For too long Lyon has been overshadowed by Paris and Marseilles. Thanks to its rich history, cultural heritage and reputation as a foodie mecca, France’s third city has emerged as a must-visit destination in its own right.
Fast facts
- France’s third largest city by population.
- Situated 470 kilometres south of Paris on the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers.
- Was the capital of ancient Gaulle.
- Famous for food, silk production and the birth of cinema.
- Considered the capital of French gastronomy.
Why come?
In 2016, the World Travel Awards named Lyon Europe’s best weekend destination. That’s a big call considering some of the competition. But it’s not hard to see why Lyon has emerged as tourism hot spot. With its eclectic mix of ancient ruins, old city and modern CBD, it has plenty to keep visitors entertained. Lyon is also a good jumping off point from which to explore the nearby wine regions of Beaujolais, Syrah and Côtes du Rhone.
Get your bearings
The best way to get your bearings before setting off to explore independently is to jump on board one of the city’s hop on hop off bus tours on the Lyon City Bus. The route takes in the city’s highlights from Place Bellecour to Vieux Lyon, Fourvière and the city’s top museums and shopping districts.
Lyon is also perfect for exploring on foot – if you don’t mind a few hills and some stairs. It’s easy to devise a self-guided walking tour of the main sites. Pick up a city map from the well-equipped tourist office in Place Bellecour – the heart of the city and one of France’s largest public squares. From there you can fashion a walking tour taking in the riverbank, roman amphitheatres and Fourvière.
Whatever you do don’t miss…
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is perched high above the city on Fourvière hill. The stunning white cathedral, built in the 1870s and 80s is dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The cathedral is visited by some 1.5 million people per year. The forecourt of the Cathedral also offers a brilliant lookout over the city and is the place to photograph Lyon’s cityscape.
Nearby the Théâtres Gallo Romain (Roman Theatres) are a reminder of Lyon’s ancient past. The largest of the two theatres is the oldest in France, dating back to 15 BC. The ancient theatres still hold public events every summer. Visitors have free access to the Roman theatres. There is a museum on site if you wish to discover more.
Look out for
The city is dotted with a number of large murals that depict significant people and episodes of the city’s history. In the Croix-Rousses district of Lyon on Boulevard des Canuts, you will find Europe’s largest mural, covering 1200 square metres. The Mur des Canuts depicts life in the Croix-Rousse district.
Best green space
Parc Tete de la Tête d’or is one of France’s largest parks and among Lyon’s most popular public places. The park is crisscrossed by walking/jogging paths and bicycle paths, botanical gardens, greenhouses, boat lake and zoo. From the centre of the city, Trolley Bus C1 will drop you just past the main gate at Porte de la Tete D’or.
Eat
It’s difficult to go gastronomically wrong in Lyon. A Bouchon is a typical brasserie of Lyon serving the famous Lyonnaise cuisine. There are countless Bouchon around the city. Make sure you try a traditional Lyonnaise dish like the crumbed Quennelle or Coq au vin and, of course, Lyonnaise potatoes.
Stay
The top pick of hotels is the M Gallery Le Royal by Sofitel. The boutique hotel is perfectly positioned in the heart of Lyon overlooking Bellecour. The hotel was designed in the style of a grand home. The décor features traditional Lyon colours of red and blue throughout. The hotel is run in partnership with the Institut Paul Bocuse with students helping to run all aspects of the hotel from front of house, housekeeping and the restaurant. If you can’t get a place at the student-run bistro – one of the city’s most popular restaurants – the restaurant will send a meal to your room via the hotel’s room service.
Read up
Famed French writer and airman, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, was born in Lyon in 1900. The city’s main airport bears his name. His best known work is the Little Prince. Although Saint-Exupéry actually penned the story in New York, the Little Prince is very firmly claimed by the Lyonnais with Little Prince souvenirs available all over the city.
Watch
French crime drama The Disappearance, surrounding the disappearance and death of a teenaged girl, is set in Lyon. The 2015 thriller is available for streaming in Australia on SBS on Demand.
How to get here
Emirates flies direct to Lyon from Dubai. Qantas code share flights with British airways via London Heathrow. Intra-Europe flights are available through numerous airlines including Air France, KLM, Alitalia and Easyjet.
The French TGV high-speed train operates to Lyon from Paris. There is a station at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in central Paris. The journey to Lyon from Paris by TGV takes approximately two hours. Direct Eurostar services are now available to Lyon from London.
Louise fell in love with Lyon on her visit in 2011. She went back for more in 2017 and looks forward to seeing the city again.