Lyon: Must-See Places, Walks & Festivals Checklist

Lyon - Must-See Places, Walks & Festivals Checklist

Lyon is France's third-largest city and is famously known as the country's capital of gastronomy with traditional local eateries called bouchons, and the legacy of iconic chef Paul Bocuse. Located at the meeting point of the Rhône and Saône Rivers, it's a city filled with historic sites, modern wonders and even large magnificent Roman ruins. The UNESCO World Heritage old town area is filled with narrow cobblestone paths, hidden courtyards and secret passageways called traboules.

As Lyon is geographically placed between the north and south of the country it's a perfect city for a stop-over on your journey. Even better, a dedicated stay at Lyon will allow you time to explore and enjoy the city's places, walks and festivals. Use our checklist to help plan your visit to Lyon with ideas and useful information, together with links to official websites with current opening times, more info and ticket options.  Our post Lyon - The 6 Best Things to See & Do is a great article with our top 6 suggestions - all with photos.

Must-See Places in Lyon

Institut Lumière is a museum devoted to the history of French filmmaking and is located in the home of the Lumière brothers who invented cinema. https://www.institut-lumiere.org/

Musée des Beaux-Arts holds one of the largest art collections in France with artworks ranging from ancient Egypt to modern times. https://www.mba-lyon.fr/fr

Lugdunum Musée et Théatres Romains (formally known as Musée Gallo Romains) is buried into the side of the hill near the Roman amphitheatre. This museum details the city's ancient Gallo-Roman civilisation.  https://lugdunum.grandlyon.com/fr/

Centre d'Historie de la Resistance is a museum that is dedicated to how Lyon became a Resistance stronghold during the German occupation. https://www.chrd.lyon.fr/

Musée des Confluences is a futuristic building in the new Confluence district and houses a science centre and anthropology museum like no other. https://museedesconfluences.fr/fr/bienvenue-au-musee

Le Petit Musée de Guignol is a special museum that honours Laurent Mourguet who created the famous silk-weaver puppet in Lyon in the 18th century. Guignol is still very much a Lyon icon even now.

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière is situated on the hill that overlooks the entire city and it's a symbol of Lyon as well as a place of pilgrimage. The basilique is one of the most impressive buildings I've ever visited. https://www.fourviere.org/en/

Must-Do Walks in Lyon

Théatre Romain de Lyon is an ancient Roman amphitheatre next to the hill of Fourière and Musées Gallo Romains. You'll find two well preserved theatres that still host outdoor concerts and events. The area is fabulous for walking, and a romantic setting for a stroll at dawn or dusk. Watch my YouTube video that explores these theatres. 

Vieux Lyon is the picturesque old town area which is filled with beautiful buildings including the 15th century cathedral and many restaurants. 

Street Murals are another major tourist attraction of Lyon. There are around a hundred extraordinary murals that cover entire large buildings across the city. The murals celebrate the city's history and are incredibly diverse.

Traboules is the name of the secret passageways and covered walkways that network across the 19th century part of the city. These ancient cobbled ways are where the silk workers, and then later, the WWII Resistance fighters walked and traversed the city, including La Croix-Rousse.

Parc de la Tête d'Or is an enormous park where locals and visitors relax and play. The park is a great choice for walking and outdoor activity while in Lyon.

Must-Go Festivals in Lyon

Nuits Sonores is an electronic music festival held in May that is recognised as one of the electronic scene's most respected festivals. It features nearly 200 artists every year and interesting modern industrial locations are chosen for the five day event. https://nuits-sonores.com/en/

Les Nuits de Fourviére Theatre is held June-July and has music, dance, opera and circus with audiences on its ancient terraced seating sitting beneath the stars. With over 110 varied performances during the festival it's appeal is worldwide. https://www.nuitsdefourviere.com/

Biennale de Lyon is a contemporary art festival that runs across months. It welcomes schools, groups and individuals with displays and activities. The Festival is sometimes held across numerous locations that weave a story through art and location. https://www.labiennaledelyon.com/en

Lumière Film Festival is a worldwide event dedicated to classic cinema held every October in Lyon. Being the birthplace of the Lumière Cinematograph, it celebrates cinematic heritage through a contemporary journey to the works of the past with restored films, retrospectives, guests, tributes, and film-concerts. https://www.festival-lumiere.org/en/

Fête des Lumières is a contemporary light show held in December that is truly magical. Everyone in the city leaves a candle burning in their front window and all the famous buildings are illuminated with spectacular projections. https://www.fetedeslumieres.lyon.fr/fr

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