunge into the exciting stories that Lyon hides. Stories, anecdotes and legends that create unforgettable memories - as do its outstanding museums, dynamic cultural life, its past as a France's foremost publishing center, capital of the Three Gauls, and "capitale de la Résistance française"; And last, but not least, all the facts that have turned Lyon into France's gastronomical capital.

5.0(959)3 h
Free cancellation
from €33

Lyon Small-Group Food Tour with Wine & Full Meal by Do Eat Better

Thanks to the Do Eat Better Experience Food Tours you will have an overview of the gastronomic tradition of the beautiful city of Lyon and feel like a true local, while walking through the streets and tasting delicious typical dishes, always guided by our Local Expert.

4.9(818)3 h 30
Free cancellation
from €84

Lyon Old Town Food Tour with 5 Authentic Dishes & Fine Wine

Food is undoubtedly one of Lyon's most beloved traditions. Since 1935, the city has been considered the world capital of gastronomy. When Lyon's culinary traditions were being forged, the famous "Mères Lyonnaises" (Lyonnaise Mothers) managed to turn Lyon cuisine into an institution.

4.9(811)3 h 30
Free cancellation
from €108

Lyon Sunset Food Tour & Wine -Taste of France by Do Eat Better

Do Eat Better Experience Lyon Food Tour is a walking tour around the old town. You will be guided by a Local Expert who's able to explain every detail of the selected restaurants, their preparations, and any other relevant curiosity.

4.9(473)3 h 30
Free cancellation
from €86

Lyon Old Town Food Tour with Local Specialties Tasting & Lunch

Lyon Food Tour offers a 4-hour unique gastronomy experience with lunch. Accompanied by a passionate local guide discover the capital of gastronomy during a rhythmic visit full of unusual anecdotes and exceptional culinary tastings. Explore must-see places, meet local artisans and taste products that identify with the reputation of Lyon’s heritage. Tour is limited to a maximum of 12 travelers. Length of this tour is around 2km.

4.9(441)4 h
Free cancellation
from €89

Afternoon Old Town Food tour

Go to discover the Old Town district between murals paintings, traboules, must-see places punctuated meetings passionate locals craftsmen who will share their expertise and their delicious products emblematics of Lyon.

4.8(365)3 h
Free cancellation
from €75

Tours offered by Viator. Booking through these links earns us a commission, at no extra cost to you.

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VI · Nearby

Also surveyed: 6 shops and 5 means of transport.