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Lyon Sightseeing Tours: Hop on Off Buses

Visit lyon on a guided bus or tram tour.

Lyon City Tours present two guided tours of Lyon. One aboard a double decker bus taking in the major sites of Lyon and the second is a small electric tram which takes visitors on a guided tour of La Croix Rousse. Guided tours of Lyon are a great way to discover the city and get your bearings when you arrive. You’ll be taken around all the interesting parts of the city and sightseeing is a great way to take photographs or give your legs a rest from walking.

Lyon from a double decker bus: Hop on Hop off bus tour

The Lyon City Bus is an open-top double decker bus and is a great way to discover Lyon.

You can get off at any of the 12 different stops including Place Bellecour, Place des Jacobins, Place des Terreaux, Vieux Lyon, The Lyon Aquarium, Musée des Confluences and Fourvière and you can simply get back on the bus whenever you feel like it.

Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tour in Lyon

Audio guides using headphones are available in several different languages including English. The full tour takes about 90 minutes and buses leave from Place Bellecour every hour. The last bus leaves at 5pm. In the summer months there is a special evening bus on Thursday and Sunday which departs Place Bellecour at 9.45pm.

• Adult one-day pass: 22€
• Children: €8
• Family: 50€ (2 adults + 2 children)

You can easily buy your tickets online, valid for one year and can be used whenever you like. Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more for more information email: [email protected] or phone: 04 78 56 32 39.

La Croix-Rousse on a special red tram

Lyon City Tram takes visitors on a guided tour of La Croix Rousse, the hill which lies to the north of the city centre and which was the centre of European silk production in the 19th century.

This small red train with its panoramic roof and a design reminiscent of a historic cable car is a fun way to discover an essential part of Lyon’s history and what it has to offer today. The tour takes about one hour and stops at several impressive murals including the famous “Fresque des Lyonnais”.

There’s an audio guide available in 6 languages: English, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian…

You can purchase your tickets from the website and use anytime within the year.

• Adult ticket 10€
• Children 6€
• Family: 23€ (2 adults + 2 children)

The tram departs from Place de La Comédie everyday at: 9.45am, 11am, 12.15pm, 2:15 pm, 3.30pm and 4.45 pm.

Place de la Comédie is located in between the Lyon Opera and Hotel de Ville and adjacent to the metro station Hotel de Ville.

Great for families with children

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THE 5 BEST Lyon City Tours

City tours in lyon.

• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Walking Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Up to 1 hour
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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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5. Private tour of Lyon

6. Full-Day Private Rhône Valley Wine Tour Experience from Lyon

7. Lyon Half Day Old Town Silk Shop & Paul Bocuse Markets Tasting

8. Arrival Private Transfer from Lyon Airport LYS to Lyon City by Luxury Van

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The only Lyon city guide you’ll ever need

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If your ideal getaway involves world-class food, history and culture, then Lyon in France should be at the top of your bucket list. Read on to discover how you can best experience Lyon’s unique charm.

Tourists who overlook Lyon for better-known cities like Paris and Nice are making a grave mistake. This fascinating 2000-year-old city is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers in southeastern France, just two hours from Paris by train. Frequently recognised as the gastronomical capital of France and celebrated for its precious historical sites, Lyon boasts an endless number of cultural gems and attractions.  

Marvel at the lavish Byzantine interior of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, famed for its turquoise-gold mosaics. Experience Lyon like a local at the lively produce markets along the Saône. Stroll through the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO-listed old town and discover its labyrinth of hidden passageways that date back to the Renaissance. It’s impossible not to fall in love with this vibrant French city. 

Where is Lyon?

What is lyon famous for, neighbourhoods of lyon, things to do in lyon, things to see in lyon, things to eat in lyon.

• Best photo spots in Lyon

Transport in Lyon

How to get to lyon, when to visit lyon, weather in lyon, how long to spend in lyon, essential lyon travel facts.

• Is Lyon safe ?

Lyon is the capital of the Rhône-Alpes region in southeastern France. The city centre of Presqu’île (literally translating to ‘almost island’) is located between the meeting point of two powerful European rivers: the Rhône and Saône. North of Lyon is the wine region of Burgundy, while the French Alps and Switzerland lie to the east. Getting from Paris to Lyon by train takes just two hours, as do many destinations in the South of France and the French Riviera. All of these regions are easily accessible from Lyon with public transport.

Lyon is the third largest city by population in France, after Paris and Marseille. It is renowned for its significant historical and architectural landmarks, as well as its exceptional gastronomy.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Lyon was founded by the Roman Empire in 43 BC and has since retained its historical centre by the Fourvière hill, despite considerable urban development. Historically, Lyon played an important role in the production and trade of silk. Today, Lyon’s primary claim to fame is its reputation as France’s capital of gastronomy due to its outstanding food and wine scene.

Lyon is divided up into nine arrondissements (or neighbourhoods). The 1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements make up Presqu’île, which is the strip of land between the two rivers. The 3rd, 6th, 7th and 8th arrondissements are on the right of the Rhône River, while the 5th (the old town) and 7th lie to the left of the Saône.

Discover the medieval old town

Entering Vieux Lyon, the oldest part of Lyon, is like stepping into a bygone era. This charming cluster of cobblestone streets sits at the base of the Fourvière Hill and is home to an array of independent shops. The leisurely crowds and earthy ochre hues of the Renaissance buildings give Vieux Lyon a small-town atmosphere reminiscent of the South of France.

Take a local guided tour of Vieux Lyon to discover the secret passageways called traboules that connect buildings and streets, along with a hidden network of courtyards and spiral staircases. These passageways were used to transport textiles in the Renaissance silk trade and to help the French Resistance to elude Nazi soldiers during WWII. Nowadays, most of the traboules lie on private property, so you’ll only able to access them with a guide.

After you’ve explored all of the picturesque streets in Vieux Lyon, you’ll want to stop for a sweet snack. When your nose has led you towards the irresistible buttery aroma of one of Vieux Lyon’s bakeries, treat yourself to a classic pain au chocolat or a pink praline tart, a Lyonnais speciality. On the weekends, try a salted caramel crepe from the pop-up stands while you sit by the Saint-Jean fountain and gaze up at the gothic Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral. 

Visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière

The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is an emblem of Lyon, visible city-wide from its towering home atop the Fourvière hill. Constructed between 1872 and 1884, it was built as a tribute to the Virgin Mary for the city’s good fortune during the Franco-Prussian War. 

Taking inspiration from Byzantine and Roman architecture (unconventional choices for its time), the basilica’s interior is undeniably one of a kind. You’ll be in awe of its outstanding mosaic murals embellished with white and blue marble, pink granite and gold detailing. Despite its elegant inner vaults, locals often refer to this attraction as “the upside-down elephant” due to its four-pillar exterior. 

Visitors can enter the basilica for free or take a guided history tour to learn about the fascinating stories behind this treasured landmark. From Vieux Lyon, it takes 15 to 20 minutes to walk up the hill to the basilica or a few minutes on the funicular.

Experience roman ruins

Located just a few minutes walk from the Fourvière Basilica are the ruins of two historical Roman amphitheatres that you can peruse at your own leisure. The larger of the two, the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, was constructed in the 1st Century BC and was originally used to show plays and comedies to a crowd of up to 10,000 people. The smaller odeon was created for a more elite audience who would gather before political orators, musicians and poets.

History is truly etched into every surface of the city. In some places in the Fourvière district, you can still see the remains of ancient aqueducts, which were built by the Romans to carry water through the city thousands of years ago, such as the Aqueduc du Gier.

Wander through riverside markets at St Antoine

On weekend mornings, the banks of the Saône River come alive with the hum of live violin music, the citrusy scent of clementines and the shouts of competitive vendors. As the largest outdoor food market in Lyon, the St Antoine market is a local hotspot that showcases an abundance of regional produce. Think golden chanterelle mushrooms, quality saucissons and fragrant sage bundles from Provence. If you stroll ten minutes north along the river, you’ll arrive at the quaint Bouquinistes markets, where second-hand booksellers converse over a bottle of Pinot Noir. (In France, it’s never too early for wine!)

The markets generally run from midweek through to Sunday from early morning until 1pm. Getting to Quai St Antoine before 9:30am will give you the best chance to beat the weekend crowds. Make sure to bring cash with you, as most sellers don’t accept card payments for small purchases.

Enjoy a traditional Lyonnais meal at a bouchon

Lyon is renowned for its unique bouchon restaurants, which are recognisable by their red and white checked tablecloths. Bouchons welcome guests with a convivial, cosy atmosphere and typically offer fixed-price menu options. You’ll be able to treat your tastebuds to authentic Lyonnaise dishes such as succulent veal’s head cooked in stock or the quenelle de brochet , a fluffy fish dumpling covered and baked in a creamy Nantua sauce. For dessert, try a cheese platter or an île flottante (a French meringue floating in a silky cream). 

Many restaurants in Lyon disingenuously label themselves as bouchons . To find a list of authentic bouchons , visit the website of Les Bouchons Lyonnais , an organisation that awards a certification to restaurants that adhere to the rigorous guidelines of the bouchon tradition.

Indulge in local wines 

Côtes du Rhône, Grenache, Chardonnay, Chablis; Lyon is an absolute goldmine when it comes to quality wines. Sitting at the doorsteps of the world-famous Burgundy and Rhône wine regions, Lyon spoils you for choice when it comes to wine-tasting, whether you choose to head to a nearby winery or stop by a bar or wine cellar within the city. 

If you’re visiting Lyon in November, look out for bottles of the Beaujolais Nouveau in bistros, wine stockists and markets. This fruity, light-bodied red is released on the third Thursday of November each year, just a few weeks after the Gamay grape has been picked, to celebrate the end of year’s harvest. From Lyon, it takes just 40 minutes to arrive at the Beaujolais region, where over a hundred Beaujolais Nouveau festivities are held each year. 

Another fantastic wine experience near Lyon is the Ampuis Wine Market. For just 10€, you can sample over 200 of the best local wines from 60 premium winemakers and merchants in the Rhône Valley. This event takes place over a few days in January in Ampuis, a 40-minute drive south of Lyon’s city centre. 

See the Festival of Lights

La Fête des Lumières (The Festival of Lights) is Lyon’s most anticipated annual event, attracting millions of visitors every year. For four enchanting evenings in early December, the city is transformed into a luminous spectacle with artistic light installations that highlight Lyon’s most culturally significant landmarks. Following a centuries-old tradition that initially honoured the Virgin Mary statue atop Fourvière hill, you will also see many Lyonnais locals placing lit candles on their windowsills. Today, the festival represents Lyon’s living heritage, bringing people together to celebrate the city’s multifaceted identity.

Cycle through Parc de la Tête d’Or

Hire a Vélo’v bicycle and ride along the Rhône River to the 6th arrondissement where you’ll find Parc de la Tête d’Or, the largest urban park in France. Pass through the grand, golden gates to discover the park’s 105 hectares of nature and family friendly attractions. Roam the magnificent rose gardens, say hello to the giraffes at the free public zoo or hire a pedal boat on the lake. After you’ve had enough exercise for the day, watch swans drift past by on the lake or grab a bite to eat at the waterside café La Buvette des Cygnes. 

Visit the birthplace of cinema 

If you consider yourself a film fanatic, Lyon is bound to steal your heart. In 1894, the Lyon-based Lumière brothers invented cinema as we know it with their revolutionary camera and projector, the Cinématographe. While in Lyon, you can visit the Musée Lumière, the very site on which cinema was born, and discover the story of the Lumière brothers. For more film-related fun, visit the Cinema and Miniature Museum to gain insight into the special effects of leading film studios or see a contemporary French film at the Pathé Bellecour theatre. 

Explore the quiet neighbourhood of La Croix-Rousse

La Croix-Rousse is situated on the city’s second hill. While it’s a bit of an uphill climb, it’s well worth the effort. You’ll be charmed by the countless cafes, amber-coloured buildings and large-scale painted murals of this old silk-weaving district. The Jardin des Chartreux is the perfect place to admire the city from above as the sun sets over myriad terracotta-tiled rooftops. At dusk, La Croix-Rousse comes alive with the laughter of students frequenting local bars. If you prefer not to walk up or down the hill, take the funicular on the metro Line C.

Admire Place des Terreaux 

A trip to Lyon isn’t complete without a visit to the famed Place des Terreaux. This impressive plaza is situated in the 1st arrondissement below La Croix-Rousse and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hôtel de Ville building. To the left of the city hall is the 21-tonne Bartholdi fountain, which was sculpted by the architect who designed the Statue of Liberty and features a chariot of four horses. Opposite the fountain is the Musée des Beaux Arts. Here, visitors can browse the museum’s ancient Egyptian and Modern art collections or sit amongst the sculptures in the peaceful courtyard garden. While you’ll need to buy a ticket to enter the museum, the garden is open to the public.

Shop and dine in the 2nd arrondissement

In the streets of the wealthy 2nd arrondissement, you’ll find stunning French architecture and designer clothing labels. Browse the shops along Rue de la République and stroll down Rue Mercière, a cosy street of lively restaurants and bars. After you’ve stopped for a paté en croute and a glass of Côtes du Rhône, walk through one of Lyon’s most beautiful squares, Place des Jacobins, to marvel at the elegant 19th-century fountain.

Take in the beauty of Lyon from the Jardin des Curiosités 

A popular viewing spot for Lyonnais locals is the Jardin des Curiosités, located on the Fourvière hill, fifteen minutes walk from the old town. From here, not only do you have views of the entire city and its two rivers, but, on a clear day, you can also see Mont Blanc (the highest mountain in Western Europe).

Take a sightseeing river cruise

The Rhône and the Saône rivers are an integral part of Lyon’s heritage. Why not jump on a sightseeing cruise from Les Bateaux Lyonnais to see Lyon’s attractions from a new angle? The hour-long tours depart from the banks of the Saône next to the Palais de Justice footbridge and cost from 15€ per person, or are free if you have a Lyon City Card .

Explore La Confluence

La Confluence is a neighbourhood in Lyon’s 2nd arrondissement where you can see the exact point where the Rhône and Saône rivers converge. The innovative contemporary architecture of La Confluence provides a striking contrast to the Renaissance style of Vieux Lyon and La Croix-Rousse. Stroll along the restaurant-lined pier or stop by the Musée des Confluences, a spectacular natural history and anthropology museum.

Keep reading:

Lyon, France Map

Plan the perfect travel itinerary with this interactive map of Lyon that shows you the city’s top attractions.

Attractions on Presqu’île (1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements)

Place des jacobins.

• Place des Terreaux
• Hôtel de Ville
• Musée des Beaux Arts
• Palais de la Bourse 
• National Opera of Lyon  
• Église Saint-Nizier de Lyon
• Musée des Confluences

Grand Hôtel-Dieu

• Mur des Canuts
• Place Bellecour

Attractions in Vieux Lyon (5th arrondissement)

• Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
• Roman amphitheatres 
• Les traboules (silk trade passageways)

Passerelle Saint Georges

• Saint Jean-Baptiste cathedral
• Saint-Jean square

Attractions in the 6th arrondissement 

• Parc de la Tête d’Or
• The Lyon Museum of Contemporary Art
• Fountain at Place Maréchal Lyautey

Lyon has a global reputation for culinary excellence, labelled France’s Global Gastronomy Capital by the Michelin Guide in 2023. It sits just below the world-famous Beaujolais wine region and is home to 93 Michelin Guide restaurants and the legendary French chef Paul Bocuse. On top of this, the humble bouchon restaurants that serve up a traditional Lyonnaise menu make Lyon one of the best destinations in France for experiencing authentic French cuisine. 

Savoury things to eat in Lyon

The quenelle is one of Lyon’s signature dishes, a delicate fish dumpling typically baked in a crayfish Nantua sauce. The mousse-textured quenelle is typically made from pike sourced from the Rhône-Alpes streams and can be found in most authentic Lyonnais bouchons . 

Despite its deterring name that translates to ‘silk worker’s brain’, la cervelle de canut is a delicious white cheese spread seasoned with herbs, shallots, vinegar and walnut oil. Spread it over crusty bread for a wonderful snack or appetiser. 

Lyonnaise salad is another speciality to try during your trip to Lyon. Simple but fresh, this salad is made with crispy croutons, pork lardons and lettuce topped with a poached egg. Try it as an entrée at Le Comptoir de Léa. 

The Lyon-style andouillette is the perfect main meal for foodies with a more adventurous palate. It’s a pungent tripe sausage made from veal flavoured with regional mustard that you’ll find on the menu of most bouchon restaurants such as Daniel et Denise in Vieux Lyon.

A trip to France is simply not complete without (copious) visits to a local bakery. The baguette is an unbeatable French classic that is integral to the French identity and has even been crowned with UNESCO World Heritage status. The quality of bread in Lyon is as high as you’ll find anywhere in the world, so why not try the well-loved Pain des Jacobins or Boulangerie Chez Jules.

For French fine dining at its best, look no further than Restaurant Paul Bocuse. Try this internationally-renowned chef’s black truffle soup topped with fluffy pastry – the very dish that earned Bocuse the Legion of Honor from President Valéry Giscard d’Estaing in 1975. 

Sweet things to eat in Lyon

Pralines roses are caramelised almonds with a pink, sugary shell that are unique to Lyon. You’ll instantly recognise them from their eye-catching hue in markets, stores, patisseries and restaurants all over the city. Enjoy pralines roses on their own or in breads, pastries, tarts and crepes.

Treat yourself to a Coussin de Lyon , a delicious chocolate ganache enveloped in a turquoise, curacao-flavoured marzipan. Classified in the National Heritage of Confectionary, this pillow-shaped sweet was created in 1960 by French chocolatier Voisin and has since become a symbol of Lyon. 

If you’ve passed by a Chocolats Pralus store in Lyon, you’ll have witnessed the dozens of people lining up to try their famous praluline brioches . The texture of this city-wide speciality is akin to a dense, buttery croissant and comes in chocolate chip or praline rose varieties. 

There’s no better place to indulge in a crème brûlée than Lyon, France. This silky vanilla dessert topped with a wafer-thin caramel is the perfect way to end a meal at one of Lyon’s many restaurants.

Best Photo Spots in Lyon

Lyon has no shortage of Instagram-worthy sights. Here are the top locations to help you capture the travel photos of your dreams.

Ancient Theatre of Fourvière

Les Traboules of Vieux Lyon

Jardin des Curiosités 

Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière

Jardin des Chartreux

La Fresque des Lyonnais

Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral

Courtyard gardens at Musée des Beaux Arts

Place des Terreaux 

Les pentes de la Croix-Rousse

Lyon is an extremely well-connected city. Buses, metros and trams provided by TCL, Lyon’s public transport network, remove any need for a car if you’re staying within the city. You can buy tickets at self-service kiosks in all metro and train stations that must be validated before you ride. For metros and funiculars, validation involves inserting your ticket or tapping your TCL subscription card (available for purchase online or in a TCL office) at the station’s entrance point. For buses and trams, there are validation machines on board. Visit the TCL website to find out fare prices, day pass options and schedules. 

It’s also worth checking out the Lyon City Card to save on costs. For a duration of 24, 48, 72 or 96 hours, you can enjoy unlimited access to public transport (bus, metro, tram and funicular), discounted shopping and free access to 88 activities around the city, including museums, leisure river cruises, guided tours and theatre shows. Prices of the city card range from 29€ to 59€. 

Many locals and tourists choose to get around Lyon by bike as almost all roads have clearly marked bicycle lanes. Hire a bike for the day at an affordable price with Vélo’v , a self-service bike rental company with hundreds of stations around the city where you can pick up and return a bicycle. 

Taxis and Ubers are also widely available around the city.

Looking for more France travel inspiration? Try these:

• The French wine region you have to try
• Seven reasons to ski Val d’Isere in the French Alps
• The ultimate road trip around Provence

Getting from Paris to Lyon by train is easy: just hop on the 2-hour high-speed TGV . The majority of trains departing from larger cities like Marseille and Geneva will arrive at the city’s main train station, Part-Dieu in the 3rd arrondissement. However, it is also possible to arrive by train at Lyon-Perrache station, which is located more centrally on Presqu’île. Most coaches will arrive here too, as Lyon-Perrache is the city’s main bus terminal. Intercity train and coach tickets can be purchased on the SNCF website or app.

If you prefer to fly directly into the city, you can book a flight to the international Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport. It takes approximately 30 minutes by car to reach the city centre or between 30 and 50 minutes by train or bus. Rhônexpress is a shuttle service that will take you directly from the airport to Part Dieu station.

To avoid peak crowds and unpleasant temperatures in the hottest and coldest months of the year, the best time to go to Lyon is in September and October. That being said, Lyon is a great place to visit any time of the year as the weather is mild. If you prefer taking advantage of the outdoor terrace dining culture and vineyard tours in surrounding regions, you may want to visit in the warmer months from late May to mid-September. For a lively winter atmosphere, head to Lyon from late November to December.

From June to August, France’s summer period, the weather in Lyon is warm, with temperatures ranging from 22°C to 35°C. Locals love to sit and share a bottle of wine on the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers on sunny days before heading to one of Lyon’s many terrace restaurants and bars. Cycle through the leafy Parc de la Tête d’Or or discover the incredible Roman ruins on the Fourvière hill. To cool off, take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool at the Tony Bertrand Nautical Centre on the banks of the Rhône. The weather in Lyon tends to remain pleasant well into September. 

Winter is a terrific time to go to Lyon, France. Temperatures are cold but are less extreme compared to northern European destinations, with an average of 5 to 10°C during the day that can drop to 0°C at night. Occasionally, it may also snow. In early to mid-December you can witness the spectacular Festival of Lights, a city-wide light installation show that highlights Lyon’s main attractions over three or four nights. Delight in a cup of vin chaud (hot mulled wine) at the Christmas markets outside Lyon-Perrache station or along Rue Mercière, or take the kids to a traditional Christmas Guignol show.

In order to experience all the incredible sights and activities Lyon has to offer, at least three or four days are needed. However, if you’re simply looking to tick off the most popular attractions, one to two nights will suffice. 

Lyon makes a terrific base for exploring surrounding regions if you are looking to spend a little more time in France. It is situated just below the famous wine region of Burgundy and is just two hours from both the South of France coastline and the western Swiss border. Annecy, Pérouges, Grenoble, Dijon and Avignon are popular French cities and towns you can get to in two hours or less from Lyon with public transport.  

Passport and visa: Valid passport or Schengen Visa. Check the entry requirements for your country on France’s official website . 

Currency: France uses Euros, written as €. Whilst most restaurants and shops accept card payments, it’s a good idea to carry cash on you as many bakeries, smaller vendors and market stalls will not accept card payments or will only do so at a minimum of 5€ or 10€.

ATMS: ATMS are readily available in most parts of the city. 

Tipping: Tipping is not required, though wait staff always appreciate it if their service has impressed you.

Electricity: Like most countries in Western Europe, France uses Type E (2-pin) plugs.

Staying connected: Plenty of cafes around the city and shopping centres like Westfield Part-Dieu offer free Wi-Fi. You may wish to speak to your network provider about international plans, but local European or prepaid travel SIM cards usually offer the best value.

Opening and closing hours: Most shops and grocery stores in Lyon close all day on Sundays, so you’re better off doing any shopping during the week before 8pm or on Saturdays. While bakeries are open on weekends, including Sundays, most are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Restaurant bookings: Lyon is a highly-populated city with a strong tourist appeal. For this reason, it is always recommended to book a table to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends and during peak periods. 

Is Lyon safe?

Like the rest of France, Lyon is a safe and tourist-friendly place to visit. It is a fantastic city to explore not only for families and groups but also for solo and female travellers. That being said, there are some things you should be careful of when travelling to Lyon. 

Pickpocketing is not uncommon in and around train and metro stations, particularly Bellecour, Part-Dieu and Lyon-Perrache stations. To prevent theft, don’t leave your phone or other valuables visibly in your pockets. It is best to keep a firm hold of them or stow them in a safe part of your bag not visible to the public. If you are sitting outdoors or in a cafe near a station, avoid leaving your bag unattended or placing it in an easily accessible place.

The old town (Vieux Lyon) and Presqu’île (the 1st, 2nd and 4th arrondissements) are typically viewed as the safest areas in central Lyon. It’s not advised to wander aimlessly around neighbourhoods like La Guillotière and Villeurbanne at night, especially if you are alone. 

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LYON - France's second city

Lyon - where to stay, what to see and do.

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  Lyon - things to see and do 

Lyon Hotels and apartments

1. hotels choose hotels by area of lyon.

• Central area - La Presqu'île, between the two rivers
• The old  city , west of the Saône
• La Part Dieu - near the main railway station

A choice of hotels and apartments in Lyon.

Lyon tourist attractions.

Seeing Lyon

In the area - around lyon.

Lyon in a nutshell :

Access - getting to lyon   , lyon train stations : , the lyon city card : .

Location : 

• Peloponnese
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• More Destinations
• Thessaloniki
• Castell de Castelldefels
• Castelldefels
• Liberty Island
• Washington D.C.
• SIngapore city
• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• Kristiansand

• Acropolis Hill
• Ancient Agora
• Acropolis Museum
• Temple of Olympian Zeus
• National Archaeological Museum
• Roman Agora
• Athens City Museum
• Athens Olympic Museum
• The National Garden

• Heraklion Archaeological Museum

• Andritsaina

• Missolonghi
• Thermopylae

• Rhodes City Tours
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• The Colosseum
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• Castel Sant' Angelo
• Saint Peter's Basilica

• Doge's Palace
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• Sempione Park

• The Tower of Pisa

• The Red Light District

• The Alhambra Palace

• Royal Alcazares
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• Lázaro Galdiano Museum
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• Montjuïc Cable Car
• Mirador torre Glòries

• The Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba

• The Mallorca Cathedral

• The Hagia Sophia

• Ephesus Ancient City Tour

• Times Square
• Central Park
• Ellis Island & National Immigration Museum
• Niagara Falls

• Balboa Park

• Star Ferry Pier
• Victoria Peak

• Ruins of St. Paul

• Louvre Museum

• Orange Roman Theatre & Museum

• St. George Castle
• Belem Tower
• Jerónimos Monastery

• Cathedral of Oporto

• Quinta da Regaleira
• The Pena Palace
• Moorish Castle

• Museu Nacional Frei Manuel do Cenáculo

• The Citadel of Qaitbay

• The Hanging Church

• Vajdahunyad Castle

Inclusions and Exclusions

• The Location
• Important Information

Know before you book

Know before you go, lyon city tour: lyon the best.

€  9,99 per person

With a motto that recognises a self-evident truth (Avant, avant, Lion le melhor), the Lyonnais already know that Lyon is among the best destinations in France, a cultural metropolis at the majestic confluence of two rivers. A major hub during the Renaissance, famous for its silk, and home to innovative entrepreneurs who gave us the silver screen, Lyon is truly the best.

Waltz in Lyon with a self-guided audio tour on your phone designed by an accredited expert. Listen to fascinating stories, based on an award-winning storytelling concept, and gain great insights into Lyon’s most iconic attractions . Start your tour from the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, one of the oldest theaters in France and go on to explore the city and its secrets.

This is an unmissable opportunity to experience at your own pace Lyon with a captivating audio tour on your phone.

* * Ticket/entrance fee to any museum, archaeological site, or church is not included.

1.1 - Plancus and the refugees

Lucius Munatius Plancus had long experience of Gaul, which he gained as an officer in Julius Caesar’s army. He was also someone with the rare ability to survive political and military upheavals due to his ability to shift his allegiance smoothly. In 43 BCE, Rome was engulfed in civil war following the assassination of Julius Caesar the previous year. The Senate wished to prevent recruits from joining the army of Mark Antony, who was trying to avenge Caesar’s death. It so happened that there was a group of Roman refugees expelled from Vienne, a town in southeastern France, by the Allobroges, a Gallic people. The refugees encamped at the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, uncertain what to do until Munatius Plancus appeared and gave them specific directions.

Leonidas Argyros

• Self-guided audio tour in English  on your smartphone (Android & iOS)
• An activation link to access your audio tour
• Offline content (text, audio narration and maps) to avoid roaming charges
• Entrance tickets to museums, archaeological sites, or churches are not included.
• Smartphone or headphones
• Food and drinks
• Transportation
• App not compatible with Windows phones
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Mandatory items

• Charged smartphone

comfortable shoes, hat & sunscreen

The location

Starting point.

The self-guided audio tour is designed to start at the entrance of the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière, 17 Rue Cleberg, 69005 Lyon .

Directions to starting point

The easiest way to get there is to ride the Funicular F2 route stopping at Fourvière train station and then walk down Rue Rogen Radisson Street. You will find the Ancient Theatre of Fourvière at a distance of about 5 minutes on foot .

Important information

Opening hours.

This is an outdoor tour, therefore, it is always available.

Recommended visiting hours

It is recommended to take the tour before sunset.

Additional admission

* * Ticket/entrance fee to the theatres or other sites is not included.

• Please consider that admission fees for museums, archaeological sites, or churches are ΝΟΤ included. 
• This is a downloadable self-guided audio tour for your smartphone, accessible through our app. No live guide will accompany you. No VR / AR is included
• No live guide or meeting point provided.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Check your spam folder as well
• Book per device to be used, not per participant
• An Android (version 5.0 and later) or iOS (version 15.0 and later) smartphone is required. The audio tour is not compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 6/6 Plus or older, iPod Touch 6th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, iPad Air 1st generation, iPad Mini 3rd generation or older.
• You will need storage space on your phone (100-150 MB)
• This is a city tour therefore it is wheelchair accessible, please note that some points of interest might not be wheelchair accessible.
• Mobile signal may be weak at the site(s). Download your audio tour on your smartphone prior to your visit to fully enjoy it.
• After booking, you will receive an email with further instructions on how to access and download your audio tour. Please check your email spam folder as well
• Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged & that you bring your earphones
• Choose a pair of comfortable shoes appropriate for walking.
• On a hot day make sure you wear a hat and sunscreen.
• Make sure you keep the volume at healthy levels and take breaks to rest your ears.

Download the app

To take this self-guided tour, you will need to download the Clio Muse Tours app on your iOS or Android device. Enjoy your tour!

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• Explore the map

3 secret places for your countryside fix near Lyon

Inspiration

Lyon Nature and Outdoor Activities Entertainment and Nightlife

Reading time: 0 min Published on 27 March 2024, updated on 15 April 2024

Fancy a breath of fresh air just a stone's throw from Lyon's Place Bellecour? From a cabin perched in the trees of a chateau to a 'country house in the city' and a classroom that's become a cosy cocoon under the playground plane trees, here are three secret spots to escape to the wild around Lyon. A city break doesn't have to be all urban jungle...

Perch up in a cabin in the trees at Lyon Country House

Sleeping perched in the trees close to the city centre? At Lyon Country House, you're served the great outdoors at the heart of the city! Between centuries-old cedars and stone basins, you can play explorers in the three-hectare park where a historic chateau stands. And enjoy your own green bubble in the accommodation, each one designed as a micro-paradise: a country-house-style watchtower, intimate suites or a luxurious wooden treehouse with a view of the Saône. When it comes to dinner time, everything's provided: just cross the river to treat yourself to a gourmet meal at Auberge Paul Bocuse. In the past, the chef came to pick his wild garlic on the estate.

Lyon Country House

Sleep in an old village school at La Maison d'Ambronay

Hopscotch, the white lines of a playground and a large blackboard hanging under the plane trees in the courtyard... in the village of Ambronay on the Route du Jura, the old primary school has metamorphosed into a chic, vintage guest house, where every detail is a nod to its origins. There are clothes hooks, desks and world maps in the common spaces, from the entrance through to the kitchen-dining room. And in the bedrooms (previously extra-large classrooms), unusual objects such as rulers and pencil cases can be found dotted around, like sweets at break time!

La Maison d’Ambronay (French website)

Exoticism at Folies de la Serve

This time, the Haut-Beaujolais is your destination, where you can opt for the splendors of the Orient or the spirit of the gypsies... The estate offers a wide choice of accommodation: gypsy caravans, small oriental pavilions or rooms from the world of a thousand and one nights. So many opportunities to let yourself be transported into an exotic and unique universe, with the impression of falling asleep in the heart of faraway lands for magical nights. A true invitation to travel!

Les Folies de la Serve

Lodges Lao, a picturesque getaway in the Pierres Dorées Beaujolais region

Situated 30 kilometres to the north-east of Lyon, Bully is one of those remarkable villages with a Toscan accent and a timeless charm, surrounded by vineyards and houses built in stone. Surrounded by l'église, le château et son donjon, les gîtes de Laô sont une invitation à goûter à la douceur de vivre beaujolaise. Une ancienne ferme rénovée en cinq chambres colourées surplombant un hectare de parc. Les gourmets apprécieront les petits déjeuners en terrasse et les dîners à base de produits du terroir (sur réservation). Le gîte est également équipé d'un jacuzzi et d'un espace détente. Que demander de plus ?

Sleeping on the water at Domaine de la Dombes

This time we're going to the Ain, to Saint-Paul-de-Varax to be precise, just 1 hour from Lyon, for a charming break with a different flavour, staying in a tree house at the heart of a 30-hectare estate. You can choose between houses on stilts, tree houses, floating huts or huts surrounded by animals, with different levels of comfort and for 2 to 6 people. It is an opportunity to live like a true adventurer, in harmony with nature, as most of the lodges are deliberately without water or electricity and equipped with dry toilets. It's an eco-sensitive project designed to minimise environmental impact and encourage guests to reconnect with nature. Deer hut, duck nest box, hedgehog burrow, dragonfly hut... A truly poetic moment to admire the mist on the lake at sunrise!

Domaine de la Dombes

Voir cette publication sur Instagram Une publication partagée par 𝑨𝒏𝒏𝒂 🔍 𝑬𝒙𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒓 | 𝑳𝒊𝒇𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒚𝒍𝒆 | 𝑭𝒐𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒆 (@explorannabel)

Recommendations and advice Want to get away from it all in the Lyon area? With these addresses located on average 1 hour from Lyon, you can of course reach the city in just a few minutes. But why not take the time to discover these sites or their immediate surroundings in slow-motion. Most of them offer 'relaxing' activities on site (spa, massage, park, animal watching, fishing) or more sporting activities in the immediate vicinity (cycling, hiking, horse riding, etc.). It's a great way to feel like you're on holiday, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy a bucolic environment! An excellent and original holiday close to Lyon!

Also to be read - Plan your trip to Lyon - 7 delicious delis in Lyon

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