Bonjour! Bienvenue au Lion! Welcome to Lyon!

From culinary delights to secret passageways and historic architecture.

First founded by the Romans in 43BCE, Lyon is the third-largest city in France. It’s the gateway to the mountainous Rhône-Alpes, its rich history, impressive architecture, and world-famous cuisine make it worth a visit.

Fourvière Hill:

One can either hike – although note that the narrow stairs winding up the hill are not for the faint of heart – or ride the funicular (called la ficelle by locals) to the top of Fourvière Hill. Perched atop the city, the viewpoint provides sweeping scenes of the city below – you can even spot the Alps in the distance. Besides the view, at the top of the hill find the Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière and La Tour Métallique, Lyon’s answer to the Eiffel Tower.

Antique theater

The ancient theater of Lyon is located next to the ancient concert hall called Odeon.

The theater was discovered in the 19th century, and since 1933 excavations and restoration works have been carried out here. It is known from history that the theater was founded in 19th BC. In June-July here you can watch theatrical performances, films based on the art works of classical writers.

Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière:

At the top of the Fourvière Hill is the Basilica de Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering impressive views over the city.

Lyon’s answer to Sacré-Coeur offering impressive views over the city. Look out for the mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Joan of Arc inside, and make sure you have enough time to walk around the grounds and take in the view.

Cathedral Saint-Jean

Lyon's main cathedral is over 9 centuries old. It stands in the Old Town and, as part of it, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The cathedral is remarkable not only for its architecture but also for its astronomical clock - one of the most ancient in the world. So leave yourself a decent chunk of time to wander slowly through the narrow, winding streets of Vieux Lyon ducking into the little boulangeries, boutiques, and cafés, and getting pleasantly lost in the process. Made up of three distinct districts, Saint-Jean, Saint Georges, and Saint Paul, the entire area has now been declared a Unesco World Heritage site. It’s also one of the best places in town to sample the delights of the bouchons – traditional restaurants that specialize in the tripe and offal-heavy dishes that the Lyonnais love.

The Traboules:

Off the main streets are traboules – hidden passageways and tiny paths once used by silk workers to haul their wares around the city that open up to reveal sprawling courtyards with wells and spiral staircase towers. The secret passageways are found in the old parts of the city, some of which date back to the 4th century.

Museum of Fine Arts:

The largest French museum outside Paris. The collection spans centuries of French painting and sculpture (everything from Delacroix to Pablo Picasso, and sculptures by Auguste Rodin), but one of the most popular exhibits lies outside the doors. The famed Bartholdi Fountain features four lead horses leaping out of the water.

What to enjoy in Lyon:

Cuisine:

The city is known as the gastronomic heart of France, and you’ll find a rich culinary scene to prove it. There’s something for every palette and budget in Lyon, from street-side markets to over Michelin-star restaurants. Make a point to pop into Les Halles de Lyon, created by famed French-chef, Paul Bocuse. This indoor market features over 60 food stalls, showcasing the best regional products found around Lyon. Leave yourself a decent chunk of time to wander slowly through the narrow, winding streets of Vieux Lyon ducking into the little boulangeries, boutiques, and cafés, and getting pleasantly lost in the process. Also, don’t leave the city without grabbing a meal at a Bouchon.