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Lyon travel guide
Where to stay in Lyon
Lyon is a city of contrasts, with a mix of old and new architecture, and a range of neighbourhoods that suit every traveller's style. Whether you want to stay in the heart of the historic district or prefer to be close to the nightlife, there's a neighbourhood in Lyon that will suit your needs.
Vieux Lyon
Vieux Lyon is the historic heart of Lyon and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The narrow cobbled streets are lined with Renaissance-era buildings, quaint cafes and shops. This neighbourhood is perfect for history lovers who want to be close to the action.
Croix-Rousse
Croix-Rousse is located on a hill overlooking the city and is known for its silk weavers. The neighbourhood is now a trendy spot with a bohemian vibe, and it's home to many artists and designers. If you're looking for a neighbourhood with a creative edge, Croix-Rousse is the place to be.
Presqu'île
Presqu'île is the peninsula that sits between the Rhône and Saône rivers and is the commercial and cultural centre of Lyon. This neighbourhood is perfect for travellers who want to be close to the action, with plenty of shops, restaurants, and museums to explore.
La Confluence
La Confluence is a new neighbourhood that has been developed on the site of an old industrial area. It's now a modern and trendy neighbourhood with sleek new buildings, trendy cafes and shops, and a vibrant nightlife. If you're looking for a neighbourhood with a modern edge, La Confluence is the place to be.
Les Brotteaux
Les Brotteaux is a neighbourhood located just north of the city centre and is known for its nightlife. This neighbourhood is perfect for travellers who want to be close to the action and have easy access to bars and clubs. Les Brotteaux is also home to many great restaurants and cafes.
Fun facts about Lyon
Lyon is a city in the Rhône-Alpes region of France, known for its cuisine, architecture, and historical landmarks. Here are some fun facts about Lyon that will make you want to visit this beautiful city.
Lyon is known as the gastronomical capital of France
Lyon is famous for its traditional dishes such as coq au vin, quenelle, andouillette, and of course, Lyonnaise potatoes. The city has more than 4,000 restaurants, including 20 Michelin-starred establishments. Lyon is also home to the famous Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse market, where you can find the best local produce.
Lyon has over 300 murals
Lyon is known for its street art and has over 300 murals painted on buildings throughout the city. The most famous mural is the Fresque des Lyonnais, which depicts 31 famous people from Lyon's history, including the Lumière brothers, who invented the cinematograph.
Lyon was the birthplace of cinema
Lyon is the birthplace of cinema, thanks to the Lumière brothers who invented the cinematograph in 1895. The first public film screening took place in Paris, but it was the Lumière brothers who paved the way for the film industry.
Lyon has a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The historic center of Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to its well-preserved Renaissance architecture and Roman ruins. The old town of Lyon, known as Vieux Lyon, is a maze of narrow streets and hidden courtyards that date back to the Middle Ages.
Lyon is the second-largest city in France
Lyon is the second-largest city in France, after Paris, with a population of over 500,000 people. It is also the third-largest city in terms of economic activity, after Paris and Marseille. Lyon is a hub for the chemical, pharmaceutical, and biotech industries, as well as the silk industry.
Hidden gems in Lyon
Lyon is a city that has a lot to offer beyond its popular tourist attractions. Here are some hidden gems that will make your visit to Lyon even more special.
Explore the traboules of Vieux Lyon
The traboules are narrow passageways that run through buildings and courtyards. They were used by silk merchants to transport their goods between the Saône River and the hill of Fourvière. The traboules in Vieux Lyon are the most famous, and you can take a self-guided tour to explore them.
Visit the Gallo-Roman Museum
The Gallo-Roman Museum is located on the Fourvière hill and is a hidden gem for history lovers. It houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman era, including mosaics, sculptures, and pottery. The museum is built on the site of two ancient Roman theaters, and you can still see the remains of the theaters today.
Take a walk in the Parc de la Tête d'Or
The Parc de la Tête d'Or is a large park in Lyon that is perfect for a relaxing walk. It has a lake, a rose garden, a botanical garden, and a zoo. You can also rent a boat and paddle around the lake or have a picnic on the grass.
Eat at a traditional bouchon
Bouchons are traditional Lyonnaise restaurants that serve hearty, home-style cuisine. They are known for their convivial atmosphere and their menu of meaty dishes like sausages, tripe, and pork. Try a bouchon like Chez Hugon for a true Lyonnaise experience.
Visit the Musée des Confluences
The Musée des Confluences is a museum of science and anthropology located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. The museum has a striking modern design and houses exhibits on the history of mankind, the natural world, and the universe. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in science and culture.
Family-friendly activities in Lyon
Lyon is a great city for families, with plenty of activities for kids of all ages. From exploring museums to getting outdoors and enjoying the scenery, there's something for everyone in this beautiful French city.
Visit the Mini World
Mini World is an indoor amusement park that features miniature versions of famous landmarks from around the world. Kids will love seeing the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall of China, and other famous sites in miniature form. There are also interactive exhibits and hands-on activities for kids to enjoy.
Explore the Parc de la Tête d'Or
This large park is a great place for families to spend the day. There are playgrounds, a lake for boating, a zoo, and even a miniature train that gives tours of the park. Pack a picnic lunch and spend the day exploring the many attractions here.
Discover the Musée des Confluences
This museum is dedicated to science and anthropology, with exhibits that are both educational and entertaining. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, including a planetarium and a virtual reality experience. There are also plenty of hands-on activities and workshops for kids to enjoy.
Take a bike tour of the city
Lyon is a very bike-friendly city, and there are many bike rental companies that offer family-friendly tours of the city. This is a great way to see the sights and get some exercise at the same time. Kids will love exploring the city on two wheels.
Visit the Aquarium
The Aquarium de Lyon is an indoor aquarium that features a wide variety of marine life. Kids will love seeing the sharks, stingrays, and other sea creatures up close. There are also interactive exhibits and touch tanks where kids can get hands-on with some of the animals.
