A historic French city with Roman ruins, Gothic architecture, and renowned cuisine. Home to art museums and a vibrant fashion scene in the Rhône-Alpes region.
Lyon, France's third-largest city, has a rich 2,000-year history and renowned food scene. You can walk the narrow streets of Vieux Lyon, discover hidden traboules, and enjoy views from the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière. Try Lyonnaise specialties at traditional bouchons, visit the Museum of Fine Arts, or attend the Nuits de Fourvière festival.
Exploring Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon, the city's old town, transports you to the Renaissance with its 15th and 16th-century buildings and cobblestone streets. This UNESCO World Heritage site contains many of Lyon's oldest structures. As you walk through the narrow alleys, you'll see the Saint-Jean-Baptiste Cathedral, which combines Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements. Explore the traboules, secret passageways connecting buildings and courtyards. Silk workers used these hidden shortcuts to transport their goods, and now you can use them to uncover the neighborhood's lesser-known areas.
Culinary Delights of Lyon
Lyon has over 4,000 restaurants, including the distinctive bouchons - traditional Lyonnaise eateries serving hearty local dishes. Try specialties like quenelles (fish dumplings), andouillette (tripe sausage), or coq au vin. For a full culinary experience, visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, an indoor market where you can taste local cheeses, charcuterie, and other regional products. Pair your meal with a glass of Beaujolais or Côtes du Rhône wine from the nearby vineyards.
Getting Around Lyon
Lyon's public transportation system connects all major areas and neighborhoods. The metro's four lines form the core of the network, while trams and buses reach areas not served by the metro. For a scenic trip, take one of the funiculars up to Fourvière hill. You can also use the Vélo'v bike-sharing system to cycle along the riverside paths of the Rhône and Saône. When planning your visit, look into the Lyon City Card, which includes unlimited public transport and free entry to many museums and sites.
Roman Heritage and Museums
Lyon's history dates back to ancient times when it was Lugdunum, the capital of Roman Gaul. Visit the Gallo-Roman Museum to learn about this era and see well-preserved artifacts. You'll find the museum near the ancient Roman theaters on Fourvière hill, which host performances during the Nuits de Fourvière festival each summer. The Museum of Fine Arts houses one of France's largest art collections outside of Paris. The Lumière Museum, dedicated to the inventors of cinema, tells the story of the birth of moving pictures.
