TOP leisure activities in Lyon

Things to do and see in Lyon: activities, outings and calendar

Located on the banks of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon is a city of historic heritage, gastronomic delights and a wealth of outdoor leisure activities. With around 518,000 inhabitants and a surface area of almost 48 km², the city offers a perfect balance between culture, nature and urban dynamism. Whether you're with family, friends or by bike, you'll always find something to do in Lyon. Here's a complete guide to making the most of everything this city has to offer.

Must-sees in Lyon

Vieux Lyon

Located at the foot of the Fourvière hill, Vieux Lyon is one of Europe's best-preserved Renaissance districts. Its famous traboules - secret passageways linking streets together - are a must-see between two typical "bouchons". Don't miss Saint-Jean Cathedral and the cobbled streets lined with craft stores.

Basilique de Fourvière

Visible from many points in the city, the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière overlooks Lyon from its hilltop position. It offers an exceptional panoramic view of the entire city. Add a visit to the ancient theater to immerse yourself in the city's Gallo-Roman past.

Place Bellecour

The geographic heart of Lyon and one of Europe's largest pedestrian squares, Place Bellecour is an excellent starting point for your strolls. Admire the equestrian statue of Louis XIV and explore the surrounding shopping district.

Outdoor activities and nature

Enjoy Lyon by bike

Lyon is an ideal city for cyclists. Thanks to its network of cycle paths and greenways, you can explore the city from north to south while enjoying the scenery. A wide range of equipment is available for hire, whether for a Sunday stroll or a more sporting trip to the Monts d'Or or Ile Barbe.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

The city's green lung, the Parc de la Tête d'Or covers 117 hectares. A true haven of peace, it includes a lake for boat rides, a free zoo, tropical greenhouses and vast lawns for picnics.

Berges du Rhône

Designed for pedestrians and cyclists, the banks of the Rhône are ideal for outings on foot, rollerblades or bike. Floating cafés, green spaces and playgrounds line this popular route.

Cultural experiences

Not-to-be-missed museums

• Musée des Confluences: This science and society museum, with its bold architecture, is located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet.
• Musée des Beaux-Arts: Housed in a former abbey, it boasts an impressive collection ranging from Antiquity to modern art.
• Institut Lumière: For film buffs, it traces the history of the Lumière brothers, inventors of the cinematograph.

Street art in Lyon

From the Guillotière district to the slopes of the Croix-Rousse, Lyon is brimming with monumental murals. The most famous is the Fresque des Lyonnais, a giant trompe-l'œil depicting the city's leading figures.

Where to eat in Lyon: cuisine and specialties

Lyon is considered the world capital of gastronomy. Lovers of good food will appreciate the bouchons lyonnais, small typical restaurants where you can taste cervelle de canut, quenelles de brochet, and tarte à la praline.

Recommended addresses

• Le Café Comptoir Abel: A real institution where you can find traditional dishes in a rustic setting.
• La Mère Brazier: Michelin-starred restaurant, embodying Lyon's refinement.
• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: A temple to gastronomy, where you'll find the region's finest craftsmen and producers.

Shopping and markets

• Croix-Rousse: This bohemian district is ideal for strolling between designer boutiques, second-hand shops and brocantes.
• Marché Quai Saint-Antoine: One of France's finest open-air markets, where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties.
• Part-Dieu: For those who want to shop in one of Europe's largest shopping malls.

Nightlife

Lyon offers a varied nightlife, with cocktail bars, pubs, clubs and barges.

• Les pentes de la Croix-Rousse: Perfect for sipping a drink in a relaxed atmosphere.
• Les péniches sur les quais: Bars and discos on the water for an unusual evening.
• L'Opéra de Lyon et les Nuits Sonores: For lovers of classical music or electro, depending on the season.

Excursions around the city

Parc naturel régional du Pilat

Less than an hour's drive away, this is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking and wildlife observation. Ideal for a sporty day out in nature.

Pérouges

This medieval village, ranked among the most beautiful in France, is less than 40 km from Lyon. Cobbled streets, sweet galettes and an old-fashioned atmosphere await you.

The Beaujolais vineyards

Discover these wine-growing hills by car or bike, perfect for a day of wine tasting. Don't miss the village of Oingt, one of the local treasures.

Practical information

How to get to Lyon

• By train: Lyon is accessible by TGV from Paris (2h), Marseille, Geneva and many other major European cities.
• By plane: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry airport serves many destinations.
• By car: The A6 and A7 motorways provide easy access by road.
• By bike: Rent a bike or a VAE to discover Lyon at your own pace.

Best time to visit

Spring and autumn are the best times to enjoy the mild climate and avoid the heat of summer. December is also in high demand thanks to the famous Fête des Lumières, a unique event in France.

Why visit Lyon?

With its actively preserved heritage, generous gastronomy, river walks and rich cultural calendar, Lyon offers a wide range of activities in all seasons. What to do and see in Lyon: activities, outings and events are at the heart of a metropolis where each district reveals its own unique atmosphere.

If you enjoy discovering a city by bike, strolling through its ancient streets, tasting generous cuisine and exploring places steeped in history, Lyon deserves a place on your list of destinations to explore.