Lyon, France

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Lyon, known as France's gastronomic capital, blends rich history, cultural depth, and a thriving food scene. From Roman amphitheaters to vibrant neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse, the city offers something for every traveler.

Additional Information

Nestled at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, Lyon boasts UNESCO World Heritage sites, from Vieux Lyon's Renaissance streets to the Fourvière Basilica. The city is famous for its bouchons (traditional Lyonnaise restaurants) and its historic silk industry, reflected in its traboules (hidden passageways).

Reasons to Visit:

  • Explore the Roman Theater of Fourvière and Lyon Cathedral.
  • Indulge in the city’s world-renowned gastronomy and wines.
  • Wander through the vibrant street art of Croix-Rousse.
  • Discover unique shopping in traditional silk workshops.
  • Relax by the Rhône River or Parc de la Tête d'Or.

 

Things to Avoid:

  • Driving in the city center – opt for public transport.
  • Visiting during Fête des Lumières without booking accommodations far in advance.
  • Ignoring local dining customs, like savoring multi-course meals.

Did You Know?

Lyon is considered the birthplace of cinema, as the Lumière brothers invented the motion picture camera here in 1895.

 

Accessibility Level: High

Lyon is well-equipped with accessible public transport, flat terrains, and ramps in most tourist locations.

 

Recommended Age Group

Lyon is most suitable for Adults and Seniors due to its rich cultural heritage, gourmet cuisine, and historic charm.

  • Babies (0-2 years): Recommended, as Lyon is stroller-friendly with plenty of green spaces.
  • Kids (3-12 years): Recommended, thanks to parks and fun museums like the Miniature Museum.
  • Teens (13-19 years): Recommended, with vibrant neighborhoods like Croix-Rousse and modern art galleries.
  • Adults (20-64 years): Highly recommended, especially for culinary experiences and cultural tours.
  • Seniors (65+ years): Highly recommended, with accessible attractions and relaxed sightseeing.

 

Cool Lyon Stats

  • Food Capital: Lyon has 4,000+ restaurants, including 21 Michelin-starred spots and 80+ traditional bouchons.
  • Transport Hub: Lyon Part-Dieu station serves 32 million passengers annually, making it France’s busiest train station outside Paris.
  • Cinema Origins: The Lumière brothers shot the world’s first motion picture in Lyon in 1895.

Address:

Lyon, France

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Basic Info

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COUNTRY & Region

France,
Europe
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LOCAL CURRENCY​

Euro (EUR)
Safety Level icon
Price level icon
Medium
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Recommended Duration

• Overnight
• 1-7 days

Electricity

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Electricity

220-240V,
50Hz
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Plug Type

• Type C (Round pin)
• Type E (Two round pins with earth pin)
Plug types
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Activities To Do In Lyon

Best Time To Visit

The best months to visit Lyon are May to September for pleasant weather and vibrant festivals.

  • Spring (March-May): Mild weather, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds.
  • Summer (June-August): Warm temperatures and exciting festivals like Nuits de Fourvière.
  • Autumn (September-November): Crisp air, fewer tourists, and scenic fall foliage.
  • Winter (December-February): Chilly weather with the magical Fête des Lumières in December.

Remember to check the weather forecast a few days before the trip and before heading to the airport.

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SAFETY Level

Safe. Lyon is considered a safe city for tourists. As with any urban area, be mindful of pickpockets in crowded places and public transportation.

The rating is based on multi-year peace, crime, and security indices. Before you go, always verify current conditions through official government travel advisories.

Spoken Languages

The official language is French, but English is widely understood in tourist areas.

Learn The Language

  • Bonjour (Hello)
  • Merci (Thank you)
  • Où est…? (Where is…?)
  • L’addition, s’il vous plaît (The check, please)
  • Combien ça coûte? (How much does it cost?)
  • Je ne parle pas français (I don’t speak French)

Deals, Money-Saving & Best Value Tips

  • Take advantage of Lyon City Cards for free museum access and public transport.
  • Dine at bouchons for authentic Lyonnaise cuisine at reasonable prices.
  • Visit free attractions like Parc de la Tête d'Or.

GuruWalk

Medium

Price levels are estimates based on multi‑year averages. Actual prices can change with season, exchange rates, and special events. Always confirm current rates and deals before booking.

Check out our traveling coupons and make your trip more affordable

What To Pack

  • Comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets.
  • A reusable water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring.
  • A lightweight jacket for cooler evenings, even in summer.
  • An adapter for Type C/E outlets.
  • A travel guide or app for exploring Lyon’s intricate traboules.
We couldn't find specific tips for Lyon

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FAQs

Lyon is famous for its gastronomy, historic architecture, and its role in the history of cinema.
Yes, with family-friendly attractions like Parc de la Tête d’Or and the Miniature Museum.
Lyon has an efficient public transport system, including metro, buses, and trams.
Try quenelles, coq au vin, and praline tart in local bouchons.
A stunning light festival in December where Lyon’s landmarks are illuminated with artistic displays.

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