Things to do in  Lyon

At the foot of Fourviére Hill, the historical streets of Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon) offer a welcome change of pace from the modern city across the river. With elegant medieval churches, Renaissance-era monuments, and pastel-painted facades, this is Lyon’s most atmospheric district.

Stroll the cobblestoned streets of Old Town Lyon (Vieux Lyon) and Place St-Jean to discover the Lyon Cathedral (Cathédrale St-Jean). Among the draws of the 12th-century cathedral are stained-glass windows and a 16th-century astronomical clock. A top Lyon attraction, Cathédrale St-Jean is a must-see for Old Town visitors.

Dominating the skyline in the city of Lyon, the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere is one of Lyon’s most recognizable buildings. With a fairytale castle exterior and ornate gilded interior, it attracts visitors from all over the world, especially those interested in sacred architecture.

Lyon’s major hub and one of the largest public squares in France, the Bellecour Square is located in the heart of the city on the Presqu'île peninsula. Spanning 15 acres (six hectares), the pedestrianized square is a popular meeting place—as well as part of an UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses several key Lyon districts.

Tête d'Or Park was designed by landscape architect Denis Bühler and opened in 1856. It’s home to one of France's leading botanical gardens, with more than 20,000 plant varieties, where you’ll find an international rose garden and a zoological area devoted to species of the African plains.

Lyon Opera House (Opéra National de Lyon) is an arts hub and architectural gem noted for its combination of a modern shell and 18th-century facade. To fully experience it, attend a performance—from musical theater to dance. But whether it's to marvel at the building, or see a show, a visit to the opera should be on your Lyon itinerary.

Thespians and theater enthusiasts shouldn't miss Lyon's historic Célestins Theater (Théâtre des Célestins, which has been operating for more than 200 years. Visitors can attend a performance, or uncover the theater's history on a behind-the-scenes tour. Enjoy the lavish foyer, ornate bar, and lovingly renovated red and gold auditorium.

Lyon’s covered Les Halles Market (Les Halles Paul Bocuse has been open since 1970. They’re named in honor of Paul Bocuse, a legendary figure on both the French and international cooking scene. More than 95% of the shops are run by business owners who really know their products.

One of Lyon’s most significant Roman–era landmarks, the UNESCO-listed Ancient Theatre of Fourvière (Théâtre Antique de Lyon is a living testament to the city’s millennia-long history. Built around 15 BC, when Lyon was still known as “Lugdunum,” the arena could once seat 10,000 spectators, and is still used for performances today.

Home to one of France’s most outstanding art collections, the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon) is often described as the “little Louvre.” Housed in a restored, 17th-century convent, the museum’s collection spans from antiquity to the modern age—so you can explore Egyptian artifacts and Cubist canvases under one roof.

Affectionately known as “the belly of Paris,” Les Halles was once the site of Paris’ bustling central food market. A focal point of the city since the 11th century, the food stalls were dismantled in the 1970s to make room for the Forum des Halles shopping center and metro station. Completely renovated in 2010, the undulating glass-and-steel covering—known as La Canopée—is one of the most striking examples of contemporary architecture in the city.

Discover the charm of Croix-Rousse, a vibrant hilltop neighborhood in Lyon, France. The area is characterized by its traboules (hidden passageways) used by silk workers in the past, and its contemporary street-art scene. Today, La Croix-Rousse attracts visitors with its art studios, boutiques, markets, and authentic Lyonnaise culinary experiences.

With its diverse mix of ethnicities and vibrant art scene, Belleville is among Paris’ most fashionable and eclectic districts, which draws a hip crowd of young locals, students, and creative types. It’s also a hub for the French capital’s dynamic street art movement and boasts one of the hottest food scenes in the city. It’s worth making the trip out here from central neighborhoods for the Eiffel Tower views alone.

Before 1895, photography was cutting-edge technology. Then, the Lumière brothers changed image-making forever with the Cinematograph, which produced the first moving pictures. Visit the birthplace of this radical invention at Lyon's Lumière Institute (Institut Lumière, a museum, cultural space, and theater celebrating cinema's origins.

If you’ve ever wanted to see movie props up close, or you’re just looking for a good rainy-day destination where you can take a break from wandering cobblestone streets, head over to the Musée Miniature et Cinéma (Cinema and Miniature Museum). In a stately building in Old Lyon (Vieux Lyon), you’ll find real objects from hundreds of films, mini masterpieces, and more.