Lyon, the city of light, the confluence of two rivers, the global gastronomic capital. This city with countless names and a rich history of over 2000 years, will enchant you from the moment you lay eyes on it.
It is the third largest city in France, capital of theRhône-Alpes region, with a strategic location and approximately equal distance from Paris and Marseille. The beautiful ancient city of Lyon was originally founded asLugdunumin 43 BC byLuciusPlancusand became the capital and the most important settlement of the Roman province ofGaul. Its historic center is divided into three major areas: the hills ofFourvière, CroixRousseand thePresqu’île district, which lies between the two rivers, Rhône (Rhône) andSaône(Saône).
An important city celebration takes place every year on 8 December, hosting theFêtedesLumières, which is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, as is the church. Locals honor her because they believe she saved their city during the deadly 17th-century plague. Public buildings are illuminated with effects projected onto their façades, while the residents ofLyon place candles on their windowsills. Whatever season you choose to visit, however, it will impress you with its countless sights and restaurants.
What to see
The «hill that prays» awaits your discovery. Fourvière was named so because of the Notre Dame deFourvière cathedral, one of the citys most famous landmarks. The easiest way togetthere is the funicular from the Cathédrale deSaint-Jean stop, but if you’re in the mood for walking, take theMontéeSt.Barthélémythat runs through the park.
The view from the hill is unique, as your gaze stretches from the riverSaône to the Croix-Rousse hill. The Notre Dame deFourvière stands spectacular, straight out of a fairytale. It was built in the 19th century on the ruins of a Roman market and, in fact, has several similarities with SacreCœurinParis. The area is ideal for your most striking photos.
Peeking above the city’s buildings is the TourMétallique. The metal tower, built in 1893, resembles the Eiffel Tower. Continue your stroll to the Gallo-Roman Theatre, one of the citys most important sights. You’ll be impressed, as it has a capacity of about 10,000 people and still operates today. The OpéraNational de Lyon, an impressive 1831 building, hosts classical, contemporary and jazz concerts.
InLyonyou’ll feast on sights beyond the ordinary. The city teems with museums for every taste. If you’re a cinema lover, visit theMuséedes Miniatures etDécorsdeCinéma, which features over 100 handcrafted miniature film sets. At La Maison desCanuts, you’ll find the entire story of Lyon’s silk production, with the old looms that weavers used many years ago.
TheMuséedes Confluences is located in the most high-tech neighborhood, where the two riversSaôneand Rhône meet. It is housed in the most futuristic building and features exhibits of anthropological and scientific interest.
What to do
The neighborhoods ofLyonwill impress you with their hidden secrets and picturesque corners.
TheVieux- Lyon
You’ll get the best first taste ofLyonby starting your tour in the old town, the famousVieux- Lyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Crossing thePresqu’île area, which looks like an island, and the two rivers, you’llseethe foothills of the Fourvière hill. Lose yourself in the cobbled lanes, among medieval buildings and thetraboules, the narrow secret passages. Passing through the courtyards of the houses, you’ll travel back in time.
The «island» ofLyon
ThePresque’île area is known as the citys “island”. There you will find the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls and Place desTerreaux. Then head toward RueMercière, one of the city’s oldest streets, where the heart of gastronomy beats with countless cafés, bistros and traditional restaurants. If you love chocolate, step into thechocolateriePalomas, where there’s a wide variety of chocolates.
The hill of CroixRousse
The famous hill of CroixRousse is known as the «hill that works», as there are many traditional silk workshops there. This neighborhood has a bohemian, artistic character, with squares, galleries and old high-ceilinged houses that years ago served as weaving workshops. Here you’ll stop to admire the very impressive Mur desCanuts mural, which depicts the life of the district and its buildings.
The Jardin Rosa Mir
The citys secret, an oasis amid the streets, is the Jardin Rosa Mir. It is a rock garden hidden in a building’s inner courtyard, crafted by theSpanishceramicist JulesSenis.
Shopping
On the CroixRousse hill lies the open-air market on the Boulevard de la CroixRousse.There you’ll find locals buying regional products. Don’t forget to taste the area’s cheeses.
In the city you’ll find distinctive shops for your browsing and buys. In the city center you’ll find the popular vintage store Elephant Vintage Store, while paradise for shopping lovers is the Confluence Mall with its unique view over the Confluence Marina.
Their bookstores look as if they’ve stepped out of a movie set. The moment you set eyes on the Le Bal desArdentsbookshop, you’ll think you’ve entered the world of “Harry Potter”. Boul’dingueis anything but ordinary, as you can find everything from rare comics and old books to vinyl records and vintage movie posters.
What to try
Lyon is rightly called the gastronomic capital of France, as it truly offers endless options for food. Among the Michelin-starred restaurants, you’ll try the local cuisine in traditional bouchons, the city’s answer to our tavernas. Bouchon LesLyonnais is in the heart of theVieux- Lyon and offers a variety of cheeses and local dishes such as quenelles, chicken withvinegar, as well as desserts like homemade praline tart.
You can’t miss one of the most traditional dishes, such as thequenellelyonnaise. At LePaillerOn, there’s a set menu to save you the trouble of choosing. Perhaps the most famous restaurant connected with the city’s history is the Restaurant PaulBocuse.It is the restaurant of chef PaulBocuse, dubbed by many as the «pope of gastronomy». The dining room’s aesthetic is inspired by grand French country houses, while the dishes are haute cuisine, as it has held 2 Michelin stars for decades. A stop for food and wine at the oldest brasserie is a must. Brasserie Georges has been open since 1836 and serves everything from meat and fish to vegetarian options from the local cuisine.
For a healthier option, head toSabaCaféBellecour, next toPlaceBellecour. Relaxing and nature-inspired, it offers organic coffee, handmade sweets and organic products. Passionate about cooking, the Pisacane siblings aspire to offer homestyle yet modern cuisine with Franco-Italian inspiration at Restaurant LeBoeufd’Argent. You have the chance to do wine pairing, whether your budget is smaller or larger.
If you want to try street food, you can’t miss Lyon’s most famous market.LesHallesde Lyon PaulBocuse is the renowned covered market with over 50 delicatessens, cheese stalls, sweets and food to go.
How to get around
Lyon’s neighborhoods are perfect for walking. The ideal way toseeit is on foot, so you can travel through its long ancient history. Themétrois a very easy way to get around, as are the tram and buses. There is, however, also the funicular up theFourvière hill if you want to avoid the climbs. Theeco-friendlyoption is to rent a bike.
