Do not miss these 16 things to do in Lyon France! Lyon is one of our favorite cities we have ever visited. Below, you will find 16 reasons to visit Lyon. If you will be doing a lot of sightseeing in Paris, consider getting a Lyon City Pass which gives you access to 40+ activities in Lyon, including the guided sightseeing cruise. Make sure you don’t miss out on any must do activities in Lyon!
16 Things to do in Lyon, France
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After spending time testing the best foods, spots, attractions and shopping in Lyon, France we have put together this list of the things you must do the next time you are in Lyon.
Watch the video below to see the beautiful city of Lyon
1. Eat all the Lyonnaise food
Lyon is known as the stomach of France and for good reason. Although the traditional Lyon cuisine is a bit heavy (pigs feet, anyone?), we were particularly impressed by the sweets. One in particular : the famous praluline.
To try all the best Lyonnaise foods, take a food tour through the old town of Lyon!
2. Go to the Lyon food market
The Lyon food market, officially called Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, offers an incredible variety of French foods to try. It is definitely worth a visit!
Book a morning tour of the Lyon Food Market (Les Halles Paul Bocuse)
3. Visit the Mur des Canuts
Officially known as the Fresque des Canuts, this incredible, painted wall is 1200m2. It is in the Croix Rousse neighborhood, traditionally a working class neighborhood and the center of silk production in Lyon in the 19th century.
4. Take a stroll down the Lyon River (the Rhone)
Taking a stroll down the river is lovely. There is also a lot of green space in Lyon so take advantage of it! Going for a lovely river walk is one of the most romantic things to do in Lyon.
Anthony Bourdain wrote about the parks of Lyon for CNN :
“Here, you can go boating on the lake, cycle along winding pathways, or simply lie in the shade and remark on the fact that this metropolitan lung’s name — Park of the Golden Head — sounds a bit silly in English.”
Both the Rhone and the Saone flow through the heart of Lyon.
5. Book a Lyon food tour
Participating in a food tour is a great way to sample the many foods on offer in Lyon.
Sample a variety of foods on a 4-hour food tour with a local guide, while also exploring city highlights along the way.
Try 14 different dishes and ingredients to get the full Lyon foodie experience!
Book your Lyon food tour through the old town here!
6. Stay in a beautiful hotel
Lyon has a lot of beautiful hotels to choose from. If you are looking for a luxury 5 star hotel on a budget, in an incredible location, we love the Hotel Le Royal Lyon which is perfectly located in the Place Bellecour. The Villa Maia and the Villa Florentine are beautiful choices as well.
Inside the gorgeous Hotel Le Royal Lyon
7. Climb up to visit the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière
Living in Paris, we are accustomed to beautiful architecture. However, we were still blown away by the beauty of the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière.
8. Spend the evening in Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)
Such a romantic place to stroll hand in hand with the person you love.
Book your food tour in Vieux Lyon!
9. Visit with someone you love
Lyon is such a romantic city! Hugo and I loved spending 2 nights and 3 days wandering the streets of the city.
10. Look up and take in the architecture
Lyon is stunning! Everywhere you look, there is something beautiful to look at and, if you’re anything like us, snap a photo of! Take your time and take it all in.
11. Eat at one of the best bouchons in Lyon
No trip to Lyon is complete without eating at a traditional Bouchon Lyonnais!
Some of our favorites
12. Visit the trompe-l’oeil on the Quais de Saône
I love the various trompe-l’oeil in Lyon! Make sure not to miss the Mur Peint des Ecrivains at Quai de la Pêcherie, the Fresque des Lyonnais, Les Bouquinistes des Quais de Saône, the Mur Peint Tony Tollet, the Mur Peint de la Cour des Loges and the Escalier Coloré Prunelle.
13. Visit the Traboules of Lyon
The Traboules of Lyon are throughout Vieux Lyon and the Croix Rousse neighborhood. These are the hidden passageways of Lyon and they are extraordinary and not to be missed during your trip to Lyon.
14. Take a tour of the city
Lyon is such a beautiful city. If you want to get the most out of your trip to this gorgeous place, consider taking a guided tour of the city.
15. Sneak out and take some night photos
We stayed up late one night and popped out to take some photos. It was so much fun!
To experience lYon at night, you can also book a dinner cruise on the Saone river.
16. Try some wine
We are spoiled for choice when it comes to wine here in France. There are so many tasty varieties to choose from and Lyon is no exception. You can enjoy delicious, affordable wine in restaurants with your meals. You can also choose to purchase a bottle of wine at a local wine shop or at the grocery store to bring back to your hotel room. We love learning about local wine when we travel.
Book a Lyon 1/2 Day Beaujolais Wine Tour here
Location
Lyon is located in the of France. It is easily accessible by car or by train from Paris. You can also fly directly into Lyon.
Where to stay in Lyon
The following are 3 of our absolute favorite hotels in Lyon France.
Hotel Le Royal Lyon
This may be the best place to stay in Lyon. We stayed here and loved it. It is is perfectly located – right in the heart of the Place Bellecour. The rate was a fantastic value for money and the hotel is so romantic. The rooms are decorated in a classic Toile de Jouy motif and the bathtub was absolutely Heavenly!
Book a room at the Hotel Le Royal Lyon
Where to stay in Lyon
- Hotel Le Royal Lyon – Perfectly located on the Place Bellecour, this hotel is in an ideal location to go exploring. I also love the toile de jouy in many of the rooms!
- Villa Maia – Located on Fourvière Hill, this stunning hotel offer panoramic views over Lyon, in addition to a hot tub, steam room, fitness room and indoor swimming pool.
- Villa Florentine – This former convent, turned elegant hotel, is located in the heart of old Lyon with gorgeous view over the city.
- Hotel de Verdun 1882 – An inspiring and affordable boutique hotel housed in a private mansion from 1882 and conveniently located on Lyon’s Presqu’île, close to the TGV station.
- Hotel Carlton Lyon – A beautiful boutique hotel housed in a stunning building from the late 1900s and located on Lyon’s Presqu’île. (We actually lived in this hotel for 2 weeks one Summer and it felt like a home away from home!)
Don’t miss these things to do in Lyon, France!
Have you been to Lyon? Would you go back or do you want to go back?
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First published March 1, 2019. Last updated February 6, 2024 with more information, additional tips, and better readability.
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Neil Dimapilis says
This is amazing! Thank you for sharing this with us! Hope i get to visit France as well, can’t wait to drown my self in European culture and art
A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
Thank you! Yes, come and visit France! There is so much to see and do in Paris and all over this beautiful country! Enjoy!
Lauren Blake says
Wow … this is stunning… enjoyed your post… I’m planing for a European tour… I will definitely plan some days in France. Thanks for sharing this great post.
A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
Thank you! Enjoy your trip!
Kev says
I’ve been to Lyon for a very short stay this summer, and I fell in love with the city! Thanks for sharing this, I might go back soon to try a bouchon!
A Hedgehog in the Kitchen says
You have to, they are so fun and delicious! We were just seeing we need to head back to Lyon to explore more as well! 🙂