Surprisingly, little is known about the city that is second in importance to Paris in France. Despite Lyon not frequently appearing on travel itineraries, those who take the time to explore the city will find a wealth of cultural riches.
Lyon has gained a spot on the UNESCO World Heritage list thanks to its long Roman history.
The city is home to the oldest ancient ruins in France, as well as medieval neighborhoods and elegant Renaissance homes. However, it’s not just for this reason that Lyon is the most popular vacation spot in France after Paris; there are also many other things to do in Lyon that showcase the vibrant culture and varied experiences that this city supports.
Let’s dive right in and go over the top 10 things to do in Lyon.
Table of contents
- 10. Opera De Lyon and Theatre Des Celestins
- 9. Saint John’s Cathedral
- 8. Basilique Notre-Dame De Fourvière
- 7. Centre D’Histoire De La Resistance Et De La Deportatiom
- 6. Musee Des Tissus Et Des Arts Decoratifs
- 5. Presqu’île District
- 4. Colline De La Croix-Rousse
- 3. Musee De La Civilisation Gallo-Romaine
- 2. Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges
- 1. Musée des Beaux-Arts
- Conclusion
10. Opera De Lyon and Theatre Des Celestins
The Opéra de Lyon is a lavish 19th-century opera theatre with a magnificent dome located on the Place de la Comédie. Using contemporary architectural methods, Jean Nouvel increased the size of the original theater during its renovation. A wide range of opera, as well as ballet productions and classical music concerts, are presented there.
The stunning Neoclassical Théâtre des Célestins, which was built in 1881, is one of the most stunning auditoriums in all of Europe because of its exquisite Italian-style structure. Visitors relax in comfortable red velvet couches as they take in the stunning ceiling artwork and gilded furnishings. Dramatic productions are presented at the Célestins Theater, ranging from classic repertory to modern pieces.
Please note that only on specific days is the theater accessible to the general public for guided tours outside of performances.
9. Saint John’s Cathedral
The majestic Saint John’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 12th century, is well known for its 13th and 14th-century stained-glass windows. A kaleidoscope of vibrant light enters through the enormous rose window that dates to 1392. The cathedral’s facade is Late Gothic with a Romanesque basic structure.
The astronomical clock that was built by Nicolas Lippius in 1598 is among the most intriguing characteristics. Another notable bell in the cathedral is called “Anne-Marie de la Primatiale” which was cast in 1622. It is one of the largest bells ever manufactured and is only rung on Catholic feast days.
The embankment close to the Pont Bonaparte offers a superb vantage point for viewing the cathedral from a distance. You can see the towering twin towers from a distance thanks to this viewpoint.
Opening Hours
- Open all year from 8:15 am to 7 pm (Mon. to Fri. at 7:45 pm).
- On Jan. 1st, Easter Mon., May 1st, May 8th, Pentecost Mon., July 14th, and Nov. 11th it opens at 1 pm.
8. Basilique Notre-Dame De Fourvière
The Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière stands 130 meters above the Saône River in a magnificent setting on the Colline de Fourvière. Funiculars ascending the slope take passengers to the Basilica.
After the Franco-Prussian War, between 1872 and 1884, the inhabitants of Lyon swore to build a Marian sanctuary provided their city was spared, and as a result, this magnificent chapel was constructed. The Basilica’s interior is lavishly ornamented and combines Byzantine and Gothic architectural elements.
You can spend some time in the sanctuary to savor the lavish mosaics and artwork. After exploring the inside, ascend the northeast tower to enjoy the breathtaking views of Lyon’s surroundings.
The Esplanade de Fourvière, which is on the left side of the Basilica and offers a panoramic view of Lyon, is the place to go for breathtaking vistas. Open all year round daily.
Opening Hours
- Gates open: from 7.30 am to 6 pm
- Basilica: from 7 am to 6 pm
- Chapel of the Virgin: from 7 am to 6 pm
- Crypt: from 10 am to 6 pm
- Gardens: from 7.30 am to 6 pm.
To make this event better, admission is FREE
7. Centre D’Histoire De La Resistance Et De La Deportatiom
Due to the intensity of its resistance to the Nazi regime during World War II, Lyon earned the nickname “Capital of the Resistance.” The building that the Head of the Gestapo in Lyon occupied now serves as the home of the Resistance and Deportation History Centre. The current use of this structure is to honor the victims who were imprisoned in its cellars.
The History Center chronicles the tale of those who endured the Second World War, including deportees, their hidden children, resistance fighters, and others. The key moments of World War II are covered in a permanent exhibition that concentrates on the years when France was occupied. A documentary video about Klaus Barbie’s trial, the SS official who oversaw the Gestapo in Lyon, is also shown in the center.
Eyewitness accounts and court trial excerpts are featured in the movie. Visitors can make sense of the historical information, which is presented in movies, images, and textual records, with the aid of an audio tour.
The center intends to pay tribute to the victims of deportation and the citizens who participated in the resistance.
6. Musee Des Tissus Et Des Arts Decoratifs
The Fabric Museum and the Museum of Decorative Arts are two excellent museums that are housed in an 18th-century estate. Visitors to the Musée des Tissus can learn about the interesting history of Lyon’s silk trade, which dates back to the Renaissance.
Rare garment fragments from the 13th and 14th centuries, magnificent tapestries from the 18th century, and more contemporary 19th and 20th-century items are all included in the collection.
A magnificent silk gown worn by Empress Josephine is also on show. One of the collection’s most priceless pieces is a pleated tunic from Egypt’s 5th Dynasty, which dates to roughly 2,500 BC.
The Musée des Arts Decoratifs has an extensive collection of decorative works of art painted on faience, paper, wood, and other materials, as well as miniature religious sculptures, Japanese figures, Italian majolica, and vintage crockery, antique furniture, and clocks. In order to convey cultural context, the objects are shown in actual environments.
5. Presqu’île District
The Presqu’île neighborhood of Lyon is a section of land within the river that resembles an island. This district stands out for its stunning architecture and grand town squares. Just to see the fountain designed by F.A. is reason enough to visit the Place des Terreaux.
This magnificent piece of artwork shows the Garonne River’s triumphant chariot. The four exquisitely sculpted horses, which appear to be working extremely hard, stand in for the four separate rivers that empty into the ocean.
On the east side of the square lies Lyon’s Hôtel de Ville. The Hôtel de Ville was originally constructed between 1646 and 1672, but Jules Hardouin-Mansart renovated it in his distinctive Baroque style following a fire.
The Palais de la Bourse et du Commerce, located on Rue de la République, is another impressive structure in this region. The building was built in the 19th century, despite its Renaissance-inspired design.
The Eglise Saint-Bonaventure, a former Franciscan church constructed in the 14th and 15th centuries, is located further south of the Palais de la Bourse. Place Bellecour, located between the Rhône and Saône Rivers in the Presqu’île neighborhood of Lyon, is the city’s best square. The focal point of the square is a statue of Louis XIV mounted on a horse made by Lyon-born sculptor F. Lemot. The east and west sides of the square are bordered by opulent 19th-century structures.
4. Colline De La Croix-Rousse
This ancient district, which was developed on the Croix-Rousse hillside, was a significant weaving hub in the early 19th century. The streets have a steep incline, which creates numerous attractive twists and staircases.
The neighborhood’s array of traboules, covered passages that wind between courtyards, buildings, and pedestrian stairs, is what makes it distinctive. These unique passageways were utilized by silk weavers to transfer their products in the 19th century.
Tourists will enjoy exploring the neighborhood to find the hidden traboules and architectural wonders of the twisting streets. The traboules are accessible to the general public, however out of respect for the locals, visitors are asked to keep quiet.
The Maison des Canuts at 10/12 Rue d’Ivry is another tourist destination nearby. The fine craft of making silk is the focus of this little museum. Visitors can learn about the development of the Jacquard loom and see hand-weaving demonstrations on conventional looms during a visit.
3. Musee De La Civilisation Gallo-Romaine
The ancient Roman capital of Gaul, Lugdunum, which was established in 43 BC, is where Lyon now stands. Vases, gravestones, mosaics, statues, coins, and pottery from the Gallo-Roman era are among the Gallo-Roman era artifacts on show in the Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization.
The artifacts on display in the museum’s displays are from excavations that took place nearby and in the city of Lugdunum as well as Saint-Romain-en-Gal and Vienne, which are both Roman archaeological sites.
The breadth and diversity of the collection are well known. A massive Hercules sculpture, ornamental marble pieces from old baths, and a stunning 100-square-meter floor mosaic featuring representations of the God of Oceans are just a few of the highlights.
The museum is close to an archaeology site that contains two Roman theaters and some of the oldest ancient ruins in France. Tragedies and comedies were presented in the Grand Théâtre, which dates back to 15 BC.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 11 am to 6 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm
Prices
- Full rate: €4 / €7
- Discount rate: €2.50 / €4.50
2. Quartier Saint-Jean and Quartier Saint-Georges
The atmosphere of Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon) can be experienced at Lyon’s evocative Quartier Saint-Jean. There are several little, peaceful courtyards and winding, cobblestone streets in this medieval district to the north of the cathedral.
Start your explorations in the area of Rue du Boeuf and Place Neuve Saint-Jean, a charming square populated with classic eateries. Then explore the pedestrian-only Rue Saint-Jean and Rue des Trois-Maries streets. Along the road, there are lots of enticing boutiques, crêperies, bouchons, casual eateries, and cafés. Continue until you arrive at the Place du Petit Collège and the Hôtel de Gadagne.
The Musée d’Histoire de Lyon depicts the history of the city from antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance up to the 20th century in this magnificent 16th-century townhouse.
World-wide marionettes are on display at the Musée des Arts de La Marionnette. The Compagnie M.A. may be found in Théâtre Le Guignol de Lyon, just a short stroll from the Gadagne museums. performs a marionette company.
The most fun activity in Lyon is going to a classic puppet performance. French is used for performances. At the puppet theater Théâtre La Maison de Guignol in the Quartier Saint-Georges, you may see marionette performances as well.
The Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste is close by, as is the Café du Soleil, where you can get a delicious Lyonnais lunch. The Maison de Guignol theater is also close by.
1. Musée des Beaux-Arts
This Musée des Beaux-Arts, which is regarded as France’s second-best museum of fine arts after the Louvre, serves as a testament to Lyon’s remarkable cultural past. The museum is housed within the 17th-century Abbaye Royale des Dames de Saint-Pierre at the Place des Terreaux close to the Hôtel de Ville.
One of the largest art collections in all of Europe may be found in this museum, which features an especially amazing collection of sculptures and paintings from the 14th to the 20th centuries. The collections of antiques, ancient coinage, and visual arts are equally important. The collection is of high quality.
European masters including Delacroix, Fragonard, Géricault, Rembrandt, Rubens, Poussin, and Véronèse produced a large number of well-known paintings. The museum has a fantastic collection of modern and Impressionist works. The artwork of Claude Monet, Alfred Sisley, Paul Gauguin, Henri Matisse, and Pablo Picasso is among the highlights.
Les Terrasses Saint-Pierre, the museum’s restaurant and tea salon, provides a casual dining option for lunch, snacks, coffee, and tea. Diners may also eat outside on the terrace in the gardens throughout the summer.
Opening Hours
- Wednesday to Monday – from 10 am to 6 pm
- Friday from 10:30 am to 6 pm.
Conclusion
There are the Top 10 Things To Do in Lyon, France. You can only find a completely another universe in Lyon, where spectacular modern architecture dominates the cityscape and attracts photographers. There are lots of activities in Lyon to fill your agenda, whether you enjoy food, history, culture, or the arts.
What attraction sparked your curiosity in our list? Which of these places would you consider exploring on your next visit to France? Let me know in the comments below.
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