Lyon

Lyon, also spelt in English as Lyons, is the third-largest city of France. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Rhône and Saône, to the northwest of the French Alps, 391 km southeast of Paris, 278 km north of Marseille, 113 km southwest of Geneva, 50 km northeast of Saint-Étienne.

Quick Facts

Setting: Urban
Population (core): 3.4M
Population (metro): 6.7M
Best time to visit: Year-round
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Top Sights

4.6

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Parc de la Tête d’Or in Lyon, established in 1857, spans over 290 acres. It features a zoo, the Grand Palais greenhouse, and the Island of Remembrance. Known for its lush greenery, statues, and gardens, it offers activities like jogging and biking, making it a perfect blend of nature and leisure.

4.7

La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

Perched on Fourvière hill, the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, blends Byzantine, Gothic, and Romanesque styles. Built from 1872 to 1896, its stunning white Carrara marble facade and rich interior decor make it a must-visit in Lyon, offering breathtaking views of the city.

4.7
4.7

Musée Cinéma et Miniature

Located at 60 Rue Saint-Jean in Lyon's historical center, the Musée Cinéma et Miniature showcases two exclusive collections: over 100 hyper-realistic miniature scenes and a unique film exhibition featuring 300 original props. Created by Dan Ohlmann, it highlights special effects and the art of filmmaking.

4.5

Musée des Confluences

Located at Lyon's Presqu’Île, the Musée des Confluences is a futuristic marvel of concrete and steel, attracting over 150,000 visitors shortly after its 2015 opening. It showcases 3,000 diverse exhibits, from fossils to luxury cars, within its dramatic architecture, making it Lyon's most visited museum.

4.5
4.6

Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste

Lyon Cathedral, or Cathédrale Saint-Jean-Baptiste, is a stunning blend of Romanesque and Gothic styles, completed in 1476. It features a 14th-century astronomical clock, stained-glass windows, and a treasury museum. The adjacent choir, dating from the 10th century, now houses religious artifacts.

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4.4

Place Bellecour

Place Bellecour, a vast pedestrian square in Lyon, France, is the largest in Europe. It features the statue of King Louis XIV and a tribute to Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers views of the city, flower stalls, a small art museum, and a seasonal ice rink.

4.4
4.6

Fresque des Lyonnais

La Fresque des Lyonnais is a vast 800-square-meter mural in Lyon, showcasing 30 notable figures, including the Lumière brothers and the Little Prince. Located at 2 rue de la Martinière and 49 quai Saint Vincent, it blends historical and contemporary characters, making it a must-see for tourists.

4.6

Théâtre Gallo Romain de Lyon-Fourvière

The Grand Theater in Lyon, dating from 15 BC, was built to entertain and educate the populace on Roman customs. Located on Fourviere Hill, it seated 10,000 people and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, its ruins host open-air concerts and festivals, preserving its historical significance.

4.6
4.6

Gallo-Roman Museum of Lyon-Fourvière

The Lyon Fourvière Museum of Gallo-Roman Civilization, designed by Bernard Zehrfuss, is a unique underground museum built into Fourvière hill. It showcases Roman, Celtic, and pre-Roman artifacts, including mosaics, statues, and jewelry, offering a glimpse into ancient Lyon's history as Lugdunum.

4.5

Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon

The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, housed in a 17th-century convent, is one of France's largest art museums. It features 70 rooms with 5,000 years of art, from Egyptian antiquities to modern masterpieces by Monet and Picasso, offering a journey through art history in the heart of Lyon.

4.5
4.6

Mur des Canuts

Le Mur des Canuts in Lyon's Croix-Rousse is Europe's largest fresco, originally painted in 1987 to honor the silk weaving history. Updated in 1997 and 2013, it vividly depicts daily life with intricate details, reflecting neighborhood changes and sustainability efforts.

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Nearby Regions

Strasbourg

Bordeaux

Paris

Lille

Nice

Nantes

Toulouse

Marseille

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