Lyon
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At a glance
- Country
- France
- Region
- Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
- Population
- 520,000
- Best time to go
- April to June, September to October
- Main airport
- Lyon-Saint Exupéry (LYS)
- Coordinates
- 45.76°N, 4.84°E
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Overview
Lyon sits where the Rhône and the Saône meet, and it has been an important city since the Romans made it the capital of Gaul. Its Renaissance old town, silk-weavers' hill and grand central peninsula are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is also France's food capital, with cosy bouchons serving hearty Lyonnais dishes and a covered market that is a pilgrimage for food lovers. Lyon is elegant, easy-going and well worth more than a stopover.
Things to see
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Photo: Karldupart, CC BY-SA 3.0 Vieux Lyon
Cobbled Renaissance streets at the foot of Fourvière, with pastel houses, courtyards and the Saint-Jean cathedral.
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Photo: Elwood j blues, CC BY-SA 3.0 Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière
An ornate basilica on the hill, with lavish mosaics inside and a terrace overlooking the whole city.
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Photo: Jean-Christophe BENOIST, CC BY 4.0 Roman theatres of Fourvière
A large Roman theatre and smaller odeon set into the hillside, still used for summer performances.
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Photo: Romainbehar, CC0 Traboules
Hidden passageways that run through buildings and courtyards, once used by silk workers to move their cloth.
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Photo: Original work: Coop Himmelb(l)au Depiction: SashiRolls, CC BY-SA 4.0 Musée des Confluences
A science and anthropology museum in a futuristic building where the two rivers meet.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon - Photo Corentin Mossière, CC BY-SA 3.0 Museum of Fine Arts
One of France's best art collections, set around a peaceful cloister garden.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Photo courtesy of: Trishhhh, CC BY 2.0 Eat in a bouchon
Try quenelles, saucisson and praline tart in a traditional small restaurant with checked tablecloths.
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Photo: SashiRolls, CC BY-SA 4.0 Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse
A covered market of cheese, charcuterie and oyster stalls, best for a long weekend lunch.
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Photo: Corentin Eustacchi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Fête des Lumières
For several nights around 8 December, light installations transform the city's buildings.
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Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0 Croix-Rousse and the Mur des Canuts
Climb the old silk district's slopes and see one of Europe's largest trompe-l'oeil murals.
Where to stay
Presqu'île
The central peninsula between the rivers, with grand squares, shops and restaurants.
Hotels in Presqu'îleVieux Lyon
Atmospheric and historic, at the foot of Fourvière.
Hotels in Vieux LyonCroix-Rousse
Village feel on the hill, with markets, cafés and a local crowd.
Hotels in Croix-RoussePart-Dieu
Practical for the main station and airport tram.
Hotels in Part-Dieu
Getting around
The Métro, trams and funiculars cover the city, and the centre is a pleasure to walk along the riverbanks.
The Rhônexpress tram runs from the airport to Part-Dieu station in about 30 minutes. High-speed trains from Paris take around two hours.
When to go
Spring and early autumn are mild and pleasant for walking and eating outside. Summer can be hot, and December brings the Fête des Lumières.
Plan your trip to Lyon
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.