Lyon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Lyon showing a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture
Lyon
Lyon Opera which includes street scenes as well as a large group of people
Notre Dame Basilica which includes religious aspects, interior views and heritage architecture
Notre Dame Basilica featuring a city

Famous for its food, silk and cinema, the point where north and south meet, and with a history by turns troubled and prosperous, Lyon is a city with many faces.

Located in the centre of France, Lyon has flourished over the centuries to become a thriving major city. From Bocuse to the Lumière brothers and Jean Moulin, from colourful silk workers to mischievous boys, not to mention Guignol, the famous offspring of the capital of the Gauls, whose silhouettes adorn the city's painted walls, still live on in the heart of the city.

With two hills and two rivers, the areas of Lyon are easy to find. At the bottom of Fourvière, the "hill that prays", Lyon Old Town is a pretty mishmash of buildings Italian Renaissance-inspired buildings, passageways and little cobbled streets dotted with vintage shops and traditional restaurants, leading to the beautiful Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist. From there take the old funicular to climb up the hill and explore the Fourvière Basilica, take in the panorama of the city or go back in time at the Roman amphitheatre or the adjoining Gallo-Roman Museum.

Further east, nestled between the Rhône and the Saône, is the Peninsula, with its wide, shop-lined avenues and impressive squares. Make time to wander around and do a spot of window-shopping, while admiring the majestic buildings, such as the City Hall, Opera House or Museum of Fine Arts.

In the northern part of the peninsula is the Croix-Rousse hill, an area with a typically Lyonnais atmosphere. Unlike its counterpart, the Croix-Rousse hill is traditionally an area of industry, with its silk workers, looms and silk manufacturing. With a joyfully informal atmosphere, Croix-Rousse market is another local institution where you can pick up some tasty treats.

Among the many museums, several recount the city's history and culture, be it cinema, silk, the exploits of the resistance or even Guignol. To escape the urban jungle, the Parc de la Tête d'Or is a huge haven of greenery. And if you're not bothered by crowds, come around 8 December for the Festival of Lights to see the buildings lit up in lavish colours.

With an airport, several train stations and excellent road links, Lyon can be easily reached from all over France and abroad. Once there, you can move around the city easily with its handy and extensive underground, bus and tram system. The city's self-service bicycle rental scheme, Vélo'v, is the perfect solution for more sporty types. Just watch out!

With its unique history and geography, Lyon is a foodie destination whose secret flavours will delight all your senses!

Where to stay in Lyon

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Lyon City Centre

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Bellecour Square to Place Carnot – discover Lyon City Centre, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Lyon City Centre
Lyon showing a city, a river or creek and a statue or sculpture

Old Lyon

4.5/5(28 area reviews)

If you're spending time in Old Lyon, you might enjoy attractions like Lyon Cathedral and Palais de Justice de Lyon. You might also enjoy the neighbourhood's ample dining options before hopping on the metro at Vieux Lyon Station to see more of the city.

Old Lyon
Bellecour Square which includes a statue or sculpture, a river or creek and a bridge

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu

While you're in Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu, take in top sights like Bellecour Square and jump on the metro at Bellecour Station to see more of the city.

Bellecour - Hôtel Dieu
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3rd Arrondissement

3.5/5(62 area reviews)

Noted for its shopping and river views, there's plenty to explore in 3rd Arrondissement. Top attractions like Part Dieu Mall and Halles de Lyon - Paul Bocuse are major draws, and you can hop on the metro at Dauphine - Lacassagne Tram Stop or Archives Départementales Tram Stop to see more of the city.

3rd Arrondissement
La Presqu\'ile featuring cycling as well as a large group of people

La Presqu'île

4/5(95 area reviews)

Place Carnot and Bellecour Square are top sights in La Presqu'île, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Ampere-Victor Hugo Station or Bellecour Station to see more sights in the area.

La Presqu'île
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2nd Arrondissement

Travellers love 2nd Arrondissement for its popular shops, and you can see more of Lyon by jumping on the metro at Place des Archives or Sainte-Blandine Tram Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Place Carnot and Lyon Confluence Shopping Center.

2nd Arrondissement
Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

3 out of 5
31 rue Maurice Flandin, Lyon, Rhone
The price is £62 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£62
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (877 reviews)
"L'accueil est mal organisé pour la facturation."

Reviewed on 24 Jul 2025

Campanile Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette

4 out of 5
29 Rue De Bonnel, Lyon, Rhone
The price is £93 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
£93
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (997 reviews)
"Very nice hotel and staff. However, dinner in the restaurant was a disappointment. Ordered steak and fish, both were tough (old?). Steak sent back, came back same. Steak only about one-quarter-inch thick. Desserts were good. Only there one night, should have gone to a Michelin-recommended bistro ..."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Mercure Lyon Centre Saxe Lafayette
Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu

2 out of 5
75 Boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
The price is £50 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
£50
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Lyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,016 reviews)
"Great for a quick short-stay in the center of Lyon. Great staff!"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Premiere Classe Lyon Centre - Gare Part Dieu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière

4 out of 5
81-85 Cours Albert-Thomas, Lyon
Stay at this 4-star boutique residence in Lyon. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,710 reviews)
"Clean, well-equipped room, helpful staff, excellent location, great breakfast."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Lagrange Apart'HOTEL Lyon Lumière
Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu

3 out of 5
79 boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,090 reviews)
"Great hotel on outer of Lyon..great for an overnight stop. Would happily spend time there again."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

Residhotel Lyon Part Dieu
Appart'City Classic Lyon Part-Dieu

Appart'City Classic Lyon Part-Dieu

111 Boulevard Marius Vivier Merle, Lyon, Rhone
Stay at this eco-certified aparthotel in Lyon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their ...
6.4/10 (1,563 reviews)
"Shopping complex on walking distance. Apartment was family friendly"

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

Appart'City Classic Lyon Part-Dieu
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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