Our best insider tips about the city of Lyon....
What to do and see in Lyon?
Please find a list of our best insider tips from our Concierge team.
A voir
Let's explore the best things to see in Lyons: cater for all ages, interests, the different seasons and the changing weather
A faire
Let's explore the best things to do in Lyons : cater for all ages, interests, the different seasons and the changing weather
Un souvenir de Lyon
While the big attractions are a must, lesser-known, local experiences and attractions are just as important if not more so
Les nouveautés
What's new, what are the latest attractions in Lyons, what has appeared over the past year?
What to recommend to guests returning here for a second stay
La journée parfaite/ The perfect day
Avoir/ A Must
The Basilica of Notre Dame de la Fourvière
The Basilica, so emblematic of Lyon, located right in the heart of what is locally known as the ‘hill that prays’, overlooks the Old Lyons quarter and offers a panoramic view of the city : on a clear day one can even catch a glimpse of the Mont Blanc! Access the summit in mere minutes by means of the funicular trains that leave from the historic quarter below. The basilica , a Neo-Byzantine work of art by the architect Pierre Bossan never fails to surprise with the exuberance of its interior decor and the four soaring towers that have earned it the nickname of ‘upside-down elephant’.
The concierge recommends : The privileged access to the Basilica from the historic Vieux Lyon, via a very little-known alleyway. This preserved passage reveals some of the secrets of the Lyons of yore.
The Lyons of yore !
The historic city center on the banks of the Saône river, offers visitors enchanting walks amid the narrow, paved streets and Renaissance architecture, altogether with the alleyways and their traditional boutiques. Enjoy a moment on the terrace of one of the many cafes with their colorful red and white Vichy tablecloths, so typical of the restaurants here, affectionately known as « bouchons ». The jewel here is of course the Cathedral dedicated to St John the Baptist.
Travel back in time by strolling through the gay and vibrant neighborhood and revive childhood memories here where the puppet Guignol (Punch) is still a household name.
The concierge recommends : The Gadagne Café located in the very heart of the Hanging Gardens of the museum of the same name : a peaceful haven of greenery perfect for a delicious snack, away from it all.
Le Musée des Confluences (gets its name from its location at the confluence of the Saone and Rhone rivers)
The newest arrival in Lyons welcomes you into an unusual environment with modern, present-day architecture and urban planning. The focal point is « Le Musée des Confluences », for all the world like a 2000 m² cabinet of curiosities, housing a superb collection of over 2 million objects from many different walks of life, all retracing the human saga. You really must visit this wonderful avant-garde monument that is fast becoming one of the iconic symbols of the city.
The concierge recommends : The mammoth of Choulans, one of the most interesting pieces in the permanent collection, discovered in 1859 a few kilometers away from the actual museum. An amusing fact about this remarkable animal, first displayed in the Guimet Museum : when first introduced, the tusks were set back to front !
The Peninsula
Ideally situated between the Saône and the Rhône rivers, the Lyons Presqu’Ile is famous for its 19th century bourgeois architecture, making this a must see during your stay. Classified a World Heritage site by UNESCO, this neighborhood is home to cultural areas such as the Place Bellecour, one of the largest pedestrian areas in Europe, as well as the Place des Terreaux with the superb Beaux Arts museum.
Stroll through the streets and visit the local markets, book sellers’ stalls and gourmet food outlets including the Maison Pralus and its well-known pink praline brioche bread.
The concierge recommends : The Bartholdi Fountain on the Place des Terreaux that has long been an important part of the heritage of Lyons. Originally designed for the city of Bordeaux but considered too expensive, Lyons acquired it in 1889 during the World’s Fair.
The Tête d’Or Park
Check out the city’s green lung, inaugurated in 1857, the same year as the Central Park in New York. Get away from the hustle and bustle of the city in the midst of shady walks.
Perfect for a family outing, the park offers a host of activities for young and old alike, with a chance to visit the zoo or ramble in the botanical gardens and the rose arbors that provide a glorious backdrop. Boats are available at the pier for those who wish to explore the two islands in the lake and enjoy this enchanting setting for a well-deserved break.
The concierge recommends Cycling along the banks of the Rhône like a typical local. Exploring the park to check out the enduring mystery surrounding the legend of a golden head of Christ buried by the Crusaders somewhere in the middle of the 105 hectares.
La Croix Rousse (The Red Cross)
« The hill that works », located to the North of the peninsula will bring you back in time to the world of the silk workers, known as « The Canuts », who lived back then in this wonderful village-like atmosphere.
This is the very nerve centre of all things silk ! It was in the 16th century that a royal edict granted the city the monopoly of the silk industry, giving a great boost to the vitality and growth of Lyons.
Check out this local heritage gem where you can also visit what is now the newest bastion of young local designers.
The concierge recommends : La Maison des Canutes (Canute House) the ideal place to learn all about silk weaving in Lyons and unveil the secrets of the famous Jacquard method as well as visiting the looms still in use in this museum-cum-workshop.
The Lumière Institute
Here, tribute is paid to one of the most magical creations of those extraordinary inventors of the 19th century, Auguste & Louis Lumière : Cinematography. The Château Lumière, the family property that actually witnessed the creation of what became known as the 7th art , is currently a museum that retraces what was a truly legendary epoch. The museum is also the hub of cinematographic distribution, offering outstanding and wonderfully weird screenings in this privileged setting where it all began hundreds of years ago.
The concierge recommends : The Lumière Film Festival : a fascinating rendezvous of heritage cinema with retrospectives, where each year the Lumière Award is presented to an international film personality for his /her work or career. Winners include Clint Eastwood & Quentin Tarantino.
Les Halles Paul Bocuse
Created in 1971, under the patronage of triple Michelin-starred chef Paul Bocuse, this temple of Lyonnais gastronomy unites over fifty traders wishing to highlight the excellent quality of local produce.
This indoor market is an ode to all things gourmet and is the perfect place to find specialties such as brioche sausage or Lyonnais dumplings,
The concierge recommends : The renowned Mère Richard Saint Marcellin cheese accompanied by a glass of St Joseph or Crozes-Hermitage wine, while comfortably enjoying at one of the many food counters .
Les Murs Peints (The Painted Walls)
All over the city, the history of Lyons is told and staged on the Painted Walls. This local curiosity was first developed in the 19th century by artists who wished to make art and culture accessible to all. Major works like the Canute Wall or the Cinema Wall allow visitors to immerse themselves in local heritage.
The concierge recommends : The Fresque des Lyonnais:this painted wall depicts thirty people who played a significant part in the history of Lyons and features, among others, St Exupéry, Paul Bocuse or the Lumière Brothers. It is located near the Place des Terreaux.
A building made in trompe l’oeil and situated on the Saone Quays is a must see during your visit to the Peninsula.
The Festival of Lights
Every year on December 8th, the city of Lyons clothes itself in a mantle of light thanks to the consummate engineering skills of scenic artists whose displays highlight every single one of the city’s monuments. For the past twenty years, Lyons comes to life and light over four evenings with a series of illuminations offering a spectacle to delight young and old alike.
The concierge recommends : Roast chestnuts with a glass of wine or a hot chocolate that you can buy from any one of the numerous vendors you will meet as you find your way through the streets. A welcome snack in this Winter season when temperatures are low.
Things to do
Enjoy a trip on the river
All aboard for a boat trip on either the Saone or the Rhone, to discover the city’s architecture from a different perspective while enjoying a relaxing river cruise. Be captain for a day aboard a small boat (no licence required), take a boat trip on a ‘bateau Lyonnais’ to enjoy a guided tour that will help you to better comprehend the heritage of the local waterways, or you might prefer to savour the local gastronomical delights at lunch or dinner.
The concierge recommends : A Vaporetto boat that leaves from the city centre and brings visitors to the Confluent area in under thirty minutes . This river shuttle is the perfect way to discover the architecture of ancient Lyons and the Saone Peninsula.
Be a chef for a day
The major draw here is the reputation Lyons has earned for its culinary art. The great Curnonsky, the renowned Prince of Gastronomy stated that Lyons was the ‘Capital of Gastronomy’. The traditional ‘bouchons’(local restaurants), the Mères Lyonnaises(‘Lyons Mothers’, so called because many restaurants were run by women), the mâchon (Lyons’ typical breakfast eaten around 9 am) and of course the regional wines contribute to the current prominence of this city that has succeeded in finding the right balance between the preservation of ancient traditions and the development of new concepts. You too can discover the secrets of local gastronomy either through a guided tour of the city, a cookery class or an early-morning tasting menu in a local restaurant.
The concierge recommends : The most Michelin-starred street in all of France, right in the historic heart of the city, le Vieux Lyon. Three superb gourmet addresses, and three outstanding Michelin-starred chefs guarantee food to die for.
Time out for some shopping
Lyons is a shopper’s paradise with its host of small boutiques run by local creators, chain stores and the traditional food shops and stalls. We will be happy to furnish you with a list of the very best addresses for each neighborhood, ensuring that you find that elusive object.
The concierge recommends :The Carré d’Or quarter (Golden Square), located in the Peninsula with its many top designer brands and lesser known select outlets, awaits you !
Join in the rhythm of night time Lyons
See the city in a new light as the sun sets and the many bridges are illuminated. Head for the best spots to enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment to suit your mood . There is so much to choose from: barges on the waterways, jazz clubs, cocktail bars and dancing. We will happily direct you to the best night spots Lyons has to offer.
The concierge recommends: The coziest, most sophisticated or most astonishing cocktail bars in the city, among the best in Europe. The art of the cocktail is perfected here in Lyons. We will give you a very long list... : the choice is yours !
Enjoy the fresh air in the vineyards
The city is surrounded by prestigious vineyards : to the south the world-famous Condrieu or Côte Rôtie appellations, to the east the wines of the Savoie, while to the north, in the immediate proximity are the great Burgundy and Beaujolais vintages. Less than an hour from the historic center of the city, it is possible to enjoy a peaceful, gourmet walk in the country where the vine growers welcome visitors with open arms and share with them their unique ancestral knowledge that has made this region famous and the envy of all the world !
The concierge recommends : Rent an authentic Citroën 2CV car directly from the hotel and enjoy a spectacular and memorable day driving through the vineyards. Surprises in store!
Discover the secret world of the cinema
The Cinema and Miniature Museum, located at N° 60 on the well-known rue St Jean is an atypical address in a listed building that is a faithful reflection of the architecture of this historic area. The museum proposes a voyage into the imaginary world of the 7th art , where you will discover not only the original settings from the greatest and best European and American cinema studios, but also the magical world of Dan Ohlmann, who founded the museum, and his wonderful miniature settings.
The concierge recommends : The superb, original setting for ‘Perfume’ adapted from Patrick Susskind’s novel will give you a wonderful insight into the film. You will find it on the ground floor of the of the museum. Enter the olfactive world of the infamous main character, Jean Baptiste Grenouille.
Reveal the budding archaeologist within you
The ancient world of Lugdunum (now Lyons) will no longer hold any secrets for you should you visit the Fourvière archaeological site and Gallo-Roman Museum. Discovered in the
1930s, this imposing site dates back to the 1st century BC this imposing site and reveals a theatre, an odeon and numerous treasures found during the archaeological excavations.
The concierge recommends : The Théâtre Antique, that every summer beats to the rhythm of the sounds of the Festival des Nuits de Fourvière (the Fourvière Nights Festival). Enjoy an open-air concert at sunset and drink in the beauty of this unique place while listening to the music.
Enjoy a wonderful theater experience with all the family
The puppet Guignol, (the French Punch)is very much an integral part of the culture of Lyons and will delight your children during the performances in an authentic and perfectly conserved puppet theatre where Guignol and his companions Gnafron and the policeman Flageolet will do their utmost to ensure that all enjoy a wonderful afternoon.
The concierge recommends : An outdoor performance of Guignol, should you prefer, awaits you all in the Tête d’Or park in a little puppet theatre set in enchanting surroundings.
Enrich your culture in opera
If you have climbed Fourvière you cannot have failed to see the majestic dome rising up in the distance : this is the Lyons Opera house, a wonderful mix of the old and the new, refurbished in 1993 by the internationally acclaimed French contemporary architect, Jean Nouvel.
Each year the fame of this renowned iconic Opera house in Lyons grows in stature with its magnificent program featuring opera, ballet and musical performances.
The concierge recommends : Charles Perrault's famous fairytale, Bluebeard is one of the most eagerly awaited performances for 2019. Don’t miss this superb production of a wonderful story, transformed and updated by the acclaimed composer, Jacques Offenbach.
Come and meet us
The concierge team is pleased to be of assistance to satisfy your desires and ensure that your stay is memorable. We have pierced the many secrets of this magnificent city and are absolutely delighted to welcome you to the very heart of the capital of Gaul ! Please feel free to contact us prior to your arrival so we can help make your dreams come true.
A souvenir from Lyons
« Two butterflies make a silk scarf »
Lyons is famous the world over for its traditional know how and the ancestral skill used in its peerless silk processing and resulting in superbly finished products. The house of Hermès entrusts the fabrication of its legendary « carré’ » (silk square)-printed and stretched on printing frames of up to 100 meters long- to companies based in Lyons for the most part.
A royal velvet case
The « Coussin de Lyon », (Lyons cushion)a local confection listed on the National Heritage of French Specialities makes the perfect gift. A chocolate ganache coated in a thin layer of emerald green almond paste, this famous confectionery, sold where it was first created, in la Maison Voisin, has been sweetening the palates of tourists and locals alike since 1960.
The moment time stands still !
Capture those fleeting moments with a souvenir photo of your trip to Lyons taken atop the Fourvière, or at table in one of those traditional local restaurants or on board the boat of your choice on the lake in the Tête d’Or park.
A breath of fresh air
A great favorite with the inhabitants of Lyons is the « Vélo V » urban bike that has been updated and undergone a complete overhaul this year. Hop on the brand new version and cycle along the banks of the Rhone or take a ride around the Peninsula.
Amaze your taste buds
Gastronomy in Lyons is forever evolving and has gained a few new Michelin star restaurants this year. Come enjoy this rich, unique culinary heritage and treat yourself to inspired food from the newest chefs in the latest Michelin Guide.
Away from prying eyes in the Tour Rose (Pink Tower)
Set in the historic quarter of Vieux Lyon this truly iconic hotel has a remarkable Renaissance history. This year it undergoes a complete transformation to become a centre of gastronomy headed by two chefs from Lyons who co-own the acclaimed restaurant « Les Apothicaires » located in the 6th arrondissement.
800 m² of space offering world cuisine and no fewer than 12 chefs. A bar and coffee shop will liven up this astonishing building due to open at the end of 2018.
Facilitate your arrival in the city
In order to promote Lyons, over sixteen new regular lines will link Lyon Saint Exupéry airport rendering access the city centre easier and more direct for tourists wishing to discover this city and its incredible cultural heritage.
Discover what has been the most eagerly awaited arrival in the past five years : The Hôtel Dieu de Lyon
Morning
As you set out from the hotel, head towards the centre of the Peninsula for coffee at the Grand Café des Négociants ; its Second Empire decor will take you back in time to the 19th century. Then cross the Alphonse Juin bridge to the Vieux Lyon quarter for a ramble through the historic heart of the city, ending up at the Cathedral of St John.
Raise your eyes to behold the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Fourvière , reached by means of the traditional funicular trains (ficelles) that are only minutes away on foot from the Cathedral. At the summit take the time to truly revel in the breathtaking panorama before returning to earth via the Rosary Garden.
You can choose to have lunch in a traditional restaurant (bouchons) or in one of the hanging gardens of the Gadagne Museum, or why not relax in the comfort of our restaurant here and enjoy a superb meal.
Afternoon
Pay a worthwhile visit to the Peninsula with its rich cultural heritage between the Place Bellecour and the Opera house. Don’t miss the gardens in the Beaux Arts Museum, a haven of verdant peace, located on the Place des Terreaux.
Nature lovers can continue the day’s enjoyment by cycling to the Tête d’Or Park, for the more adventurous there’s the Musée des Confluences (Confluence Museum) and for the shopping enthusiasts the Carré d’Or is a treasure trove.
When you feel peckish, there’s lots to choose from : tea-rooms or pastry shops, not forgetting the delectable Pink Praline Brioche.
Evening
The aperitif in Lyons is a long-standing tradition and numerous local wine bars serve superb quality vintages accompanied by platters of excellent regional produce. Dinner is as the mood takes you! The choice is yours in a city where Michelin-starred restaurants abound as well as the more traditional restaurants (bouchons).
To end a perfect day, you are again spoiled for choice! Cocktails aboard a barge moored on the banks of the Rhone, a jazz session in one of the many clubs or perhaps you might find your way slowly back at nightfall, against a backdrop of illuminated bridges and animated nightlife, to the exquisite facade of the hotel and a good night’s sleep.
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