So much more than a commercial powerhouse, charming Lyon has miles of hidden passageways behind its glamorous facade. Whether you’re in town for luxury shopping or to soak up cultural riches, France’s third largest city won’t disappoint.
Drop into the famous bouchons to try traditional Lyonnaise cuisine or explore history dating back thousands of years.
Appreciate the views in Vieux
When you visit Lyon, the architecture will grab your attention – and nowhere is this clearer than in Vieux Lyon, the old town. Stroll through this neighbourhood to see terracotta rooftops stretching across the riverbanks, Renaissance-style mansions dating back centuries and countless key landmarks.
The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is one of the most important local buildings. This 19th-century hilltop monument houses regular services, plus a large collection of sacred artwork. This is the church where the city’s famous Festival of Lights began more than 150 years ago.
Lyon Cathedral is another major treasure. Its 14th-century astronomical clock stands with pride above the cobbled streets around Place Saint-Jean. This incredible wrought iron timepiece can calculate every saint’s day on the calendar. The 2020 adaptations mean the clock will continue to chime until 3008.
Relax after all this sightseeing by dropping into a relaxed restaurant with views of Place Bellecour. This is the third largest public square in France, where Napoleonic buildings create a relaxing ambience.
Quartier Saint-Jean is home to a traditional flea market, while the narrow traboules passageways in Quartier Saint Georges make great places to get lost.
Petit luxes: sample Lyon’s opulent side
Lyon’s luxuries are not confined to the Vieux Lyon neighbourhood. Across the river, you’ll find more old-world charm and plenty of great places to indulge.
The Presqu’ile district feels almost Parisian. Here, fabulous shopping malls sit beside intriguing museums. Some of the best include the Textiles and Decorative Arts Museum and the Musée des Beaux Arts. The latter is a 17th-century utopia filled with exhibits on ancient civilisations and fine paintings from the likes of Pablo Picasso and Claude Monet.
Amphitheaters and Roman Baths
Lyon’s long and storied past is apparent in the fabric of the skyline. Its famous Roman theatres are a must-see for history-lovers and a fantastic opportunity to marvel at the achievements of the ancient world.
Both theatres are located in the Fourvière area of Lyon, with the largest dating back to 15 BCE. The smaller Odeon theatre is just as intricately carved and impressive. These ancient stars each vie for celebrity on the leafy slopes above the city.
Visit these impressive locations to visualise the spirit of a Roman gladiator battle, or learn more at the Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilisation on Fourvière Hill.
If you can’t get enough of the ancient heritage, the Lyon Roman Baths are well worth a visit. These ruins were unearthed in the 1970s and offer an intriguing window into history.
Lashings of music and light
This city may be sophisticated, but it doesn’t shy away from an outlandish celebration. The Lyon Light Festival is the city’s most famous event, transforming the streets into a strobe-lit wonderland for four nights each December.
The beautiful Lyon architecture makes a striking canvas for the world’s largest visual arts festival. Every key building gets a role in the furore, and the riverbank becomes a patchwork of transformative art. Join the crowds and witness a city restyled in stained glass and futuristic conjurations by leading contemporary creatives.
Whether you’re planning a historical tour or a journey through innovative art, Lyon car rental makes it easy to plan an itinerary than oozes class.
