Are you planning to buy a property in Lyon or simply want to discover the city for the duration of a stay? Sometimes referred to as the Capital of the Gauls, this city offers many activities, as well as a wide range of restaurants, bars and renowned cultural sites that delight tourists and locals every day.
What are the must-see places in Lyon?
The Presqu'île of Lyon
The Presqu'île de Lyon is home to the city's most famous squares and historical monuments. These include Place Bellecour, the Lyon Opera House, Rue Victor Hugo and its many shops, the Palais de la Bourse, the theatre and Place des Célestins, and the Hôtel de Ville. This lively and festive area is a great place to relax and discover.
The old Lyon
The old Lyon, or Saint-Jean district, is one of the oldest parts of the city. Built during the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, its superbly preserved buildings and small cobbled streets take you back into the history of the town's rich heritage. In the heart of the district, you will find some of the most famous "bouchons lyonnais", beautiful museums and the famous traboules. These are typically Lyonnais pedestrian passages passing underneath the houses.
Did you know? The district is now a UNESCO heritage site.
The Fourvière Hill and its Basilica Notre-Dame
Overlooking the Old Lyon, the Fourvière hill attracts many visitors every day. From the hill, you can enjoy a superb panorama of the city and the Alps, with Mont Blanc in the background. You can also visit the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a true emblem of the city. At the foot of the hill, visitors can also discover the Gallo-Roman museum and the ruins of the ancient theatre of Lugdunum.
THE CROIX-ROUSSE
Formerly the district of the "canuts", i.e. the workers who worked the silk industry in the 19th century, the Croix-Rousse is today a bohemian chic district much appreciated by the inhabitants of Lyon. The area is nestled on a plateau overlooking the city and offers a friendly atmosphere with several small restaurants where you can enjoy the local gastronomy.
The Parc de la Tête d'Or and its famous zoo, the Confluence eco-neighbourhood, the Confluences museum with its futuristic architecture, the banks of the Rhône and the Saône... There are many other places to discover in Lyon!
Starred restaurants in Lyon
Lyon has always been considered one of the great French capitals of gastronomy. With this powerful culinary heritage, the city is now home to a myriad of delicious restaurants, allowing you to sample all the cuisines of the world. Amongst them, you will find a wide range of starred gastronomic restaurants run by renowned chefs - Les Terrasses de Lyon, La Mère Brasier, Le Gourmet de Séze, Les Trois-Dômes, Le Prairial, La Cour des Loges... North of Lyon, the Paul Bocuse restaurant, awarded 2 stars in the Michelin guide, is one of the most prestigious starred restaurants in the region.
Key activities and events to discover
Every year, the city of Lyon organises events that have a strong international reputation. Among the most famous is the wonderful Fête des Lumières, which has attracted millions of visitors every year since 1835 during the month of December. Music lovers will also be seduced by the programme of the Nuits Sones and the Nuits de Fourvière, organised in the town's superb Roman theatres. In terms of activities, boat enthusiasts will be delighted with the boat cruises that run along the Rhône and Saône rivers, giving them the opportunity to discover Lyon from a different angle.