A (dream) weekend in Lyon in 10 steps

If you plan to visit the beautiful city of Lyon on a weekend other than that of the famous Festival of Lights (in December), know that it is full of treasures capable of filling you with childlike wonder. Architecture, gastronomy, numerous museums: every street corner offers something special to savour. Here are 10 places not to be missed during your stay.

Notre-Dame de Fourvière Basilica

A highly symbolic site overlooking the city of Lyon, the Notre-Dame de Fourvière basilica was built at the end of the 19th century. It is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its unique architecture, inspired by Byzantine, Gothic and Roman styles. Its four towers represent the cardinal virtues: Prudence, Temperance, Fortitude and Justice, the latter two dominating the forecourt. A site visited by more than 2.5 million people each year!

Saint-Jean Cathedral

A monumental building housing the archdiocese of Lyon, Saint-Jean Cathedral (or Primatiale Saint-Jean-Baptiste-et-Saint-Étienne in its full name, as it housed the Primate of the Gauls) blends Gothic and Roman styles. Built between the 12th and 15th centuries, it features remarkable stained glass windows and an astronomical clock showing the positions of the Earth, Sun and Moon, as well as the stars above Lyon.

When you leave, take time to wander through old Lyon to admire the traboules (narrow alleyways) and indulge in the traditional bistros (quenelle, andouillette and scratchlings on the menu).

Lyon Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in the Saint-Pierre Palace (the common name for the abbey of Saint-Pierre-les-Nonnains), the Lyon Museum of Fine Arts presents an art collection from ancient Egyptian times to the present day, among the most important in Europe. You’re off to explore 70 rooms in a building with charming architecture, without forgetting to recharge at the tea room-restaurant or in the garden.

Confluence District

This formerly industrial district takes its name from its location at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Now a contemporary emblem of Lyon, you will find an eco-district with shops, homes and offices.

Do not miss, in particular, the Confluence Museum with its futuristic architecture, where you will discover exhibitions on the origins of life presented through original staging.

Maison des Canuts

Former silk artisans, the canuts left an indelible mark on the city of Lyon. In the Croix-Rousse district there are numerous “canut-style” dwellings, converted from the old workshops. The Maison des Canuts is one such building turned into a museum, where you can see looms in operation.

Don’t miss the “Mur des Canuts” (Canuts Wall) in the same district, a gigantic fresco from street art. For trompe-l’oeil is a specialty practiced throughout the city, to be admired without moderation!

Institut Lumière

If cinema is your passion, head to the Institut Lumière, housed in the villa of the same name. An opportunity to learn more about the Lumière brothers and the early days of the seventh art. A journey back in time complemented by the discovery of increasingly astonishing objects!

Parc de la Tête d’Or

Among the largest urban parks in France is the Parc de la Tête d’Or. It features greenhouses and rose gardens, restaurants, a lake and even a zoo where you can meet giraffes! An ideal spot for a picnic.

Place Bellecour

At no less than 62,000 m², it is the largest square in Lyon and the fifth largest in France. In its centre stands a proud equestrian statue of Louis XIV, while the periphery will allow you to admire the stone watcher (in memory of the Resistance) and a statue of Saint Exupéry sitting beside The Little Prince. Once you have admired them, continue your walk along the peninsula which is full of illuminated fountains (at night) and remarkable buildings.

Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls

The sixty Gallic nations once celebrated the cult of Rome and Augustus at Lugdunum, within a sanctuary of which the Amphitheatre of the Three Gauls was part. Although they no longer host circus games, its ruins have been listed as a historic monument since 1961. A place steeped in history that invites contemplation.

Les Halles Paul Bocuse

Showcases of Lyon’s gastronomic excellence, Les Halles Paul Bocuse welcome no fewer than 50 traders with their quality products. This covered market dedicated to good food will delight your senses before amazing your taste buds. Enjoy!

The city of Lyon offers many treasures to suit everyone. If you have time left and shopping is one of your pastimes, you will find what you are looking for at the Part-Dieu shopping centre, one of the largest in Europe. Also don’t forget to fill your suitcases with Lyon’s gourmet specialities such as brioché sausage or Saint-Marcellin. Happy weekend!