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Per person in euros: cheapest direct return flight for 2 to 4 nights. Select a month for flight times, hotels and things to do.

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Discover Lyon

Place Bellecour, Lyon
Place Bellecour
Vieux Lyon, Lyon
Vieux Lyon

City guide

About Lyon

Lyon commands the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers in east-central France. Once the Roman capital of Gaul and later the European hub of silk weaving, France's third-largest city is revered worldwide as the gastronomic capital of France.

Between the forested basilica hill of Fourviere and the silk-weavers' slopes of Croix-Rousse lies the Renaissance old town of Vieux Lyon, celebrated for its secret covered passageways (traboules). On the Presqu'ile peninsula between both rivers, grand 19th-century boulevards, fountains, and cafe-filled squares showcase French urban style.

Best time to go
May through October offers the most pleasant conditions, with sunny skies and highs between 20 and 26°C. In early December, Lyon hosts the internationally acclaimed Fete des Lumieres: four nights of dazzling light installations transforming monuments, bridges, and facades. Summers are warm and sunny; winters are cool but mostly mild.
From the airport
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport (LYS) is situated 25 kilometres east of the city. The dedicated Rhonexpress tram departs every 15 minutes, connecting directly to central Lyon Part-Dieu railway station in just 29 minutes. Official taxis cost around 50 to 60 euros during the day.
Getting around
The historic centre and the Presqu'ile are compact and very walkable. Public transport (TCL) is modern and efficient, featuring four metro lines, two funicular railways climbing Fourviere, trams, and buses. Velo'v shared city bikes are immensely popular along the riverside boulevards.

What to see in Lyon

  • Basilique Notre-Dame de FourvièreThe gleaming 19th-century white basilica crowning Fourviere hill, featuring dazzling golden mosaics and sweeping vistas over the city and distant Alps.
  • Vieux Lyon and the TraboulesThe Renaissance quarter of cobblestone streets and hidden traboule passageways threading through private courtyards and spiral stairwells.
  • Place Bellecour and Presqu'ileOne of Europe's largest pedestrian squares featuring an equestrian statue of Louis XIV, connecting grand shopping avenues, theaters, and the Museum of Fine Arts.
  • Parc de la Tete d'OrA vast 19th-century urban park featuring a boating lake, a free botanical conservatory with historic glasshouses, and landscaped gardens.

Neighbourhoods

  • Vieux LyonThe Renaissance cobblestone district nestled beside the Saone, packed with traditional bouchon eateries, pastry shops, and historic courtyards.
  • La Croix-RousseThe former silk-weavers' hill known for high-ceilinged workshop lofts, local food markets, and a village-like community atmosphere.
  • Presqu'ileThe elegant central peninsula between the rivers, filled with theaters, designer boutiques, and bustling waterside terraces.

Food and drink

Dine at an authentic bouchon lyonnais: a cozy tavern serving regional classics like quenelle de brochet (delicate pike dumplings in crayfish Nantua sauce), saucisson brioche (warm sausage baked inside brioche), and salade lyonnaise with bacon lardons and poached egg. Savor creamy Saint-Marcellin cheese and bright pink praline tarts.

Questions about Lyon

What are traboules and can visitors enter them?

Traboules are covered pedestrian passageways cutting through residential buildings, originally built to transport delicate silk rolls sheltered from rain. Many historic traboules in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse are open to respectful visitors during daytime hours.

How do you identify an authentic bouchon in Lyon?

Look for the official certification badge 'Bouchon Lyonnais' featuring the puppet character Gnafron. Authentic certified venues preserve historic recipes, local wines, and genuine hospitality.

Month by month breakdown

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