Article written by Elisa
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Introducing Lyon, France
All about Lyon travel: how to travel to Lyon, where to stay, the best things to do in the city, and the best places to visit near Lyon on day trips.
Where is Lyon, France? What is Lyon famous for? Lyon is located in Eastern France and, more precisely, in the Rhône-Alpes. Lyon is the capital city of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and one of the most beautiful French cities to visit.
Set between the rivers Saône and Rhône, the Gauls’ ancient capital is today one of the most attractive European cities from a cultural and gastronomic point of view.
Lyon is an excellent city for a cultural weekend and also for a gastronomic weekend. With more time available, there are lovely places to visit around Lyon on day trips.
Is Lyon in Provence? Lyon never belonged to the historical region of Provence, but you won’t be far from it. Lyon is 300 km north of Marseille, the capital of Provence, and 470 northwest of Nice, another must-city in the region.
Are you planning a Lyon trip last minute?
Below are some of the best Lyon tours, hotels, and more!
- Book your flight tickets to Lyon (LYS); Book your train tickets to Lyon
- Book your transfer from Lyon Airport to the city with Welcome Pickups
Looking to travel around Lyon independently? Click here for the best rental car rates in Lyon.
Top Experiences and Tours in Lyon
- Lyon Guided Sightseeing Cruise
- Vieux Lyon 4-hour Food Tour with Tastings
- Lyon E-bike Guided Tour
- Day Trip to Beaujolais Wine Region
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Lyon? Get your hands on a Lyon City Card!
Top Lyon Accommodation and Lodging
- Villa Florentine (in the Old Town and with the best panoramic view of Lyon)
- Hotel de l’Abbaye Lyon (beautiful hotel located in a former abbey in Vieux Lyon)
- Hotel des Remparts Perrache (3-star hotel in the Presqu’Ile of Lyon)
- Check out the full list of favorite hotels in Lyon
Don’t forget your travel insurance!
SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Lyon France in a Nutshell
Population: 513,275 (2015)
Department: Rhône
Region: Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, South-East France
Average temperatures (max /min): January – 6,4 C /0,3 C; April – 16,3 C / 6,3 C; July – 27,7 C / 16,6 C; October – 17,7 C / 9,3 C.
Lyon Main Train Stations: Gare Lyon Part-Dieu and Gare Lyon Perrache.
Lyon Airport: Lyon-Saint-Exupéry (LYS).
Check out how to get to Lyon from Paris, France, and abroad
Main attractions: Vieux Lyon, Notre Dame de Fourbière, Musée des Confluences, Parc de la Tête d’Or.
What to Do in Lyon, France
Lyon is a paradise for history and food lovers. Admire her famous museums and galleries, Vieux Lyon’s hidden traboules, or simply wander the streets, and you’ll be in awe of the city’s historic beauty.
Don’t miss the Traboules, Lyon’s hidden gems unique to this beautiful city. The Traboules of Lyon are best explored on an Old Lyon guided tour.
Consider the Lyon City Pass to save money. This pass, available for 1 to 4 days, offers discounts on all the city museums, many attractions and activities, and a city audio-guided tour.
In winter, Lyon becomes more festive than ever during the Fête des Lumières – Lyon’s Festival of Lights around the 8 of December.
Lyon or Bordeaux, where to go? To make up your mind, check out this article that compares Lyon vs. Bordeaux (but I recommend visiting both cities).
More Lyon Things to Do
Lyon, France’s Gastronomic Capital
Everybody in France knows it: Lyon is France’s gastronomic capital! Food in Lyon is taken to another level, and for locals, eating well is not a pleasure but a way of life. Lyon is the city with more restaurants per head in France and Europe, so if you are a foodie, Lyon is the place to go.
When visiting the city, a meal in a bouchon Lyonnais (local eateries in Lyon serving traditional food) is a must. A Lyon food tour with a local guide is a great culinary introduction to the city and an excellent way to learn about Lyon’s local specialties.
If you are a wine passionate, you will love Lyon. As the Beaujolais and Northern Rhone Valley vineyards are located close to Lyon, you must spend some time in a winery to meet local winemakers.
If you don’t have a car, take this Beaujolais wine tour with tastings or explore the prestigious Côte Rotie vineyards with this Rhône Valley wine tour with tastings. With a car, you have more options to choose from. Pick your favorite one from this list of wineries open to the public for wine tastings (with or without a tour) and wine shopping.
Lyon Food & Wine Tours and Articles
Wineries in Côte Rotie (Rhône Valley)
Wineries in the Condrieu Wine Area (Rhône Valley)
Wineries in the Crozes-Hermitage Wine Area (Rhône Valley)
TIP: Read about the best wine regions in France (article with a wine map!)
Where to Stay in Lyon
The third-largest city by population and second-largest urban area in France, Lyon is a historical, industrial, and cultural city with national and international influence. Staying in one of the districts of Lyon, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is to discover more than 2,000 years of history.
If you plan to visit Lyon for the Light Festival, book accommodation well in advance for the best choice and prices.
Didn’t you find what you are looking for on the links above? Find the right accommodation in Lyon – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. I have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.
A Great Stop on Your French Road Trip
The beautiful city of Lyon is the starting point or one of the stops of some of our favorite French road trips.
If this is your first time in France by car, check out our quick guide to driving in France.
If you don’t have a car in France, click here for the best car rentals in Lyon and check out our best tips for renting a car in France.